tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53811469520372743912024-03-05T20:46:06.406-08:00Diamonds Displayed on Black VelvetAs a diamond displayed on black velvet appears more brilliant, so the Restoration
stands in striking contrast to the dark background of the Great Apostasy.(Preach My Gospel)J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-24974026222543114052016-10-13T10:30:00.001-07:002016-10-13T10:30:10.254-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for morality" src="data:image/png;base64,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" 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Diamond 17 Absolute Morality</div>
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I had an interesting FB exchange yesterday that led me to ponder greatly on the idea of Absolute Morality. The concept of an absolute right and wrong is not a very popular idea in the world, but I call it my diamond for today. I am so grateful that in a world where there is conflict over abortion, gay marriage, transgender rights, and a host of other battles that are fought every day in the halls of congress, I have a perfect, unfailing, compass to look to for my guide. I am grateful that whatever my personal opinions are on a topic, or what popular opinion is, I don't have to worry about what is right and what is wrong. An all knowing, all powerful, kind, loving, Father in Heaven has already drawn the line, my decision is if I have enough faith to stand on His side of it. In contrast to the view of the man in the following video, who would rather live in a world where there is no absolute morality, where morals are decided by "a secular moral philosophy, and rational discussion." When faced with a decision about morals I will leave it to a perfect God who created the universe, rather than a group of philosophers and politicians. </div>
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You can see the video here:</div>
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https://www.facebook.com/aScienceEnthusiast/videos/1398541446840963/</div>
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and my exchange with some fans are below:</div>
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<div aria-label="Comment" class="UFIRow _48ph UFIComment _4oep" data-ft="{"tn":"R9"}" role="article" style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 12px; padding: 4px 0px; position: relative; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a aria-controls="js_5z" aria-haspopup="true" class=" UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=100002545735542&extragetparams=%7B%22is_public%22%3Atrue%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/jdsheppard22?rc=p" id="js_60" role="null" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">J.d. Sheppard</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What Dakins fails to address is the danger when all the discussing, debating, and final decisions about morality happen in a society where there is no supreme being. If I belong to such a society, and happen to be in a position of power, what's to stop</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> me from bending morality to match my best interests. If I am a powerful debator, or convincing orator, I may be able to sway the majority of society to my "morality" even though it can be very harmful to others who are not as talented as I am. We can see this time and time again in a government that has excluded God and separated church and state. Right now one good example is Pornography. Christianity states that Pornography is immoral. This comes from scripture and from a God that can see all, know all, and has felt all. I can trust that whatever my views may be on pornography, if I believe in God, I can trust that he knows better than I do on the subject. Not because he has discussed it in a group of rational people, and it is the popular feeling at the time, but because I have faith that he knows more than I do on any and all subjects. Now take pornography in Dawkins world where all morality is decided through debate, discussion, and logic in committees. If at a particular time the majority of society believes that pornography is moral (or at least is not immoral) and the porn industry is given free access to all advertisements, television, banners on websites, etc.. there is no course of action for those who disagree with the "decided morality". If I oppose pornography and feel it is immoral, it doesn't matter because the matter has already been decided and the majority of society has decided that it is not immoral, so too bad for you and your ideas. Now, this example could happen with any topic, drug use, gun control, murder. Now you may say that the collective would never come to a consensus that murder was moral, my argument would be to look at capital punishment. Who decides what crimes against the "accepted morality" are punishable by death? In the Philippines the president is killing anyone that is arrested in connection with the drug cartels. Selling drugs is against his "morality" thus he feels he is justified in killing those who participate. What if a leader or group of leaders that is drunk with power feels that grand theft auto is a capital crime and thus kills all car thieves. It is easy to see how quickly Dakins logic can be abused. Anytime we give man power there is the danger of abuse of that power, and in Dakins argument that is exactly what he wants to do, give power of morality to a group of people that can be easily mistaken, misunderstood, swayed to believe one way or anther based on "mob mentality". I am glad that my morality is based upon principles layed out by a perfect and loving God. As for the claims that modern society now has evolved and has created this 'moral' place where we are gentle, women have rights, and we are kind to animals, where is your proof that this didn't come from religion? These are things that have been taught by Christ since he walked the earth: "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; love thy neighbor as thysef" I could go on. So if we live in a society with these principles, isn't logical to assume they come to us from a God that has been preaching them for over 2000 years? Dakins states that we pick and choose the good parts of the bible and that we have grown out of the bad parts because of "secular moral philosophy, and rational discussion", I argue that we don't pick and choose, I am a Christian, and as such I follow what Christ teaches. His examples of death to an apostate, and stoning of an adulterer are from the Law of Moses. I don't want to dive too deep into doctrinal belief, but the Law of Moses was not "grown out of" but fulfilled in the death of Christ. My point being that God has certain laws and morality that is stated in The Bible, and we don't pick and choose the good ones, all of Christ's teachings I will stand behind as moral. Not because of "secular moral philosophy, or rational discussion" but because He is an all knowing, loving God that has taught and continues to teach basic moral principles for His children to be happy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class=" UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=100005190486565&extragetparams=%7B%22is_public%22%3Atrue%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/joseph.wolsing?fref=ufi&rc=p" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Joe Wolsing</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The democracy in Germany created after the Nazi regime was designed not only by Germans, but with the help of politicians and scientists of the allied forces.