A friend sent me this link, to my great joy - not only because I love photography, but more importantly, because I love my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I just had to share it.
For those of you who feel similar to what I feel for Jesus, your love will deepen when watching these images, I promise. For those of you who have not yet felt the light of Christ in your life, but would like to understand this wonderful power, and what impact it has on the soul, maybe this will trigger a desire to plant that seed of faith in your heart. Any which way… it won’t hurt to watch.
I know that Easter is over, but I just have on last thought about these past days.
Whenever Christmas or Easter comes around there is always so much going on… but so little pointing to Jesus Christ, who is (believe it or not) the main reason for these celebrations. I always say that there is so little Christ in Christmas. I’m starting to feel the same way about Easter.
For example, when I searched through the TV guide for programs of Jesus, religion or spirituality, I think I found one program out of hundreds that was remotely close. It was about doubting Thomas, and I watched half of it. Unfortunately, I didn’t particularly enjoy it, because it gave an unorthodox view of Jesus. That only added to my frustration. Not even in a film depicting the resurrection of Jesus it was hard to find the real Christ. Sure, we had found him in Church, and also in our home (see Our Saviour’s love) and that is of course the most important thing. But why, I asked myself, why is He so hard to find “out there” - even at a time like this.
I often go out in nature to feel close to God. The other day I did so again, thinking that if I can’t find the true Light of Jesus in the “world”, maybe I can find it midst God’s creations. So I grabbed my camera and headed out one late afternoon. To make a long experience short, I was out for quite some time, but found nothing - and felt nothing. Then, on my way home, I drove past a place I’ve been to many times. It’s a dark place with lots of trees and shrubbery. I never saw the light reach this spot. Until today. I don’t know if the photo below shows it, but it was amazing. A ray of light from a very low sun struck this place.
I learned two lessons that day. First, if we search for the light we will sooner or later find it. Second, when the light strikes, it shatters the darkness, just like it this photo; believe me, normally this is a very gloomy place, but it actually looks beautiful here. And that’s the point I felt: Whatever Christ shines upon becomes beautiful.
This is what makes it such a beautiful life. A good life.
Those of you not of my faith might have to exercise a little patience this week, as I, and many with me, use much blog space to honor our prophet, Gordon B Hinckley, who just left us. Having said that, I don’t want to excuse myself from writing what I think needs to be said. (After all you are here of your own free will - for which I thank you.)
My soul rejoiceth that we in this day and age are privileged to hear the word of God, straight and clear, from a living prophet. No if’s or but’s; no consideration for populism or cultural and political trends; just the plain truth to help us live happier lives. This is one of the teachings that sets this Church apart from many others, the claim that God speaks again to the world through a prophet, just as He has done throughout all ages of time.
Think about it! If you believe that God exists, then why would He not guide us today as in times past. Does He love us any less? No. He wouldn’t be God then. He couldn’t! What then, do we need Him any less today? Certainly not! If there were ever a time when we need the care of a loving Heavenly Father, wouldn’t it be today? Ask your heart, it will confirm to you I am speaking truthfully.
I am so grateful for the beautiful comments made on my last post, President Gordon B Hinckley has passed away. I invite you to read them. I want to quote a paragraph from Ann Holbrook who wrote:
“My Father-in-law said, ‘I’m so grateful for the knowledge that the kingdom moves on. Nothing will stop it. We will now have the privilege in our life times of being lead in new ways by others who will be equally inspired and visionary. The Savior is the head of His Church.’ “
This is what it’s all about: “The Kingdom moves on.” The Lord will call new servants. A new prophet will say: “Thus saith the Lord…” God will still stand by us and teach His word; He will not leave us on our own. Some might object to this and say that it is enough that God has left us with the Bible and Holy Spirit to guide us. My comment to this is: Surely it is true that the Bible is God’s word, and that without the guidance of the Holy Spirit we are lost.
