Week Fifty

WEEK FIFTY   June 16, 2014

This week I made a missionary donation to the Red Cross blood bank and was treated like royalty. Have often thought what an easy thing this is to do and apparently very useful.

We enjoyed lunch this week with one of our Ward Mission Leaders and his dear wife at Empanada Man. He had served in Argentina as had one of our daughters and son and all three have raved about empanada’s so we tried the beef, spinach & cheese, and saltena empanadas. As well as gnocchi, all of which were delicious.

Heard a message each day this week from the son of the Two family and his observations in reading the Book of Mormon. One of which was about

3rd Nephi chapter 4. “It was talking about before the Nephites went to war they prayed to God for his protection and his mercy upon them for their sins. There was a great slaughter during the war it says it was one of the biggest ever. The Nephites destroyed the leader of the robbers and drove n them out the land. The robbers had chosen a new leader. The new leader was hanged and more of the robbers were killed. Great chapter. It was only by God’s grace and the people repenting for their sins. Awesome Ch.”

Had a meeting with Brother Forty-Two who is leaving for two weeks to preach at the Church of God in Queens, New York on Daniel and Revelation and is very excited about it. The discussion was very positive and uplifting. Again he referenced that he needed to know the truth if he was going to get baptized. That comment almost seemed out of context with his joy for leaving. He did share three more anti-Mormon DVDs he wanted me to watch and explain to him when he returns. While he was away he sent the following: Received from Paul Jung, our Church of God minister—“What name Elohim?” I replied, the Hebrew plural noun Elohim is translated as gods. Sometimes used as a name – title for God the father with the plural sense understood as a payroll of majesty or excellence reflecting all of the qualities and characteristics possessed by God the father. Often it is impossible to know where the term Elohim is referring to God the father or to Jehovah. At other times it is clear that Elohim is intended as a simple plural noun meaning gods. By attaching “El” the Hebrews were reminded of their dependence upon God and his importance in their lives.

Had a very sweet meeting with the Twenty One family tonight in preparation of his ordination Sunday. What a joy it has been to associate with them. We shared a very animated discussion about how to mark scriptures showing them my study version and others as well, my reasoning for what I did, and reminding them they do it doesn’t matter. We also gave them marking pencils, rulers, and color markers which they were grateful to receive. With his earlier struggles with Isaiah, we suggested he start in Mosiah and end with Nephi.

Father’s day was a first for me. I think it was the first time I have ever conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordained a brother an Elder on this glorious day. So Brother Twenty One is now Elder Twenty One. We had renewed there a truth we have learned as Senior Missionaries. We may not be the youngest, the fastest, or even do all the things we once did as young missionaries over half a century ago, but there is still a vital place in the Lord’s work for us old codgers to get out of our easy chairs and venture forth as Nephi, not knowing beforehand the things we are going to do. At the ordination the Bishop noted, “Elder and Sister Haddock have been like lightening from heaven. Just as lighting brings clarity in a dark forest glade, they have brought spiritual clarity to your lives. It’s as if they have become your spiritual parents now.” When Elder Twenty One was asked to share his testimony he said, with great emotion, “We are so grateful for Brother and Sister Haddock. They are the parents we never had and the grandparents our children never had. What a great blessing they have become in our lives. We will never forget them.” Wow, how can you resist the impression to get up, get out, and get going?

We also picked up a copy of Elder Richard G. Scott’s book, Finding Peace, Happiness and Joy and gave it to Brother Fifty-four who has made a complete turn around and is entering the MTC shortly on his way to Ecuador. I told him this book was one of the most profound I had ever read, save on the scriptures and that reading it in preparation for his mission would broaden his understanding of just what the Savior is offering to all who come unto him and just what it means to be a disciple of Christ and in turn help him to receive the peace, happiness and joy a loving Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son have in store for him.

Brother Six left for a week to pick up his daughter in the East and was appreciative that we would be looking in on Sister Six in his absence. We met with Sister Six alone in his absence. She brought us up. We shared a video on father’s doing things with and for their children but really showed our need to trust in the God that he is there even when we don’t see him providing for us. Tried and tried, almost to the obnoxious stage to get her to let us serve her and all we could get was an invitation to call her each day and to have lunch together on Wednesday. How often it seems that those who are so great at serving others have such difficulty in being served themselves.

Received some sweet notes and remembrances on Father’s Day this week and then forget to wear the hand-printed tie my grandkids had given me. We have had a family saying, “Remember Who You Are” that our children heard as they were growing up and in each letter I wrote them on their missions. Kelly send me a card that read, “Remember who you are!” Then in small print below read: “Otherwise they’ll take you to the hospital and check for brain injuries.” Kelly opined that the card makes “your saying more applicable to your age.”

Week Forty-nine

WEEK FORTY-NINE June 9, 2014

As a young missionary I noticed and even warned investigators of the coming onslaught of anti-Mormon literature that would seemingly, from nowhere, begin to fill their mail box. If happened again and again, often with no return address, just someone stuffing it in the mail box and driving off. It caused me deep reflection then as it does now, as to the causal factors behind such an effort. I concluded the very fact of this onslaught was itself a further witness to the truthfulness of the restored gospel as no reasonable person would react so bitterly and ostentatiously regarding beliefs of another than in no way infringe upon your own beliefs.

This week the onslaught has come to Sister H and me. We received five different DVDs of that ilk, several tracts and articles each containing the same hackneyed braying I saw as a young missionary. Also a number of calls from missionaries in our mission regarding appropriate responses to the same, requests to sit in with them to respond which we have done, but which is seeming less and less prudent to me. At best we offer some truths to reinforce the testimonies of our young missionaries caught unawares and having neither the insight nor understanding necessary to counteract such rude blasts.

We met with Brother Fifty in an exchange with a young missionary excited about the prospect of laying out the truth in an earnest and straightforward way causing me to reflect on our last visit with this individual and thinking he will have no chance to do so. This brother, who I believe has no interest whatsoever in discovering truth, would deny he is married and the father of four if it would lead credence to his argument. He comes from no established base, there is nothing to talk to him about, and draws conclusions from meaningless words purposely to obfuscate truth. He, as is his wont, had a number of slightly irritating questions, a screwed up scenario of worlds and kingdoms both now and in the hereafter, all based on his belief that Adam was the first Adam and Christ is the last Adam (or course, the scripture doesn’t exactly say that, which he didn’t want to hear; 1 Corinthians 15:45 “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit”]. We worked through it from the scriptures parrying each concern and establishing a pattern of truth, none of which made a dent in his mind. Not a good experience for the missionary who didn’t know the scriptures well enough to keep up, said he didn’t understand what was even being said, felt unease and wondered about his competency. It ended with the young missionary asking for an email for the brother to express his concerns. I warned the missionary as we drove away that what he had asked for won’t be forthcoming, rather the brother would be sending him a diatribe condemning his testimony and beliefs. A few days later the missionary called to tell me he hated to admit that I was right. Concerns weren’t expressed rather an attack given. When asked what they can do I suggested he be asked to give you five minutes to present in simple terms your belief, not scriptures or quotes, just what you feel in your heart. And go with a young priest so there is no one there for him to contend with. His response to you will indicate whether you are to proceed with him and leave him to himself.

Gratefully we spent most of the next day in the Newport Beach Temple fulfilling assignments in the baptistery for walk ins that the Lake Forest Ward was unable to fill during the day time hours. We both experienced a wonderful peace and sense of well-being in sharp contrast to the night before and felt blessed to be given such a wonderful service opportunity. Sister H had to fill in for one sister who was baptized for 15 of her names but wanted the confirmation’s done while she was changing. Fortunately I was in charge of performing the confirmation and was able to do that for each name, after which I kissed her. Maybe a first for one performing confirmation ordinances in the temple.

