Legendary CBS anchor Walter Cronkite dies at 92

This is not LDS related but I thought that it is a story of news worthy interest. Walter Cronkite will always be remembered and honored as "Mr. CBS Evening News". Mr. Cronkite was also once invited to conduct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra.

NEW YORK — Walter Cronkite, the premier TV anchorman of the networks' golden age who reported a tumultuous time with reassuring authority and came to be called "the most trusted man in America," died Friday. He was 92.

Cronkite's longtime chief of staff, Marlene Adler, said Cronkite died at 7:42 p.m. at his Manhattan home surrounded by family. She said the cause of death was cerebral vascular disease.

Adler said, "I have to go now" before breaking down into what sounded like a sob. She said she had no further comment.

Cronkite was the face of the "CBS Evening News" from 1962 to 1981, when stories ranged from the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to racial and anti-war riots, Watergate and the Iranian hostage crisis.

It was Cronkite who read the bulletins coming from Dallas when Kennedy was shot Nov. 22, 1963, interrupting a live CBS-TV broadcast of the soap opera "As the World Turns."

Cronkite was the broadcaster to whom the title "anchorman" was first applied, and he came so identified in that role that eventually his own name became the term for the job in other languages. (Swedish anchors are known as Kronkiters; In Holland, they are Cronkiters.)

You can read the entire news story by going to: Legendary CBS anchor Walter Cronkite dies at 92.







Walter Cronkite and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir tell the story of the 1914 WWI Christmas truce miracle between the British and Germans at Flanders Field.
". . . .and that's the way it was" - Rest In Peace Walter Cronkite.

LDS.Net - "Fishers of Men"

My name is Keith Brown. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was baptized on 10 March 1998 in Reykjavik Iceland while serving on active duty in the United States Navy. I was stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Keflavik Iceland at the time.

On 30 April 2008 I became an active member of one of the most exciting and unique social networks that I have come across in a long time. That social network is LDS.Net. Since joining the network in April 2008, I have become one of the network's moderators. You can find my page on LDS.Net by going to Keith L. Brown's LDS.Net page.

LDS.Net is special in the fact that anyone, regardless of faith or religious background, is invited to join for free and take an active part in the many discussions that are going on at any given time. Unlike some other websites or social networks about Mormons and Mormonism, on LDS.Net a person is able to ask honest and sincere questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the LDS faith, and receive honest and straightforward answers from real Mormons in return. This is a nice friendly atmosphere and everyone is willing to help in finding answers to any questions that are asked and to provide the inquirer with accurate and precise information about what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches and believes. There is no need to worry that your questions will not be answered truthfully. There are many members of the Church who actively participate on LDS.Net, and so there is a wealth of knowledge about the Church to be shared with those who are diligently seeking answers to their questions.

At LDS.Net everyone is free to let their voice be heard about whatever subject that sparks their interest. We are not here to criticize or judge anyone, but we do ask that everyone be considerate and respectful of others and their beliefs or points of view. There is never a cause or reason to degrade someone for a remark that they have made. We here at LDS.Net believe that we can all learn from one another.

LDS.Net is not just another social network put together by Mormons for Mormons, but we strive to follow the words of our Savior when He said in Matthew 4:19, ". . . .Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." We invite all to come and see and experience for themselves. Simply go to LDS.Net and join today. You will be glad you did!

Mormons are Christian

Mormons believe in Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the World. Mormons read both the Bible and the Book of Mormon to learn more about the divine mission of Jesus Christ.

On January 1, 2000, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released their testimony, entitled "The Living Christ".

You can read the Book of Mormon online at: Read the Book of Mormon Online or you can request a free copy of the Book of Mormon at: Request A Free Copy of the Book of Mormon.

If you would like to talk to a Mormon Missionary, please visit Mormon.Org and if you want to talk to a Mormon, please visit LDS.Net

David Archuleta - Already serving a mission?

