LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Although it would be impossible – for Heavenly Father – to be surprised – I still wonder – if He occasionally – shakes His head in disbelief – when he sees how we use our Agency!!.

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

With so many people – wondering about their true identity – it would be helpful – is revelation from divine sources – were sought for – and – received – more frequently!!

SHIFTING VIEWS ON WAR

During the decade of the 1980’s I wrote and presented ‘the spoken word’ for a weekly local radio broadcast produced by Carl Chamberlain in Washoe County, Nevada, which was called Sabbath Day Reflections. The great majority of these short talks which were originally self published and distributed to family members have been used as springboards for many Thoughts for a Sabbath Day. As I was preparing to write this week’s Thought based on Mosiah 19, 20 for some reason I happened to thumb through one of those book called ‘Reflections for a Sabbath Day’ and discovered I had never used the following talk as a springboard for Thoughts for the Sabbath Day. Miraculously this reflection fit into the theme I had been moved to write about from those chapters of Mosiah.

On the 14th of March 1966 the ‘Denver Post’, which had been publishing a series of letters from soldiers who had written to their loved ones in anticipation of being war casualties, published the following letter from which I have extracted some excerpts.

“I’m writing this letter as my last one. You’ve probably already received word that I’m dead and that the government wishes to express its deep regret. Believe me, I didn’t want to die, but I knew it was part of my job.

I want my country to live for billions and billions of years to come. I want my death to stand as a light to all people oppressed, and guide them to the same freedom we know. If we can stand and fight for freedom, then I think we have done the job God sent down for us.

It’s up to every American to fight for the freedom we hold dear. If we don’t, the smells of fresh air could become dark and damp as in a prison cell.

Don’t mourn me, Mother, for I’m happy I died fighting my country’s enemies, and I will lie forever in people’s minds. I’ve done what I always dreamed of. Don’t mourn me, for I died a soldier of the United States of America.”

Donald T. Strickland

There is no doubt that it is totally fitting that we should set apart days in this great land which can be spent remembering those who have given their all so that we might enjoy the quality of life which we have.

We thank those who have lived through those evil wars and written and taught about the importance of freedom.

We thank those who have been righteous leaders who have tried to maintain peace in our day.

I know that on the day I wrote those words as well as the day I recorded them to be broadcast I sincerely felt and believed the position I had on war at the time. Now after having passed through another four decades of life, having often pondered on the subject of war, I realize I have probably made more major shifts in my feelings and beliefs about this atrocious practice than any other part of the mortal experience.

I suspect if someone were to spend much time sitting and chatting with me they would go away having the opinion that I could be labeled as a pacifist or a dove when it comes to the subject of war. In many respects they would be absolutely correct, but within myself I find my ponderings to be way too varied to be quickly dismissed with one or two labels.

The last time I was involved in any actual physical conflict, although when Kathleen watched me play basketball she had a different opinion, was in the 6th grade when the red headed boy gave me a black eye. From that day forward I have told everyone that I was a lover not a fighter.

I was trained in hand to hand combat in the spirit of the bayonet, shot at person shaped targets, felt the sting of tear gas on my lungs, but was never really sure if I would be capable of taking the life of another of Heavenly Father’s children in battle. Luckily, my advanced training was as a clerk typist and I was assigned to an engineer group.

I had determined from the very beginning of this wonderful journey I have been on for the last 16 months that I was not going to spend a lot of time writing about the many conflicts and wars which are written about and which eventually cause the total destruction of the nation of those who authored the words in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ. In the aforementioned chapters from the book of Mosiah we find the first philosophical statements on the subject of wars.

And it came to pass that the people of Limhi began to drive the Lamanites before them; yet they were not half so numerous as the Lamanites. But they fought for their lives, and for their wives, and for their children; therefore they exerted themselves and like dragons did they fight. (Mosiah 20:11)

I have realized for some time that this and other similar verses in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ are generally the most frequently referred to by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a justification for nations being involved in warfare. It is therefore more than a little ironic that just a few verses later in the same chapter (verse 22) that we find the following philosophy being taught and adhered to.

