All Things Witness

Thoughts on the mission and power of Jesus Christ

Monthly Archives: November 2013


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Heart, Might, Mind and Strength (3 of 5)

This is the third post in a series about how, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we gain power within each part of our beings: our Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength.  The first post, found here, is an overview and explains how I understand these principles.  The second post, found here, looks at how He helps heal our Heart – or as I have understood it our spiritual selves.

This third part looks at how, through Jesus Christ, our Might – or the emotional parts of our being – are made whole.

SunriseIn the LDS King James version of the Bible, the Topical Guide, under the heading for pain, refers also to the words: Affliction, Anguish, Distress, Grief, Sorrow, Suffering, Torment.  Emotional pains are some of the most intense we suffer during our mortal lives.  Continue reading →


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To Mend Our Souls

This following quote is from the October 2013 General Conference.  I love the phrase towards the end about how the Saviour seeks to “mend our souls and heal our hearts”.  It reminds me that above all else, our Saviour is a healer.

“Jesus Christ heals body, mind, and spirit, and His healing begins with faith….

“As we draw near to Him, we realize that mortality is meant to be difficult and that “opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11) is not a flaw in the plan of salvation. Opposition, rather, is the indispensable Continue reading →


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Under His Wing

"Under His Wing" © Jay Bryant Ward, used with permission

“Under His Wing” © Jay Bryant Ward, used with permission

A few years ago, I was given for my birthday a print of a painting by Jay Bryant Ward entitled “Under His Wing”.  It portrays a young girl of perhaps 6 or 7 years of age.  In the painting we see that someone is standing next to her, but all we see of this adult at her side is half a waist, and a right arm which is protectively behind her – not touching her, but in place to ensure that she would be quickly secured in the event of need.

There is an obvious implication in the painting that the adult at this small girl’s side is keeping close and constant watchful care of her.  Although we can’t see the face, we know the identity of this adult, because we see the hand placed carefully to ensure this small girl’s safety, in the middle of which is the unmistakeable mark of a nail having pierced it.  In many ways this is a very simple picture, but for me it is profound beyond measure. Continue reading →


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Heart, Might, Mind and Strength (2 of 5)

This is the second post in a series about how, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we gain power within each part of our beings: our Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength.  The first post, found here, is an overview and explains how I understand these principles.

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This second post considers in more detail how the Atonement helps us overcome the shortcomings of our Heart, or – as I understand this – our spitritual selves.  (The next post will look at our Might, or emotional selves).

Our spiritual wellbeing is usually damaged

Continue reading →


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Sacrifice

Commonwealth War GraveToday is Remembrance Sunday, and I woke up this morning with a few words of rhyme in my mind, so have put these on paper.  It’s not terribly sophisitcated, but I think sums up how I feel.

Sacrifice

 

Called to raise a sword,

To serve with all his might

To defend his home, and family;

To protect their lands and rights

 

Defending freedoms to work and play,

To worship as they choose

He, and countless others,

Went forth – their lives to lose Continue reading →


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Loving Kindness

I’ve just read a transcript from a talk given by Neal A Maxwell in 1991. Towards the end of his remarks he speaks of the Loving Kindness of the Saviour.  He references the many remarkable and dramatic events that will be associated with His second coming, but then emphasises that what we will remember from those days is His Loving Kindness.

“When Jesus comes again… the thing that we will remember, or at least which we will speak of, is not the dramatic solar display, but we will speak of his loving kindness. How long? “Forever and ever” (Doctrine & Covenants 133:52). The more you and I know of him and his glorious atonement, Continue reading →


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Heart, Might, Mind and Strength (1 of 5)

This is the first in a series of 5 articles on this topic I will post.  This first article covers the broad topic, but I will post subsequent articles over the coming weeks that address each area of Heart, Might, Mind and Strength individually.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him”  (D&C 59:5).  “Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.” (D&C 4:2)

These four aspects of our beings – heart, might, mind, and strength – are repeated throughout the scriptures, usually in the context of either how we serve the Lord, or how we worship Him, as in the two examples cited above.  The four aspects seem to cover our entire being.

As I have pondered these, I have come to the conclusion Continue reading →


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We have a Champion

Twice each year the Church holds a worldwide conference, where the leaders of the Church talk to members about a wide range of things.  These conferences are broadcast live on the internet and satellite, and transcripts of all talks are available for us to read.

Below is a quote from the October 2013 conference, by President Dieter F Uhctdorf.  I love the promise at the end.

“We have a champion, a Savior, who Continue reading →