Met with the Four family who shared a poignant message with us about how much he appreciated meeting with us each week and discussing the gospel, that since he is no longer preaching he had really missed such activity and wanted us to know just home much he has appreciated us going through his book “A Preachers Read Confession” with him. This week we discussed the chapter entitled “To God be the Glory.” As before I share additional light and knowledge received through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

We finished two meetings with Brother Forty-Two this week. He is leaving Monday, June 9 for a ten day preaching tour with the Church of God in Queens, New York exclusively on Daniel and Revelation. We finally completed 2 Nephi 2 which is such a clear and concise explanation of the plan of salvation that he just kept saying “wow” as principle and truth after truth was given. He told us he needed to know it all we were telling him was true. “I don’t want information. I need to know if it is true. If it is I have to change my whole life.” He then shared a number of concerns he had come across in an internet review which we answered. As we were leaving he asked me to review a couple of DVDs from with Brother Forty-Two, The Bible vs. The Book of Mormon, 2005, by Living Hope Ministries, in Brigham City, Utah. The other one by Pastor Fran Sankey, entitled the Mormon Jesus: B. Jesus According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons): Jesus is the first spirit child begotten in heaven by Elohim (God) and one of Elohim’s wives. However, he is not the only begotten son since Jesus’ brother, Lucifer (who became Satan), was also begotten by Elohim, in addition to billions of other spirit children. When it was time for Jesus to come to the world to redeem mankind, Elohim came to earth, married the Virgin Mary and had sexual relations with her to produce the baby Jesus. Jesus grew up, married Mary, Martha and Mary Magdalene, and paid for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane before being crucified. [Fran Sankey]

For which I wrote up the following on our return visit later in the week: Poppycock!!! Fran Sankey’s characterization is not only untrue but an apparent purposeful distortion of LDS theology. To do it so blatantly, suggests her own credentials be examined. Following is a more accurate description of the Mormon belief of Christ, and in the words of God Himself:

Of Jesus Christ, God the Father hath said, “mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me” (Moses 1:6). “Worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten” (Moses 1:33). “He offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered” (2 Nephi 2:7). “No flesh can dwell in [my presence], save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise” (2 Nephi 2:8). “He shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved” (2 Nephi 2:9).

LDS theology teaches that the phrase “Only Begotten Son” refers only to Jesus Christ (John 1:18; 3:16; Jacob 4:5, 11; Alma 12:33-34; D&C 20:21; 29:42; 49:5; 76:13, 25) and is both a description of his lineage as well as a name-title. All individuals who ever live on this earth are spirit children of our Heavenly Father (Numbers 27:16; Hebrews 12:9), but Jesus alone is the Only Begotten of the Father (Moses 5:9), meaning the Only Begotten in the flesh, because God is his Father (Luke 1:31-32) on earth as He is in heaven. How this was brought to pass has yet to be revealed. But as God affirmed, in His own voice, on the day of the Savior’s baptism, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

On our second visit we reviewed the above, answered a number of questions he had and learned some details about his upcoming 10-day preaching tour. This time he said, “If I am going to be baptized I need to make sure this is true” and proceeded to give us three other DVDs, Mormonism, by Charlie H. Campbell, from the Apologetics Ministry; Mormonism uncovered from the Tower to Truth Ministries, another Pastor Fran Sankey and Mormon Temples and Book of Mormon, two others from the same source. He asked that I be ready to review them upon his return in two weeks. Havling seen the book of Mormon one previously which claims archeology supports the Bible but not the Book of Mormon, I told him with respect to biblical archeology there remains widespread dispute, among competing experts, as to the existence of the following, to name just a few:

The Flood

The Tower of Babel

Did the great patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ever exist

Joseph in Egypt

The Exodus

The conquest of Canaan

Kingdom of David

Kingdom of Solomon

The Temple of Solomon

Further, the purported argument from silence put forth to discredit the Book of Mormon is equally as damning to the Bible yet, if fails for another larger reason—the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, a truth that seems to have been conspicuously missed in all efforts to undermine the Book of Mormon through the absence of archeology. If archeology alone is the sole arbiter establishing truth or error, both books fail the test. Perhaps that is an indictment of archeology rather than the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Brother Forty-Two did accept an invitation to learn when the Book of Mormon is true by giving it diligent study and pondering and then asking God in the name of Jesus Christ if it is true. We told him that there is no better witness than God himself as to whether the book if inspired and contains the word of God and to rely solely on man’s collective wisdom is a serious mistake if he wants to knows truths of God—there I simple no better source than God himself, which he agreed was true.

As out Bible Study this week we discussed doing hard things from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I made a presentation of overcoming fear using Alma 58:9-13 and enjoyed one of those rare experiences where it feels as if the spirit is doing the teaching and you are a listener along with everyone else. Have not had that experience nearly as often as I did as a young missionary. Brother Forty-five, our Catholic investigator turned to me and said, “Brother Haddock, your words were very inspiring.”

We also met with Brother Forty-One this week. He has not been to church in over 25 years and told us the longer you are away the harder it is to get back. We discussed the needs of his family and presented the idea that perhaps needed blessings would come their way if he gave back to the Lord as he had promised. He said he would consider it. Sister H asked about a blessing suggesting his oldest son who is active. He thought should he do it he would ask for one from his home teacher. Later in the week I alerted the home teacher to our discussion for which he was grateful for that night he was going to be visiting with him.

Our meeting with the Twenty-One family was cancelled due to family illness. For the same reason they did not attend Sunday either. But he did have his final interview with the Stake President and on Sunday, June 15 he has asked me to confer upon him the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordain him to the office of an elder. With the evening free we accepted the invitation to attend a baseball game with the 13-year old son of the Two family. They won the playoff game into the season ending tournament, then blew out one team, beat in thrilling fashion another along the way and were playing in the championship game. They lost 23-1. The starting pitcher walked the first 6 batters, then hit after hit and by the end of the top of the first they were down 8 runs. Emotionally they were shot, couldn’t make a single play in the field nor get a hit. In a five inning game our boy only got to bat twice. The first time he walked, stole second and third and scored their only run on a groundout. The second at bat he hit a scorching line drive that went right into the glove of the pitcher without him even knowing it.

Sister H had called Sister Six about some sensitive matters and a question I was going to ask her husband. She gave us some insight but in praying about it I felt it was not het the time. So when she called a few days later and I told her that she was thrilled. Not for the information but because she had the same feeling and was worried it had come because of her fear. So she was extremely grateful to learn another had the same impression.

Sunday morning I took Brother Six to Stake Priesthood meeting and we had a good talk about his visit this week to pick up his daughter in the East and bring her back to live with them as she battles cancer. They will be able to have dinner together on Father’s Day which he sees as a real treat. Later in the day we discussed Elder Packer’s April conference address on how he received his witness the gospel was true and compared it with me always knowing the same. We shared ideas relative to such answers and confirmation come in a myriad of ways and the danger of determining one way in advance as opposed to a willingness to receive whatever the Lord gives, in whatever way He gives it.

In answer to a question one of the missionaries asked me, I sent by email a couple of paragraphs from Elder Bednar’s April conference address that answers his question beautifully:

The Savior Succors His People

Alma explains why and how the Savior can enable us: “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:11–12).

Thus, the Savior has suffered not just for our sins and iniquities—but also for our physical pains and anguish, our weaknesses and shortcomings, our fears and frustrations, our disappointments and discouragement, our regrets and remorse, our despair and desperation, the injustices and inequities we experience, and the emotional distresses that beset us.

There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I ever confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first. In a moment of weakness we may cry out, “No one knows what it is like. No one understands.” But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He has felt and borne our individual burdens. And because of His infinite and eternal sacrifice (see Alma 34:14), He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy. He can reach out, touch, succor, heal, and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do relying only upon our own power. Indeed, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Elder David A. Bednar, “Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease,” Ensign, May 2014, 89-90; CR, Apr 2014.)

Week Forty-eight

WEEK FORTY-EIGHT June 2, 2014

Have given a lot of thought to “distractions” the past couple of weeks as I have compared our current missionary experiences with those I had in the mission field 53 years ago. As we concluded a meeting back then, say on a Tuesday evening, we would ask something like, “Would Thursday or Friday work best for our next meeting?” The family would then pick one of those two dates. We in turn would find some excuse to drop by each of the intervening days to drop something off for them spending just a few minutes mostly on the doorstep. But today, people of all walks of life are so distracted by all that is going on the ability to set aside to do something, even something one wants is tragically limited. The crush and demand of conflicting events is real. I noticed at church the other day two sisters trying to schedule a play date with their children. The scene would be laughable if it wasn’t so sad, day and time after time was reviewed on their respective smart phones but they were unable to find a time that could match. In missionary work the ability to meet frequently, to build on the initial blush of inspiration is compromised by distractions that are very real. As a result of the distractions, many of which are good, the things that are eternal are being held hostage. I have been unable to come up with a solution to the dizzying disarray of distractions. Clearly the adversary has come up with a plan that appears nearly foolproof. Not sure how anyone can find the time to discover eternal truths let along make and keep covenants essential thereto.

Shared with one of our bishops some materials I had used with those seeking to know whether the Lord had forgiven them and to some to prepare members of record for baptism. Also sent him copies of the temple preparation articles (11 in all) that we handed out to our 12 participants. His response: Like manna from heaven! Please continue to shower these blessings and insights on me.”

