The Nature of Needs ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional in February 1986, and it is called "The Nature of Needs" by Elder Derek A. Cuthbert. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional and I hope that you would be able to learn something new. 

Elder Cuthbert has mentioned the following; "A Need for Others

Some of the other needs we may have are the need for friends and family, the need to love and be loved, the need for peace of mind and happiness and purpose in life. Then there is the need for good health, and the need to have spiritual guidance to help us make decisions. The secret of fulfilling almost all of these needs is the realization that we all need each other, and we all need God. 

... Everyone of us has heard the adage “The only way to have a friend is to be a friend” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays: First Series. Friendship), but sometimes we feel deprived of friendship, not realizing the solution lies in our own hands. We need to reach out and indeed be outgoing, rather than inward looking, bound up in our own little world. ... We make instant friends through the common bond of the gospel, but that does not mean all of our friends must be Latter-day Saints. 

... Over the years, however, when we had just moved into a new town or a new country, we saw how difficult it was until friendships were established. What a great opportunity you have in this great institution of learning to make friendships that will not only span the years ahead, but will span the oceans and continents. How great is the need to make the most of ourselves, go to places, meet people, socialize, and make friends. How important it is to develop the qualities we desire in others.

A Paramount Need

The need for peace of mind is a universal need, for without it there can be no lasting happiness. The gospel of Jesus Christ brings peace and harmony when fully absorbed into our lives. ... What a great thing it is to be a peacemaker; what a terrible thing to be a troublemaker. Peace of mind is a great blessing to which we are all entitled. ... When we rely on the Lord, we can have fulfillment of his promise, “Peace I leave with you, my peace

I give unto you: . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). He is “The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

The need for happiness is a paramount need lasting happiness, not fleeting happiness. True happiness comes from knowing one’s purpose in life and in fulfilling it. Without purpose there is no direction; there is, instead, doubt and darkness, wandering and wavering. ... Without purpose, one goes in circles, instead of making progress, day by day, year by year, toward that goal established by the Almighty God for us, his children: “immortality and eternal life” (Moses 1:39). ...

"God will meet ALL your needs."
- Philippians 4:9.

This Blessing of Guidance

Finally, on this second kind of need, I would mention the need to have spiritual guidance to help us make decisions. Is there anyone in this whole wide world who has no decisions or choices to make? No, not one. It is a major part of life to use that special gift of God free agency. Personally, I have decisions and choices to make every day. Some are easy to make; others take time. ... He knows what is right and good for me, and through the Holy Ghost tells me whether I have made a wise choice.

Behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong. [D&C 9:8–9] What a need we all have for the blessing of such spiritual guidance.

“Open Thy Hand Wide”

This leads us then to the third category of need, the kind of need which causes us to look outward and prompts Christ-like feelings of compassion and the desire to help others. I speak of the need that is often qualified by the adjective “dire” or “urgent.” It is a condition requiring relief and, in many cases, constitutes a lack of the very means of subsistence. ... The scriptures are replete with references to this great need and how it should be 

fulfilled. “Open thine hand wide . . . to thy needy,” the Lord proclaimed through Moses (Deuteronomy 15:11). ...

I have at home a tape-recorded message from the Saints in Ghana, West Africa, that is very special to me. Branch President Ato Dodson says, “The Mormon Church is one big family and came to our aid in these critical times. When my members came around for me to distribute the goods, a lot of them shed tears. They couldn’t believe it. Neither could I myself. I discovered that, in the Lord’s true Church, all things are possible. The words of Malachi came true that if we are faithful to the Lord, paying our tithes, blessings would be showered upon us. 

We are very, very grateful and don’t have enough words to express our gratitude. We shall never forget such a gesture by our brothers and sisters in the United States. One day we will be self-sufficient through the programs you have given us.” ... You, the rising generation, have the great responsibility upon your shoulders to reach out to those in need as never before. ... The excellent education you are receiving in these critical years of your life is to help you to determine and discern and discover needs, your own needs and those of others. 