And now let us pacify the king, and we fulfil the oath which we have made unto him; for it is better that we should be in bondage than that we should lose our lives; therefore, let us put a stop to the shedding of so much blood.

I pray that the differences of the philosophies about war found in these two verses will serve as the beginning of understanding why my personal beliefs about the subject have never been on one steady course.

I invite you to briefly walk with me through the Standard Works as I quickly review the dominant views about war in those works. I hasten to plead for understanding that because of the brevity of these Thoughts, I will in no way do a comprehensive coverage of those positions.

OLD TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

During the period covered by the various authors of the books found in the Old Testament the prevailing belief held by people was that that nation which served the most powerful God would always be victorious in battle. The children of Israel added a caveat to that philosophy believing that their God would cause them to be victorious only as long as they faithfully adhered to the Law of Moses.

The flood was employed by Heavenly Father as a means of ending the unending pattern of war and blood shed.

It is only a small step from these beliefs to believing that war is not just accepted by God, but as in the story of the Israelite occupation of the land of Canaan it is admonished by God.

It would be easy to dismiss these beliefs by saying it was a different time with different circumstances if we were not taught that God is the same yesterday, today and forever.

NEW TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

One of the beautiful titles the Savior, Jesus the Christ bears is Prince of Peace, which since his sojourn in His mortal body was in a land conquered by an unrighteous foreign nation and ruled by wicked puppet kings, makes for one of the strangest ironies of the history of this world.

The good news was filled with love thy neighbor, pray for thy neighbors when they despitefully use you, mourn with thy neighbor etc.

The contrast between his message and the circumstances of His daily walk could not have been greater.

The crowning event of this contrast is manifest in the placing of a crown of thorns on the head of the Prince of Peace.

THE BOOK OF MORMON ANOTHER TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

The philosophies on war in this volume are so varied that I will only mention a few so that you might further understand my uneasy shifting views about the subject.

We have the aforementioned, war is justified in order to save our own lives and that of our families.

Likewise, Mosiah brought to our attention that bondage is preferable to engaging in war.

The Anti Nephi Lehi’s chose to bow down to the sword and die rather than to break a covenant.

Generals sought the advise of Prophets on how best to win battles.

People were put to death or imprisoned if they refused to go to battle.

The Savior’s ministry on this continent was accompanied by the destruction of all who could not live according to the laws of His Plan of Happiness.

PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

Satan proclaims he will use the enmity given him by God to wage war, blood and terror upon this world.

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS AND WORDS OF LATTER DAY PROPHETS

The doctrine of thrice forgiving an enemy before going to war is introduced.

It is better to abandon all one possesses rather than go to war.

Preemptive warfare is condemned.

Satan is denounced as the author of all contention not just war.

I hope I have been able to help you understand why it has been difficult for me to come to an absolute position to justify or condemn war. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that as much as is possible I will with Chief Joseph, ‘make no more war forever’, but will spend my days now and hopefully forever being an enlistee in the army of the Prince of Peace.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If it were not for – the gift of repentance – progress would have been – impossible for all of us!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It will be interesting to discover – how far we might have traveled – if we hadn’t spent so much time – walking over the same part of the path – in the process of repentance!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

One of the greatest challenges of a teacher – is to be able to stimulate students – who are currently – at different levels of progression!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The value of words – given as counsel – and – advice – are completely dependent – on whether the listener – feels they correspond – with where they are on their life’s journey!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The value of words – given as counsel – and – advice – are completely dependent – on the understanding of the listener – and – their desire to apply them in their lives!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

For an instructor – to assume – that all students will glean the same message – from a lesson – would be a sign of their – extreme naivety!!

THE GREATEST PROMISE OF ALL

Other than the annual bout with hay fever, spring has always been my favorite season of the year. As I have contemplated the reasons I enjoy this time of year so much, along with others the word ‘promise’ seems to dominate my thoughts.

Having followed professional baseball throughout my life (actually only after the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1958) I have become accustomed to the news flowing from spring training camps being full of promise.

The dead arms from the end of last season have been renewed and show promise.

The newly traded for players and the upcoming phenoms show promise.

The new manager’s words are full of promise.

