At the start of the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi, Isaiah, writing Messianically, poses this question: "O house of Israel, is my hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem, or have I no power to deliver?" (2 Nephi 7:2).
I believe this question is answered throughout the Isaiah chapters of the Book of Mormon. Perhaps the end of these writings best answers this question: "For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts" (2 Nephi 28:32).
And as Christ later told Joseph Smith:
"For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened . . ."
D&C 35:8.
I testify that Christ's arm is not shortened; He can redeem!
Friday, February 24, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
A mother's love exemplified at Fazoli's.
I was reading a book Saturday morning that included the following story: A sergeant gives a piece of bread to a starving mother and she breaks it in two and gives it two her two children. "Hmpf!" says the sergeant, "she didn't keep any for herself."
"Because she's not hungry." said a soldier.
"No, because she's a mother," the sergeant said.
About that time, my brother asked me if I wanted to go to Fazoli's with him and his family. My sister-in-law, Sabrina, was particularly excited to go there because she loves their breadsticks. Anyhow, we get our food, but the breadstick lady doesn't make her rounds for quite some time. Sabrina is disappointed and even jokingly comments that she'll walk out if she doesn't get breadsticks soon. Finally, the breadsticks arrive. The breadstick lady gives two breadsticks each to me, Joey and Sabrina, but she doesn't give any to the kids. And so what does Sabrina do with those long-awaited breadsticks? She gives them to her two kids.
"Hmm. It's just like that story--albeit under different circumstances," I thought as I ate a breadstick (because an uncle's love definitely doesn't come close to matching a mother's love).
I kind of forgot about it until a few days later when I picked up the book again, and thought I should e-mail Sabrina and tell her that. So I did. And I got this reply:
"Wow, that is such a coincidence! It's so true though. Before kids I would have knocked down and fought anyone that got in the way of my Fazoli's breadsticks, but after kids, that's just what you do. Although it is kind of selfish in a round about way because I make sure they are taken care of and happy first; otherwise, I can't relax and feel happy."
Anyhow, I felt I gained a great insight to a mother's love? Can there exist any love greater than that of a mother for a child? Actually, yes.
As I thought about it, I was reminded of a scripture I wrote in "Christ's Valentine" (see below). The scripture comes from 1 Nephi 21:14-16:
“But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
“For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands."
And here's what I wrote in that Valentine about this verse: "Here, Christ tells us He loves us even more than our moms do! He remembers us always, for His love for us has been engraved on His palms through His loving sacrifice—the purpose of which was to help us realize our own happiness."
Just as Sabrina's first concern is her kids' happiness, Christ's first concern is also our happiness. But what makes Christ's love for us superior to a mother's love is this: He laid down his life and suffered all things for us, so that we could be happy: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Not only did Christ prove his Greatest Love by sacrificing His life, He did something a mother cannot do: He took upon Himself all the sins, pains, sicknesses, and life's hurts that we all suffer and he experienced them Himself so that we could rid ourselves of those things that wound the soul. Not only that, His Sacrifice provided a way for the family to be eternal; that that love a mother has for her child will live on, and she will always be her child's mother.
While a mother's love is unmatched in all of human love, God's love is unmatched in all of the universe.
"Because she's not hungry." said a soldier.
"No, because she's a mother," the sergeant said.
About that time, my brother asked me if I wanted to go to Fazoli's with him and his family. My sister-in-law, Sabrina, was particularly excited to go there because she loves their breadsticks. Anyhow, we get our food, but the breadstick lady doesn't make her rounds for quite some time. Sabrina is disappointed and even jokingly comments that she'll walk out if she doesn't get breadsticks soon. Finally, the breadsticks arrive. The breadstick lady gives two breadsticks each to me, Joey and Sabrina, but she doesn't give any to the kids. And so what does Sabrina do with those long-awaited breadsticks? She gives them to her two kids.
"Hmm. It's just like that story--albeit under different circumstances," I thought as I ate a breadstick (because an uncle's love definitely doesn't come close to matching a mother's love).
I kind of forgot about it until a few days later when I picked up the book again, and thought I should e-mail Sabrina and tell her that. So I did. And I got this reply:
"Wow, that is such a coincidence! It's so true though. Before kids I would have knocked down and fought anyone that got in the way of my Fazoli's breadsticks, but after kids, that's just what you do. Although it is kind of selfish in a round about way because I make sure they are taken care of and happy first; otherwise, I can't relax and feel happy."
Anyhow, I felt I gained a great insight to a mother's love? Can there exist any love greater than that of a mother for a child? Actually, yes.
As I thought about it, I was reminded of a scripture I wrote in "Christ's Valentine" (see below). The scripture comes from 1 Nephi 21:14-16:
“But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
“For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands."
And here's what I wrote in that Valentine about this verse: "Here, Christ tells us He loves us even more than our moms do! He remembers us always, for His love for us has been engraved on His palms through His loving sacrifice—the purpose of which was to help us realize our own happiness."
Just as Sabrina's first concern is her kids' happiness, Christ's first concern is also our happiness. But what makes Christ's love for us superior to a mother's love is this: He laid down his life and suffered all things for us, so that we could be happy: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Not only did Christ prove his Greatest Love by sacrificing His life, He did something a mother cannot do: He took upon Himself all the sins, pains, sicknesses, and life's hurts that we all suffer and he experienced them Himself so that we could rid ourselves of those things that wound the soul. Not only that, His Sacrifice provided a way for the family to be eternal; that that love a mother has for her child will live on, and she will always be her child's mother.
While a mother's love is unmatched in all of human love, God's love is unmatched in all of the universe.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
2006 World Cup Predictions
2006 WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS
GROUP A: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Germany, Poland
Group Outlook: Germany should steamroll through this group. The intrigue, however, will come in who qualifies as the second team out of this group. Costa Rica, Ecuador and Poland all participated in the World Cup four years ago, but none made it out of the first round. Costa Rica came the closest, as it played electrifying soccer against Brazil, but fell just short. The draw favors Ecuador because they will face the Germans last--and likely on a night when the Germans will be resting their stars. Poland was abysmal last time around, but they managed to get a win over the U.S. in their last game.