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">An important feature of it is the term defensive democracy. It is structured to enable the ci</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">tizens of our nation to live in a very wide range of freedom - including free speach and free thought. The limit is the denial of the democratic and humanistic rights to individuals or groups. Youu can advocate every idea and have any opinion outspoken, exept the one that you deny these rights to others. This is fixed in the Grundgesetzt wich is correspondent to constitutions in other countries.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think this is a good way to protect the already acchieved moral ideas and the rights corresponding with, or following out of them. No higher power than the law necessary ...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class=" UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=100002545735542&extragetparams=%7B%22is_public%22%3Atrue%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/jdsheppard22?fref=ufi&rc=p" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">J.d. Sheppard</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wow, Thank you Joe for stating your views in a respectful and courteous way, I don't often find that on FB. But isn't your own history proof of my point? Hitler was very charismatic, and a great leader, or so it was thought. Because he had been give</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">n so much power he was able to sway popular opinion to bend to his own "morality". I agree that what you have lined out seems to be a very good way to allow everyone the freedom to have their own moral ideas, without infringing on the rights of others, but what about when there is conflict over my rights and your rights? One example would be abortion, do the rights of the mother supersede the rights of the unborn child? Who decides if the baby should have rights or not? A committee? The popular voice of the time? whatever your personal opinion is about abortion I think it is easy to see where and why there can be conflict. Or what about gay marriage? If a Christian pastor doesn't want to perform the marriage isn't there a conflict? The rights of the couple vs the rights of the pastor. Who decides whose rights will win? Morally the couple feels they have a right to get married in a church, and morally the pastor feels he has a right to not perform the ceremony. I know governments and laws have faced and are facing these problems right now, and without reference to an absolute morality, given by a higher power, there is no correct answer. It will eventually come down to the side that has the most power will infringe on the morality of the other. On the other hand, if we would look to heaven for a definition of morality, there is no conflict because what is right is right according to an all knowing all powerful God. There is no shifting of morals based on popular opinion. What's also worth noting is that the idea of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom in general, was outlined first in the constitution as "God-given rights". God has always preached persuasion by love, and by his spirit, not by force. It is my belief that the very democracy you cite, and then state that "No higher power than the law necessary" is created after the Constitution of the United States of America, which was based on Judeo-Christian morals. In the end, I feel Dawkins misses the point that left to our own definitions of morals, there will always be conflict. Whereas if we look to God, morality is defined and un-moving.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class=" UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=100007964472098&extragetparams=%7B%22is_public%22%3Atrue%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/taskmaster.343?fref=ufi&rc=p" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Chaitanya Patil</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="UFICommentBody" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I always find the idea of "God given rights" extremely funny. Apparently, god was doing sloppy work that day, as the rights had to amended multiple times. Also, he forget some things, like you know slavery. Totally slipped his mind.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-54434223932406232732012-02-14T12:05:00.000-08:002012-02-14T12:56:07.104-08:00Diamond 16 My Father<div> <img src="http://www.familychristian.com/media/catalog/product/personalmerchant/thumbnail/131x131/1/3/138168.jpg" alt="Courageous DVD - Collectors Edition" /> </div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This diamond was shown to me through my calling in the young mens presidency, and by recently watching Courageous the movie. It was my turn to teach this week and I opened up the manual and saw that this week the lesson is on honoring our fathers. I just wanted to take this opportunity to say what a great example my dad is. Camie and I often talk about what great examples we have as parents, and we know that there are many who are not so blessed. But my dad stands as a diamond against the black velvet of this world. He recently gave a talk in Stake Conference about the difference between being a member of the church and being converted to the gospel. He used a cold shower metaphor comparing those who are just members of the church are just jumping in and out of a cold shower, and those who are converted are really soaking in the hot water of the gospel. The talk he gave really had power because he lives everything he preaches. Anytime I have a question about what to do in any situation, I just think if my dad was in this situation what would he do? He has stood up to his employer, at risk of his job, letting them know he will not work on Sunday. His standard of entertainment is unsurpassed by anyone I know. I have never heard him say a negative thing about another person in my life. The way he lives his life has made me question any impurities I may have. He truly is the most Christlike example that I know. I owe so much to him. Having a righteous father figure is becoming as rare as uplifting political adds these days, but my dad has the courage to stand for what a father and patriarch of the home should be. Now my father didn't work on cars with me much, we didn't go camping that often or on big fishing trips. But I knew where he was every Sunday at 5:00 am till 6:00 pm. I also knew where he would be anytime there was a service project that was assigned, and where he would be anytime service was needed but no announcements were made. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>There is one quality that my dad has that stands above the rest, and that is his love for my mother. That single quality has left in me a conviction and a determination to love my wife as much as he loves her. I have learned that the standard of respect and honor my father gives to my mother is not easy to duplicate. I am trying each and every day to be more like my father, but the advantage I have over the 37% of children that are born in fatherless homes, and 50% of homes that are divorced, is that I have 25 years of a shining example of how a man should treat his wife. I think part of the reason I have such a great dad is that I needed the example. He truly is a diamond against black velvet, and I will try the rest of my life to live up to his example. I love you dad.</div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-73405017120796426572012-02-07T14:40:00.000-08:002012-02-07T15:12:26.161-08:00Diamond 15<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpZOV9wtXLK6mWXUSk2-514QMXd33vKHbMMZWhKEJFC07nveXmvU8VjrLljnAYAkvkjPzIMVz4Hpj_mdiDEEBs7zgHk6HVbD3QdunGUMCMxsRNj9SIFDs0IjmTYMBjWno7cs1XqJhHCY/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpZOV9wtXLK6mWXUSk2-514QMXd33vKHbMMZWhKEJFC07nveXmvU8VjrLljnAYAkvkjPzIMVz4Hpj_mdiDEEBs7zgHk6HVbD3QdunGUMCMxsRNj9SIFDs0IjmTYMBjWno7cs1XqJhHCY/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706527903757268914" /></a>I formally announce my triumphant return to the blogging world with Diamond 15. I have been away for some time but am back and will be posting regularly. This Diamond is one of the greatest earthly possessions anyone can have. This Diamond is the Bible. Is it just me or does the Bible get a bad rap. We often overlook it in our studies thinking "If I only have limited time to study, I should study the Book Of Mormon." While this is not a bad line of thought, It is similar to eating only the frosting off of a cupcake. While the Book of Mormon is wonderful on its own, when it is combined with the bible the two compliment and enrich the entire experience. in the April 2007 conference Elder Ballard gave a talk on the miracle of the bible. I will quote from it here: "<span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">It is not by chance or coincidence that we have the</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "> </span><span class="highlight" style="background-color: rgb(254, 251, 191); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; ">Bible</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "> </span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">today. Righteous individuals were prompted by the Spirit to record both the sacred things they saw and the inspired words they heard and spoke. Other devoted people were prompted to protect and preserve these records. Men like John Wycliffe, the courageous William Tyndale, and Johannes Gutenberg were prompted against much opposition to translate the</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "> </span><span class="highlight" style="background-color: rgb(254, 251, 191); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; ">Bible</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "> </span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">into language people could understand and to publish it in books people could read. I believe even the scholars of King James had spiritual promptings in their translation work.<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">The Dark Ages were dark because the light of the gospel was hidden from the people. They did not have the apostles or prophets, nor did they have access to the</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "> </span><span class="highlight" style="background-color: rgb(254, 251, 191); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; ">Bible</span><span style="background-color: rgb(249, 246, 237); color: rgb(47, 57, 58); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">. The clergy kept the scriptures secret and unavailable to the people. We owe much to the many brave martyrs and reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Huss who demanded freedom to worship and common access to the holy books"</span> <div>Recently I caught the three part series on the King James Version of the Bible put out by BYUTV. I recommend everyone take time to watch this. It was done very well and explains wonderful things about the bible. You can find it <a href="http://byutv.org/show/123d4a82-3d47-488e-beda-2496a5a1ff2c">here</a>. In the documentary it points out that there have been many attempts to translate the Bible into new language, as the Old English version is difficult for most to understand. One of the commentators then points out that if it were in standard modern English, we wouldn't have to work at understanding it, and working at understanding the bible is part of what makes its message so powerful. We don't value what we don't work for, and some of the most profound things that I have experienced in the Bible came after reading and re-reading a passage many times. That's all I have for today but I just want to openly declare that the Bible is truly the word of God. It contains not only the writings of the prophets of old but also the only living account of the life of the Savior. In the Bible we can find the answers we are looking for and, like a cupcake, when joined with the frosting of the Book of Mormon can provide a much more complete study of doctrine and principles that we covenanted to live at baptism and in the temple. The Bible is a Diamond that has been displayed against black velvet for thousands of years. </div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-69227654592428840882010-11-23T09:54:00.000-08:002010-11-23T10:24:03.917-08:00Diamond 14<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPHKk4YrCzBPYnyCQlRYZBAuyWtKAvhDBD0dU4i_zV8oOOdxSCEogQIDPUxy1q_H1Q2IrrpiLVBXJeHLzyyIFQfEqwV5yVE7Mwb7-uvceEzjNVH6LtJmxLTXASxnX2DShe6mc7g5A0H6b/s1600/Christmas.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812579135012242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPHKk4YrCzBPYnyCQlRYZBAuyWtKAvhDBD0dU4i_zV8oOOdxSCEogQIDPUxy1q_H1Q2IrrpiLVBXJeHLzyyIFQfEqwV5yVE7Mwb7-uvceEzjNVH6LtJmxLTXASxnX2DShe6mc7g5A0H6b/s320/Christmas.