Enjoyed a number of conversations this week with Brother Two relative to the Book of Mormon. Coming from another faith is which the Bible was preeminent he has had some difficulty in getting into the Book of Mormon almost as if he would be offending God to read the book. But it looks like we have turned the corner there as he has shared his insights throughout this week in his reading. He is also watching each morning one of the April General Conference addresses. Following one he texted me: ‘I’ve been watching Elder Zwicks talk every morning before work. I could almost give it if I had too, but that’s good because I need to engrain the words he spoke and let it pierce my heart. I decided I would start my morning every morning before work watching a general conference talk. I’m excited to see them all.” Later in the week he shared some thoughts about Elder Nelson’s talk to which I replied “There were several things in that talk that appealed to me. One was keeping divine commandments brings blessings every time and breaking divine commandments brings a loss of blessings every time. Also as you practice your religion you're exercising your faith. He also spoke about what we were talking about the other day. If one tries to segment his life into separate compartments you never can rise to the full stature of your personal integrity. The closing thought too: I pray that you'll be securely tied back to God that is eternal truths will be etched on your heart forever. I just love that thought.” He replied, “You’ve sure got a good memory.” To which I had to confess I that my memory was okay but I also had the Ensign.

At our cottage meeting with Four Family, we discussed his chapter on “Getting to Know the Enemy.” I shared a quote from Elder Dallin Oaks about the “vain things of the world,” which he said “includes every combination of that worldly quartet of property, pride, prominence and power.” (CR, Apr 2001) He loved the quote. We talked about three powerful enemies we all had to deal with: the devil, the worldly system we live in, and conquering our own flesh in which I introduced him to the concept of the “natural man.” I also shared an old Pogo cartoon (he had never heard of Pogo) which said “We have met the enemy and he is us!” He laughed at that. Our meeting seemed productive. He requested me to take the lead this time, “You come every time with my chapter all marked up and written on and I wonder if we ever get through the things you have prepared.” Jan thinks they are taking notes for a rewrite of his book. She may be right as they also take a copy of the notes I bring on each chapter. I also shared with him the following two quotes—“Mortal man is a dual being, a spirit child of God tabernacled in a physical body.  Endowed with agency, he is placed here in mortality between opposing forces. The influence of God on the one hand inspires, pleads, and urges him to follow the way of life. On the other hand is the power of Satan tempting him to disbelieve and disregard God’s commandments. The consequences of his choices are of the all-or-nothing sort.  There is no way for him to escape the influence of these opposing powers.  Inevitably he is led by one or the other. His God-given free agency gives him the power and option to choose. But choose he must.” (Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, October 1962, 94.)  C. S.: “There are two kinds of people: Those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then have it your way.’” (Great Divorce, 75.)

Also a quote from President Harold B. Lee applicable to spiritual welfare including the following: “The adversary has charted our weaknesses. Using words that are common to modern warfare, we might say that there are in the world today [spies] who are seeking to infiltrate the defenses of every one of us, and when we lower those defenses, we open avenues to an invasion of our souls. There are carefully charted on the maps of the opposition the weak spots in every one of us. They are known to the forces of evil, and just the moment we lower the defense of any one of those ports, that becomes the D day of our invasion, and our souls are in danger. (49-04, 711, 737)” When I read this one to him, even though it was written many years before his book Brother Chesley couldn’t help exclaim, “Hey, he has plagiarized me.”

Met with Brother Forth-two who had so many questions we didn’t get to 2 Nephi 2 as we had planned to discuss. Since the past couple of discussions have centered around the church that Christ established being far different, doctrinally and administratively, from the post Nicene church in the 4th century AD, we had picked up a copy of Elder Tad Callister’s “The Inevitable Apostasy,” and zeroed in on Chapter 14, “Sixth Evidence: Many Teachings were perverted.” He seemed surprised when we told him the book was for him to keep so feel to write notes and comments which we can discuss together later.

Received from a sweet note from the Burningham’s on their senior couple mission in Guatemala. Made me want to be there too.

Met with Brother Forty-one this week. He seemed very pleased to see us again. It has been about 8 weeks so he had concluded we had gone home already. We had a good discussion about getting him back to church again. He said, “You know the longer you are away (it has been 26 years for him) the harder it is to go back. I still believe everything but going back is hard. It will be embarrassing.” We shared ideas that might assist him in making the transition and at least got him thinking. Sister H suggested he get a blessing from his son and he said, “That’s an idea. But if I get a blessing it will get it from Rich, my home teacher.” We encouraged him to ask for one suggesting that coming back may be just the ticket for the Lord to bless his family with the unity he has been longing for.

Had our second meeting of the week with Brother Forty-two. Never did have time to get into Elder Callister’s book although he had it there, but we did get through 18 verses of 2 Nephi 2 with him nodding assent with every verse. He said, “I have to find out if this is true because if it is I have to follow this the rest of my life.” We also learned that after working as a minister in Indonesia for the past 29 years, he is spending his time just studying now with his wife doing the work. “She is a counselor and healer for which she gets paid. We have a handful of people that come to our apartment every Sunday at 11 a.m. that she ministers too.”

Taught the gospel essentials class in the Lake Forest Ward on families; then to the Aliso Creek Ward for our final Temple Preparation class and on to our discussion with the Six Family for our discussion with them. From the time we left home, attended Ward Council, the Lake Forest block, Missionary Correlation Meeting, the meetings at the Aliso Creek building and the discussion, rolled into home 11 hours later. Which has been pretty normal for Sunday’s, which are long, long days for us covering two wards.

We had a good discussion using several scriptures from the Doctrine & Covenants to teach the importance and purpose of temples with the Six family. Brother Six kept saying things like “our beliefs,” “attending our church,” and “we believe.” He and I are going to go to Stake Priesthood together early Sunday morning next where I plan on asking him what we told him we would ask, “What do we have to do for you to receive these blessings?” Earlier the Lord had told us to just present the temple and then to ask this question at the end.

 

Week Forty-Seven

WEEK FORTY-SEVEN May 26, 2014

I’m not sure about this role playing technique they have for the missionaries to practice as missionaries. This week we witnessed the third missionary who literally shut down in such a practice, lips quivering and head bowed and unable to speak at all. It was so pronounced even a hug and condolences from Sister H afterwards had no effect.

In preparation for our meeting with Brother Forty-Two our minister, I put together a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard, “The Atonement and the Value of One Soul” to speak to his question about what happened in both Gethsemane and Calvary and some other materials. We didn’t get into 2 Nephi 2 like we had planned as he had a number of questions about the Holy Ghost from the New Testament, such as Cornelius (How could he receive the Holy Ghost when you say he had to be baptized first) and Simon’s encounter with Peter, etc. Also if the Holy Ghost is a personage how does he do what he does? All the questions were asked sincerely rather than argumentatively. We reviewed D&C 130:22-23 and I felt inspired to draw out a chart. The first figure was eternity, then a stick figure to represent organized spirit, then the stick figure enclosed in a body of flesh and bones, then the separation of the stick figure and flesh and bones at death, then the reuniting of same in a glorified, perfected body. From that little time line he was able to conclude where Satan and the 1/3 of heaven left the progression and that the Holy Ghost was like an organized spirit now but some day would receive a body and be glorified. We then put together a little list of the various manifestations of the Holy Ghost; 1) Personage, 2) Witness prior to receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost like Cornelius received, 3) The Gift of the Holy Ghost, 4) Continuing companionship of the Holy Ghost through that gift.

We then drew out a chart showing the doctrines taught by the Church Christ established and the doctrines taught by Christianity following 326 AD, showing the differences as he had asked about the young woman’s questions of last week. I showed him that there is a divide between the doctrines as taught by Christ and those espoused by Christianity 300 years later and that is the same divide today. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fits nicely with the Church established by Christ, not so well with the changed doctrines of the 4th century AD.

His questions then turned to Joseph Smith, “So when he had the vision he knew something about Heavenly Father and Jesus he did not know before. They had resurrected bodies of flesh and bones, they were two separate beings, and he was to join no other church.” So we read together Joseph Smith’s account of the first vision and then his account of his visits with Moroni. As Jan noted he gave rapt attention to all this, had many quality comments and didn’t dispute anything after we had reviewed D&C 84:19-22 with which he was already familiar and 67:11-12 explaining why in some cases scriptures say man cannot see God and in other instances he can see God.

Received the following text message from one of the zone leaders which read—Elder and Sister Haddock! Sorry for texting so late. How was your day? I just had a question from my study that I really want to know, but I couldn’t answer it because I have never experienced. If you both can help me out, that would help me to build up a strong foundation in my life. The question is “How does the savior understand our spiritual suffering?” Simply, the atonement covers our spiritual and physical sufferings. I think I got the physical part but I don’t get the spiritual part. Often times, we just tell people who are going through worries, agonies, spiritual sufferings that the savior knows how it feels but I really want to know how he does. I read over Alma 7:11, but that wasn’t enough for me to understand. For some people, it’s possible to suffer without making sins, then where does the atonement come in? Because they don’t have to claim for mercy on the things, they did it right. Sorry that was a long text...