PREDICTIONS
Germany 4, Costa Rica 2
Ecuador 1, Poland 1
Germany 3, Poland 1
Costa Rica 3, Ecuador 2
Costa Rica 2, Poland 2
Ecuador 1, Germany 1
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Germany 2-0-1 (7) +4
Costa Rica 1-1-1 (4) -1
Ecuador 0-1-2 (2) -1
Poland 0-1-2 (2) -2
GERMANY AND COSTA RICA ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP B: England, Paraguay, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago
GROUP OUTLOOK: Another obvious winner: England's one of the best sides out there, and none of these teams will give them much trouble. Congrats T&T for making the tournament; it's always nice to see a CONCACAF team in the tournament, but they won't be in it long. The Paraguay vs. Sweden game on June 15 should decide who advances out of those two. Paraguay has advanced is successive World Cups--a run that will likely end in Germany.
PREDICTIONS:
England 2, Paraguay 0
Sweden 1, Trinidad & Tobago 1
England 4, Trinidad & Tobago 0
Sweden 2, Paraguay 1
Paraguay 1, Trinidad & Tobago 0
England 1, Sweden 0
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
England 3-0-0 (9) +7
Sweden 1-1-1 (4) 0
Paraguay 1-2-0 (3) -2
Trinidad 0-2-1 (1) -5
ENGLAND AND SWEDEN ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP C: Argentina, Ivory Coast, Netherlands, Serbia & Montenegro
GROUP OUTLOOK: Argentina and Holland vs. the Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro. No drama here. It will be a great first-round matchup between the Dutch and Argentines to decide who wins the group. Unfortunately, that game is also the last match of group play, so it won't be stocked with stars.
PREDICTIONS
Argentina 3, Ivory Coast 0
Holland 2, Serbia & Montenegro 0
Argentina 3, Serbia & Montenegro 1
Holland 4, Ivory Coast 0
Ivory Coast 1, Serbia & Montenegro 1
Holland 2, Argentina 2
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Holland 2-0-1 (7) +6
Argentina 2-0-1 (7) +5
Serbia & Montenegro 0-2-1 (1) -4
Ivory Coast 0-2-1 (1) -7
HOLLAND AND ARGENTINA ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP D: Angola, Iran, Mexico, Portugal
Group D is up for weakest group in the tournament--although Group H (Spain, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the Ukraine) are in contention (but at least that group has Spain!). The Mexicans and Portuguese will advance from this group.
PREDICTIONS
Mexico 1, Iran 1
Portugal 3, Angola 1
Mexico 2, Angola 0
Portugal 2, Iran 1
Iran 1, Angola 1
Portugal 2, Mexico 0
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Portugal 3-0-0 (9) +5
Mexico 1-1-1 (4) 0
Iran 0-1-2 (2) -1
Angola 0-2-1 (1) -4
PORTUGAL AND MEXICO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP E: Czech Republic, Ghana, Italy, United States
GROUP OUTLOOK: The Group of Death. The Czech Republic, Italy and the United States are all world-class and should be evenly matched. Any one of those teams can win the group and any one of them could be done after three games. Italy's the favorite, which means the first game in this group between the U.S. and the Czech Republic could be critical in determining who advances. One thing's for sure: Ghana's gonna get smoked.
PREDICTIONS
United States 2, Czech Republic 1
Italy 3, Ghana 0
Czech Republic 1, Ghana 0
United States 1, Italy 1
Czech Republic 1, Italy 1
United States 2, Ghana 0
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
USA 2-0-1 (7) +3
Italy 1-0-2 (5) +3
Czech Republic 1-1-1 (4) 0
Ghana 0-3-0 (0) -6
THE UNITED STATES AND ITALY ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP F: Australia, Brazil, Croatia, Japan
GROUP OUTLOOK: Welcome back to the World Cup, Australia. Brazil will win this group, and it will be an interesting battle between Croatia and Japan for second place. But Japan has never done well off its soil in World Cups.
PREDICTIONS
Australia 1, Japan 1
Brazil 3, Croatia 1
Croatia 2, Japan 0
Brazil 5, Australia 2
Croatia 2, Australia 0
Brazil 2, Japan 1
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Brazil 3-0-0 (9) +6
Croatia 2-1-0 (6) +2
Japan 0-2-1 (1) -3
Australia 0-2-1 (1) -5
BRAZIL AND CROATIA ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP G: France, South Korea, Switzerland, Togo
GROUP OUTLOOK: France won it all in 1998, and South Korea, playing on its homesoil, made it to the semifinals in 2002. Togo's a newcomer, and the Swiss haven't played in the last two cups.
PREDICTIONS
South Korea 3, Togo 2
France 1, Switzerland 1
France 2, South Korea 1
Switzerland 1, Togo 1
France 4, Togo 0
South Korea 1, Switzerland 1
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
France 2-0-1 (7) +5
South Korea 1-1-1 (4) 0
Switzerland 0-0-3 (3) 0
Togo 0-2-1 (1) -5
FRANCE AND SOUTH KOREA ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP H: Saudi Arabia, Spain, Tunisia, Ukraine
GROUP OUTLOOK: Spain will cruise. Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and the Ukraine will compete for the right to be crushed by Brazil in the Round of 16.
PREDICTIONS
Spain 2, Ukraine 0
Tunisia 2, Saudia Arabia 0
Saudia Arabia 1, Ukraine 0
Spain 3, Tunisia 1
Spain 4, Saudia Arabia 0
Tunisia 1, Ukraine 1
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Spain 3-0-0 (9) +8
Tunisia 1-1-1 (4) 0
Saudia Arabia 1-2-0 (3) -5
Ukraine 0-2-1 (1) -3
SPAIN AND TUNISIA ADVANCE TO SECOND ROUND
KNOCKOUT ROUND
Round-of 16
1A [Germany] v 2B [Sweden]
Outlook: Sweden's decent, but the Swedes aren't good enough to knock out the host team.