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>This will just be a small post but no less of a Diamond. Camie and I just put up our Christmas Tree and as I was sitting there watching the lights I thought to myself "Why do we have Christmas Trees?" Boy was I surprised to find what Christmas Trees really represent. I had been told once that the evergreen was a symbol of humble worship because all the branches pointed upward. But the story I read on Christianitytoday.com was much better. It states that the Evergreen tree was a symbol of life in the midst of winter and that people cut branches off to honor the emporer. Early Christians didn't like this practice and condemned anyone who decorated their homes with evergreen trees. But then a legend started circulating that when Christ was born, every tree in the world miraculasly shook off any ice and snow and shot out new green shoots. But my personal favorite is the tradition that when Christ came to the world he had lordship over all of nature that had been previously used for pagan worship. Not only individual human beings, but cultures, symbols, and traditons could be converted. So this year when I look at the Christmas tree I will think of 1. that Christ is the true evergreen and offers life and hope. 2. That no matter what has happened in the past the evergreen and myself can be converted to worship the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Whatever the true story is behind the Christmas Tree, for me it is a symbol of Christ and any reminder we have of Christ is a Diamond to me.</div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-8112710922772530102010-10-19T08:21:00.000-07:002010-10-19T08:58:04.689-07:00Diamond 13<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24EXdoW9sCrtBtCqiCyTm2J7vtY-_NhvrZ31URe3Mb-VYynmpW8Fcjc-bf1WpqzXBX1MtrMnybU8z1NNgPlZ0RvWwAN2Mj93bWT2OJCPUqonLhUMOG90nuq2La2iJ7pai4iqjflwmUtk/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 75px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 114px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529786837710416978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24EXdoW9sCrtBtCqiCyTm2J7vtY-_NhvrZ31URe3Mb-VYynmpW8Fcjc-bf1WpqzXBX1MtrMnybU8z1NNgPlZ0RvWwAN2Mj93bWT2OJCPUqonLhUMOG90nuq2La2iJ7pai4iqjflwmUtk/s320/untitled.bmp" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last August my family and I moved into a new home. With a new home comes a new ward, new callings, new friends, etc... With all these new things i have found a new diamond. Last week <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Camie</span> and I gave talks in Sacrament meeting. I felt we did <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, but word got back to us that a woman in the ward had not liked our talks so much, in fact she criticized <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Camies</span> talk and called me self righteous. Well as you can imagine our feelings were hurt and I thought of one hundred things we could do to respond to such criticism. I thought I would go up to this woman and say hi and apologize for not introducing myself earlier and that I didn't want to come off as self righteous. I also thought of printing off some conference talks on gossip, charity, and judging and leaving them on her door step. I also thought maybe some water balloons would do the trick, or a nice pie to the face. But then the diamond came shinning through. I was taken back to my reading of the <u>Miracle of Forgiveness</u> by Spencer W Kimball. There is a story that hit me like a ton of pie filled water balloons: " I was struggling with a community problem in a small ward in the East where two prominent men, leaders of the people, were deadlocked in a long and unrelenting feud. Some misunderstanding between them had driven them far apart with enmity. As the days, weeks and months passed, the breach became wider. The families of each conflicting party began to take up the issue and finally nearly all the people of the ward were involved. Rumors spread and differences were aired and gossip became tongues of fire until the little community was divided by a deep gulf. I was sent to clear up the matter. After a long stake conference, lasting most of two days, I arrived at the frustrated community about 6 p.m., Sunday night, and immediately went into session with the principal combatants. How we struggled! How I pleaded and warned and begged and urged! Nothing seemed to be moving them. Each antagonist was so sure that he was right and justified that it was impossible to budge him. The hours were passing it was now long after midnight, and despair seemed to enshroud the place. The atmosphere was still one of ill temper and ugliness. Stubborn resistance would not give way. Then it happened. I aimlessly opened my Doctrine and Covenants again and there before me it was. I had read it many times in the past years and it had had no special meaning then. But tonight it was the very answer. It was an appeal and an imploring and a threat and seemed to be coming direct from the Lord. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">I read</span> from the seventh verse on, but the quarreling participants yielded not an inch until I came to the ninth verse. Then I saw them flinch, startled, wondering. Could that be right? The Lord was saying to us-to all of us- "wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another." This was an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">obligation</span>. They had heard it before. They had said it in repeating the Lord's Prayer. But how: "... for he that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">forgiveth</span> not his brother his trespasses <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">standeth</span> condemned before the Lord..." In their hearts, then may have been saying: "Well , I might forgive if he repents and asks forgiveness, but he must make the first move.: Then the full impact of the last line seemed to strike them: "For there <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">remaineth</span> in him the greater sin." What? Does that mean I must forgive even if my antagonist remains cold and indifferent and mean? There is no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mistaking</span> it. A common error is the idea that the offender must apologize and humble himself to the dust before forgiveness is required. Certainly, the one ho does the injury should totally make his adjustment, but as for the offended one, hue must forgive the offender regardless of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">the</span> attitude of the other. Sometimes men get satisfactions from seeing the other party on his knees and grovelling in the dust, but that is not the gospel way. Shocked, the two men sat up, listened, pondered a minute, then began to yield. This scripture added to all the others read brought them to their knees. Two a.m. and two bitter adversaries were shaking hands, smiling and forgiving and asking forgiveness. Two men were in a meaningful embrace. This hour was holy. Old grievances were forgiven and forgotten, and enemies became friends again. No reference was ever made again to the differences." After reading that I thought of all the times I had said something stupid and had to ask for forgiveness like when I was sarcastic about a comment my mission president had said just to realize he was right behind me, or the time I gossiped about a man I didn't even know, and had to go ashamed and humbled to ask for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">forgiveness</span>. Both times in my life both men were more then gracious with their forgiveness. So I would be a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hypocrite</span> if I didn't forgive openly. The second I decided that I felt the loving feeling of the spirit bring me the Diamond of Forgiveness.