James Poulsen: A Faithful Dane

 Picture from: James Poulsen: A Faithful Dane

  

 Alma 34:32 Purpose of this Life:

  32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

As we commemorate 167 years from the time the early Mormon Pioneers crossed the United States to settle in Salt Lake City, Utah and surrounding areas my heart is full as I ponder their dedication, faith, sacrifice, and endurance to reach their final destination.   For the past two weeks I have had the privilege and opportunity of preparing a talk on Pioneer Heritage for our Sacrament Meeting at church today.  This has been a great delight and I have learned so much.

I would like to share a few things I discovered that has helped strengthen my faith and commitment to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

First of all I accepted the Family Search indexing challenge last Sunday and had fun participating in that event.  As 67, 419 volunteers invested their time in a 24 hour period to help index family records, HISTORY was made beating the previous record of just under 50,000.  I helped index several obituary records in Pennsylvania and Texas.  It was very exciting to be of service and feel the Spirit of Elijah in my heart.

As I studied our Pioneer Heritage I found many resources regarding this throughout the Church and its websites including www.lds.org and www.familysearch.com  In particular, I researched and studied my own ancestors and family history.  I found several great connections and stories regarding my progenitors.  

My great, great grandfather, James Poulsen, pictured above, has a fascinating story converting to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after being raised in the Lutheran church in Soro County, Denmark in the mid 1800's.  Missionaries were sent to Denmark and eventually the message of the restored gospel reached my grandfather in a cottage meeting.  He accepted and he and his wife were baptized.  Soon after joining the church he was called to be a missionary in his native land of Denmark for two years.

Soon after that they emigrated to America where James lost his three children and wife to measles and other disease that hit their ship.  All four had to be buried at sea.  My grandfather remarried the woman who nursed him back to health on that voyage once arriving in the States.   They then crossed the United States plains in the Joseph Horne company to arrive in Salt Lake valley.  From there they migrated northward into Cache Valley, Utah.  After a time, they were encouraged to move up further north into Bear Lake and Liberty, Idaho.  They settled this area and started another farm.  After years of raising crops and children my grandfather was called on another mission back home to his native land.  While there he helped over 20 relatives convert and join the church and then come back to America with him.

His life was one of sacrifice, faith, and endurance.  I loved learning about he and several other ancestors of mine who showed the same dedication to the gospel and the sacrifices of moving west to a new promised land.

One of my favorite scriptures is found here: 

2 Nephi 1: 5-6

 

 5 But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.

 6 Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.

The above scripture teaches us that nobody is brought unto the land of Liberty, America, unless by the hand of the Lord.

The Book of Mormon's introductory chapters speak on the account of Lehi and his family leaving Jerusalem, heading into the wilderness, facing trials and challenges, but proceeding forward in faith to arrive in the promised land of America.

The two examples of faith and trust in the Lord that I've written about today are powerful stories that help strengthen my testimony and faith in our Heavenly Father's plan for each of us. 

From a recent address given by Elder L. Whitney Clayton:

God will bless those who live today in their challenges as He did the Mormon pioneers in their effort to create an oasis in the desert, a General Authority said in his speech at the annual Days of ’47 Sunrise Service that began the Pioneer Day observance July 24 in Salt Lake City.

“As we move forward in our own lives, with faith in our own footsteps, we too can cross the sun-baked, barren, and treacherous terrain that lies figuratively before us and, with vision and faith, overcome our own overwhelming adversities and subdue and beautify the world around us,” said Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy.

“There is a promised land for all of us, which, with faith and obedience and hard work we can help create for ourselves in this life, just like the pioneers did 167 years ago,” Elder Clayton declared.

"Surely God expects that there be something more than ease, pleasure, and comfort in our lives. Surely He expects that we also should move forward with faith manifested in our own footsteps, emulating all that we have learned from those early pioneers.” —Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy

And lastly, the Savior, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar and pioneer to follow.  From our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson:

Inspiring Faith

“We each can learn much from our early pioneer ancestors, whose struggles and heartaches were met with resolute courage and an abiding faith in a living God. … Youth and children were among the thousands who pulled and pushed handcarts or walked along that pioneer trail, just as they are among the Saints today who are pioneering in their own areas throughout the world. I think that there is not a member of this Church today who has not been touched by the accounts of the early pioneers. Those who did so much for the good of all surely had as their objective to inspire faith. They met the goal in a magnificent manner.”²

The Ultimate Pioneer

“Turning the pages of scriptural history from beginning to end, we learn of the ultimate pioneer—even Jesus Christ. His birth was foretold by the prophets of old; His entry upon the stage of life was announced by an angel. His life and His ministry have transformed the world. …

“One sentence from the book of Acts speaks volumes: Jesus ‘went about doing good … for God was with him’ (Acts 10:38). …

“His mission, His ministry among men, His teachings of truth, His acts of mercy, His unwavering love for us prompts our gratitude and warms our hearts. Jesus Christ, Savior of the world—even the Son of God—was and is the ultimate pioneer, for He has gone before, showing all others the way to follow. May we ever follow Him.”⁵

-C.J. Poulsen

Meet Today's Prophets and Apostles

 Meet Today's Prophets and Apostles

 Today I wanted to share my deep gratitude with you, my readers, for the knowledge I've gained about living prophets and apostles.  This knowledge gives me much peace and direction in my life.  As I ponder upon their words it gives me hope of a better day.  We all face tribulations and challenges in this life.  That is part of our journey and experience here upon the earth.  We were sent here to gain a mortal body and be tested according to our faith.