PREDICTION: Germany 3, Sweden 1
1C [Holland] v 2D [Mexico]
Outlook: The Mexicans were the weakest of the seedest; the Dutch the strongest of the non-seeded teams. Ironic that they should meet here.
PREDICTION: Holland 2, Mexico 1 (on golden goal)
1B [England] v 2A [Costa Rica]
Outlook: The Costa Ricans have accomplished a lot to make it this far, but the World Cup dreams die here.
PREDICTION: England 2, Costa Rica 0
1D [Portugal] v 2C [Argentina]
Outlook: An intriguing matchup, but Portugal has a reputation of not playing well under pressure.
PREDICTION: Argentina 3, Portugal 1
1E [USA] v 2F [South Korea]
These teams drew 1-1 four years ago in South Korea. The United States has more pop offensively this time around, but the Americans will need to put the Koreans away early--or else the South Koreans' exceptional fitness will beat the Americans in an extended game.
PREDICTION: USA 3, South Korea 2
1G [Brazil] v 2H [Tunisia]
Outlook: The only African team in the Round of 16 unfortunately draws Brazil.
PREDICTION: Brazil 4, Tunisia 0
1F [France] v 2E [Italy]
Outlook: Perhaps the best matchup of the Round of 16, as two powerhouses go head-to-head.
PREDICTION: France 1, Italy 1 (France advances on penalty kicks, 4-3)
1H [Spain] v 2G [Croatia]
Outlook: The Spanish should cruise here.
PREDICTION: Spain 3, Croatia 1
Quarterfinals
That will set up some intriguing matchups in the second round of this tournament ...
Germany vs. Holland
OUTLOOK: The Dutch ruin their neighbors' party
PREDICTION: Holland 1, Germany 1 (Holland advances 5-3 on penalty kicks)
Argentina vs. England
OUTLOOK: These two have a knack for meeting in the World Cup--from the Hand of God (1986) to Beckham's blunder (1998) to the yawn of a showdown in Japan (2002).
PREDICTION: England 2, Argentina 1
USA vs. Brazil
OUTLOOK: They've met once before in a knockout round game: On July 4, 1994, the Brazilians with a late goal by Bebeto ended the Americans run at hosting the World Cup. This time, it won't be so close.
PREDICTION: Brazil 3, United States 1
France vs. Spain
OUTLOOK: After facing Italy in the Round of 16, the French now get another big name showdown vs. Spain. It's simply too many good teams in a row.
PREDICTION: Spain 2, France 1 (on a golden goal)
SEMIFINALS
Holland vs. England
OUTLOOK: It's been a good run for the Dutch, but England makes it through to the final.
PREDICTION: England 2, Holland 0
Brazil vs. Spain
OUTLOOK: The Spanish just can't find a way to stop the Brazilians.
PREDICTION: Brazil 3, Spain 0
THIRD PLACE GAME
Spain vs. Holland
OUTLOOK: A good matchup between two of the best European teams. Too bad it's in a game that neither side will care about.
PREDICTION: Holland 1, Spain 1 (Holland wins 4-2 on penalty kicks)
WORLD CUP FINAL
Brazil vs. England
OUTLOOK: My heart says England; my head says Brazil.
PREDICTION: England 1, Brazil 1 (England wins 4-3 on penalty kicks ... breaking its penalty kick curse forever).
Final Finish
1st Place: England
2nd Place: Brazil
3rd Place: Holland
4th Place: Spain
Quarterfinalists: USA, Germany, Argentina and France
Round of 16 Teams: Sweden, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, South Korea, Tunisia, Italy and Croatia.
The United States’ World Cup: Quarterfinalists; Won 3, Lost 1, Tied 1. Goals Scored: 9; Goals Allowed: 7; Goal Differential: +2. First Round: United States 2, Czech Republic 1; United States 1, Italy 1; United States 2, Ghana 0; Round of 16: USA 3, South Korea 2; Quarterfinals: Brazil 3, United States 1. USA vs. Europe: one win, one tie. USA vs. Asia: one win. USA vs. Africa: one win. USA vs. South America: One loss
England’s World Cup: Champions. Won 7, Lost 0, Tied 0. Goals Scored: 14, Goals Allowed: 2. Goal Differential: +12. First Round: England 2, Paraguay 0, England 4, Trinidad & Tobago 0, England 1, Sweden 0; Round of 16: England 2, Costa Rica 0; Quarterfinals: England 2, Argentina 1; Semifinals: England 2, Holland 0; World Cup Final: England 1, Brazil 1 (England wins 4-3 on penalty kicks). England vs. Europe: two wins. England vs. South America: three wins. England vs. CONCACAF: two wins.
GROUP A: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Germany, Poland
Group Outlook: Germany should steamroll through this group. The intrigue, however, will come in who qualifies as the second team out of this group. Costa Rica, Ecuador and Poland all participated in the World Cup four years ago, but none made it out of the first round. Costa Rica came the closest, as it played electrifying soccer against Brazil, but fell just short. The draw favors Ecuador because they will face the Germans last--and likely on a night when the Germans will be resting their stars. Poland was abysmal last time around, but they managed to get a win over the U.S. in their last game.
PREDICTIONS
Germany 4, Costa Rica 2
Ecuador 1, Poland 1
Germany 3, Poland 1
Costa Rica 3, Ecuador 2
Costa Rica 2, Poland 2
Ecuador 1, Germany 1
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Germany 2-0-1 (7) +4
Costa Rica 1-1-1 (4) -1
Ecuador 0-1-2 (2) -1
Poland 0-1-2 (2) -2
GERMANY AND COSTA RICA ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP B: England, Paraguay, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago
GROUP OUTLOOK: Another obvious winner: England's one of the best sides out there, and none of these teams will give them much trouble. Congrats T&T for making the tournament; it's always nice to see a CONCACAF team in the tournament, but they won't be in it long. The Paraguay vs. Sweden game on June 15 should decide who advances out of those two. Paraguay has advanced is successive World Cups--a run that will likely end in Germany.