</div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-29068197262850264312010-10-05T19:11:00.001-07:002010-10-05T19:36:02.452-07:00Diamond 12<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDntiuQ1jQX_7DPcje-gPBGzwotSmr3-NNLWJtnV1fOv5LtzPAPsa_ymQA2AzOnDOxJHky80fnlekVvq-jyVOxs2HhezJKZxzcNYrjA5ITSqaq6apYlIl9Y41oCFMm_HGk956BzO0GBg0/s1600/Monson"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 177px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDntiuQ1jQX_7DPcje-gPBGzwotSmr3-NNLWJtnV1fOv5LtzPAPsa_ymQA2AzOnDOxJHky80fnlekVvq-jyVOxs2HhezJKZxzcNYrjA5ITSqaq6apYlIl9Y41oCFMm_HGk956BzO0GBg0/s320/Monson" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524756050878772418" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br />Well more than a year has passed since my last post, but due to popular demand from my brothers and sisters on the Asian continent (see comments from last post) here is another diamond. This diamond comes from listening to conference this past weekend. Several talks were about choices agency and the blessings of obedience. Well as I pondered that theme from conference I found this scripture that really hit me: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> Mosiah 5:8 And under this head ye are made </span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">a</span></span></sup><a title="Rom. 6: 18 (14-22); 1 Cor. 7: 22; Gal. 5: 1; D&C 88: 86." mark="a" type="A" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/5/8a"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">free</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">, and there is </span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">b</span></span></sup><a title="Acts 4: 12; Mosiah 4: 8; Alma 21: 9." mark="b" type="A" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/5/8b"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">no</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other </span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">c</span></span></sup><a title="Gal. 3: 27; Mosiah 1: 11; Mosiah 26: 18." mark="c" type="A" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/5/8c"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">name</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I feel the same spirit as I read this scripture as I did while I listened to several of the speakers this past weekend speak on obedience. I really feel there is an urgency to the message that was given by the prophet during priesthood, and I feel that same urgency now. It is time to really buckle down and deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ. There is no better way to do that then through obedience. That is a diamond that has been passed down from Adam to present day, let us not waste it.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"> </span>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-84991290565448359592009-06-30T05:36:00.000-07:002009-06-30T06:16:32.410-07:00Diamond #11<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDi3mlBwGxjVYhu5mLdZTIoTitdqySgI3L8SSUomWXddWF7j8Tff09Yu4eWim8BCoMbNjzEeil5L-og6errQCD-Wvnl79aZUS1TSwCXhoB5gU49cWxqUpWxZBWqfMVg6ZPQj5zUboLLM/s1600-h/g.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353108839855112082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 87px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDi3mlBwGxjVYhu5mLdZTIoTitdqySgI3L8SSUomWXddWF7j8Tff09Yu4eWim8BCoMbNjzEeil5L-og6errQCD-Wvnl79aZUS1TSwCXhoB5gU49cWxqUpWxZBWqfMVg6ZPQj5zUboLLM/s320/g.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOh2B1EFHhNlF4nURm8fQsUOWduUxr7oNfFuMuARMA8swigwpA2xLKvYRYEgSJiBIqMok7OwFdcXOEXLqeV8o1pHfnR2mDMTtkbXUmAyEc3QE8iL4PARtqEz6RN7YTXTPNKuwqvVoXjw/s1600-h/Gettysburg.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>This past weekend Camie, Lachlynn, and I went down to Gettysburg, PA. It was a very somber place, almost a sacred feeling permeated the battlefields. I was overcome with reverence for the men who would lay down their lives fighting for their country. Now I know that I have already published a post about America, and freedom, however, I felt that it is appropriate to take a moment and honor the men and women who give their lives fighting for this great country. As I we were driving listening to our auto tour, I couldn't help but think of the individual soldiers. The tour talked about how at night, during the three days of battle, the air was filled with the screams of pain, and cries for home. Many of the soldiers were only 18 or 19. I tend to think that maybe the politics behind the war wasn't the reason these boys were fighting. I doubt many of them knew all of the politics behind the war, but what they did know was the founding principles of this great nation. The basic belief and attitude of "what can I do for my country", (NOT what my country can do for me). I honor those men. Those that fought in the bloodiest battle on American soil, and anyone, man or woman, who is willing to fight for their country. My Grampy was one of those men, he fought in WWII. I think if he were here right now he would say that it was a privileged to serve his country. I hope and pray for that attitude to stay with us today and that we ask ourselves What can I do for my Country. If the majority of Americans keep that spirit alive then we will be able to uphold this quote from the Gettysburg Address: " that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. " </div></div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-70440327713615718522009-06-23T06:07:00.000-07:002009-06-23T06:42:19.293-07:00Diamond #10<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7H8Dq7Ean7qs_tV535FnUN7KX-yZ54Xqlltk4w0gba5jaNsvFtXqx9khu0Of2H-gjtUc3tS_qqMB_TZcmnN9Yy7Bp2aUFVHfzmK-kcD0Zkw_O9oPOI25Ke7Te2SkjSjx2dkEDdsM3eE/s1600-h/marriage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350517926131636242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 123px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7H8Dq7Ean7qs_tV535FnUN7KX-yZ54Xqlltk4w0gba5jaNsvFtXqx9khu0Of2H-gjtUc3tS_qqMB_TZcmnN9Yy7Bp2aUFVHfzmK-kcD0Zkw_O9oPOI25Ke7Te2SkjSjx2dkEDdsM3eE/s320/marriage.