Cruising through the streets of the suburbs or a casual drive in the countryside one is greeted with views of promise on every side.

Trees bud with promise of fruit to come.

Seeds sprout with promise of multiple yields.

Animals bring forth their young and remind us of the promises which come with another new generation.

Somewhere between the 22nd of March and the 25th of April a day is set aside to remind us of the greatest of all promises.

A promise which will not be dashed by the reality of a big league curve ball.

A promise which will not be destroyed by a late frost.

A promise which has far reaching and eternal implications.

We celebrate this promise on a day called Easter or Pascha (Greek, Latin) which has reference to the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. However, the real promise of the day comes because of the Atonement of Jesus the Christ .

Because of the Atonement of Jesus the Christ the price for forsaken sins has been paid.

Because of the Atonement of Jesus the Christ we are promised reconciliation with our Eternal Parents.

Because of the Atonement of Jesus the Christ the promise of living eternally is given to all of Heavenly Father’s children.

As with most religious symbols which continue to be followed on days of celebration, those which accompany the festivities surrounding Easter, have likewise long ago vanished or been changed so that they have no connection to their original meaning.

The egg has been boiled and dyed and made completely devoid in any way of reminding us that just as a chick emerges from its barren shell, it is a reminder of the promise of the Savior coming forth from a rocky tomb.

The white of the Easter Lily is said to symbolize purity, honesty and immortality and was believed to have originally sprouted from Eve’s tears as she and Adam left the Garden and becomes a reminder of the promises of the gospel of the Lord.

In some cultures the emergence of the butterfly from its cocoon in the spring is a reminder of the Savior’s body being laid in the tomb and coming forth gloriously resurrected and assures us of the promise given to each of us of life after death.

There are an abundance of other symbols such as lambs, palms and ashes which have likewise lost much of their spiritual significance as celebration has become more of our holiday observances than reverential remembrance. Therefore, just as a reality check for each of us on this climatic Holiest of Days I offer the following which might be worthy of pondering.

The Savior has taught us of the importance of living in obedience to His laws and commandments and the promises of our receiving consequential joy, peace and comfort.

The miracles performed by the Savior should hold with them the promise that adversity and affliction are but for a moment.

The promise of unconditional forgiveness, through the love and mercy of the Savior, to they who repent, should awaken eternalness in each of our souls as we read about and view in our minds the scenes of the Garden of Gethsemane and the cross of Golgotha.

As we conjure up a vision of the empty tomb, we are reminded of the promise of life yet to come, because the Savior made being born into eternal life a reality.

It is my prayer that the newness of spring and remembering that first Easter will fill our thoughts with visions which will help us to always remember the greatest of all promises made to each of us by our loving Heavenly Father and fulfilled by His Beloved Son.

We will all come forth from the grave!


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

One of the most constant truths of life – is that priorities – will always be changing!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We will all find ourselves enjoying – a much happier life – if we count our blessings – instead of our trials!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We are constantly reminded – that no matter how true – the trumpet sounds – there will always be those – who wander off – and – get lost!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It seems – no matter how often – the Apostles – and – Prophets teach – that bearing a testimony – is not the same as giving a talk – there will be those who continue to give talks – during testimony meetings!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If you could bring a smile – to the face of a new person – every day for a year – at the end of the year – I wonder if anyone would notice – the added brightness!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If you could bring a smile – to the face of a new person – every day for a year – the world would be 365 smiles brighter!!

BEHOLD THE WATERS OF MORMON

Although age dims memory as well as hearing and sight, if I concentrate for a moment or two I can pierce the cloudiness of my mind sufficient enough to recall the conditions and circumstances which were part of my baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints shortly after my 8th birthday.

The baptismal font in our Ward Meeting House was in the basement which was dimly lit, but had adequate light so that you could make out the unpainted cement walls and the bleakness of the font itself. There were a few chairs set up in front of the font where family and appropriate church leaders were seated. We had a prayer and sang a song and then my father, Frederick William Riley, led me down into the font, voiced the ordinance and baptized me by immersion. Even as a young boy it was interesting to me to think of the difference between the basement font where the ordinance of entrance into the Lord’s Kingdom was performed and the cultural hall where games were played and movies were viewed; the former being so stark (I would probably use the word humble today) and the latter which was well lit, with brightly colored walls, shiny floors and scarlet curtains.

