The ABSOLUTE(ly) Best Christmas

     In a long pause from the writing scene, mostly due to lack of ambition and a lull in productivity, I am realizing that I am failing myself in this front. I am not in communication with lots of friends and family, and I tend to be more of a recluse than I had been in previous years, but I feel that I am happy. I am happy to know that I have a beautiful and outstanding wife that loves me and compliments me and my personality, one whom is capable of loving the world and those around us with a supernal Christlike purity. I am happy because I feel that I have direction and a goal, though it is still a ways out from achievement it is still one that I can measure and progress towards gleefully. I am happy because it is Christmas time, and even with the absence of actual bells of Christendom ringing through the air, I can feel the joys and tolls in knowing that Christ was born into this world to save us from sin and break us from the captivity of the evil one.

     This Sunday I was sitting in Church when a friend was teaching a lesson, and he pointed out something that was quite poignant to my soul, he stated that the world seems to refute the idea of absolutes. His example was in law that all things "depend", this led me to remember as I was learning French and hearing over and over from my MTC instructors that French has no absolutes, and then also the countless times when people would ask me moral dilemmas on my mission and I would escape with that very same legal response of "it depends." That thought irked me something fierce because it reflected to me that I had missed an actual opportunity to bear solemn testimony on the things that are absolutes in this world.

     Take a moment and think for yourself on the things that will have the desired outcome eventually, because absolutes, just like anything else, do not deal with you deciding the time table. A simple examination of an if-then statement would help clarify this. For example, if we are to obey the commandments of God then He is bound to His promises ergo we will be entitled to the glories, beauties, knowledge, power, priesthood, and wonders that await those good and faithful servants. This is an absolute, there is no power in heaven or hell or earth that can change the outcome of this. The circumstances of a disobedient child do not negate nor change this promise, it is true for all of those that are obedient unto the fulfilling of the commandments of the Lord. When this is extended to God's children there are no exclusions from the recipients, the demands are the same, and there is the same help, aid, and guidance to all those the implore for the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do. 

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism --- yea, by following you Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. 

 And I heard a voice from the Father, sating: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. (2 Nephi 31:10-13,15)

  
     As we watch the world around us, and the portrayals of the world through media and deprecating propaganda, we see the bitterness that fills the hearts of man. We can see the fear that exists in the unknown, the sorrow and anger from those that feel hurt and betrayed. We see the terror that plagues the innocent because of the wicked. We can see the good hearts of men, women, and children failing because they know not where to turn for trust and strength. In the world today we have the war of words and tumults of opinions that demand for the blockading of borders and doors so that those suffering suffer moreso for the sins of their brothers and sisters. The derision that we extend towards those that have played no part in the cruelties of the world. In viewing such atrocities being carried out, how can we continue to contribute to them?

    We have been taught to love one another, to turn the other cheek, to kneel when it is to hard to stand, and to give to those that are needy, hungry, poor, and helpless. We have been taught to do the best we can with what little we have been given because the things of this world are not where are hearts are to be placed. As we get closer and closer to Christmas, it is not merely my words that ask this of you all, it is the world around us that is plummeting into chaos and darkness that screams in agony for your help. Together we should be asking, what more will I do to help?

     I promise that as you sincerely and humbly extend yourself to the task, though feeling stretched and thinned because of it, the Lord will endow you with the power and strength to do good. Remember that the Lord is the gift that will give people the hope and promise of salvation, of eternal peace and prosperity. One simple testimony, one fervent prayer, one sincere act of generosity can change the world far more than that monarchies and parliaments around the globe. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He has come to rid the world of the sins we commit, but we need to believe in Him, show our love through our faith and obedience to His commandments, and then shall we aid in the accomplishing of the work of God.

Wedding Jitters

Life
WEDDING JITTERS

NOT REALLY A BAD THING

Definition of my “Jitters”

We enter the situation with the idea that jitters are bad, but I’d like to feud with those that believe that to be. My wedding jitters stem from anticipation, excitement, hope, joy, and love. True there are aspects that stress me out, but those are so insignificant in the face of the prospects of an eternal future with the woman that I love.

Reasons of Hope

I am grateful to the in-laws for taking so much of the brunt of planning and preparing this wedding for Vanessa and I, they deserve far more credit than I can state and I’d rather not sing their accolades at the present. There are so many moving parts in the preparation of a wedding, and synchronizing these things is a talent in and of itself. I am glad that there is such a wealth of experience and advice from those that surround us that they offer so freely, even when we don’t always wish to hear so. There is never anything so spectacular as the nature and character of selfishness being put aside when others begin to aid you.