But although all things are a part of a symmetric whole, the guidance of the Spirit and that of the prophet must be seen as two different, yet complimentary blessings. Each individual on earth has the right to the companionship of the Holy Spirit, which is manifested in personal revelation and daily inspiration. (You probably know what I am talking about, because surely you have felt this God-given inspiration many times in your life.) The prophet, on the other hand, speaks the will of God, not just to the individual, but collectively to all the peoples of the world. He acts as God’s representative on earth for leaders of nations as well as for the smallest of children. His is the voice that invites all to come unto Christ, not just those “predestined” to be saved (as some falsely teach). He tells the world that with God’s help we can all “stand a little taller”, as President Hinckley always said; that we can be a little bit better in all aspects of life; as parents, children, and community members we can spread the love of Christ to everyone. This is our duty to God and to ourselves, because when you think deep down inside, you also know it is the only cure for this weary, old world.
If there is anything that Gordon B Hinckley has left me, it is just that: the inspiration and desire to stand a little taller, through the grace and love of His Son, Jesus Christ, the only one who can heal our souls . That’s why I was touched by this video I saw today. I don’t think it’s the real name, but I have named it…
Last week I taught a few Institute of Religion classes at Bolliaden, a Young Adult conference in the Church. The theme of the conference was Walking on the Straight Path. The students brought a good spirit and the participation level was high. Like I often say, I feel privileged to teach in such settings, especially since I feel as though I have been taught just as much - if not more - as my students.
Our discussion came to focus a lot on faith, as being the opposite of fear. A few of the many scriptural references were found in the gospel of Mark. One of the most well known is found in 5:36:
“Be not afraid, only believe.”
What power a sentence like this has. Can you even begin to understand what miracles and giant leaps you can experience in your life if you just put away the fear that keeps you bound, and put all your faith in Christ instead. Turning a few pages in Mark we find in 9:23 another great truth that Jesus spoke:
“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
These words were spoken to a desperate man who had carried his son to Jesus, in hope that He would help remove the son’s “dumb [evil] spirit”. Upon hearing Jesus’ reassuring words, the father exclaimed: “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (9:24). Prior to my lesson I had reflected quite a bit on these words. I can understand why the father would say “Lord, I believe”, but why does he add “help thou my unbelief”? Doesn’t it seem like a contradiction?
But then one of the students from Danmark made a comment that bordered on some of my personal thoughts, and I was touched by what he said. He explained that many people came to Jesus to be healed. In fact, at times the rumor of Jesus’ miracles had spread so much that people came from far and wide just to take part in some sign or other. Did everyone that came to Jesus have witness of Him as Lord and Saviour of the world? No. Many of them didn’t even know who he was, just that he was some sort of miracle man, or magician, perhaps. This father may well have fitted into that category of persons, desperate for some help, like so many others.
The student went on to say that after the man had said to Jesus that he believed, there was probably an exchange of glances, a moment where Jesus eyes might have asked the man: “Yes, you may believe I can do this, but… do you really believe in me?” A chord may have been hit in the father, for then he cried out to Jesus to “help his unbelief”.
Naturally, we don’t know all the details in their encounter, but I think both I and the students felt the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ words to this father. We came to realize that many of us are like this poor man; the natural man in us will not turn as often as he should to God, with exception of those moments when he stands in some desperate need, and need immediate help. This saddens me. Jesus wants to be - and needs to be - a part of our everyday life, not just on occasions “suitable” for us. Do we believe in him or do we really believe in him? If not the latter, then we must join in the father’s words:
Our family has adopted a special Christmas tradition that I guess could be blended with New Years resolutions. After all the presents were opened, stomachs stuffed with goodies, and the general noise level subdued, the attention rate of our children was a lot better after than before Santa’s arrival. Since timing is everything with kids, that’s when we hit ‘em with the nativity story in Luke, chapter 2, after which we talked about the wonders of that first Christmas.
We always end this discussion with thoughts about gifts. Real gifts. Just as the wise men came to honor the newborn Saviour with precious gifts, there are gifts we also can give to Him. But these packages are not hard or soft, nor can they be purchased with dollars. They have to make a real difference. Although these are gifts written as simple words on a piece of paper, they are stuck in the chambers of the heart, hopefully forever.
I did search my heart carefully this time. What would be my greatest gift to Him this year? I didn’t need long to think; I’ve known it for some time: Patience. In the past I have always seen myself as one with much patience, but during the last few years it has started to slip from me. And I want it back! I’m not myself without it, and my family needs a father and a husband who will cherish that virtue better than he has lately.