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>While watching a popular T.V. show last night this diamond hit me harder than any diamond ever has. Camie and I have been following the sad story of John and Kate plus eight. After what has seemed like forever, they finally announced last night that they are separating. It broke my heart to see two people who once were deeply in love now feel like there is no way to work things out. Camie and I have always enjoyed watching the show to see what it is like to raise sextuplets and twins. But last night I decided that I can't watch it anymore. During the entire hour long episode I didn't feel one good or uplifting feeling, in fact I felt quite the opposite. I felt so sad and depressed and I didn't like it. By no means is John and Kate the only couple whose divorce is exploited for ratings or viewers. All I know is I have never seen any article in any magazine that celebrates the marriages that last (at least not very often). Those people who have weathered the storms that life throws and stayed together through it all. So this Diamond is dedicated to Karl and Blanche Welker Logan. Karl and Blanche were married 70 years ago on June 23, 1939 in the Salt Lake Temple. Parents of seven children, they have 28 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. Why is there no reality T.V. show about them? It could be called 70 years and counting, or maybe Karl and Blanche plus 80. Now I found out about Karl and Blanche through the church news published June 20, 2009. Not exactly the 10 million viewers that watched the sad relationship of John and Kate come to an end last night on cable. Now I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about this post. I hope to not be offensive to anyone, including John and Kate. That is not my purpose. My purpose is to celebrate and bring light to true accomplishment where it is due. 70 years is a long long time, and it has always been and still is one of my life goals to make it into the church news "milestones of togetherness" column. So Camie you better buckle down because like it or not we are in this for the long haul. Well in conclusion I just want to say here's to you Karl and Blanche way to be an example to all married couples everywhere of a marriage that lasts. Karl and Blanche's marriage is truly a diamond amongst black velvet.</div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-10508943237230718762009-06-12T05:36:00.000-07:002009-06-12T05:42:48.562-07:00Diamond #9<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM78RZIYVEJ4oohyxZ6__GPtp1s3ltjQZVLfNjNoSQSk0BJKSrh5dMG06OQ6IHZuWaG13Ai-rpS743CDLIrQDPoDt52urfE3C7ZvH0LkuWSiGwBYYEP1B8AclCs3E3yzSlr-uaHc-k5Y/s1600-h/9TKHCAL8VHJHCA6GLCGQCAGDGYKMCAQSQGU0CAZV7BAJCAOPB0PVCA0JZGFBCAI5SQHQCAFJ8YWBCAL1LPIDCAIG4YQGCAWPVEUOCA4MEHR5CAB5GEXDCA9UTX8SCA0MDWL4CA9EID06CA045CP2CALSOZZU.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346420656011142098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM78RZIYVEJ4oohyxZ6__GPtp1s3ltjQZVLfNjNoSQSk0BJKSrh5dMG06OQ6IHZuWaG13Ai-rpS743CDLIrQDPoDt52urfE3C7ZvH0LkuWSiGwBYYEP1B8AclCs3E3yzSlr-uaHc-k5Y/s320/9TKHCAL8VHJHCA6GLCGQCAGDGYKMCAQSQGU0CAZV7BAJCAOPB0PVCA0JZGFBCAI5SQHQCAFJ8YWBCAL1LPIDCAIG4YQGCAWPVEUOCA4MEHR5CAB5GEXDCA9UTX8SCA0MDWL4CA9EID06CA045CP2CALSOZZU.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I know it has been awhile since I posted but things have been kind of busy. This Diamond holds a special place in my heart because of the time I spent there as a missionary. Spain is trully a wonderfull place filled with tradition, culture, and great people. I met some of my closest friends on my mission, and I learned more in those two years about myself, the gospel, and people in genral, than I had in my previous 19 years. I loved being out there and preaching the gospel. Testifing of the importance of Christ and His church. The people of Spain are truly a great people. I miss them. So heres to Spain. I will never forget the 2 years I spent walking your streets, and talking to your people. Spain truly is a Diamond for me. </div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-11159186385122452422009-04-27T18:03:00.000-07:002009-04-27T18:15:36.166-07:00Diamond #8<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUmk5SbA6eQldmeKJwR8k92CvblmzDS31LzqZ1og6GnQ3YlzwO0PqR4WjKIRgAYejE1mz_th4I5iWpODWZjlclCYd0usjTq76ASmQFJbRIUcb6h6NsJE0bo7PvL03Rro2L9TLYROQB9k/s1600-h/images2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329544745492286418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 104px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUmk5SbA6eQldmeKJwR8k92CvblmzDS31LzqZ1og6GnQ3YlzwO0PqR4WjKIRgAYejE1mz_th4I5iWpODWZjlclCYd0usjTq76ASmQFJbRIUcb6h6NsJE0bo7PvL03Rro2L9TLYROQB9k/s320/images2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.historymormon.com/sites/rreed/_files/Image/Bible%2520book%2520of%2520Mormon.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.historymormon.com/mormonhistorydoctrine.php&usg=__xGiFq4Nb9YXxXAIpjDFvqfWMVRo=&h=500&w=401&sz=58&hl=en&start=3&sig2=Nks3_fuxADTsYr_A-ZwN5Q&tbnid=6Yl3Ru51_ZqMIM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=104&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbook%2Bof%2Bmormon%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG&ei=Blj2Sbu1G4iSswPj9qXQAQ"></a><br />Well its been awhile and this diamond will be short, but I really wanted to express how <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gratefull</span> I am for the gifts of the spirit. I teach the 17-18 year old <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sunday</span> school class in my ward, and this past week the lesson was on the gifts of the spirit. There was a few quotes that really struck me as profound and I want to share them:<br />Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve said some “less-conspicuous gifts” include “the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; … the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; … the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20).<br />President George Q. Cannon taught: “If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">suffereth</span> long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">envieth</span> not. So with all the gifts of the Gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, ‘Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.’ He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them” (Millennial Star, 23 Apr. 1894, 260).