Luke 10:25-37

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

There are so many wonders and adventures before us, and I do not mean that this wedding was an evil that befell us, but it is a burden nonetheless. This burden that so often these us drained and helpless, knowing that we alone would never muster the strength to achieve the beautiful outcome we so desire. There are adversities and trials in everyday life, things that would crush each of us, but as the Lord and Savior taught, we are to lift one another’s burdens and help those around us in pure Christlike love.

Beyond the struggles ahead lies the repose of knowing that we are not alone, that there are others that will give us their strength as our fails, as our frailties become ever more apparent we are endowed with the manifestation of the power of God through those that love us. There is no greater reason to hope than to know that God is there for us, and He sends His ministering angels when we are in need.

Don’t Think It Is Cheesy

Sometimes we get weighed down thinking that the goodness of people is their own doing, and maybe it is, but what does the goodness merit? The goodness is the righteousness of the people and it glorifies the Father. Testimonies may be lost, faith may be unsure, but there is nobody that can take away the creations of God. God created righteousness, love, and goodness so that we might know Him. As we do good, even the most Lilliputian of things, we glorify all that He epitomizes.

Priesthood Definitions

Robert’s Journal Entry

September 18, 2015

Hello World,

First, isn’t today wonderful?! Also…

I am starting to explore different formats and fun ways to try and present my writings, so bare with me as I do so.

I started college, a few years later than most, but with a conviction that I will find a path for me. I am doing it through the wonderful program offered through Brigham Young University - Idaho called “Pathway.” It offers students a unique way of learning through an independent study program, but working in tandem with missionaries and instructors to allow you to stay focused and successful. Anywhosit, the purpose of my class is to learn, obviously, but it is through exploring my thoughts through journaling and questioning the things that I observe, hear, and learn in the program.

Yesterday, our wonderful missionaries asked me if I could define three key things in correlation with the Priesthood: Priesthood Keys, Priesthood Power, and Priesthood Authority. I will now try to do so in my own words, this is before I have looked anything up and is solely based on what I have already learned and encountered in the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Priesthood Keys - To me, these seem to be directly related to task, ordinances, and actions that we must fulfil here on earth. These keys represent the dominion entrusted us by Heavenly Father. It is given to the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hold the keys of this dispensation, and he is then tasked with the delegation of these keys to local authorities so the aforementioned tasks, ordinances, and actions of building up the kingdom of God are administered.

Priesthood Power - This signifies the endowment of ability and talents to fulfil the work of God. This power is given to both men and women. We know that it is by priesthood power that the world was created, and clearly it is a power granted unto men to continue in the stewardship of multiplying and replenishing the earth for example. However, there are specific powers that are meant to be maintained in their sacredness by living worthily and righteously. Childbearing is the greatest of these examples. It is a power extended to all men, but not all men do it with the divine sanction of Heavenly Father. Power comes from obedience. The priesthood power is the obedience to God’s commandments and being instruments in the fulfilling of our responsibilities.

Priesthood Authority - This is related to the responsibility given to each of us to fulfill duties. A missionary is given the authority to teach and testify with power by their Stake President and Mission President, but this lacks the power behind it if the missionary chooses to not live worthily and obediently. Authority is the responsibility, this is middleground between power and keys because it is this authority that represents the specific task that you are instructed to accomplish. Hometeachers are given the authority to teach those under their stewardship, Bishops and Stake Presidents the same. The authority means that the proper key has been given to you, and now you strive to obtain the power to implement and achieve the desired results in the kingdom of God.

I am sure that I will gain a better understanding of these principles as I go on in life and more fully utilize each of them, but for now that is the basic knowledge that I can express. I feel that there is always something out there to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, but it also seems to me that there is a large essence that is strictly personal. Behind the clear light of God’s love for each of us is a relationship that words will never capture and cannot be expressed to this mortal shelf.

I have been an instrument in the Lord’s hands before, I have been mended by other tools in His hands, I have been loved, I have loved, still nothing can say it better than:

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4)

Lots of love,

Robert

My Life: Mucky and Mired

My Life: Mucky and Mired
Robert Haggard

Here is what should have been said yesterday, a day that in time fades, but at present is pertinent to life. Yesterday, one of the greatest and woefully dreaded days, marked one year since being back from my mission. Time has been kindly cruel and cruelly kind to me over the past year. Joy, bitterness, discovery, loss, glee, sorrow, hopeful, despairing, jovial, miserable, monumental, minuscule, and before draining the dictionary, it has been fantastic! Inevitably the day would dawn where life continued past the point of imagining, where the prospect of infinite dawns is now shadowed by yet another span of eternal mystery before us. Yesterday was a marker of something unimaginable upon my departure, and yet as of today it was just another day. A seemingless unimportant day in the week, a Wednesday, the middle of someone else’s work week, someone’s birth, someone’s death, someone’s crisis, someone’s happiness, a beginning, an end, and for me, it was my monument.