One of the current news stories in the Deseret News is about American Idol sensation David Archuleta. David, as you will recall, came in second place during the season 7 competition of American Idol. Since then he has come into his own as he has released his first CD which is self titled and is on its way to becoming platinum. He is currently working on two CDs - one of them will be pop music and the other will be a CD for Christmas.

I have been following David Archuleta's budding musical career through various video clips on the internet and I have to say that he is definitely a very gifted and talented young man. The Lord has certainly blessed him with the ability to take command of a stage and win an audience with the amazing voice that He has blessed him with. In a sense, if we really think about it, David is serving a mission of sorts by sharing those wonderful God given talents and abilities with the world. Through his genuineness, honesty, and humbleness, he is setting a great example not only for the many young people that adore him, but we older folks can learn a lesson or two from watching him as well. There is no doubt in my mind that David could go, and probably will go, very far in his career as a singer or in whatever area or areas he chooses to pursue in life.

With that being said, it is my humble opinion that the Lord will bless David's life even more if he is faithful and obedient in following the Lord's commands and would willingly serve a two year full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I certainly hope that this is something that his parents and Bishop have talked with him about, and even more importantly that it is something that David himself is prayerfully considering.

Yes, it will mean that he will not be in the "spotlight" as he knows it now for a couple of years, but he would be fulfilling an even greater call on his life by teaching others about our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Does that mean he has to give up his singing all together? Not at all. Again, the Lord has truly blessed him with a marvelous gift. Certainly David will not be on a stage performing the types of songs that he does so remarkably well with now, but he will have the chance to be on an even larger stage and be an even greater testimony to the world through opportunities that the Lord may bless him with to share the Gospel through the gift of song.

After he has faithfully served a two year mission, I humbly believe that David will find that his life will take him in a whole new direction, not just with his musical talents, but in every area of his life. It is a definite win-win situation for him.

I only pray that whatever David decides to do, whether to serve a full time mission or not, that he will make it a definite matter of prayer and do what he knows is right -- not what his parents may want, or what his "fans" may desire -- but that he will do what he knows is the Lord's will for his life.

As a side note, I humbly believe that our young people need much better role models than some of the people they choose to follow, and David Archuleta is certainly a prime example of what a young man should be. One major problem that I can foresee for David serving a full-time mission is that some people may become members of the Church simply because of David Archuleta and not because they truly believe that it is the Lord's true Church. I am sure that this also occurred during the height of the Osmond family fame. I still wonder sometimes when David Osmond, for example, participates in Firesides, how many are there for a spiritual experience, and how many come just to have a chance to see David and hopefully get an autograph or picture taken with him. Serving a full time mission is something that is between David and the Lord. As long as he is faithful, the Lord will certainly bless him in whatever decision he makes.

These are my humble thoughts. What are your thoughts?

You can also watch a video interview with David Archuleta from Salt Lake City Utah by going to: David Archuleta Interview.

David Archuleta interview on Good Things Utah - Part 1


David Archuleta interview on Good Things Utah - Part 2

David A. Bednar | Quick to Observe | May 10, 2005 | BYU Broadcasting

David A. Bednar | Quick to Observe | May 10, 2005 | BYU Broadcasting

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Like Father -- Like Son

Subtitle: Making Sure That Future Generations Remember The Lord

Sunday, 21 June 2009, is Father's Day and though my father is no longer with me, I cherish the sweet memories of him and take time to reflect upon the things that he taught me through his example. In doing so, I turn back the pages of time to 24 June 2001, Father's Day, and the Sacrament talk that I presented to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward.

This morning I would like to take just a few minutes to address the sacred topic of fatherhood and the divine role of fathers in the Plan of Salvation. By virtue of the Priesthood of God and by the power of the Holy Ghost, fathers can and should be the greatest influence for good in the lives of their wives and children. Every father should rise to new levels of leadership and service in his home. Every young man that is not yet a father should prepare himself for this calling in this life and in the eternities.