<br />I just thought those gifts that we really don't think about as being gifts of the spirit really are diamonds</div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-9501153129633779742009-04-11T16:51:00.000-07:002009-04-11T17:31:22.017-07:00Diamond #7One of the greatest blessings we have on the earth today is living prophets. I love the story of Hugh B Brown where he talks about a profile of a prophet. For those of you who haven't read it, I will give the short version. Basically he talks about how he was having a discussion with a prominent judge and the judge asked Bro. Brown to prepare a short on why he believed that God spoke to prophets today. Bro Brown basically gave one of the best responses I have ever heard. He says " why would God not speak to his children? Maybe he has lost the Power?" The Judge said "of course that would be blasphemous!" "Well Ok then maybe God doesn't want to talk to us anymore, maybe we have become so wicked that God doesn't love us any more."Said Bro. Brown. Then the Judge said " No God loves his children, he always has and always will love his children." "Well then"Said Bro Brown "If God Still has the power to talk to us, and he still loves us, then we must not need him, we must have made such great strides in science and technology, that we don't need the voice of God heard on the earth today." The Judge teared up and said "Hugh, never in the history of the world has God's voice been needed more." He went on to say "So what your telling me is that God DOES talk to his children today?" Then Bro. Brown bore his testimony that yes God does speak, and yes he did appear to the prophet Joseph in a grove of trees. The Judge said " I hope your people realize the importance of what you just told me. If what you say is true it is the greatest news since the angels announced the ressurection of Christ." So I add my testimony to the testimony of Hugh B Brown, God does talk to his children through his annointed prophets. We were able to listen to their words this past weekend and I testify that yes they are indeed prophets who give special witness of Christ. If we give heed to their council we can live more fullfilling, productive lives. I know this is true because the spirit is testifing it to me right now. There are few Diamonds greater than knowing that God cares enough about us and our welfare to place his ordained representatives here so that we can know His will for us.<br /><br /><br />P.S. If anyone wants to read the full Hugh B Brown story here is the link. <<a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=836e092480e6c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1">http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=836e092480e6c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1</a>>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-36256292297285313182009-03-27T10:22:00.001-07:002009-03-30T18:51:43.595-07:00Diamond #6<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VGxEZ9EE_ZWGseKMP24tdN4jk2SUuyqQOabQ7KPDpaU3toSQdTLDs3D4nqGoPNG05D8ClZkWln5l_9lJNcqbH8xCRDS7QWvWg47dgL5qcWbdkANdeuHD7hyphenhyphenPbHhEsEvySRscu0d94B41/s320/119_1461.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VGxEZ9EE_ZWGseKMP24tdN4jk2SUuyqQOabQ7KPDpaU3toSQdTLDs3D4nqGoPNG05D8ClZkWln5l_9lJNcqbH8xCRDS7QWvWg47dgL5qcWbdkANdeuHD7hyphenhyphenPbHhEsEvySRscu0d94B41/s320/119_1461.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well it has been awhile since my last post, but my excuse is that I have been with my wife as she brought our new baby into the world. Which leads perfectly into my next diamond: little girls.</div><br /><div>Our daughter Lachlynn was born last Thursday and I must say that God sure packs allot of love in that little 7lb 7oz baby. She is the greatest thing that has ever happened to Camie and I. We love her with all of our hearts. But I think that the thing that makes her a diamond is not just the fact that she is so cute, but the overall dependence she has on Camie and I. It has made us be allot less selfish and really have to forget some of the things that we once enjoyed. Having a baby means sacrifice, we have to sacrifice allot of things. But it is worth it, everytime she cuddles up to me and she fits inside my hand on my chest I think of how I would give anything for this child. No sacrafice is to great, if it is for her best interest. I think it gives us a little glimps of what God must feel towards his children. It has really given me a new perspective on our relationship with God. If I as a mortal, and can only feel as mortals can, am able to feel this much love for my little girl, I can't even imagine God's love, which is perfect. I know our children are sent down here to remind us of God's love. What a diamond.</div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-4273139086293709942009-03-06T16:51:00.001-08:002009-03-06T17:21:24.547-08:00Diamond #5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTobSV6BD_Qb3ouQEh_kdVF8qxmJ8dzZatpLmsBeqXz3hpngOkdvmX7LdcNp4ibRthFkvXKHzQJcj-I-6ztI69kLUTzYZSFLcQ9XiUenubIWx61hugJBPJGf75-PadA3ftrHd2ziOZzME/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310249805428784386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTobSV6BD_Qb3ouQEh_kdVF8qxmJ8dzZatpLmsBeqXz3hpngOkdvmX7LdcNp4ibRthFkvXKHzQJcj-I-6ztI69kLUTzYZSFLcQ9XiUenubIWx61hugJBPJGf75-PadA3ftrHd2ziOZzME/s320/images.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well Diamond # 5 is music. What would this world be without music. Most of my family is really musically inclined, but being the black sheep of the family in regards to musical talent, hated practicing piano more than going to the dentist. But I must say that good music can open a part of our soul that words just can't touch. When I was on my mission one night I woke up in absolute agony. I couldn't feel the spirit, I felt inadiquate as a missionary, and I felt as if I didn't get out of this slump that I was in, I would never be able to teach anyone anything about the joy of the gospel. I laid awake for a long time until I finally couldn't take it anymore. I went into my study room and pulled out a hymn book. I turned to Be Still My Soul and sang all 3 verses. It was almost immediate that I felt the depression completly dissapate. I was filled with a feeling of complete joy and hope. Music truly is a diamond.</div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-55326128294257924722009-03-04T11:25:00.000-08:002009-03-04T14:14:44.136-08:00Diamond #4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcr3oYu7MPPTgTBH7ZjIASvX74yiGTScVZ0Hlpld7G9Bf5L6PD6thw-9JB1ueQZGfiCvI7NTfhYZx7SwZ8BjtWVjY2iDoMAVhSng3fztjU85Or8K_oi6aTpe8eLklFW1MCvCf4ANqadc/s1600-h/AmericanFlag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309459516781223618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcr3oYu7MPPTgTBH7ZjIASvX74yiGTScVZ0Hlpld7G9Bf5L6PD6thw-9JB1ueQZGfiCvI7NTfhYZx7SwZ8BjtWVjY2iDoMAVhSng3fztjU85Or8K_oi6aTpe8eLklFW1MCvCf4ANqadc/s320/AmericanFlag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>AMERICA</strong></div>Although it is not the 4th of July, I just wanted to give my shout out to our great country. She certainly has her problems, but boy I love America. While I was on my mission to Madrid, Spain, I realized that America has so many things that make her great. My Grandpa served in WWII and I never realized what it means to go serve your country. To give up the comforts of home and family, and fight for a cause that is so important. While in Spain I saw the effects of religious persecution. People, when forced to believe a certain way, grow callused to God and