If you are wondering why I had this bit of nostalgia flooding my mind this morning as the anniversary of my baptism approaches. When I opened The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ and turned to the 18th chapter of the book of Mosiah to receive stimulation for this week’s Thought, I read once again the words of Alma, the only Priest of King Noah which we have record of who was converted by the words of Abinadi during his trial. The thought hit me that it would be a good thing, if each time I thought of my own entering into the waters to have the words of the covenant pronounced upon me personally, I should review the covenants and commitments Alma taught the people who entered such covenants at the waters of Mormon were taking upon themselves.

Desirous to enter into the fold of God and be called His people.

Willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they might be light.

Willing to mourn with those who mourn.

Comfort those that stand in need of comfort.

To stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places.

Be baptized as a witness that ye have entered into a covenant with Him.

That ye will serve Him and keep His commandments.

As I was compiling this list from Alma’s teachings I was directed to include the admonitions of the Savior given on the Mount and again at the Temple Bountiful.

Blessed are they who shall believe on the words of the twelve.

Blessed are they who come down into the depths of humility and are baptized.

Blessed are they who shall be visited with fire and the Holy Ghost.

Blessed are they who shall receive a remission of their sins.

Blessed are they who are poor in spirit who come unto Him.

Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Blessed are the merciful.

Blessed are the pure in heart.

Blessed are the peace makers.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for His name’s sake.

You shall be the salt of the earth.

Let your light shine before the people that they may see your good works.

Keep His commandments.

I have observed that if one is not conscientiously and continuously reminding themselves about the reason there are so many requirements and consequential blessings attached to making and keeping the covenants we make when we enter the waters of baptism, we can easily become transfixed on requirements and blessings and be diverted from the more important purposes of the law.

Ponderings:

We are born into this world and immediately the needs of our new untested physical body dominate every moment of our lives.

Many of us become so self absorbed with satisfying the desires of the flesh, that all other considerations are neglected or ignored.

Entering into the covenants of baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit, if sincerely done and maintained should give us the understanding that we came not into this world to saturate our days with satisfying the demands of the physical body, but the purpose was to teach the physical body how to come into harmony with our eternal spirit body.

The teachings of the Lord and all His prophets concerning baptism and the attending covenants we make with the promised blessings all are indicators of the mighty change we must undergo to help us put off the natural and put upon us the spiritual.

Most of us will make some headway into helping the body be less concerned with the physical (Telestial) and consider putting on the more spiritual (Terrestrial) during our mortal probationary period.

We should all have hope that the mercy of our Lord and Savior and His Father will be sufficient to accept our meager attempts when making these changes and allow us to continue the quest for the completion of the mighty change after our mortal probation has passed.

We should all have faith that without sincere adaptation and adherence to the principles attached to baptism and the covenants we make, it will be extremely difficult to put off the dominance of our physical bodies and put on spirituality.

My prayer is that we will forever be mindful in our supplications to the Lord to include pleadings for his constant influence in our quest to put off the physical and put on the spiritual.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The sad this is – that we are trying to lose – the same 26 pounds – every year!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Sadly – I have found that losing a pound of weight – every two weeks for a year – is every bit as difficult a goal – as trying to return to my birthweight!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If a person were to lose a pound of weight – every two weeks – they would be shocked – at how few years it would take – before they would be back – to their birth weight!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If a person were to lose a pound of weight – every two weeks – at the end of one year – they would be 26 pounds lighter!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Leaders of volunteer organizations – would suffer much less anxiety – and – frustration – is they realized – combining a lot of little steps forward – eventually adds up – to amazing an advancement!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Leaders of volunteer organizations – would suffer much less anxiety – and – frustration – if they understood – that not all volunteers – have the same level of dedication!!

PROGRESSING TOWARD KNOWING

I started learning very early in life that choices and action have consequences!

Annoying people who are bigger and stronger can lead to being hurt.

One should never approach an on deck batter when playing baseball without looking.