PREDICTIONS:
England 2, Paraguay 0
Sweden 1, Trinidad & Tobago 1
England 4, Trinidad & Tobago 0
Sweden 2, Paraguay 1
Paraguay 1, Trinidad & Tobago 0
England 1, Sweden 0
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
England 3-0-0 (9) +7
Sweden 1-1-1 (4) 0
Paraguay 1-2-0 (3) -2
Trinidad 0-2-1 (1) -5
ENGLAND AND SWEDEN ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP C: Argentina, Ivory Coast, Netherlands, Serbia & Montenegro
GROUP OUTLOOK: Argentina and Holland vs. the Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro. No drama here. It will be a great first-round matchup between the Dutch and Argentines to decide who wins the group. Unfortunately, that game is also the last match of group play, so it won't be stocked with stars.
PREDICTIONS
Argentina 3, Ivory Coast 0
Holland 2, Serbia & Montenegro 0
Argentina 3, Serbia & Montenegro 1
Holland 4, Ivory Coast 0
Ivory Coast 1, Serbia & Montenegro 1
Holland 2, Argentina 2
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Holland 2-0-1 (7) +6
Argentina 2-0-1 (7) +5
Serbia & Montenegro 0-2-1 (1) -4
Ivory Coast 0-2-1 (1) -7
HOLLAND AND ARGENTINA ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP D: Angola, Iran, Mexico, Portugal
Group D is up for weakest group in the tournament--although Group H (Spain, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the Ukraine) are in contention (but at least that group has Spain!). The Mexicans and Portuguese will advance from this group.
PREDICTIONS
Mexico 1, Iran 1
Portugal 3, Angola 1
Mexico 2, Angola 0
Portugal 2, Iran 1
Iran 1, Angola 1
Portugal 2, Mexico 0
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Portugal 3-0-0 (9) +5
Mexico 1-1-1 (4) 0
Iran 0-1-2 (2) -1
Angola 0-2-1 (1) -4
PORTUGAL AND MEXICO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP E: Czech Republic, Ghana, Italy, United States
GROUP OUTLOOK: The Group of Death. The Czech Republic, Italy and the United States are all world-class and should be evenly matched. Any one of those teams can win the group and any one of them could be done after three games. Italy's the favorite, which means the first game in this group between the U.S. and the Czech Republic could be critical in determining who advances. One thing's for sure: Ghana's gonna get smoked.
PREDICTIONS
United States 2, Czech Republic 1
Italy 3, Ghana 0
Czech Republic 1, Ghana 0
United States 1, Italy 1
Czech Republic 1, Italy 1
United States 2, Ghana 0
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
USA 2-0-1 (7) +3
Italy 1-0-2 (5) +3
Czech Republic 1-1-1 (4) 0
Ghana 0-3-0 (0) -6
THE UNITED STATES AND ITALY ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP F: Australia, Brazil, Croatia, Japan
GROUP OUTLOOK: Welcome back to the World Cup, Australia. Brazil will win this group, and it will be an interesting battle between Croatia and Japan for second place. But Japan has never done well off its soil in World Cups.
PREDICTIONS
Australia 1, Japan 1
Brazil 3, Croatia 1
Croatia 2, Japan 0
Brazil 5, Australia 2
Croatia 2, Australia 0
Brazil 2, Japan 1
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Brazil 3-0-0 (9) +6
Croatia 2-1-0 (6) +2
Japan 0-2-1 (1) -3
Australia 0-2-1 (1) -5
BRAZIL AND CROATIA ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP G: France, South Korea, Switzerland, Togo
GROUP OUTLOOK: France won it all in 1998, and South Korea, playing on its homesoil, made it to the semifinals in 2002. Togo's a newcomer, and the Swiss haven't played in the last two cups.
PREDICTIONS
South Korea 3, Togo 2
France 1, Switzerland 1
France 2, South Korea 1
Switzerland 1, Togo 1
France 4, Togo 0
South Korea 1, Switzerland 1
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
France 2-0-1 (7) +5
South Korea 1-1-1 (4) 0
Switzerland 0-0-3 (3) 0
Togo 0-2-1 (1) -5
FRANCE AND SOUTH KOREA ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND
GROUP H: Saudi Arabia, Spain, Tunisia, Ukraine
GROUP OUTLOOK: Spain will cruise. Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and the Ukraine will compete for the right to be crushed by Brazil in the Round of 16.
PREDICTIONS
Spain 2, Ukraine 0
Tunisia 2, Saudia Arabia 0
Saudia Arabia 1, Ukraine 0
Spain 3, Tunisia 1
Spain 4, Saudia Arabia 0
Tunisia 1, Ukraine 1
FINAL TABLE W-L-T (Pts) GD
Spain 3-0-0 (9) +8
Tunisia 1-1-1 (4) 0
Saudia Arabia 1-2-0 (3) -5
Ukraine 0-2-1 (1) -3
SPAIN AND TUNISIA ADVANCE TO SECOND ROUND
KNOCKOUT ROUND
Round-of 16
1A [Germany] v 2B [Sweden]
Outlook: Sweden's decent, but the Swedes aren't good enough to knock out the host team.
PREDICTION: Germany 3, Sweden 1
1C [Holland] v 2D [Mexico]
Outlook: The Mexicans were the weakest of the seedest; the Dutch the strongest of the non-seeded teams. Ironic that they should meet here.
PREDICTION: Holland 2, Mexico 1 (on golden goal)
1B [England] v 2A [Costa Rica]
Outlook: The Costa Ricans have accomplished a lot to make it this far, but the World Cup dreams die here.
PREDICTION: England 2, Costa Rica 0
1D [Portugal] v 2C [Argentina]
Outlook: An intriguing matchup, but Portugal has a reputation of not playing well under pressure.
PREDICTION: Argentina 3, Portugal 1
1E [USA] v 2F [South Korea]
These teams drew 1-1 four years ago in South Korea. The United States has more pop offensively this time around, but the Americans will need to put the Koreans away early--or else the South Koreans' exceptional fitness will beat the Americans in an extended game.