I replied—It is good to hear from you again. Our prayers for your welfare have been constant. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your life in this great cause.

Your concerns remind me of a statement once made by Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “We can no more comprehend the atonement than we can understand the creation or the fall” (New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 109). There is so much we don’t yet know or understand about the Atonement, specifically how our Savior could descend below all things and in the process pick up the ability to carry our burdens or answer for our sins and thus fulfill the requirements of justice. Nor am I going to use the term “sufferings” to describe what you are asking, rather  I’m going to choose “afflictions,” as I am loath to equate in any manner our afflictions with Christ’s sufferings.

We all suffer personal trials in mortality, like Paul we all have a “thorn in the flesh” with which we have to deal. It may be physical, or emotional, or spiritual or a combination of all three. Nevertheless they are real and are part and parcel of our mortal journey. They are a heavy burden to bear, for some more than others and the circumstances of others causes our hearts to break. Perhaps afflictions are ever present to draw us to Christ, to learn how to depend upon Him, that we might fully partake of the Atonement and become rescued by Him.

It appears Paul on occasion thought he would be better able to serve God should his affliction be taken away. At other times his ponderings led him to conclude his “thorn in the flesh” enabled or perhaps even forced him to rely upon the Lord and in relying he became strengthened or perfected in Christ as he concludes, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

In all our “afflictions,” no matter the cause, whether it be ourselves, others, or God allowing them to school us, the divine promise central to our understanding of the atonement is this: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30). In my humble opinion we don’t give enough thought to this profound statement. Perhaps it is beyond our current capacity to fully understand.

Our Savior will do the same for us as he did for Paul, for Joseph Smith and others. If we will allow it, the reality of the Atonement literally and completely lifts and carries our afflictions and strengthens us in the process (see Ether 12:26-27) because His grace is sufficient.

How can Christ strengthen, lift and carry our afflictions? Simply stated, because He suffered all that we have to endure and much, much more. It was in descending below all things (D&C 122:8) that his suffering enables him to carry our afflictions. This painful descent is what Elder Neal A. Maxwell referred to as the “awful arithmetic of the Atonement” (“Willing to Submit,” Ensign, May 1985, 73).

When Nephi was given the great vision of the Tree of Life he was asked if he knew what was the “condescension of God.” He answered simply, as would we, “I do not know the meaning of all things” although he did know “that he loveth his children” (1 Nephi 11:16-17). The answer Nephi was given was that the Son of God would come to earth and live after the “manner of the flesh,” and “ministering unto the people, in power and great glory” He would be “taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world” and be “lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world” (1 Nephi 11:18-33).

Somehow the Savior was able to suspend or limit in some way His divine powers in order to live after the “manner of the flesh” and to die, as no one could take His life from Him. In this way He clearly descended below all things.

We cannot, even in the depths of disease, tell him anything at all about suffering. In ways we cannot comprehend, our sicknesses and infirmities were borne by him even before they were borne by us. (See Alma 7:11-12; Matthew 8:17.) The very weight of our combined sins caused him to descend below all. (See D&C 122:8.) We have never been, nor will we be, in personal depths such as he has known. Thus, his atonement demonstrated and perfected his empathy and his capacity to succor us, for which we can be everlastingly grateful as he tutors us in our trials. There was no ram in the thicket at Calvary to spare Jesus, this Friend of Abraham and Isaac. (Neal A. Maxwell, “Our Acceptance of Christ,” Ensign, June 1984, 69.)

It seems that it was necessary for the Savior to transcend mortality in order that He could descend below all things in other ways as well. We understand the purpose in this, that he might comprehend all things through His experience─

He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth. (D&C 88:6)

Clearly when the Savior wrought the infinite and intimate Atonement He, again in some way yet to be revealed, took upon Himself the griefs, pains, afflictions, temptations, sicknesses, death and transgressions of all mankind “that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:11-12).

In order for Christ to descend below all things, it was necessary for the divine elements of life and glory within Him to be repressed in their action upon Him so that He could feel the toils, pains, afflictions, and temptations of mortality, and also suffer death in the flesh. In this way, He suffered the full afflictions of mortality. By extending His virtue and power to heal the sick, give sight to the blind, and restore the lame, He also took upon Himself, in a literal sense, the afflictions of men. Mortal afflictions are not eradicated without the manifestation of a counter force of life to restore the individual to health. Jesus gave of His divine life and power in order to heal the sick and the afflicted, and in this way He took upon Himself their infirmities. Then, to make the atonement, He consented to the withdrawal of the powers of eternal life which He received of His Father to the extent that He could experience the full effects of spiritual death for the sins of all men, and to the extent that His spirit could finally pass through the portals of death into the spirit world. Consequently, there is no sorrow nor suffering known to man that Jesus has not personally endured—no pain, no agony of soul, no turmoil in death. All this He experienced so that He could know "according to the flesh, how to succor his people." In this way He became fully qualified to assist the sons of earth to achieve mastery of the flesh and the world and to rise from wherever they might be in the depths of sin and despair and come unto righteousness. Man's recognition of and heartfelt acceptance and reliance upon this fact are integral parts of his faith in Jesus Christ. (Hyrum L. Andrus, God, Man, and the Universe [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], 409-410.)

Thus we find, as you read in Alma 7:11-12, a description of his suffering for afflictions other than our sins. We are told the word succor comes from the Latin succurrere, which means literally “to run to help,” evoking a quick, responsive action to our benefit. In the awful arithmetic of the Atonement, the infiniteness of it all, and the intimateness of it all, our Savior somehow was enabled to suffer for our personal pains and afflictions, and filled with compassion and perfect love, coupled with mercy was literally “touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15). The image is of our Savior running to us to lift and carry our afflictions that we not become overwhelmed by them. This comes about only as we are “relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” (2 Nephi 3:19). The clear scriptural message is we must willingly accept the gift of the Atonement if our burdens are to be carried by Christ (see D&C 88:3).

What disables or disconnects us from the atonement and the blessed relief it offers, is our hesitancy, our holding back in submitting fully to the Lord and whatever His purposes for us may be. When we willingly submit by letting go of our afflictions, and instead allow ourselves to be filled with the joy of Christ (see Alma 31:38), He willingly takes up the burden in our behalf. It is our unwillingness to let go that stifles the process. It is our spiritual submissiveness that enables Christ’s suffering for our afflictions to work, (see Alma 7:23; 13:28).

The extension of mercy is a gift from God and is needed both for our reclamation from sin and our reclamation from our fallen natural state. Consider Mosiah 3:19 that clearly states these two objectives, i.e., first “yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit” to become cleansed through the blood of Christ, and secondly, “putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ.” Mercy is the prime prerequisite in both instances and in the second case comes not as a result of our doing anything wrong. There are at least two parts to the Atonement: 1) Redemption whereby we are cleansed and made pure through the blood of Christ; and 2) Perfection whereby we are enabled, changed into a man or daughter of Christ, so that when we return home, we will be at home. The first, redemption, deals with seeking the mercy of Christ to answer for our mistakes, the second deals not with our transgressions but rather our willingness to allow Christ and His mercy to change us. A complete recognition that we simply cannot do it on our own.

This is why Moroni’s testimony (Moroni 10:32-33) is so powerful. He recognizes that we cannot be made perfect except in Christ, through His grace, and in meeting these conditions:

1.       Come unto Christ

2.       Allow Him to perfect us

3.       Deny ourselves of all ungodliness

4.       Love God with all our might, mind and strength

When these steps are followed, because the grace of Christ is sufficient through the shedding of His blood through the atoning sacrifice, His grace will perfect and sanctify us for we are then holy, without spot.

While most of our suffering is self inflicted, some is caused by or permitted by God. This sobering reality calls for deep submissiveness, especially when God does not remove the cup from us. In such circumstances, when reminded about the premortal shouting for joy as this life's plan was unfolded (see Job 38:7), we can perhaps be pardoned if, in some moments, we wonder what all the shouting was about.

For the faithful, what finally emerges is an understanding of "things as they really are" (Jacob 4:13), such as the reassuring realization that we are in the Lord's hands! But, brothers and sisters, we were never really anywhere else! (Neal A. Maxwell, “Willing to Submit,” CR, April 1985, 89-93.)