You are also learning how to fulfill those needs, whether they be physical, spiritual, mental, or social needs. Learn well, and live accordingly, and you will enjoy a fullness of life and fulfill the measure of your creation. Above all, have a grateful heart, which will always prompt and motivate you to reach out to others, for “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,” Jesus said, “ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). ... "

If you would like to read this whole talk now or in your own time, here's the link below.

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/derek-a-cuthbert/nature-needs/

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Nature of Needs ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take four minutes to seven minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional in February 1986, and it is called "The Nature of Needs" by Elder Derek A. Cuthbert. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional and I hope that you would be able to learn something new. 

Elder Cuthbert has mentioned the following; "Anciently, the Apostle Paul gave firm assurance that “my God shall supply all your need[s]” (Philippians 4:19). ... As we study man in his many roles and challenges in life, we find that there is not a single one of God’s children who does not have many needs. ... Indeed, he wants to fulfill our needs. ... A need can be a “necessary duty or obligation.” It may also be a “lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful.” Sometimes it can be a “condition requiring supply or relief,” which in the extreme case means the “lack of the means of subsistence.”

Let us consider, then, the nature of needs. This will help us to identify them, and then to fulfill them.

By Duty or Obligation - First, there is our need to do certain things, whether by duty or obligation. 

Of paramount importance here is the need to pray. ... Jesus taught us not only the need to pray but how to pray showing reverence and gratitude, making petition and commitment, praying daily, and in his name. However, the adversary places many obstacles in our paths such as the spirit of rebellion, feelings of selfishness, and a false sense of spiritual self-sufficiency. ... Promptings such as “I won’t pray!” “Why should I pray?” “I have no need to pray” can all be overcome. 

What great blessings come from prayer, which not only brings rich rewards, but is its own reward. ... Answers to prayer are not in man’s time, but in God’s time. Patience, faith, and humble submission are finally rewarded. ... 

There are many other duty–needs, of course, as important as prayer. ... This is surely a duty and an obligation,

for we owe him a great debt of gratitude. ... We show our gratitude by our faith, and we show our faith by our thoughts, words, and especially our deeds. 

Any thinking person would like to make a fresh start, begin a clean sheet, correct past mistakes, and go forward, untrammelled by the past. It all becomes possible by first having faith in Jesus Christ as our personal savior and redeemer, and second, by making the necessary changes to conform with his teachings through the process of repentance. We all have a need to repent and make changes, every day, every month, every year. After repentance a person is ready to be baptized. Baptism is also a fundamental and universal need, for it is the gateway into the Lord’s church, the church of Jesus Christ. ...

There is a great need for every person in the world to have the guidance of the Holy Ghost in their lives. The Holy Ghost helps us in our work and in our studies, protects and warns us, and brings things to our remembrance. This great gift is bestowed upon us following baptism into the Lord’s church. It is indeed a duty to seek to have this gift, for we can bring blessings to others and live purposeful lives ourselves when we have the Holy Ghost. ...

“Things Ye Have Need Of”

... I would like to discuss with you the second kind. These are the needs that represent “a lack of something.” Sometimes we do not recognize these, but it is good to have the assurance that our “Father knoweth what things [w]e have need of” (Matthew 6:8).

Your needs.

A Need for Knowledge

I will select a few of the many needs, beginning with knowledge, especially knowledge of the Almighty God, and of his beloved son, Jesus Christ. ... 

The missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are such teachers, who will not only impart facts and share knowledge, but who will also help us to develop wisdom.

... There are many more great teachers exemplars of whom I could tell but I just have one more, my dear wife. How much I have learned from her in charity, in patience, in endurance, in joyfulness. She has lifted me now for over forty years, and has shown me wisdom as we have counseled together, prayed together, laughed together, and cried together. ...