As we learn, grow, and progress in life we each face daily choices.  The gift of agency was given to each of us so we may learn for ourselves between truth and error.  I love learning and discovering new truths for myself.

One truth I'm especially grateful for is the righteous examples of faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ we have to follow in the scriptures and in our day.  Our Heavenly Father has appointed prophets and apostles throughout each dispensation (time period) to lead and guide us, as His children here on earth.  God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Prophets are called and chosen to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ and testify of Him throughout all the world.  I realize that many do not yet have this knowledge.  Perhaps, this is the first time you've heard anything like this.  My challenge to you is to seek for answers from the source of all truth, God our Heavenly Father through prayer.  He has answered my prayers and as I read and listen to the living prophets and apostles words, the holy spirit teaches, testifies, uplifts, and edifies me.  This is a great blessing indeed!  One I am in deep gratitude of this day.

Amos 3:7
 7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

A QUOTE from our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson ~

"In a world where peace is such a universal quest, we sometimes wonder why violence walks our streets, accounts of murder and senseless killings fill the columns of our newspapers, and family quarrels and disputes mar the sanctity of the home and smother the tranquility of so many lives.

"Perhaps we stray from the path which leads to peace and find it necessary to pause, to ponder, and to reflect on the teachings of the Prince of Peace and determine to incorporate them in our thoughts and actions and to live a higher law, walk a more elevated road, and be a better disciple of Christ" ("Finding Peace," Ensign, March 2004).

 

 ~ C. J. Poulsen

To This End Was I Born - BECAUSE OF HIM

BECAUSE OF HIM

EASTER CHALLENGE

I am very thankful for Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection.  During this Easter season we celebrate life.  Spring has sprung and new life is all around us!  My heart is full as I ponder upon the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  He took upon Him the sins of the world and then died for all mankind.  The ultimate sacrifice!  We are given life and then will live again thanks to His great sacrifice.  

May we all remember our bounteous blessings #Because of Him!  We can each be (At-one-ment) with Christ as we apply the atonement in our spiritual lives.  Death of the body has been conquered and is a FREE gift to all.  To overcome spiritual death we must follow the Savior's example, be baptized in His name, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, apply the atonement, and endure to the end with FAITH.

C.J. Poulsen

Join Us for General Conference

This is one of my favorite weekends of the year!  Please join us and hear living prophets speak words of inspiration...

Lifting Burdens: The Atonement of Jesus Christ

This is a powerful message about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Christ took upon Him the sins of the world so we might be cleansed and purified from our wrongdoings.  I am very grateful for the atonement in my life and the chance it gives me daily to strive to be better and put off the natural man.  Life is not easy and we can easily be weighed down but through Christ we are lifted.

President Thomas S. Monson, our beloved prophet, along with living apostles testify in the video above how Christ's atonement will transform our lives if we exercise faith and allow the Savior into our life.                        
 ~ C.J. Poulsen

I am so thankful we have the guidance of living prophets and apostles as well as a road map (scriptures) given to us in these last days.  The Book of Mormon clearly speaks of the Atonement and teaches us how Christ atoned and died for each of us.  Their is true POWER from studying this sacred book.

• Alma 34:9 
• 9 For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement
  made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are
  hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be
  through the atonement which it is expedient should be made.

Bullying - Stop It

This seems to be happening more and more and we must help inform those doing it to stop.  Although bullying has always been around in some form or another the media has brought it to our attention more as of late it seems.

 I recall a personal experience as a young boy in 5th grade when a group of sixth graders would tease and make fun of myself and a couple of my friends I hung out with at recess.  Because we were short and on the heavy side, they would taunt us and call us "the chub club."  I remember how bad it made me feel.  I would cry in private often wondering why?  Why were they so mean?  Why the names and the teasing?  Why was I chubby?  I soon grew out of that stage of life but had resentment towards them throughout the high school years.


Despite the anger and resentment I felt towards my older peers during that time in my life, I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who has guided me throughout my life and brought me to where I am now.  With the strength of good family and friends and the gospel of Jesus Christ as an anchor, I learned to pray for those who were mean and belittling to me.

Now as a father of two young children, I hope to continue teaching them Christlike principles to love others and to be kind to everyone.  To not judge and criticize others for their imperfections but to be accepting and kind regardless of their situation in life.  We all have different challenges in life and we all need friends who uplift us and do not tear us down.  It is my hope and prayer that this video will touch your heart and you will share it with others.  Have a great week and keep Christ in your heart...

~ C. J. Poulsen

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