It is only when all is done that we will see all the good that Christ has bestowed upon us “according to his goodness, and according to his loving kindness, forever and ever.” Then we will see that “in all our afflictions, he was afflicted. And the angel of his presence saved [us]; and in his love, and in his pity, he redeemed [us], and bore [us] and carried [us] all the days of old” (D&C 133:51-52). All the best, Elder Haddock

We had 18 at our Aliso Creek Bible Study tonight. Brother Robinson really got out the word. Brother Four, another of our nonmember ministers, at my invitation, led the discussion on words how they can build, heal and inspire or tear down and rob us of hope. Spoke with many afterwards who were impressed with his comments and direction. Brother Robinson wrapped it up nicely from D&C 1 about the Lord’s words through the prophet Joseph Smith to bless all his children.

Received from young son of the Two Family “Helaman ch 5 was great. It was talking about Nephi and Lehi preaching to the Lamanites with power and authority from God and many people were baptized unto repentance. Nephi and Lehi got thrown into prison and were starved for many days and they were about to get killed but behold a circle of fire surrounded Nephi and Lehi and a cloud of darkness was upon the Lamanites. And there was a voice saying repent, repent. The people didn’t understand what this meant. One of the people was born a Nephite, I think his name was Aminadab and he told people what to do. They did as he said and the cloud of darkness was not upon them. The people looked upon Nephi and Lehi and their faces shone like an angel's and behold an Angel of the Lord appeared unto the people. This was enough proof for the people and they did talk about this marvelous thing to the other people and the Lamanites did give back the land that they had taken from the Nephites. What a great chapter.” Pretty good analysis for a 13 year old. 

In our second meeting this week with Brother Forty-Two, I had gone there with wonderful feelings to review the talk given in 2012 at Harvard, by Elder Holland entitled, Mormonism 101, which we did do but not to the effect I had envisioned. Rather the discussion revolved about two concerns, 1) How Jesus could be the only begotten son without God being both an adulterer and committing incest. Because of those possibilities, which he abhors, and seeing not alternative to conception other than through “intercourse” he believes the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one entity. Also confusion over the titles of God in the Old Testament, leading to the same conclusion. If Jehovah is Jesus Christ then statements to Moses for the children of Israel to worship only one God, means to worship the trinity. 2) Mormon theology leads him logically to conclude that our God has a God and father, so, said Paul, I want to worship “the” God not someone in between.

I tried to express my thought that we don’t know how the conception of Mary took place and I was unwilling to assume it happened through intercourse until God spoke to the subject himself. I said that repeatedly which he interpreted as me being upset with him. As to question number 2 I directed him to Moses 1 wherein Moses’ query as other worlds was rejected by the Lord as He was only going to tell him about this world. I concluded that God has offered me all the joy and happiness that he possesses if I will worship him and follow his commandments. That was good enough for me. As to other God’s I was content to again form an opinion only following further enlightenment. He felt Mormonism espouses polytheism which I rejected, as for us all, the Savior, the Holy Ghost and ourselves should we become as Him would still be subservient to him for it is only through him that we become as he is. Sent him the following to consider but have yet to hear from him:

"Teachers should not speculate on the manner of Christ's birth. We are very much concerned that some of our Church teachers seem to be obsessed of the idea of teaching doctrine which cannot be substantiated and making comments beyond what the Lord has actually said.

"You asked about ... the birth of the Savior. Never have I talked about sexual intercourse between Deity and the mother of the Savior. If teachers were wise in speaking of this matter about which the Lord has said but very little, they would rest their discussion on this subject with merely the words which are recorded on this subject in Luke 1:34-35: 'Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.'

"Remember that the being who was brought about by [Mary's] conception was a divine personage. We need not question His method to accomplish His purposes. Perhaps we would do well to remember the words of Isaiah 55:8-9: 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.' Let the Lord rest His case with this declaration and wait until He sees fit to tell us more." (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996), 13–14) All the best, Elder H

Had another meeting with the Twenty-One family to bring them up to speed on what they missed from Sunday’s class. Jan did Itsy Bitsy spider with the two girls over and over again as they laughed and rolled on the floor crying, “Again! Again!” As we were leaving Brother Twenty-One asked if on one of our upcoming visits we could teach him how to read and study the Book of Mormon, which I assured him we could do. We again left serenaded by “I love you’s” as we walked out the door.

Jan received a call late yesterday morning from Sister Two relative to some unkind words spoken in the heat of battle. Apparently such fractious occasions have been frequent she had believed they would subside with membership in the Church. We set an appointment and arrived early the next morning after speaking for some time to Brother Two the night before. It was apparent this morning that there is a communication problem and lack of a father role model for this young husband. We shared some things Sister H and I have done to help us in this regard and gave him a blessing.

In my pondering Sunday morning had some thoughts about presenting harmonizing the scriptures as opposed to holding to a belief and then trying to find scriptures to support that belief. Seems to me all verses should be read as true and then come up with an analysis or doctrine that fits each case. For example, in Exodus 33:1 we read that God spoke with Moses “face to face” and a few verses later in verse 20 we read “thou canst not see my fce: for there shall no man see me, and live.” Instead of adopting one or the other, harmonizing would be seeking an explanation that fits both. Same with grace and works. We are saved by grace, that’s true not works. From the perspective of what saves us, that is it. Yet from the perspective of do we have to do anything we have the Lord’s declaration in Matthew 7:21, not everyone that says Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doeth the works of the Father in Heaven. We are still saved by the grace of Christ.

There was a partial quote from Elder Scott on the program of the Aliso Creek Ward bulletin today at Church that caught Jan’s eye and she shared it with me. In the process was developed the outline for our temple preparation class yesterday as well as our visit with the Six family.

The idea came to me that all who attend the temple should wear a placard around their necks to remind everyone including themselves, that not only are we not where we need to be yet, in this life we will never be there, we are in fact a work in progress and if we surrender to the tutelage of the Lord the time will come in eons from now that through the grace of Christ we will be changed into a holy being. So we need to resist the temptation to continually condemn ourselves for our shortcomings and follies and trust that if we continue to hold on to the extended hand of Christ we will indeed make it. Partly it is an attitude adjustment moving from what “I have to do” to embracing what “I can’t wait to do.” The way I have expressed it for me is this: We need to do the right things for the right reasons.

The entire quote from Elder Scott is this—“The Redeemer will safely lead you over the most difficult obstacles of life. His laws are absolutely secure anchors of protection that dispel fear and assure success in an otherwise dangerous world. Such a life will certainly provide you peace and happiness.

“True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a secure ascent in the journey of life. That takes effort. While there is no guarantee of overnight results, there is the assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and happiness will be yours. (Ensign, Oct 2006.)

I then shared a quote from Sister Marjorie Hinckley: “First I obey, then I understand” (quoted by Sister Burton, Ensign, July 2014, 41) and a quote from President Harold B. Lee that has always resonated with me: “All of the gospel principles and all of the gospel ordinances are but invitations to the learning of the gospel by the practice of its teachings. That’s all they are—invitations to come and practice in order that you can know…. It seems clear to me that we might well say we never really know any of the teachings of the gospel until we have experienced them one by one by living them. We learn the gospel, in other words, by living it.” (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Harold B. Lee, 35).

We then talked about Helaman 3:27-30, and 5:10-12, and 1 Nephi 17:3 demonstrating how center our lives in Christ gives us all we need to take us through mortality and the wiles of Satan and land safely with those who are exalted, never more to go out.

Week Forty-six

WEEK FORTY-SIX May 19, 2014

Sister H had her appointment with the cardiologist and learned she now needs to have a nuclear test in a couple of weeks. At least we are giving the doctor out here something to do.

Met with the Four Family and discussed the chapter in his book entitled spiritual warfare. Brother Four also agreed to lead our Bible study discussion in two weeks. on the 22nd. Also had a good discussion with the Fifty-five Family in the preparation to attend the temple. Met with a wonderful couple in the Aliso Creek ward to learn procedures at the Newport Beach temple for living ordinances.

Brother Forty-two sent me a text asking about Genesis 50:33 which surprised me as there is no such verse in Genesis. Then it dawned on me that he is referring to the Inspired Translation of Joseph Smith. I guess you would have to leave it to a minister to come up with that. I shared it was quite a remarkable prophecy of Joseph concerning the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Joseph Smith and restoration of the Gospel, and how God himself brings to pass his purposes. He said something to Sister H as we were leaving, “Before I knew just a little about Mormon doctrine, but from Dr. Haddock I know a great deal.”

Received a note from one of our granddaughter that brought tears to our eyes, she wrote of going to the temple once a week, “I feel so different there, I feel safe from temptation, and I feel the Spirit testify of the work every time.”

Received a text from our daughter asking us if we were having any trouble from the fires. We didn’t even know there were fires in north county San Diego, close to where we used to live. This mission business has one largely out of touch. But the next morning as we got up to take our daily walk we didn’t make 50 feet before we turned around with the smoke so thick we couldn’t breathe.