Sometimes we do not realize what knowledge or wisdom we need, but God knows and we should “ask the Father ... for what things soever [w]e shall stand in need” (Mormon 9:27). ... What of us? Some of us tend to say, “I keep the commandments, I attend my church meetings, I pay my tithes and offerings, and I live the Word of Wisdom.” Then the Lord gives us a real test. Leave the things of the world and give yourself in service. Will we do it? Will you do it when the call comes?

Why should we respond to such a demand, such a sacrifice? Why did the Savior respond to the great demands upon him as he endured persecution, ridicule, and betrayal? Why did he, the Son of God, respond by sacrificing his very life? He did it because he loved us, and loves us, unconditionally. Why should we respond? “As I have loved you . . . love one another,” he has challenged (John 13:34). The degree to which we follow him and keep his commandments indicates the depth of our gratitude to him and the sincerity of our love for him. Each of us has different needs, but the gospel fulfills them all. I can truly testify to you today that since becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have had all my needs fulfilled—spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially." 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Marriage Is Intended to Be Forever ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on April 1971 General Conference talk and it is called, "Marriage Is Intended to Be Forever" by 

James A. Cullimore. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new. 

Brother Cullimore has mentioned the following; "Other important desires and plans in marriage should be well understood by both parties as well. ... Possibly to list some of the most common causes for which civil divorces 

are sought might be helpful in avoiding these problems: incompatibility, adultery, money matters, physical abuse, dishonesty, not living the gospel, infidelity, not honoring priesthood, desertion, constant bickering, apathy, drunkenness, uncontrolled temper.

Incompatibility has come to be such a common word, it seems to be the justification for many problems. ... Have we made every effort to compromise our likes and dislikes with those of our spouse? If we were truly living the gospel, there would be much less incompatibility. ... The matter of disinterest, lack of voluntary expression, lack of affection are common causes for breakdown of marriage. 

President Harold B. Lee recently said this ... “... the most dangerous thing that can happen between you and your wife or between me and my wife is apathy, … for them to feel that we are not interested in their affairs, that we are not expressing our love and showing our affection in countless ways. Women to be happy have to be loved and so do men.” (Seminar for Regional Representatives of the Twelve, December 12, 1970)

"If you want something to last forever, you treat
it differently." - F. Burton Howard.

To take lightly the law of chastity or to violate the moral teachings of the Savior is a sober matter. It seems incredible that priesthood holders and women who have been considered worthy to hold a recommend to the temple and be married therein are so often guilty of adultery, infidelity, and other 

... In this day when so many women are working out of the home, as men and women work together, many homes are broken up by what at first starts to be an innocent association. 

... No matter what the reason for divorce, those usually hurt most are the children. Too often the children are robbed of the basic needs to prepare them for life. President McKay said there are three fundamental things to which every child is entitled: (1) a respected name, (2) a sense of security, (3) opportunities for development. (The LDS Family, p. 406.) The possibility of any of these is lessened in divorce. ... Important to any marriage is complete confidence trust in all things. 

The confidence born of true love, never doubting, never questioning the integrity of each other. ... To counsel with each other and make decisions together is so important to a happy marriage. Counsel which includes the whole family might build good family relationships. Counseling with each other in all that is done will strengthen the bonds of marriage. I suppose there is no surer need in marriage than constant compromise. It is through compromise that we grow closer to each other. 

As we acknowledge our own faults and recognize the virtues in the other and make the adjustments, we strengthen our marriage. ... Neither should courtship end at the altar. How important it is to constantly be conscious of our marriage and work at it every day we live, keeping alive our courtship by kind acts, thoughtfulness, and consideration always. 

Archibald F. Bennett, in his writings on family exaltation, expresses this beautifully: “Too many couples have come to the altar of marriage looking upon the marriage ceremony as the end of courtship instead of the beginning of an eternal courtship. Let us not forget that during the burdens of home life … that tender words of appreciation, courteous acts are even more appreciated than during those sweet days and months of courtship. 