President Ezra Taft Benson once said, "A father’s duty is to make his home a place of happiness and joy. He cannot do this when there is bickering, quarreling, contention, or unrighteous behavior. The powerful effect of righteous fathers in setting an example, disciplining and training, nurturing and loving is vital to the spiritual welfare of his children. . .Remember your sacred calling as a father in Israel—your most important calling in time and eternity—a calling from which you will never be released. (Ensign, November 1987, pp. 50-51.)

Concerning this matter of fatherhood, President Howard W. Hunter once stated, "We encourage you brethren, to remember that priesthood is a righteous authority only. Earn the respect and confidence of your children through your loving relationship with them. A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence in their social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities. Tender expressions of love and affection toward children are as much the responsibility of the father as the mother. Tell your children that you love them." (Howard W. Hunter, "Being a Righteous Husband and Father," General Conference, October 1994; see Ensign, November 1994, p.51.)

In latter-day revelation, when the Lord spoke of the great doctrine pertaining to the redemption of little children through the atonement, He declared: "But behold, I say unto you that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten; Wherefore they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me; For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers."(D&C 29:46-48) From this we can clearly see that fatherhood carries with it the responsibility of ensuring that their posterity—the future generation, is prepared for the age of accountability.
The most important way that fathers can ensure that their children are prepared for the age of accountability is by bringing "them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers, working with their wives as equal partners, are to train up their children in the way that they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from those things that they have been taught. (See Proverbs 22:6). This very valuable lesson was taught to the children of Israel as found in the sixth chapter of the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, verses 4 through 9 and 20 through 23 [read verses to the congregation]. Here in these verses the Lord tells the parents that they could not safely presume that the instructions that He had given them as well as all of the stories of the amazing miracles that He did for them were going to make it from one generation to another. He tells them that they must be very deliberate. He instructs them to tell their children the stories of how He moved among them. They were to talk with their children about the instructions and commands that the Lord had given them and why He gave them to them. This was not to be a one-time event or a ‘whenever you get around to it’ thing. This was to be a daily part of their responsibilities as parents.

In the same fashion, fathers have the responsibility to daily shepherd their families through the principles and ordinances of the gospel, qualifying them for the salvation that is in Christ. Salvation is a family affair and fathers are called to lead the way by: (1) teaching the doctrines of salvation in their homes (D&C 68:25-28), (2) providing for the temporal and spiritual needs of their families (Mosiah 4:14-15) and (3) lovingly presiding in righteousness in their homes consistent with the principles of righteous priesthood service. President Ezra Taft Benson once said, "God established that fathers are to preside in the home. Fathers are to provide, love, teach, and direct." (Ensign, May 1984, p.6.) President Benson also stated, "Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters." (Ensign, May 1981, p.36.) President Lorenzo Snow taught that "If you ever secure a union in any family in Zion, . . . you have got to bind that family together in one, and there has got to be the Spirit of the Lord in the head of that family, and he should possess that light and that intelligence which , if carried out in daily life and conduct of these individuals, will prove the salvation of that family, for he holds their salvation in his hands." (HC, 4:309.)

In teaching the principles and ordinances of the gospel in the home, a father must be careful not to create any misconceptions about the Heavenly Father. He must always teach by the Spirit. "For when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." (2 Nephi 33:1.) The following parable of three fathers illustrates how a father could create such misconceptions and how he can easily avoid them.

A parable is told about 3 fathers who each felt the soft hand of his child in his own and realized the responsibility of teaching his child about God.

One felt the awesome responsibility that was his, so he taught the child about the power and might of God.

As they walked down the pathway of life and came to the tall trees in the forest, he pointed up to them and said, "God made them and God can cause them to come crashing down anytime He wants to." As they walked in the hot sun he said, "This is God’s sun. He made it and He can cause it to be so hot and so intense that the plants in the field will wither and die."