his laws. Eventhough there has been freedom of religion for over 30 years in Spain, the residual effects still exist. However, in America, freedom of religion has always been protected. That is what this great country is founded on, freedom to believe any way you want and not be forced to beleive a certain way. I could go on for hours about why I am so gratefull to live in America but I think Rodney Adkins has a new song that really says every thing I want to say:<br /><br /><br />drivin' down the street today i saw a sign for lemonade there were the cutest kids i'd ever seen in this front yard as they handed me my glass smilin' thinkin to myself man what a picture perfect postcard this would make of America it's a high school prom, it's a Springsteen song, it's a ride in a Chevrolet it's a man on the moon, it's fireflies in June, and kids sellin' lemonade it's cities and farms, it's open arms, one nation under God it's america later on when I got home I flipped the TV on I saw a little town that some big twister tore apart and people came from miles around just to help their neighbors out I was thinkin' to myself I'm so glad that I live in America it's a high school prom, it's a Springsteen song, it's a ride in a Chevrolet it's a man on the moon, and fireflies in June, and kids sellin' lemonade it's cities and farms, it's open arms, one nation under God it's america now we don't always get it all right there's no place else I'd rather build my life a dancing kid with a chance it's a rock-n-roll band it's a farmer cuttin' hay it's a big flag flyin' in the summer wind over a fallen heros grave it's a high school prom, it's a Springsteen song, it's a welcome home parade it's a man on the moon, it's fireflies in June, and kids sellin' lemonade it's cities and farms, it's open arms, one nation under God it's america<br /><br />I love how it says "we don't always get it all right but there's no place else I'd rather build my life" That pretty much sums it up. America is truly a diamond.</div>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-12713913132582175152009-02-26T09:04:00.000-08:002009-02-26T09:30:59.972-08:00Diamond #3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:_FMlphToSPGE7M:http://www.hort.cornell.edu/4hplants/Flowers/Images/Daffodil%25205.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 123px; height: 130px;" src="http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:_FMlphToSPGE7M:http://www.hort.cornell.edu/4hplants/Flowers/Images/Daffodil%25205.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well I would have to say that the diamond of the day is spring. What a beautiful time as the world shakes off the cold, and blooms with beautiful colors. I always have loved spring. Maybe its because it means my birthday is right around the corner, maybe its because I can wears shorts and short sleeve shirts again. Maybe it is the fact that winter semester is almost over. Well whatever the reason is, a warm spring day seems to bring more smiles and seems to just be full with possibilities. Of all these reasons I think my favorite reason for spring is the symbolism of the resurrection. God has given us this great physical reminder that the grave is not the end. On the third day after his crucification Jesus Christ Broke the bonds of death and sin by coming forth out of the seplechure. What an event. Try to imagine it if you can, I know we actually saw it happen and rejoiced with all the angels of heaven when it did, but try to remember watching Christ come from the grave in triumphant victory. "O death where is thy sting, O grave, where is thy victory" (1 Cor. 15:55) I think that is why we have spring, so we will never forget that wonderful morning of the resurrection.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:FU8_GjT57RTyuM:http://www.dst-corp.com/james/PaintingsOfJesus/Jesus14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 142px;" src="http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:FU8_GjT57RTyuM:http://www.dst-corp.com/james/PaintingsOfJesus/Jesus14.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-35312862456294777702009-02-24T10:20:00.001-08:002009-02-24T10:26:03.488-08:00Diamond #2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:MavOG0iiE62lvM:http://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/images/a/ac/Celestial_provo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 111px;" src="http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:MavOG0iiE62lvM:http://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/images/a/ac/Celestial_provo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>My second Diamond is Temples. There is no other place on earth where God has specifically designed for his children to be at peace. Every time I go to the temple I am just amazed at how wonderful the spirit is. In the temple we make sacred covenants with God so that we can live better lives. We can be sealed as families so that no matter what happens here on earth, as long as we stay faithful, we can live together as families throughout the eternities. That to me is a great diamond.J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381146952037274391.post-20348233750600208792009-02-23T16:41:00.001-08:002009-02-23T18:17:57.775-08:00The First DiamondWell just in case you still don't understand what this blog is all about, I am attempting to create some happiness in this world that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">desperately</span> needs it. One of my favorite quotes from Preach My Gospel is: "As a diamond displayed on black velvet appears more brilliant, so the Restoration stands in striking contrast to the dark background of the Great Apostasy." In the same thread, I am trying to create some diamonds to contrast against this great black velvet world that we live in. The first diamond I want to share is the diamond of family. My family means the world to me. I love my wife <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Camie</span>, and my little girl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lachlynn</span> more than anything in the world. But I also really am so glad that I live so close to family. My parents and 2 sisters live in Salt Lake and it has been so fun to be able to see them all the time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Camie's</span> family has always been so nice to me ever since I started dating <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Camie</span>, and I love coming to Sunday dinners and being able to catch up with them. I also had a great time recently with my family going to my sisters wedding. It was so fun to see all my siblings that I don't get to see all the time. My family is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">definitely</span> a diamond in my life. They bring great happiness to my life.J.D. Sheppardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11162523969537425981noreply@blogger.com5