Iconically it stood as the epitome of accomplishment, that I had served the Lord, that I had made it this far and had put my shoulder to the wheel. Dismally it marked the path of what was behind and made the journey look difficult and long ahead.  Once more, it was just another day. I worked, I played, I stressed, I loved, I overcame, I submitted, and I once again made it through to the next day, today. Despite all the troubles that befell me during my mission, despite the sewers of the world that figuratively and literally I must wade through, I stand here once more. I stand on the precipice of another day, another life, another eternity, another beautiful testament to my Heavenly Father’s love for me. All of this because I have pressed on.

The MTC taught me a few things, or more than a few as the roots rested firmly in the soil of my soul and mind, but it taught me an inside joke as well in the Referral Center of new missionaries as they are being dropped off into the wild world of the Missionary Training Center, the joke, “Day One.” A marvelous sight beheld by us veteran as the new missionaries embark on an adventure around the world, but for some odd reason, they are lost in the few acres that reside in Provo, Utah. All the mysteries, awe, excitement, faith, and miracles that await them around the world marred by the fear that encompasses them in those first long hours.

A pillow soaked in tears for the loss of home and family, eyes affrighted when you know not where the bookstore is, and minds bewildered when the languages of the world collide about you. So, once more, “Day One” was something I had learned, experienced, mocked, and embraced, but it was never something I imagined would happen again on September 16th, 2014 as I left the terminal in Los Angeles. There before me was the world, a whole new world, a new fantastic point of view. Fear seized my soul, terror shrank my heart, and I set out to find out who Robert would be this time around.

You see, the funny thing about it all is that I would never have imagined the joy and love that would soon fill my life. I had returned to a place that I would never have dreamt of being home to me, back to the filth that had always been my dread. Anger, hostility, irreverence, disdain, ignorance, and discontent accompanied by the profane rants that echoed the corridors. A spiritual high, the land of bountiful as my mission was, to the land of desolation as my new home was to be. Now I was to remain along the edges of the tranquil moments to transcend the mortal buffetings to once again commune with my Father whom I so longed to receive counsel and direction from.

I began to write a book, one that would emphasize the plan of happiness that Father created for us all. I explored the depths of my understanding to figure out the purpose of life, the meaning to our being placed upon the earth, the requisites to achieve the eternal destiny promised each of us, and where I was to trek next in this temporal sphere. I made some progress, but the tempests and whirlwinds of life distracted me from accomplishing that book. One of my goals in life is to write and publish a book, a book that is my testimony of the living word of God, and allow others to know why I believe. It saddens me to know that I haven’t finished that book, but it also helps me realize that a book has an ending, perhaps now isn’t the best of times to place my testimony as a “finished work.”

I fell in love. I met the girl of my dreams, and the girl I continue to dream about day in and day out. My soul was coupled with one so sweet and tender that I decided to marry her, and I will be marrying her for time and all eternity October 3rd. She sustains me, she uplifts my spirit, and she is one that I will strive to be worthy of and to love endlessly. There is a longer story of pursuit of that love, but she tells it a bit differently than I. She encourages and uplifts those around, she testifies through word and deed, she expresses love for Heavenly Father in ways that would astound you. I am lucky to be her companion throughout the obstacles and hurdles that so often befall us here on earth.

So you see, in the year since I have been home I have learned one simple principle that I will continue to teach others, obedience to our Father brings us joy and hope. I have had many moons to regret any disobedience on my mission, an even greater amount to regret any disobedience in youth, and now I am collecting my moons to testify that as you listen to God’s voice you will become perfect. You will taste of Christ’s perfect love for each of us. You will gain an appreciation of the everlasting and infinite atonement wrought by our Savior. You will understand that He lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that there is ALWAYS a brighter and better day ahead.

With all of my heart I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only path on which we can stride to return to the presence of Heavenly Father. With open arms our Father awaits us, tearfully and joyfully the obedient will inherit the long awaited reunion, and we will become joint-heirs with Christ.

The title of this post is “My Life: Mucky and Mired” which is misleading. My life, the beautiful and precious gift that it is, is one that will be washed and cleaned if I continue to love the Lord through my actions, thoughts, and desires. Obedience isn’t solely avoiding the bad, it is striving to do the good in the face of enormous opposition. The world would bind us and lie to us, but know that God would lead you in light and love until the day we overcome.