Again and again he hammered home the power of God and how the child must be obedient to God. Then one day they came face to face with God, and the child hid behind his father, afraid even to look, refusing to put his hand into the hand of God.

The second father also realized his responsibility to teach his child about God. Hurriedly, he tried to teach all the important lessons that he knew.

As they looked at the trees they only stopped for a moment to gaze at them. As they looked at the flowers of the field they hurried on by. He told stories, but they were hurried and crammed together. He filled the child full of facts, but he never taught him how to live or love God. Finally, one day, at twilight they came face to face with God, but the child only gave God a casual glance and turned away.
The third father felt the touch of a tender hand in his and adjusted his steps to the tiny steps of the child. They walked along, stopping to look at all of God’s beauty and grandeur.

They walked in the fields and picked the flowers. They felt the delicate petals and smelled their fragrance. They watched a bird in flight, and another building her nest and laying her eggs and sitting on them until they hatched. They watched all of the beauties of nature while the father told the child stories about God over and over again. Finally, one day in the twilight they saw the face of God, and without hesitation, the child placed his hand trustingly into the hand of his Heavenly Father.

One of the best examples of fatherhood, of course is our Father in heaven. One of the best illustrations of this is found in the story of the Prodigal Son. I want us to notice a few characteristics about the father of this Prodigal Son. First, he was the provider of his family and stood answerable to God for the well being of his family. In the same way, fathers need to realize that they are to be the providers of their family and they stand accountable before God. In 1Timothy 5:8 we read these words, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." Second, he provided an inheritance for his children. In Proverbs 13:22 we read, "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children. . ." A good father wants to leave an inheritance for his children – both physically and spiritually. Third, he recognized his son’s right to choose his own path. Perhaps one of the hardest things for a parent to do is to let their children make their own decisions. Our Heavenly Father allows us to choose our own path and if we choose the wrong path we must pay the price. The prodigal son went as far into sin as a person can go. He had wasted his inheritance and now found himself sitting in a pigpen eating the scraps. He finally realizes that there is a way out of the mess that he had gotten himself into. He arose and started for home. There he found his father waiting for him with open arms. Wayward children always need to know they can come home. Fourth, this father was the priest of the family. He pointed the family in the right direction. He led the family in worship. When the prodigal son came to himself he remembered his father and most of all knew that his father still loved him. Today fathers need to be the priest of the home, giving spiritual guidance and love. Fifth, he prayed for his family. Fathers need to pray for their family. When the prodigal son came home his father was watching for him. He had been interceding in prayer for his son to return home. Sixth, he did not condemn or judge his son. He had compassion on his son. He was thankful that his son had come home and honored his return with a celebration. He restored him back to the family as a son rather than as one of the hired servants. And seventh, this father loved his children equally. He did not show favoritism between his two sons. He loved his older son who had chosen to stay with him. Even though the younger son had wasted his life, his father still loved him and did not hesitate to welcome him home. Regardless of whether a child chooses right or wrong, he or she still needs to know that dad loves them. Our Heavenly Father loves us even when we do wrong and when we repent His arms are open wide to receive us and to restore us without grudge or hesitation.

I would like to close my comments this morning with the words of our Prophet on the subject of Fatherhood: I repeat that plea to all fathers. Yours is the basic and inescapable responsibility to stand as head of the family. That does not carry with it any implication of dictatorship or unrighteous dominion. It carries with it a mandate that fathers provide for the needs of their families. Those needs are more than food, clothing, and shelter. Those needs include righteous direction and the teaching, by example as well as precept, of basic principles of honesty, integrity, service, respect for the rights of others, and an understanding that we are accountable for that which we do in this life, not only to one another but also to God in heaven, who is our Eternal Father. . . . . . . .With the obligation to beget goes the responsibility to nurture, to protect, to teach, to guide in righteousness and truth. Yours is the power and responsibility to reside in a home where there is peace and security, love and harmony. ("Bring Up a Child in the Way He Should Go," Ensign, November 1993, p.60.)