I wrote the word down on a note, just like the others did, and we put them all in a wooden box which my two sons placed underneath the Christmas tree. Lord Jesus… here is our gift.
I know I posted a different Christmas card earlier, but I (and the family) can’t help sending this second one (with a photo by courtesy of the Nativity Story, a motion picture from 2006). To me this photo is amazing. I am filled with so many thoughts and emotions when looking at it. I don’t even know where to start - so just feast your eyes on it and let yourself go.
In the past weeks I have met many people in different circumstances. Most of them are more or less stressed by the hustle and bustle of the upcoming Christmas celebration. Personally, I have always loved Christmas. But sadly, as the years have passed by so has also the spirit of Christmas started to pass us by. The reason is obvious, of course: We have removed Christ from Christmas. What we (or our children) want has become more important than what we can give. Hence, we’re missing the whole point.
So let’s bring Him back! Let us talk more about His life and deeds. I promise, this will inspire us to move forward in love toward all fellow men. If we, every one, would follow His word… well, do I even need to say what kind of world we could live in. It would be true Christmas every day! Jesus Christ is not just some mythical legend with a nice story. He is real! In one statement, this means He brings real meaning to our lives.
A week ago we lost one of our oldest, but dearest members of our congregation, Agnes Traviss. Yesterday her funeral was held. Until my release two months ago, I had been her bishop for many years. I had truly enjoyed her company. She always wore that gleaming smile on her face that would make you forget your own worries for a moment. Often when I looked at her from the stand I thought about her life as a single woman, struggling to get by. She had had many reason to complain, but never once did I hear a bitter word from her lips. On the contrary, she always gave thanks and praise, especially to her Lord Jesus, who had given her the richest of lives. This was the lasting impression and legacy she left to my heart: her perfect example of gratitude. Imaging if we all could adopt this feeling of appreciation for life, and not think so much on what we are missing, but rather about the wonderful gifts already in our hands.
As awkward as it sounds, I believe her death has actually increased my love. I was given a chance to sing at her funeral. For obvious reasons, I usually get quite choked up when singing at funerals, but yesterday was different. I felt a great calm come over me, especially as I thought of Agnes. The thought came to mind of the last time I saw her alive. I had gone to visit her in the hospital on a Sunday, and taken with me some youth from Church. We had chatted about life for awhile, after which we sang two hymns for her. Then we blessed the sacrament (communion) and gave it to her. I remember how happy she was. It didn’t seem to matter to her that her whole body was on the brink of destruction, now that her spirit had been renewed. Again the gratitude. Again the love to her Saviour.
As I thought of this during my song, and in the following moments, I came to understand more clearly how important each individual is, and how we have to impart unconditional love to all we come in contact with. This is what Jesus taught, especially the kind of love shown to the needy. In James 1:27 we read:
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
So when it comes down to it, it matters little about the amount of knowledge we possess, or how load we shout the name of Jesus (as some people do, thinking this act will save them somehow). “Pure religion” is something else: It’s not knowing or saying - it’s doing; it’s caring about the poor and the needy, or the lonely, as in Agnes’ case. If we don’t care for the needy in the spirit of true charity then we are just as Paul described, a “tinkling cymbal” (I Cor 13:1), a person making a lot of noise, but doing no good.
So yes, I carry a sadness in my heart today for the loss of Agnes. But I am also happy she helped me realize what the power of love can do to a person. And although I am only human, I hope through the grace of God that my eyes will be opened so I can truly see the needs of others. I pray we all can.
This is a picture of Agnes with some friends from Church at our traditional, Swedish lobster party last year. You will notice her smile, something she always wore.
Last week I attended a CES Conference. At one point a friend and colleague gave all the participants a few minutes to write a personal psalm. I’m not a poet, I know, but I was still glad to have a few solitary moments to clear the world from my mind and write these words of gratitude. For the wonders of the earth, I adore Thee For the light in heaven, I see Thee For the glories of thy creations, I admire Thee For the blessing of family, I honor Thee For the companionship of friends, I thank Thee For the power of Thy Word, I worship Thee For the gift of Thy Son, I praise Thee For the Spirit that enlightens me, I follow Thee For all the endowments of life - I love Thee If I were to add (my own) images to my thoughts it could look something like this. For the wonders of the earth, I adore Thee For the light in heaven, I see Thee For the glories of thy creations, I admire Thee For the blessing of family, I honor Thee For the companionship of friends, I thank Thee For the power of Thy Word, I worship Thee For the gift of Thy Son, I praise Thee For the Spirit that enlightens me, I follow TheeFor all the endowments of life - I love Thee Comments to some pictures: Nr 4 shows my family; nr 5 shows some colleagues and friends; nr 6 shows a recent baptism in Lodz, Poland, in a ‘home-made’ baptismal font; nr 7 shows one of my Polish Institute students with a painting of Christ in the background.