Jumping from boulder to boulder where bottles have been broken leaves lifelong scars.

Lighting matches in a dry field is not a wise thing to do.

Throwing 22 shells into a potbelly stove is stupid.

Using Easter Basket grass as tobacco in a corncob pipe will scorch your throat.

I could confess to many more lessons learned through hard knocks during my life, but the afore mentioned are easiest to admit to since they all happened when I was still covered by the innocence of little children clause.

There are some of life’s consequences which are not as obvious as being affected by choices and actions, but just seem to be part of the natural process of enjoying a long and full life.

Regular and consistent learning leads to greater retention than cramming.

There is no way to retain all of one’s physical proficiency.

Having wonderful memories of life’s events is not the same as accurate recall.

The loss of mental capacity is far worse that losing the sense of smell or taste.

It is important to always be involved in some project which will probably remain unfinished.

There are more absolutes during life than death and taxes.

There was a time in life when it was very easy for me to proclaim to know the totality of truth, when the reality was that I only knew a portion of the truth I was proclaiming to be true.

The Church is true.

The Book of Mormon is true.

Obedience to gospel standards and living the commandments is equally possible for all.

All are to be judged by the same standard.

All have equal opportunity to progress.

There is only one path leading to the Tree of Life.

Even though what you have just read is another example of my habit of lengthy introductions, it was a fun exercise for me and therefore I would recommend it to you as a beneficial activity. Now hopefully, on to what all of this reminiscing may have been leading.

While reading the words of Abinadi, in the 16th chapter of the book of Mosiah in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ,

Before continuing it would probably be a good thing to get us all on the same page by reminding ourselves of what the term resurrection means.

The Resurrection consists in the uniting of a spirit body with a body of flesh and bones, never again to be divided. The Resurrection shall come to all, because of Christ’s victory over death. Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected on this earth. (Bible Dictionary – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Edition of King James Bible)

I have no doubt that Abinadi’s understanding of the resurrection far exceeds that which I currently have and that which seemed to be universally lacking during my exchanges with mentors and students over the years. To illustrate the point I offer a short list of questions which have been part of my interactions on the subject of resurrection.

When the graves were opened at the time of the Savior’s resurrection, who came forth and were they resurrected at that time?

What is meant by the resurrection of the just?

Who will resurrect in the first resurrection, the second etc.?

Is there more than one day of judgement before one is resurrected?

Is there an order in which Heavenly Father’s children are resurrected?

Who will determine the degree of glory to which we will be resurrected?

What will the relationships be like which we had during mortality after the resurrection?

Just like so many aspects of life, truth and understanding there was a time when I had a much greater confidence in the absoluteness of my knowledge concerning the doctrines concerning resurrection than I currently enjoy. I don’t know if it is common to all who live beyond the their generation’s life expectancy or not, but for me the extension of life has brought with it a vivid recognition that after all I have learned, I know very little.

I find that my list of things hoped for becomes more extensive with each passing day.

I find that those things I have faith in expands very slowly.

I find that my list of things I have absolute knowledge of shrinks continually.

I find it essential to continue my petitions to the Lord concerning the truths of the gospel.

I find that my coming to the realization of my nothingness brings assurances of my eternalness.

I find that feeling the comfort of the Holy Spirit is more important than knowing.

I am eternally grateful that my life’s path has included the companionship of prophets such as Abinadi, whom I believe knew. Having enjoyed their companionship gives me continual hope that the day will come when I too will see clearly through the veil.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Leaders of volunteer organizations – would suffer much less anxiety – and – frustration – if they accepted the premise – that not all volunteers – share the same definition – of what constitutes a volunteer!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Sincere tears – flowing over eyelids – and – down cheeks – most often fall upon our breasts – unexpectedly!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It is not only talented actors – who are able to bring tears to flow – when what is happening – is make believe!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If we listen to a story – with the anticipation that it will bring tears to our eyes – we will usually be disappointed!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If there is no meaning behind a symbol – Christmas lights just illuminate – Christmas bells just make pleasant sounds – and – Christmas colors are just a change of view!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Before forging ahead – with doing something differently – we should exhaustibly evaluate – whether the change – will be an improvement!!