I am truly grateful for my earthly father and for all of the time, love and patience that he has given me through the years to help mold me into the person that I am today. I am thankful to have a dad that prays for me. I am thankful that even in times when I may have totally blown it, my dad has always been and continues to be there for me. I know that I always have a home to go home to. I guess that you could say that in some ways my dad is my hero. I am also eternally grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that guides my footsteps along life’s pathways. He is the very reason for my existence and I love Him dearly. That I may one day through the righteous example of my earthly father and with the help and guidance of my Heavenly Father become a righteous husband and father is my humble prayer. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters." -- English Proverb

"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!" -- Lydia M. Child

"Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding." Proverbs 4:1

"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers." 3 Nephi 25:6

Forever Strong

Talented but troubled high school rugby player Rick Penning (Sean Faris) loses his position as the star of an Arizona rugby union team when he is sentenced to a boys' Juvenile Detention Center in Salt Lake City. Rick ends up playing for Salt Lake's famous Highland High School rugby team, coached by Larry Gelwix (Gary Cole), in the national championships - against his old team, which is coached by his father, Richard Penning (Neal McDonough). Emily (Arielle Kebbel) is Rick's love interest, and Marcus (Sean Astin) is his guidance counselor.

Forever Strong is based on true stories about a high school rugby team, Highland Rugby, which is the inspiration for the film. Rick Penning is based on a real member of the rugby team who played in Flagstaff, Arizona who was sent to a group home in Salt Lake City.

The production company Go Films decided to make a film about the legacy of the team and coach. "Forever Strong" is one of the team mottoes of the high school team the film is based on.

You can visit the official website for the movie by going to: Forever Strong and you can order the movie from DeseretBook.com by going to: Forever Strong the Movie.

The Value of the Scriptures

This Sacrament talk was delivered on Sabbath day morning, 17 May 1998 (two months after my baptism on 10 March 1998), to the congregation of the LDS Military Branch at the chapel in Reykjavik Iceland.

Introduction

This morning I would like to talk with you concerning the value of the Scriptures. In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read these words, "All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." In Romans 15:4 the Apostle Paul tells us that". . .For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Nephi, in 1 Nephi 19:23 had this to say concerning the value of the Scriptures, "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." And Christ, Himself, in John 5:39 tells us to, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

I will always be grateful that I was introduced to the Scriptures at an early age. Growing up there was always one or more Bibles in our home and my mother taught my older brother, two younger sisters, and I to have a sincere love and respect for God's Word. That early exposure to the Scriptures has had a lasting effect upon my life. As I grow older, my love and appreciation for the Scriptures becomes greater. Daily Scripture reading is an intimate part of my life. I have found that there is no greater joy in my life than to feast daily at the banqueting table of God's Word. It is through God's Word that I find joy, peace, happiness, comfort, and most of all a deeper love for the Savior.

This morning I would like to share with you four vital steps in making God's Word an intimate part of your own lives. Those four steps are: read the Scriptures, memorize portions of the Scriptures, meditate upon the Scriptures, and finally be obedient to the Scriptures.

1. Read the Scriptures (Nehemiah 8:3)

One of the last gifts that I bought my mother was a Bible. Each day she would spend time reading a portion of the Scriptures. When she was too sick or too weak to read the Scriptures on her own she would have my younger sister read to her or she would listen to the Scriptures being read to her via cassette tape or CD. In addition to reading the Scriptures, my mother also kept a notebook where she would write out her favorite Scripture passages. If my mother could take the time to read the Scriptures in her condition, then what excuse do we who have our health have for not spending time each day reading the Scriptures?