Received word this week that my cousin had passed away with complications from diabetes. He has had a rough road so our inability to be there was tempered by the thoughts of what he has gone through.

Meeting with Brother Forty-two later in the week a very busy, congested, and noisy Panera Bread store in Irvine. We had a good, and apparently a lively, discussion about the Savior and read together Alma 13 from my Whirlwind Tour of the Book of Mormon to get him reading that sacred volume. As we neared the end of our discussion at young adult Korean American, she came from Korea to American when she was six, came up. “Excuse me, I couldn’t help overhearing, did you say that Jesus didn’t come to earth in glory but acquired his glory after he was here.” I assured her that was not the case that we believed Christ was the Son of God, was God himself before he condescended to come to earth, and following the atonement was resurrected gloriously. “Who are you and why are you talking together?” We told her that we were friends discussion the gospel of Jesus Christ. When she saw the Book of Mormon she got real excited, “Are you Mormon?” I told her that I was. “That is a terrible book. God said he wasn’t going to give us anymore scripture.” Is that right, I said, where did he say that? Are you referring to the remark made in Deuteronomy or Revelation? It the remark means what you say it does, then everything after Deuteronomy needs to be discarded. “You are just trying to confuse things. No one needs another book?” Does God not love us as much as he did those who came before? Is it possible that we don’t need direction from God today? “Today God speaks to us individually. There is no need for a church. An apostle is someone who believes only. Even baptism isn’t necessary—just belief in Christ.” Then she said, “You don’t even believe in Christ?” At that point the minister reached across the table and fingered my plaque and asked “Doesn’t this say The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?” Then he pointed to the Book of Mormon, “It reads right here another witness of Jesus Christ.” “But,” she asserted, “there is a great divide between what you believe about Christ and what Christianity believes.” I answered I didn’t believe so. “How can you say that?” Said I, “Because there isn’t a great divide. We believe that all are saved through the grace of Christ, that he is the Messiah and only in and through him can one obtain salvation.” Here comment then, “Why?” Why what I asked. “You have to prove there is not a great divide. I don’t. I don’t know enough about Mormon teachings.” I told her it was very difficult to prove a negative, that she was misinformed about our beliefs. “Then,” said she “I believe everything the Bible says and there is nothing more. Do you think your Book of Mormon is consistent with the Bible?” I asked, “Let me ask you a question first, do you believe the Bible is consistent with itself?” “Yes,” she said.  “Then,” said I, “when we read in Exodus 33:11 that Moses spoke with God “face to face” how do you reconcile that with a few verses later in verse 20, “there shall no man see me and live?” She said, “That is just an exception.” “In that case then, according to your definition, the Book of Mormon and the Bible are entirely consistent with one another.” She made it clear she didn’t believe a thing I was telling her and had no interest in learning more even refusing to take a Mormon.org card until Jan shamed her into doing so.

We had a wonderful meeting with Twenty-one family who were pleased to learn we could keep meeting with them after he receives the Melchizedec Priesthood and they are sealed in the temple. The next day we attended their daughter’s dance recital at Cal Elite Kids. The owner came by calling us Elder and Sister and then returned later to tell us she and her husband were members of the Church and alumni of BYU.

Jan and I took by some popsicles to the Two family this week in our 3-4 days of triple digit heat. Thought we were going to melt ourselves. Received a call from them earlier in the week to stop by at the gate where they had some fresh watermelon cut up to relieve our heat exhaustion.

Attended the Lake Forest Ward Council just as the PEC was concluding as the Bishop said, “Speaking of the Haddocks, here they are.” We learned that he had just asked the EQ and HPGL to put a list together of people we could visit as “the Haddock’s seem to get in when others can’t.” We will see.

Our granddaughter Whitney wanted us to see what our plaque looked like hanging in the Edgemont 3rd Ward chapel so she had her mom take a picture and send it to us. We had not seen it before we left so this was our first time. They also sent a picture of our oldest granddaughter graduating from Seminary. All the boys in the picture were from my first Deacon's Quorum and Scout Troop. One of whom just received his mission call to Liberia, Africa.

In meeting with Brother Six Sister H asked, “Well what do we need to do for you to get baptized?” He had a puzzled look on his face. I then told him that the Lord had told us when we finished with the temple preparation I was to ask him, “What do we need to do for you to receive these blessings?” I told him we wanted him to think about that question as we will be asking it soon.

Week Forty-five

WEEK FORTY-FIVE May 12, 2014

We met with the Four Family, our former AME minister. Brother Four has written a book which we felt impressed to review with him, chapter by chapter. When we extended the invitation both he and his wife were excited to do just that. Tonight was our first discussion on his chapter entitled “Evangelism.” We had prepared significant notes, a copy of which Sister Four wanted to keep as we left, and had prayed that the Spirit might be there enabling us to establish points of common belief from which to expand additional light and truth that has been revealed in the latter days. We had a marvelous two hour discussion. I was surprised he didn’t want to lead out but wanted us to direct the discussion which we did. Interestingly many of the things he felt were missing in the Christian churches both to assist those coming to Christ and to better prepare the neophyte were found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We began the discussion with a sweet prayer from him that the spirit would be there and that a friendly discussion ensue; and ended with a prayer from Sister Four for “this wonderful couple.” It turns out she had been secretly wanting an avenue for him to be able to discuss his beliefs to sort of get back in the harness and our invitation and interest fit perfectly. We began the discussion comparing evangelism to “hastening the work” and how the Brethren were anxious for each member of the church to shoulder responsibility in bearing witness. I shared D&C 84:61 that partaking of the Atonement one is under obligation to share the witness of Christ with others. He was impressed with Amulek’s confession in Alma 10:5-6 “that’s me, that’s where I was” and 3 Nephi 5:13 “oh that’s beautiful.” In fact he seemed surprised with all the latter day revelation supportive of his beliefs. I suggested that Christ accepts everyone just the way they are, there are no preconditions. He just asks us to take His hand and hold, in doing so Christ would bring each of us to where we need to be. He liked that analogy. Also when we suggested D&C 11:11-14 as means for preparation, learning the scriptures, knowing whereof we speak, joining with others more experienced etc., he thought that all was music to his ears. When I suggested one of Satan’s ploys is to distract us with good but not eternal things, he said, “Oh I like that word that really fits.” When I read Galatians 2:20 he quoted it along with me; turns out it is a favorite of both of ours. It was a positive and power gospel discussion. He suggested a return visit next week to discuss his chapter on Spiritual Warfare.

Thursday morning we met the Two family at the Stake family history center where we got the family hooked up on Family Search and were able to trace their line back to the 900s. Sister H was exhausted two hours later after trying to corral a four and seven year old all that time.

Met with Brother Forty-Two and had a discussion mostly on Daniel 10-12 and Revelation. In his ministerial role he told us, this is all he teachers. He shared his experiences in Queens, New York where the Indonesian congregation was very humble and willing to have him preach. Not so here in Irvine he said, “they want to see a degree after your name.” So he is thinking about moving to New York.\\

I was invited to lead the discussion at our Bible Study class this week on the Woman at Jacob’s well (John 4). I started out with a little history pointing out this story goes back nearly six hundred years when according to prophecy the wickedness of Judah saw the capture of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Judah taken into captivity. The Samaritans were the descendants of a combination of the foreign colonists brought in by the Assyrian and Babylonian victors and those who escaped captivity. They occupied the area in central Palestine, which included Mt. Ebal (2,950 feet) and Mt. Gerizim (2,850 feet), which stand only a third of a mile apart. In fact the city of Sychar where the woman resides is located between the two mounts.

Approximately fifty years later, after Cyrus had unified the Medes and Persians, the spirit of the Lord inspires Cyrus to allow the Jews who so desire, to return to Jerusalem and they are led by the prophet Nehemiah. When Nehemiah returns to the ruins of Jerusalem he is met by Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, and others who offer to help the Jews rebuild the temple. Nehemiah rebuffs their offer, refusing to allow the Samaritans to participate, and later expels Manasseh, the grandson of the chief priest Eliashib because of his marriage outside the faith, thus violating his priesthood responsibilities (Nehemiah 12:23-31). Manasseh goes to Samaria and builds a rival temple on Mt. Gerizim where the Samaritans worship for nearly 400 years. It is the temple in those mountains to which the woman at the well refers when she says, “our fathers worshipped in this mountain” (John 4:20). The Lord then teaches here that true worship is not limited to a place but rather a condition of one’s heart (see John 4:22-24; and JST footnote).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie upon quoting this passage taught: “There is no salvation in worshiping a false god. It does not matter one particle how sincerely someone may believe that God is a golden calf, or that he is an immaterial, uncreated power that is in all things; the worship of such a being or concept has no saving power. Men may believe with all their souls that images or powers or laws are God, but no amount of devotion to these concepts will ever give the power that leads to immortality and eternal life. …

“But if he worships the true and living God, in spirit and in truth, then God Almighty will pour out his Spirit upon him, and he will have power to raise the dead, move mountains, entertain angels, and walk in celestial streets” (“How to Worship,” Ensign, Dec. 1971, 129).