It is after the ceremony and during the trials that daily arise in the home, that a word of ‘thank you,’ or ‘pardon me,’ ‘if you please,’ … will contribute to that love which brought you to the altar. … The wedding ring gives no man the right to be cruel or inconsiderate, and no woman the right to be slovenly, cross or disagreeable.” (The LDS Family) May we keep sacred our marriage vows and live so that we might enjoy its eternal blessings ..."

If you would like to read this whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1971/04/marriage-is-intended-to-be-forever

Stay Tuned until next time.

Marriage Is Intended to Be Forever ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

Do you think marriage is intended to be forever? 

This post focuses on April 1971 General Conference talk and it is called, "Marriage Is Intended to Be Forever" by 

James A. Cullimore. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new. 

Brother Cullimore has mentioned the following; "... Marriage in the temple for time and eternity should be the goal of every member of the Church, for marriage is ordained of God. Marriage is a commandment. ... Marriage is a sacred relationship entered into primarily for the rearing of a family, in fulfillment of the commandments of the Lord. Marriage with children, and the beautiful family relationship which can come of it, is the fulfillment of life. 

If things were as they should be, we would see a mother and father in a home having been married in the temple for time and eternity. The father honoring his priesthood, presiding in his home in righteousness. Father and mother loving each other and their children. Children loving and respecting each other and mother and father. All actively engaged in their church responsibilities. The Lord intended that marriage performed for eternity in the temple should endure forever. 

"you will forever be my always."

... It is evident from the scriptures that marriage performed in the Lord’s way should not be dissolved. It is sad, indeed, to see how lightly some take their marriage vows. There is great concern among the Brethren as to the increasing number of divorces in the Church today.

... Divorce is usually the result of one or both not living the gospel. ... If, in marriage, both parties would make gospel standards and principles the basis of their marriage, 

few problems would arise they could not handle. 

When one or the other or both begin to compromise gospel standards, problems follow. Marriage is a sacred relationship, and good members of the Church would know that it is entered into primarily for the rearing of a family. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy One Year to Marriage

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is short and sweet. This week's topics focuses on Marriages, and Needs. Today marks my first year wedding anniversary in other words, I have been married to my husband for one entire year. 

I remembered prior to getting married; I have done some research, and a few friends has advised me what I should expect within the first year of marriage. I remembered reading somewhere about within the first year of marriage can be difficult. I would suggest to everyone who is currently engaged, and planning to get married soon to be not have very high expectations of what happens throughout their first year of marriage. 

I know that my husband and I have learned so much throughout our first year into our marriage. We had great opportunities when it seems like we were constantly getting to know each other, we were able to learn some effective ways to avoid disagreements, we tried some new meals that we haven't had before, and so forth. I always love seeing my husband sometime after he finishes work, and I always love spending some time with my husband. 

"One year down, FOREVER to go!"

Throughout our first year into our marriage; I have been very grateful for my husband's continuous non-stop support that he has for me, I have appreciated of everything that he has done for me, I have appreciated the compliments that I received from my husband so often, I have appreciated all of the memories that I had with my husband (especially whenever we went bike riding together), and so forth. I know that my husband has been very grateful for my continuous non-stop support that I have for him, he has appreciated of everything that I have done for him, he has appreciated all of the compliments that he has received from me so often, he has appreciated all of the memories that he had with me, and so forth. 

I have accomplished some things throughout our first year into our marriage. 

I often do my best to keep myself occupied and busy while my husband is working. I have started to go bike riding again in February this year (I haven't ridden a bike since sometime in 2018), I have started and completed two Self-Reliance courses last year and those courses called "Starting and Growing My Business", and "Personal Finances". About several weeks ago, I have started doing a course focused on institute at home by myself and the course that I am doing is "Building an Eternal Marriage." I do that course twice a week, and it is a continuation from "Preparing For Eternal Marriage" course. 

Stay Tuned until next time.