Reading God's Word is a very important part of communicating God's Word to God's people. Public Scripture reading was a regfular part of worship services in Israel and in the early church. Today we are blessed above all people in history because we do not have to depend on someone reading the Scriptures for us, for there are enough copies of the Scriptures readily available that each person can have their own personal copy and read and study the Scriptures for themselves. Here are a few suggestions to aid you in receiving the greatest benefit from reading the Scriptures:

a. Read the Scriptures prayerfully. Ask the Holy Spirit to meet your heart's need as you read (see Psalm 119:18).

b. Read the Scriptures thoughtfully. Think about the meanings and implications of what you are reading. Don't read just the words printed on the page. Ask yourself how what you are reading may apply to you in your own particular situations in life.

c. Read the Scriptures carefully. Take careful note of not only how words are used in a particular passage of Scripture but how does the word or words relate to the overall meaning of a particular passage. One thing that I have found to be handy is to keep a note pad near by when reading and studying Scriptures to keep track of any questions that I may wish to research later or of passages that have significant meaning to me.

d. Read the Scriptures repeatedly. The more you repeat something, the more that it becomes a part of you. I can personally testify to you that having read the Bible in its entirety six times in my life has had a tremendous impact on my life. One cannot read the blessed pages of the Scripture repeatedly and not have their life changed in some manner. It may be of great help to read the same portion of Scripture over daily for a month's time. This is a good way for the words to take root in your heart. If you are reading a short book, read it every day. Divide longer books into manageable portions of two or three chapters per reading and read that portion through every day.

e. Read the Scriptures extensively. Sometimes it helps to read large portions of Scripture at one sitting. If you choose to do this, do it at a time when you are most alert and are not likely to be disturbed by outside distractions.

f. Read the Scriptures regularly. Set up a Scripture reading schedule and stick to it. I currently have four sepearte reading schedules that I use. One of them allows me to read through the entire Bible in a year by reading a portion of the Old Testament, book of Psalms , and the New Testament every day. Another of the schedules allows me to read the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price in their entirety approximately once every forty days. Another reading schedule that I am currently using allows me to read all of the Epistles of the Apostle Paul in chronological order once each quarter. And, the fourth reading schedule allows me to read all of the major and minor prophets of the Bible once each quarter as well. Now, I realize that because of work, family obligations, and other things that come up in a day's time, most people could not maintain such a rigorous reading schedule, so you must choose a schedule that works best for you. The whole ideal is to begin reading the Scriptures on a regular basis.

g. Read the Scriptures faithfully. Don't get discouraged if you get behind in your reading schedule. Faithfully resume reading where you left off.

h. Read the Scriptures obediently. Because the Scriptures are God's words written to us, it is essential that we are obedient to what is written therein.

While preparing this talk, I came across this story from the "Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball".

The Teachings of Spencer W Kimball, p.130

With diligence one can read all the scriptures. From infancy I have enjoyed the simplified and pictorial Bible stories, but the original Bible seemed so interminable in length, so difficult of understanding that I and avoided it until a challenge came to me from Sister Susa Young Gates. She was the speaker at the MIA meeting of stake conference and gave a discourse on the value of reading the Bible. In conclusion she asked for a showing of hands of all who had read it through. The hands that were raised out of that large congregation were so few and so timid! It seemed that some of them were trying to explain: We haven’t read it through but we have done much studying of parts of it.” I was shocked into an unalterable determination to read the great book..

As soon as I reached home after the meeting I began with the first verse of Genesis and continued faithfully every day with the reading. Most of the reading was done in my attic bedroom, which I occupied alone. I burned considerable midnight oil and read long hours when I was thought to be asleep.

Approximately one year later I reached the last verse in Revelation.

It was formidable, but I knew if others dit it that I could do it.

I found that there were certain parts [of the Bible] that were hard for a fourteen-year-old boy to understand. There were some pages that were not especially interesting to me, but when I had read the 66 books and 1.189 chapters and 1,519 pages, I had a glowing satisfaction that I had made a goal and that I had achieved it.

