Magpad

Magpad

Friday, August 26, 2016

Ye Elders of Israel

We all find at some point in our lives that we need to leave the entrapments of the world--known as Babylon in the Bible-- behind, and climb to a higher plane. This arrangement of a well known hymn inspires us to do just that.
You can also watch the above video by clicking here.
From the October 2014 General Priesthood Session

Below is an excerpt of an article by Lenet Hadley Read that is found in the January 1981 Ensign magazine.:

"It is apparent that in the scriptures Babylon, a city that really did exist historically, is also a symbol. The warning given through Jeremiah to “flee out of the midst of Babylon” (Jer. 51:6) before destruction was brought upon the wicked of that city sets a pattern for our day. The responsive are warned, “Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon” (D&C 133:14), for “I will not spare any that remain in Babylon” (D&C 64:24). The book of Revelation also prophesies the fall of a great Babylon in the latter days (see Rev. 14:8; Rev. 18:21).

"Why, of all cities, does Babylon deserve the distinction of symbolizing wickedness? No doubt it is because Babylon was anciently associated with acts that aroused God’s displeasure. For the beginning of Babylon was Babel. After the attempted construction of the tower of Babel, the unity of mankind was severed; many tongues arose, and communication among men became as “babble.”

"But was this dispersion of the people the point at which the proliferation of false philosophies also fully began? After all, Babel marks the time when confusion once more came upon the earth after the cleansing of the Flood, and only a select few remained knowledgeable of God’s word from then on. To the Lord, the source of truth, he who comprehends all language, would not these false philosophies, which have multiplied and spread confusion, be the true “babble”?

"If this is true, then to be called out of Babylon, or Babel, is to be called back to the original and pure truth, away from philosophies that lead to faulty judgment and therefore to evil. According to prophecies, Babylon, the multiplication of confusion and false philosophies, will indeed suffer a great fall, and unity of correct knowledge will finally return."

The lyrics to the hymn Ye Elders of Israel:

1.  Ye elders of Israel, come join now with me

And seek out the righteous, where'er they may be--

In desert, on mountain, on land, or on sea--

And bring them to Zion, the pure and the free.

(Chorus)

O Babylon, O Babylon, we bid thee farewell;

We're going to the mountains of Ephraim to dwell.

2.  The harvest is great, and the lab'rers are few;

But if we're united, we all things can do.

We'll gather the wheat from the midst of the tares

And bring them from bondage, from sorrows and snares.

3.   We’ll go to the poor, like our Captain of old,

And visit the weary, the hungry, and cold;

We'll cheer up their hearts with the news that he bore

And point them to Zion and life evermore.

Text: Cyrus H. Wheelock, 1813-1894
   Music: Thomas H. Bayly, 1797-1839, adapted

Primary Medley

Scott and I along with Rachel, Lisa, Craig and Lynn were able to attend the Pioneer Day Concert featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

We were able to great seats in the front and center of the Conference Center
The King's Singers were the guest performers.  One of my favorite pieces they sang was a Primary Medley.  It was fun to hear them start with some of my childhood favorites and then end with songs testifying of the Savior.

You can also see the video by clicking here.  

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Dieter F. Uctdorf


I've recently run across two quotes from Elder Uctdorf that have touched my life.  I would like to share them here.
Quote #1:
The Lord knows you. He knows your heart and is pleased with your sacrifice. He smiles upon you each day. He will uphold you and prepare the way for you. He will send His angels before you. You will feel their presence. And with the help of heaven, your talents will be multiplied.

I promise you that as you lift those around you, the Lord God, the Creator of the universe, will lift you up. If you will only believe and incline your heart to our Beloved Father, He will place within you a peace that surpasses understanding. He will give you joy. May each of you always remember this.
Dieter F. Uctdorf

Quote #2:
Sincerely apologizing to your children, your wife, your family, or your friends is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Is being right more important than fostering an environment of nurturing, healing, and love?

Build bridges; don’t destroy them.

Even when you are not at fault—perhaps especially when you are not at fault—let love conquer pride.

If you do this, whatever adversity you are facing will pass, and because of the love of God in your hearts, contention will fade. These principles of saving relationships apply to all of us, regardless of whether we are married, divorced, widowed, or single. We all can be saviors of strong families.
Dieter F. Uctdorf

The above video is Elder Uctdorf's full Priesthood Meeting address where quote #2 was taken from.

Saturday, August 13, 2016

A Bit of MagPad History

39 years ago today Scott asked me to marry him at this very spot just above the Provo Temple.   
At the time Scott had recently started a new job working at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah, across the street from the Provo Temple.  He asked me to pick him up from work that night.  We drove to the grassy hill above the temple, sat on the grass, and enjoyed the view of the temple and the Utah Valley.  He then said, "I want to marry you, Kathleen"  No cameramen hiding in bushes, no music playing in the background.  Just a simple statement.  I laughed, and then agreed.  Then the sprinklers went on and we went home and ate cake that Scott made earlier in the day to celebrate the happy occasion.  It's 39 years later. We think we might be looking just a bit different now, but you be the judge. 

At my Grandma Buchanan's house to watch General Conference. October 1977
Happy Birthday, Scott.  November 1976
Halloween 1977
In the Oakland Airport where Scott had a layover with the BYU Rugby team on the way to Hawaii. Spring 1977