PREDICTION: USA 3, South Korea 2
1G [Brazil] v 2H [Tunisia]
Outlook: The only African team in the Round of 16 unfortunately draws Brazil.
PREDICTION: Brazil 4, Tunisia 0
1F [France] v 2E [Italy]
Outlook: Perhaps the best matchup of the Round of 16, as two powerhouses go head-to-head.
PREDICTION: France 1, Italy 1 (France advances on penalty kicks, 4-3)
1H [Spain] v 2G [Croatia]
Outlook: The Spanish should cruise here.
PREDICTION: Spain 3, Croatia 1
Quarterfinals
That will set up some intriguing matchups in the second round of this tournament ...
Germany vs. Holland
OUTLOOK: The Dutch ruin their neighbors' party
PREDICTION: Holland 1, Germany 1 (Holland advances 5-3 on penalty kicks)
Argentina vs. England
OUTLOOK: These two have a knack for meeting in the World Cup--from the Hand of God (1986) to Beckham's blunder (1998) to the yawn of a showdown in Japan (2002).
PREDICTION: England 2, Argentina 1
USA vs. Brazil
OUTLOOK: They've met once before in a knockout round game: On July 4, 1994, the Brazilians with a late goal by Bebeto ended the Americans run at hosting the World Cup. This time, it won't be so close.
PREDICTION: Brazil 3, United States 1
France vs. Spain
OUTLOOK: After facing Italy in the Round of 16, the French now get another big name showdown vs. Spain. It's simply too many good teams in a row.
PREDICTION: Spain 2, France 1 (on a golden goal)
SEMIFINALS
Holland vs. England
OUTLOOK: It's been a good run for the Dutch, but England makes it through to the final.
PREDICTION: England 2, Holland 0
Brazil vs. Spain
OUTLOOK: The Spanish just can't find a way to stop the Brazilians.
PREDICTION: Brazil 3, Spain 0
THIRD PLACE GAME
Spain vs. Holland
OUTLOOK: A good matchup between two of the best European teams. Too bad it's in a game that neither side will care about.
PREDICTION: Holland 1, Spain 1 (Holland wins 4-2 on penalty kicks)
WORLD CUP FINAL
Brazil vs. England
OUTLOOK: My heart says England; my head says Brazil.
PREDICTION: England 1, Brazil 1 (England wins 4-3 on penalty kicks ... breaking its penalty kick curse forever).
Final Finish
1st Place: England
2nd Place: Brazil
3rd Place: Holland
4th Place: Spain
Quarterfinalists: USA, Germany, Argentina and France
Round of 16 Teams: Sweden, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, South Korea, Tunisia, Italy and Croatia.
The United States’ World Cup: Quarterfinalists; Won 3, Lost 1, Tied 1. Goals Scored: 9; Goals Allowed: 7; Goal Differential: +2. First Round: United States 2, Czech Republic 1; United States 1, Italy 1; United States 2, Ghana 0; Round of 16: USA 3, South Korea 2; Quarterfinals: Brazil 3, United States 1. USA vs. Europe: one win, one tie. USA vs. Asia: one win. USA vs. Africa: one win. USA vs. South America: One loss
England’s World Cup: Champions. Won 7, Lost 0, Tied 0. Goals Scored: 14, Goals Allowed: 2. Goal Differential: +12. First Round: England 2, Paraguay 0, England 4, Trinidad & Tobago 0, England 1, Sweden 0; Round of 16: England 2, Costa Rica 0; Quarterfinals: England 2, Argentina 1; Semifinals: England 2, Holland 0; World Cup Final: England 1, Brazil 1 (England wins 4-3 on penalty kicks). England vs. Europe: two wins. England vs. South America: three wins. England vs. CONCACAF: two wins.
Christ's Valentine
NOTE: This is a Valentine's message that my home teaching, companion, Stanton Roseman, and I gave to our home teachees.
On this day when love is celebrated, we, as your home teachers, thought we’d take some time to remind you of He who loves you most—the Lord Jesus Christ. The central characteristic of Christ is His love—as the apostle John put it: “God is love” (1 John 4:6). Of this, we are convinced. We have both learned through precious experiences that Christ loves us, and that He stands willing to help us. We know that He loves you and stands ready to help you through any difficulty or trouble in which you may find yourself.
The Savior once said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:14). Truly, Christ has demonstrated His love—the greatest love of all—through His Atonement, in which he sacrificed His life and suffered all things for all of us—as He told Joseph Smith: “The Son of Man hath descended below them all.” Why did the Lord suffer all things? To help us in our times of trial! Whatever difficulty you may encounter in life, Christ can help you through it because He has Himself gone through the exact thing that has you down. He personally knows our disappointments—and, on the days that we all have from time to time—when we feel life is just terrible, and we get down and discouraged, it’s easy to think that God—and everyone else, for that matter—has forgotten us. That is simply not true. Christ once spoke directly to those who wonder if He has abandoned them:
“But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
“For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (1 Nephi 20: 14-16).
Here, Christ tells us He loves us even more than our moms do! He remembers us always, for His love for us has been engraved on His palms through His loving sacrifice—the purpose of which was to help us realize our own happiness. In our most desperate moments, we can take comfort that the Great God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, is mindful of us and He loves us and is waiting for us to come unto Him that He can share our burden with us! We are never unloved; rather, we are always loved. One of the great messages of the Book of Mormon is that no matter what we have done, Christ says: “I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long” (2 Nephi 28:32). When we read the phrase, “Mine arm is lengthened out,” we like to think of the Savior standing, arms outstretched, ready to embrace us with His love. And, indeed, we do know that there is nothing the Savior would rather do—than hug you and listen to your troubles whatever they may be and help you realize the happiness that He so desperately wishes will come your way.
We particularly love the “love poem” the Apostle Paul wrote about the Savior’s love:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
“. . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 37-39).
We hope and pray that this Valentine’s Day—and every other day, you will feel loved by your Savior Jesus Christ. We know He loves you and is rooting for your success and happiness. May God bless you!