Now, I am not telling you this story to boast, I am merely using this as an example to say that if I could do it by coal-oil light, you can do it by electric light. I have always been glad I read the Bible from cover to cover.

2. Memorize Portions of the Scriptures (Job 22:22)

We may not always be able to study the Scriptures by reading them. If we have memorized a portion of God’s Word than we are able to gain valuable insights into its meaning at times when our Scriptures are not readily available. Here are some of the benefits to be cited from memorizing portions of Scripture:

a. It keeps the child of God from sinning (Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”).

b. It provides comfort in times of trouble (see Psalm 119:52, 92).

c. It stays your mind upon God (see Psalm 43:3).

d. It provides daily substance for the spiritual life (see Deuteronomy 8:3).

e. It provides continual and ready guidance in all situations of life (see Proverbs 6:20-23).

f. It provides for formal and informal instruction of your children (see Deuteronomy 6:6,7).

I would like to share another story with you from the “Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball”:

The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 131

When I was nine years old, I milked nine cows each day at my home in Thatcher, Arizona. I thought, “What a waste of time, to sit on three-legged stool. Maybe there is something else I could do while I am milking.” So I sang the songs of Zion until I knew all the well-known hymns that are generally sang. Then I said, “Well, I have got to have something more!”

So I got a copy of the Articles of Faith and put it on the ground right beside me and I went through them, over and over again, a thousand times. Then I got a copy of the Ten Commandments. I typed them up on cards and took them out with me where I milked and repeated them over and over until I knew them by heart.

Then, as I got a little closer to my mission, I typed scriptures that I would be helpful to me and I learned them. . . .so that when I went on my mission I would be prepared for it. Latter-day Saint would do this, I think it would be a wonderful thing.

3. Meditate Upon the Scriptures (Joshua 1:8)

Reading and memorizing God’s Word provides the basis for meditating upon God’s Word. In Joshua 1:8 we see that Joshua was to meditate upon the Word of God day and night (i.e. at all times) and as a result he was promised (1) prosperity and (2) good success in the God given tasks that lay ahead. We meditate upon the Word of God by rehearsing its thoughts over and over in order to understand its implications to the situations of life.

4. Be Obedient to the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 31:12)

Reading, memorizing and meditating upon God’s Word are of no value if we are not obedient to God’s Word. To obey the Word of God means that we do what the Word of God indicates should be done in any situation. When we are obedient to the Word of God then we as children of God are found to be pleasing to God. Some of the results of obedience to the Word of God are:

a. Being treasured by God (see Exodus 19:5)

b. Blessedness (happiness) (see Psalm 119:2)

c. Not being ashamed (Psalm 119:4-6)

d. Understanding (see Psalm 119:100)

e. Avoidance of evil (see Psalm 119:101)

f. Guidance for life (see Psalm 110:105)

g. Safety and freedom from anxiety (see Proverbs 1:33)

h. Life (see Proverbs 19:16; Ezekiel 18:19; John 8:51)

i. Promise of God’s presence (see John 14:23; 2 John 9)

j. Abiding in the love of God (see John 15:10)

k. Evidence of the doctrine that has been taught (see Romans 6:17)

l. Love of God’s children (see 1 John 5:2)

Some Concluding Remarks

John the Baptist in John 8:32 tells us that we “. . . .shall know the truth, and the truth shall make [us] free.” What is truth someone may ask. John the Baptist replies in John 17:17, “. . . .thy word is truth.” The Psalmist declares in Psalm 119:89 that “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” And then Christ Himself puts the final exclamation point in place in Matthew 24:35 and again in Mark 13:31 when He says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

In conclusion may I urge each and every one of us to become more diligent students of God’s Word. May we develop the attitude of the Bereans in Acts 17:11 who”. . . .were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” May we always find ourselves feasting at the banqueting table of God’s Word.

These things I say to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.