The well itself is Jacob’s well and was dug on the land Jacob settled when he returned from working for Laban in Padan-aram (Genesis 33:18). Jacob later bequeathed this land to his son Joseph.

Being tired and thirsty while traveling from Judea to Galilee, to escape the persecution of the Jewish leaders, the Savior sits down on Jacob’s well in the middle of Samaria at about noon, “about the sixth hour” (John 4:6) while his disciples go into the city to procure meat. The Savior surprisingly speaks with the woman, I say surprisingly because the Jews did not speak with Samaritans nor did lone men speak to a single woman. Later when the disciples return, even they “marvelled that he talked with the woman” (John 4:27).

Also of interest is the sequence of her salutations which shows an escalating testimony in the woman who goes from referring to the Savior as “a Jew” (John 4:8), to “Sir” (John 4:11), to “a prophet” (John 4:15), to “the Christ” (John 4:29).

The Savior here established his converting power and likewise so does the woman, perhaps the first to head the call to “hasten the work” as her witness is of such force that the men of the city “went out of the city, and came unto him” (John 4:30) because they “believe on him for the saying of the woman, which testified” (John 4:39).

Confused when the Savior offers her “living water” that would be “a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:10, 14), she points out that he has neither to draw with nor to hold such water. Especially poignant is the concept of “living water” as taught in 1 Nephi 11:25 and Doctrine & Covenants 63:23.

Our first recorded instance in the Gospels of Jesus announcing who He was, is found in John 4:26: “I that speak unto thee am he” the Messias who is to come.

Notice that after the Samaritan woman had tasted of the “living water,” she leaves her “waterpot” in her haste to bear witness of him to the men of the city. Then, as the people saw the Savior and heard His words, their testimony of Him deepens (see John 3:41–42).

Following the Bible Study we went with one of the young elders to give a blessing to the Fifty-Eight family. They have twin girls, about 3-4 years of age. One had had a sore throat and cough leading the doctor to think she may have asthma. The family is hoping that is not the case and wanted a blessing which I gave as Elder Stephenson anointed. We are anxious to learn the result.

In our meeting with the Twenty-First family this week we were reminded of a blessing I have him a couple of months back over a very difficult work situation. The blessing said he was to be patient and to resolve the animosity he felt toward his boss for his egregious actions. Tonight when I announced we were getting to the end for Melchizedek Priesthood preparation he said, “Oh that is bitter sweet. I really want to receive the priesthood but we have so enjoyed our weekly lesson and visits with you.” Then he shared this story. “Two weeks ago while driving past the San Diego Temple for a work project, I found myself praying over my work situation. As I was praying I felt an answer from the Lord. I was to be patient and a big change was coming soon. Well the next week my boss quit and my best friend and current supervisor was named the new boss. I couldn’t be happier. Not sure I want another job now.” We had a wonderful discussion about prayer, discerning the answer to prayers and he shared another experience. “In high school my buddy and I took a couple of girls to the prom. It was held at some air museum in Hollywood. We decided to up to the Hollywood sign but didn’t know where we were going and ended up on Mulholland Drive going west. Neither of us had ever been there before. My buddy was a religious sort. I was not. He had tried and tried to get me interested and I told him it held no interest for me at all. We finally realized we were going the wrong way and I had a feeling to turn around. Where was the question? I told him I felt after the next bend in the road there would be a turn off on the right. There was and as we turned off, to cars came roaring past us, one in each lane racing one another. They would have creamed us had we stayed on the road. That got me thinking. There is a God. I had been given an impression. That started me on a search, I knew something was out there but didn’t know what or which until I found the church.” We got another “I love you” and wave from daughter Emily as we left.

Enjoyed a mother’s day dinner with Elder and Sister Litchfield on Saturday. In our meeting with the Six Family we took over an apple pie, it was Mother’s day, to celebrate with Sister Six. I had something prepared on the temple for them but instead felt to make a presentation on the Book of Mormon describing how the central role of the Book has changed since my first mission as a young elder where our focus was primarily on the Bible. I then shared what I had told to Brother Forty-Two when I told him that the Book of Mormon was a tangible piece of evidence for one to study, apply and pray about asking, “Was this written by an unlearned boy or did this book come from God.” If the answer is that the book is inspired of God then a whole bunch of things fall into place. Joseph Smith is a prophet of God; he did see the Father and the Son; there was a necessity for and God did restore his true church to the earth; necessary priesthood authority was also restored and baptism under that authority was not only necessary but again available and required of all seeking to enter the Lord’s kingdom. To which Jere said, “That’s why I’m a believer. I’m not a bible scholar although we are learning more each week. But when I read the Book of Mormon it was clear it came from God. Therefore, as you said, all the dominoes fall into place that you mentioned.” Again, as we left I found myself asking myself and Jan, “why oh why does this man not avail himself of baptism?”

One of our daughters shared with us an experience while participating in SS class when asked what was her Promised Land. She told them it was where she was right now. She felt to keep waiting for something new and different to find happiness didn’t make sense to her. We followed up suggesting D&C 101:36, Alma 31:38 and 1 Nephi 17:13 as scriptures supportive of her view and ours as well. My experience has been that we arrive at the Promised Land when our afflictions are swallowed up in the joy of Christ.

When asked about my marked scriptures I responded “It’s to help me reverence, remember and retain the words of Christ.” Our Gospel Essential teacher suggested the church lower the age of missionaries to 16 for two reasons: That’s when they know everything and their mother’s won’t cry when they leave. He also said “What Satan can’t prevent he will pervert.” We also heard about 911 praying, reserving our prayers for when we need them most. Also “sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Other times he lets the storm rage and calms his children.” And the 3 S’s: Scriptures, Spirit and Servants as our guide to whether what we feel are impressions are from God or not.

Week Forty-four

WEEK FORTY-FOUR May 5, 2014

We were disappointed to learn Sister H’s eye surgery on her remaining eye was not successful in reducing the pressure appreciably but did learn the redness she is experiencing is an allergic reaction to sulfa in the drops but the manufacturers have yet to produce sulfa free alternatives.

The Aliso Creek elders asked us to accompany them to speak with an investigator who is now the Fifty Family. He has been involved with several sets of missionaries over the years, his wife though has yet to participate. He has a high regard for himself and his reasoning capacity. He controlled the conversation and didn’t let the missionaries say much of anything. They apparently hadn’t established common grounds of belief to be set points in reining him in from tangential presentations. Nor did they lay a foundation for the scriptures they used so he would take them for something other then what they wanted to discuss. It was clear as I mentioned a few things that he really didn’t want me to be part of the conversation.

One of the evidences of scripture legerdemain was James 1:5 in which he concluded we are dealing with temptations and trying to develop the patience to see what we are to learn from them in being perfected. So I wrote him the following note the next day, to which he has yet to respond: Thank you for the invitation last night to review and consider principles and practices of great importance.

I left, being reminded anew, it is not enough to evaluate what the author of sacred writ may have intended but also to consider its use from the viewpoint of the present day reader. So I felt amply repaid in hearing your portrayal of the epistle of James on such short notice, but also considering a number of other nuances the words of James suggest to me. However, with time constraints last night I didn’t feel the impression to explore them together.

As you aptly pointed out last night the importance of establishing the circumstances or setting which draws forth such writings, I was reminded anew of the difficulty in analyzing the  epistles of James, as they appear to be a collection of ethical precepts rather than a connected whole. Yet, for what it is worth, let me share some thoughts that occurred to me.

In the first four verses James states he is “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” and addresses his epistle to remnants of the twelve tribes of Israel scattered abroad. As I recall, at this time Israel was partly traveling, partly sojourning, and partly resident in most parts of the civilized world. Certainly the Day of Pentecost gives credence to that. Whether his message is to those of Israel who have embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ or all of Israel is left unsaid.

Noticing both the variety and number of afflictions [Adam Clarke tells us that “The word πειρασμος, which we translate temptation, signifies affliction, persecution, or trial of any kind, but mostly from without; and in this sense it is used here, not intending what is generally understood by the word temptation] that all Israel must endure, James concludes to count our afflictions as joy. He reasons that the trying of one’s faith works patience in us. Our trials put our religion, our beliefs, to the proof. James sees afflictions as evidence. As if he were saying, the man that stands true in his trials and afflictions demonstrates soundness of testimony which is evidence to his mind, inducing him to take courage, bear patiently, and persevere.