Sincerely,
Stephen Vincent
Stanton Roseman
On this day when love is celebrated, we, as your home teachers, thought we’d take some time to remind you of He who loves you most—the Lord Jesus Christ. The central characteristic of Christ is His love—as the apostle John put it: “God is love” (1 John 4:6). Of this, we are convinced. We have both learned through precious experiences that Christ loves us, and that He stands willing to help us. We know that He loves you and stands ready to help you through any difficulty or trouble in which you may find yourself.
The Savior once said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:14). Truly, Christ has demonstrated His love—the greatest love of all—through His Atonement, in which he sacrificed His life and suffered all things for all of us—as He told Joseph Smith: “The Son of Man hath descended below them all.” Why did the Lord suffer all things? To help us in our times of trial! Whatever difficulty you may encounter in life, Christ can help you through it because He has Himself gone through the exact thing that has you down. He personally knows our disappointments—and, on the days that we all have from time to time—when we feel life is just terrible, and we get down and discouraged, it’s easy to think that God—and everyone else, for that matter—has forgotten us. That is simply not true. Christ once spoke directly to those who wonder if He has abandoned them:
“But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
“For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (1 Nephi 20: 14-16).
Here, Christ tells us He loves us even more than our moms do! He remembers us always, for His love for us has been engraved on His palms through His loving sacrifice—the purpose of which was to help us realize our own happiness. In our most desperate moments, we can take comfort that the Great God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, is mindful of us and He loves us and is waiting for us to come unto Him that He can share our burden with us! We are never unloved; rather, we are always loved. One of the great messages of the Book of Mormon is that no matter what we have done, Christ says: “I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long” (2 Nephi 28:32). When we read the phrase, “Mine arm is lengthened out,” we like to think of the Savior standing, arms outstretched, ready to embrace us with His love. And, indeed, we do know that there is nothing the Savior would rather do—than hug you and listen to your troubles whatever they may be and help you realize the happiness that He so desperately wishes will come your way.
We particularly love the “love poem” the Apostle Paul wrote about the Savior’s love:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
“. . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 37-39).
We hope and pray that this Valentine’s Day—and every other day, you will feel loved by your Savior Jesus Christ. We know He loves you and is rooting for your success and happiness. May God bless you!
Sincerely,
Stephen Vincent
Stanton Roseman
RELIGION: Sacrament Talk: January 29, 2006: Plain and Precious Covenants Restored
One of the most famous conversations in the Book of Mormon is that between Nephi and the angel of the Lord. While telling Nephi about the apostasy, the angel says: “They have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.” And while we could spend hours talking about the plain and precious truths that have now been restored, I wish to speak in the few minutes I have of the plain and precious covenants, once lost, that have now been lovingly restored by a Father who wishes for our success and happiness.
Indeed, what makes the restoration of these covenants so special is that the power to perform them was restored. And, for the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Lord was making covenants with His children through His priesthood.
Before I do that, however, I wish to bear my testimony that I know that God the Father and Jesus Christ did, in fact, appear to Joseph Smith, and they did restore their church through him. Most of all, I want you to know that I know the priesthood has been restored. I have a deep testimony of the priesthood—one borne of experience. I felt that sweet comfort of the Spirit when I have been blessed by the priesthood, and I have felt the power of God working within me when I have righteously exercised that priesthood.
The first covenant I wish to speak of is baptism. The beautiful thing about baptism is the peace and warmth of the Spirit we feel when we are baptized, and how that protection of that Spirit is thereafter with us. But there’s another reason why baptism is a plain and precious covenant—because the Lord promises to be with us. President George Q. Cannon said, “When we went forth into the waters of baptism and covenanted with our Father in Heaven to serve Him and keep His commandments, He bound Himself also by covenant that He would never desert us, never leave us to ourselves, never forget us, that in the midst of trials and hardships, when everything was arrayed against us, He would be near unto us and would sustain us.”
It has been my experience that when I have been at my lowest and loneliest times in my life, my Heavenly Father has, through His Spirit, comforted me—and has been my Friend when I most needed a friend.
Next, I’d like to speak about the sacrament. This is our chance to renew our baptismal covenant and remember our Savior. It is our chance to partake of His atonement. For us, His body was torn and broken. It was then laid in a sepulcher and covered by a cloth—much like the bread was in today’s Sacrament. On the third day, He was risen. Job once asked: “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). Christ answered the question when He said: “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19). In Gethsemane and on the cross, Christ suffered and bled for the sins of mankind. Later, Christ told Joseph Smith what this suffering was like for Him, when He said: “Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men” (D&C 19:18-19). At that Christ also told us why He performed that sacrifice: “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent” (D&C 19:16). In the wilderness, the ancient Israelites survived on manna—a kind of bread sent from Heaven—and the water that gushed forth from the rock when Moses smote. Just as the ancient Israelites’ physical salvation depended on bread and water, our spiritual salvation depends on how well we live up the covenant we make when we take the bread and water.
Next, I’d like to talk briefly about the endowment. I won’t speak of that actual covenant itself. But I will say this: Nothing can match the peace I feel when, at the end of the session, I have a chance to sit in the Celestial Room and ponder. What a great blessing it is to have temples in our lives.
Finally, I’d like to talk of another temple covenant—the sealing power that was restored to Earth through Elijah. It is by this New and Everlasting covenant that families are made eternal. Of all the covenants restored, this is the sweetest. It was the final priesthood key restored in this dispensation. All other covenants prepare us for this covenant. The plain and precious truths restored in this dispensation all point to this Great Covenant. The family is at the heart of the plan of salvation. Because we are here on Earth to create, build and honor eternal family relationships. If we do that, our family structure cannot be dissolved by death. The family that is our greatest blessing here will be our greatest blessing there.
How grateful I am to have had parents who made and honored this great covenant and who have worked to build an eternal family. My love and gratitude to them will be endless. As will my love and gratitude for a Heavenly Father who loved me and you enough to restore these covenants and His church and allowed us to live in a time when the gospel in its fullness was upon the Earth. Most of all, I am grateful that He loved me enough to send His Son to prepare way for me to return to live with Him. And I am grateful His Son loved us enough to perform the Atonement. I testify that He did and that He lives in Christ’s name. Amen.