I had a tricky lesson recently. The text was taken from the first half of Leviticus (Old Testament), and dealt a great deal with the sacrificial offerings the Israelites were commanded to perform. Understandably, some of the students were… how shall we put it… a bit nauseated by the description of these offerings; blood sprinkled on the altar and intestines being cleaned, etc, didn’t appeal to all students. For these reasons I tried to minimize those part, so as not to gear our focus in the wrong direction.
Because the true focus should be on the big picture: Jesus Christ. If we, like many of the Israelites, get caught up in the details we might miss the crucial point: that all the ancient sacrifices constituted one great symbol, that of remembrance of our Lord, Jesus Christ; that our hearts and minds are locked in focus toward Him who gave all that we might have life.
Both the Bible and Book of Mormon are clear on the matter. The law of Moses, with all its ordinances, was “pointing to that great and last sacrifice… the Son of God” (Alma 34:14). Thus the law became our “schoolmaster to bring us to Christ” (Galatians 3:24).
His is the only life-giving blood. He gave it freely. That was His gift, personally to each one of us. In return we give our life as a personal sacrifice, and devote time, energy, and resources in serving our fellow men. That is what we are here for.
The morning after the lesson I took a stroll with my baby girl. I had my camera at hand and also took some photos. I’d like to show two of them here, just to illustrate the above.
Normally I enjoy details in photos… but not here. The birds have left a mess on this dock.
If I would have left now, not taken this other image, then I would have withheld the big picture from you - the one giving you real perspective.
So it is with our faith: There may be things that seem awkward when viewed out of context, but I assure that everything has its place if we broaden our understanding, looking at the big picture.
One of my duties as a CES Coordinator is to visit teachers and students in their various classes, assisting with administrative matters. Last night, as I met with a class in central Sweden, I spoke at length with the teacher about her recent family tragedy. Her twenty-one year old son had passed away a month ago in a motor accident.
She explained that even though there had been many tears and a feeling of void in their lives, there had still been light - even peace. I asked her how it was possible? She spoke calmly but resolute: “It’s because of Christ.” I thought for a second about others who have expressed similar words, and although I for the most part have little reason to doubt their sincerity, there was something different about this woman. She really meant what she said. I could see it in her countenance; still the same person, yes, but different still.
“How do you mean?” I asked. She explained that she had always believed in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, at least in theory. “But now”, she said, “I know it really works!” Excitement gathered in her eyes as she continued, speaking also for her family: “Even though we have known that Christ has taken all our burdens upon himself, we have never felt it the way we do now. There are no why’s or if’s! Just a peaceful assurance that God is with us, lifting us when our own strength fails us.”
Many times have I felt the power of Jesus’ atonement. His healing power is real, no doubt. But I was still awestruck by the words I heard (and there were many more) last night. In a moment when most people would resort to despair and perhaps fear, this family had opened its heart to God - and was healed.
When we parted she thanked me sincerely for coming. “No problem,” I said, a little ashamed, “but… I should be the one thanking you!” I had come there hoping to give something to this teacher and her family, but I knew it was I who was at the receiving end.
For the light in heaven, I see Thee 
For the glories of thy creations, I admire Thee 
For the blessing of family, I honor Thee 
For the companionship of friends, I thank Thee 
For the power of Thy Word, I worship Thee 
For the gift of Thy Son, I praise Thee 
For the Spirit that enlightens me, I follow Thee 
For all the endowments of life - I love Thee 
Comments to some pictures: Nr 4 shows my family; nr 5 shows some colleagues and friends; nr 6 shows a recent baptism in Lodz, Poland, in a ‘home-made’ baptismal font; nr 7 shows one of my Polish Institute students with a painting of Christ in the background.