In other words, the opposition inherent in one’s mortal sojourn becomes the stuff that refines and purifies us. So we are to let patience have her perfect work in us that we may become complete, entire. To scattered Israel he is warning not to be overcome with their afflictions, but to remain steady in the faith which leads me to believe this epistle is to converts of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but whether that is the case or no, the principle remains valid as we become approved of God by trial and He perfects us that we become perfect, wanting nothing. Thus we should rejoice under the cross, because of the spiritual good which is derived therefrom.

Of this perfecting process Adam Clarke writes: “That ye may be perfect and entire - Τελειοι, Fully instructed, in every part of the doctrine of God, and in his whole will concerning you. Ὁλοκληροι , having all your parts, members, and portions; that ye may have every grace which constitutes the mind that was in Christ, so that your knowledge and holiness may be complete, and bear a proper proportion to each other. … Be then to the Lord what he required his sacrifices to be; let your whole heart, your body, soul, and spirit, be sanctified to the Lord of hosts, that he may fill you with all his fullness.”

James then, in verses 5-8, either changes the subject or again to Israel seeks to focus on their utter dependence upon God, seeing the resulting patience as the causal factor in the humility necessary to expanded wisdom. So he exhorts Israel to seek the wisdom of God by asking God himself, who he promises, gives liberally to all. However, we are warned this asking must be done in faith, and not with a doubting or double mind.

When James states, “If any of you lack wisdom,” it seems to me he is joining the twin truths of general knowledge put to the best use and the best means of attaining it. Being set forth in the scriptures, wisdom might here signify true religion, the thorough practical knowledge of God, of the Savior and our utter dependence upon him, as well as one’s self and how we can know, feel and become as God and Christ are. For says James, if we want this kind of wisdom, we must ask of God, because God alone is the possessor thereof.

Having recognized the knowledge of ignorance is the beginning of our knowledge and armed with the truth that God will give men liberally all that is good and necessary if we ask fervently, in faith, and further He will not upbraid us, we venture forth with the expectation, the faith, that the wisdom we seek will be divinely given. The implied, other side of the coin is, he who does not ask does not feel his need for or ability to receive, divine instruction.

James continues, if we are to walk this path we must make sure we are asking in faith, not wavering; believing that God is, that he is the possessor of all good; and that he is ever ready to impart to his children whatever they need. Our intent, as we seek wisdom, must be to do as the Lord directs us. We must be single minded in our desire to learn and know the wisdom of God; rather than being a double minded person with one foot in the divine and one in the world. Why, because if we are wavering our capacity to learn, to understand, and to know will be as a wave of the sea, driven and tossed.

So we must establish the required element in our pursuit of wisdom, we must choose to exercise real intent and single-mindedness in our quest to obtain wisdom if we are to succeed. We must have no doubt concerning the divine path to wisdom, never supposing that God will permit us to ask in vain, when we asks sincerely and fervently. We must not hesitate, but be irresolute. For the man who is not thoroughly persuaded that if he ask of God he shall receive, is like a wave of the sea; in a state of continual agitation; driven by the wind, and tossed, equally rising by hope, then sinking by despair. For, concludes James, a double minded man, even should he pray, shall not receive wisdom, or anything from the Lord as he is unstable, not persuaded either of his own wants or God’s completeness.

At lunch the next day when I reviewed with the missionaries their experience of the night before, they told me they also had an investigator who wondered if the Bible is to be taken literally why does God permit rape and murder.

Received a nice note from Brother Two; “Every time I feel a doubt I just reflect and remind myself of the twelve apostles and the fact that no one else has the twelve. Along with the priesthood and the strong faith exhibited by ones like you and I realize time and again I have no doubts.” I told him such things (these little awareness’s) were called by Nephi "the tender mercies" of the Lord. Strewn throughout our lives are little packages of happiness left there by a loving Heavenly Father and by the Savior to remind us that they know us that they know our names and that we can be forever with them. It's as if we are infused with light when we are living the commandments. He was asked to bless the Sacrament Sunday with all the youth gone at a conference and did it flawlessly. Received a nice note from Brother Two’s eldest: “You are 100% right, without God we are nothing. He is the most high God and he is someone who you can put your trust in at all times.”

Received this devastating note from a couple in our temple preparation class, which read in part, “After serious consideration and personal soul searching I came to the decision to return to my old church. I truly appreciate the love of our ward family and the work of the priesthood. I love the gospel and the plan of salvation and I will continue strong in my faith. I've been in the church since 2005 and I am still struggling with temple work teachings. I want to be true to my faith. Thanks for all your love and service.” I can’t remember when a notice hit me as hard as this one did. There has been nothing but positive interchange with this family in the four temple preparation classes we’ve held. In fact Sister Fifty-five is the best at asking questions and always testifies to the truth of the answers given. How can this be? What did we do wrong? I wrote her back asking if we could come by and help with her struggles.

Sunday I learned from the Bishop what she meant to convey was that they wanted to go back to attending the Spanish Branch as she was having difficulty understanding everything when it is not in her native language. I can’t express the sigh of relief that followed from both Sister H and I.

We continue to visit families as directed by the bishop’s and even with warm receptions have been unable to get in the door as they have made decisions to worship elsewhere and just are not interested any longer. Sure initiates a flow of love and anguish in our hearts as we reflect on what they are choosing to leave behind. Most are doing many good things, just not things of an eternal consequence and they seem to have no recognition of what is being lost.

Met with the Twenty-first family and brought them up to speed on the temple class they missed Sunday and further on the Melchizedek Priesthood. There two little daughters, ages 4 and 2, give Sister H a giant hug every time we come. We learned the 4 year old is in a dance recital on May 17 and which we asked if we could come she was so excited. As we were leaving she shouted out, “I love you!” Which had her mother in tears.

After living in Louisville, Kentucky for a few years and attending the 100^th running of that event, we have tried to see the running of Kentucky Derby each year. Our schedule was fortunate to see the running of the 140th Kentucky Derby won by California Chrome. I remember when another California horse by the name of Swaps won the derby, owned by Rex Ellsworth an LDS guy. Swaps was my race horse hero as a boy. He had 25 starts, 19 wins, two seconds, two thirds and set five course time records. Guess I had to come back to California for it to happen again with California Chrome.

Because of stake youth conference the Lake Forest meeting schedule was moved back to 1-4 p.m. so the Six Family decided there wasn’t time for a discussion after church. So we had a leisure schedule today. No missionary correlation meetings, no ward council meetings, and only one block schedule, Aliso Creek. After three dry runs the past Sunday’s we made connection again with Sister Fifty-seven who we picked up and took to church. As we returned to her home she said, “This was a wonderful service today. I felt so good.”

Later we went to the Bass home in Lake Forest where with several couples had a break the fast along with the young missionaries. It consisted of several couples whose families had grown up and left in the Lake Forest Ward. Apparently this started 20 years or so ago when the little tots were all running around together and has continued ever since.

Received a list of questions the investigator for the Aliso Creek Elders raised about the God condoning rape in the Bible. I responded—Contrary to his assertion, we don't take the Bible literally as many of the plain and precious things of the Bible have been lost. There are just too many errors. But likewise it is an error to try to find fault with everything. Let me take two from his list (which are straight out of the atheist handbook) and add a third. If your investigator is an honest seeker, one who is seeking to understand, this will get him going. If it has no effect, he isn't interested in understanding anyway.

Deuteronomy 22:23-24 Reads that if an betrothed women has sex with a man both the man and woman are to be stoned if she doesn't resist. The key here is that she "cried not" so it is assumed she consented to the sex. Had she cried out she wouldn't have been put to death. The man is put to death because he had sex with one belonging to another.

Deuteronomy 22:25-27 continues the same theme. If a man finds a betrothed woman and sleeps with her and she cries out. In this case the man is put to death (in other words rape is not condoned) but the woman is spared because she cried out which means she was raped it wasn't consensual.

Deuteronomy 22:28-29. In this case the woman, not betrothed, and the man have consensual sex (she doesn't cry out) then he has to pay the bride price (fifty shekels of silver like a dowry) because he has defiled her. Also he has to marry her and he can never divorce her.

The rape war ones deal with captive virgins who the conquerors marry, not rape. The sexism ones deal with God working through His priesthood to lead His church.

In Numbers 31:7-18 he conveniently left out verses 19-20 wherein the women had to go through a purification process before they could marry them. Moses was upset they brought any women back claiming they had trespassed against the Lord causing a plague among the congregation. A plague? Doesn't sound like the Lord was too happy with their choice here.