Indeed, what makes the restoration of these covenants so special is that the power to perform them was restored. And, for the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Lord was making covenants with His children through His priesthood.
Before I do that, however, I wish to bear my testimony that I know that God the Father and Jesus Christ did, in fact, appear to Joseph Smith, and they did restore their church through him. Most of all, I want you to know that I know the priesthood has been restored. I have a deep testimony of the priesthood—one borne of experience. I felt that sweet comfort of the Spirit when I have been blessed by the priesthood, and I have felt the power of God working within me when I have righteously exercised that priesthood.
The first covenant I wish to speak of is baptism. The beautiful thing about baptism is the peace and warmth of the Spirit we feel when we are baptized, and how that protection of that Spirit is thereafter with us. But there’s another reason why baptism is a plain and precious covenant—because the Lord promises to be with us. President George Q. Cannon said, “When we went forth into the waters of baptism and covenanted with our Father in Heaven to serve Him and keep His commandments, He bound Himself also by covenant that He would never desert us, never leave us to ourselves, never forget us, that in the midst of trials and hardships, when everything was arrayed against us, He would be near unto us and would sustain us.”
It has been my experience that when I have been at my lowest and loneliest times in my life, my Heavenly Father has, through His Spirit, comforted me—and has been my Friend when I most needed a friend.
Next, I’d like to speak about the sacrament. This is our chance to renew our baptismal covenant and remember our Savior. It is our chance to partake of His atonement. For us, His body was torn and broken. It was then laid in a sepulcher and covered by a cloth—much like the bread was in today’s Sacrament. On the third day, He was risen. Job once asked: “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). Christ answered the question when He said: “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19). In Gethsemane and on the cross, Christ suffered and bled for the sins of mankind. Later, Christ told Joseph Smith what this suffering was like for Him, when He said: “Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men” (D&C 19:18-19). At that Christ also told us why He performed that sacrifice: “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent” (D&C 19:16). In the wilderness, the ancient Israelites survived on manna—a kind of bread sent from Heaven—and the water that gushed forth from the rock when Moses smote. Just as the ancient Israelites’ physical salvation depended on bread and water, our spiritual salvation depends on how well we live up the covenant we make when we take the bread and water.
Next, I’d like to talk briefly about the endowment. I won’t speak of that actual covenant itself. But I will say this: Nothing can match the peace I feel when, at the end of the session, I have a chance to sit in the Celestial Room and ponder. What a great blessing it is to have temples in our lives.
Finally, I’d like to talk of another temple covenant—the sealing power that was restored to Earth through Elijah. It is by this New and Everlasting covenant that families are made eternal. Of all the covenants restored, this is the sweetest. It was the final priesthood key restored in this dispensation. All other covenants prepare us for this covenant. The plain and precious truths restored in this dispensation all point to this Great Covenant. The family is at the heart of the plan of salvation. Because we are here on Earth to create, build and honor eternal family relationships. If we do that, our family structure cannot be dissolved by death. The family that is our greatest blessing here will be our greatest blessing there.
How grateful I am to have had parents who made and honored this great covenant and who have worked to build an eternal family. My love and gratitude to them will be endless. As will my love and gratitude for a Heavenly Father who loved me and you enough to restore these covenants and His church and allowed us to live in a time when the gospel in its fullness was upon the Earth. Most of all, I am grateful that He loved me enough to send His Son to prepare way for me to return to live with Him. And I am grateful His Son loved us enough to perform the Atonement. I testify that He did and that He lives in Christ’s name. Amen.
RELIGION: Sacrament Talk: May 27, 2003: Written on My Heart
In 2 Corinthians 3:3, the Paul taught the Corinthians that a testimony is “. . . written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” In other words, a testimony cannot be gained through mere study—as all other knowledge is gained. Rather, since it is a Celestial piece of information, it must come from a Celestial source—the Holy Ghost.
And it is through the frequent whisperings of that Spirit, that the words “I know my Redeemer lives” has been etched onto the fleshy tables of my heart.
But it is not enough to have a testimony, we must live up to that testimony. A wise person once told me: “We should live our lives in such a way that someone who doesn’t know Christ but knows us will want to know Christ because they know us.” That, of course, is a tall order. I’m sure that if someone watched and catalogued my life, they would conclude that I live more of a Garfield lifestyle than a Christian lifestyle.
But fortunately, I have a way to repent and change. Richard G. Scott taught: “You must trust that the Savior has given His life so that you may make the required changes in your life.” What a wonderful opportunity is ours to cast off the shackles of sin through our Savior’s love. The burden of sin, taught President Harold B. Lee, is the heaviest that anyone can carry in this life. Elder Boyd K. Packer expressed it this way: “I readily confess that I would find no peace, neither happiness nor safety, in a world without repentance. I do not know what I should do if there were no way for me to erase my mistakes. The agony would be more than I could bear.”
We are all probably well-acquainted, more than we want to be, with the debilitating effects of sin. We have probably all felt as though we were in a state of worthlessness when our sins have weighed us down. Perhaps, foolishly, we have allowed the Adversary to put into our hearts, the thought that we cannot be redeemed, that we cannot change, that a sinner is what we are and what we will ever be.
Such a lie is calculated to deprive of us of the infinite atonement—and I testify that it is infinite. Foreseeing this cunning plan of the evil one, Christ asked, through the prophet Isaiah, in 2 Nephi 7:2: “O house of Israel is my arm shortened at all that it cannot redeem, or have I no power to deliver?” You will note that this question comes at the start of the Isaiah chapters of 2nd Nephi, which chronicles many sins and abominations. It is this question that we are left to ponder as we read about the wickedness of the world. But at the end of it, Christ notes all this, and says succinctly in 2 Nephi 28:32: “I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long.” In short, these two verses teach this very important principle: Christ’s arm is not shortened! He can redeem!”
Let us, therefore, not put limits on an atonement that is infinite. Christ has all power. If the oceans can evaporate on his commandment, then why can he not change our hearts if we come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit?
Christ will never turn his back to us. As near as I can tell, that is the point of the Isaiah chapters in 2nd Nephi: Christ is there for us. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell put it: “We may turn from Him, but He is still there. We may feel that he is hidden from us because of the cloud cover of our concerns, but He is still close to us. We—not He—let something come between us, but no lasting eclipse need ensue. Our disregard for him is no match for His love of us!”
Yes, love is the greatest trademark of our Savior, for it was His love for us that caused him to commit the atonement for us! Of this Ezra Taft Benson said, “We may never understand nor comprehend in mortality how He accomplished what he did, but we must not fail to understand why He did what He did. Everything He did was prompted by His unselfish, infinite love for us.”
Perhaps this perfect and pure love of Christ is best exemplified with his dealings with Paul. Said Elder Maxwell: “Who but merciful and discerning Jesus could be betrayed, arrested, and forsaken, and yet extend to a one-time persecutor, Saul, the great apostolic calling? Later on, [Christ] stood by a jailed and persecuted Peter in the night.” Alma the Younger is a character very similar to Paul because, like Paul, Alma went about seeking to destroy the church and the testimony others had for Christ, but was stopped by an angel. Alma tells us that after this experience he was “for three days and three nights was I racked with the pains of a damned soul.”
But Alma “remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou son of God, have mercy on me … And behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was pain!” (Alma 36:16-20).
Indeed, Christ does stand with open arms, waiting for us. Indeed, he did suffer all things for us. He did this so that we would not have to be racked with the pains of a damned soul. He did this so we would not be forever in Satan’s power. He did this so that we could become like Him. That we could live again with Him and the Father. It is when we understand why suffered that we can sing: “I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me!”
The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob expressed his gratitude for the Savior in 2 Nephi 9:10, when he said: “O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster.” Yes, we have the opportunity to cast off sin and purified in the blood of the Lamb.
But that does not mean that repentance is a right that can be abused. We must remember that we are, as Paul said, “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20). And as such, we must behave like ones who know that Christ did, in reality, suffer all things for our good.
We, therefore, should not seek out sin nor fall victim to the dangerous and abusive attitude of “Sin now and repent later.” We cannot trade our allegiance to our Redeemer for any portion of money, sex, or praise of man. Perhaps we can learn from the example of Anthon H. Lund. As a 13-year-old boy, Anthon H. Lund, who would later serve in the first presidency, was fulfilling a mission in his native Denmark. His combination of youth and spiritual competence won over many. He was so impressive that a wealthy and devout Lutheran offered to make Anthon his heir, if Anthon would become a Lutheran minister. Anthon replied: “I have no doubt that you are a rich man, but you have not money enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of God.” Even as a 13-year-old boy, Anthon H. Lund comprehended what was of the greatest worth: Following the Savior. We show our appreciation and friendship for the Atoner by being obedient to His commandments and by striving to live a life that would mirror the life that was sacrificed for us.
Recently, I read an article about Joe Delaney, who was an All-Pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs in the early 1980s. Joe was more than just a football player. He was known for mowing the lawns of lonely women and checking in on the elderly. He was an all-around good guy. Perhaps that’s why one day, when he heard a cry for help from three drowning boys, he jumped in to save them—even though he couldn’t swim. By sheer strength, he was able to throw one of the boys to safety before he and the two other boys drowned.
Of the boy who was saved, Sports Illustrated’s Rick Reilly writes: “As much as you might hope that [he] has done something with the gift Delaney gave him, so far he hasn't. . . . Thirty years old now, [he] got out of jail in May after serving time for distribution of cocaine. There's still time for him to do something wonderful with the life Delaney gave him. After all, Delaney was doing wonderful things with the one he gave up.” This young man has forgotten that his mortal life was purchased with a price.
Similiarly, our eternal lives were purchased with a price—the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. To attain eternal life, we must live lives in which our faith is not hard to detect. We need to live lives that reflect the testimonies we have of Christ.
The Spirit of God has written such a testimony on my heart. Indeed, I do know that my Redeemer lives. I wish to live worthy of every blessing He would extend to me. I know He lives. But the Spirit of God has also whispered frequently to me other testimonies, and from this, I can testify that God lives and He too loves us with a love greater than we can comprehend. And the Father and The Son did appear to a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith. They did call him to be a prophet through whom they would restore the Holy Priesthood and bring forth those treasured books, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. I also know that Gordon B. Hinckley is God’s prophet on the earth today. How grateful I am to be a member of this church. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
And it is through the frequent whisperings of that Spirit, that the words “I know my Redeemer lives” has been etched onto the fleshy tables of my heart.
But it is not enough to have a testimony, we must live up to that testimony. A wise person once told me: “We should live our lives in such a way that someone who doesn’t know Christ but knows us will want to know Christ because they know us.” That, of course, is a tall order. I’m sure that if someone watched and catalogued my life, they would conclude that I live more of a Garfield lifestyle than a Christian lifestyle.
But fortunately, I have a way to repent and change. Richard G. Scott taught: “You must trust that the Savior has given His life so that you may make the required changes in your life.” What a wonderful opportunity is ours to cast off the shackles of sin through our Savior’s love. The burden of sin, taught President Harold B. Lee, is the heaviest that anyone can carry in this life. Elder Boyd K. Packer expressed it this way: “I readily confess that I would find no peace, neither happiness nor safety, in a world without repentance. I do not know what I should do if there were no way for me to erase my mistakes. The agony would be more than I could bear.”
We are all probably well-acquainted, more than we want to be, with the debilitating effects of sin. We have probably all felt as though we were in a state of worthlessness when our sins have weighed us down. Perhaps, foolishly, we have allowed the Adversary to put into our hearts, the thought that we cannot be redeemed, that we cannot change, that a sinner is what we are and what we will ever be.
Such a lie is calculated to deprive of us of the infinite atonement—and I testify that it is infinite. Foreseeing this cunning plan of the evil one, Christ asked, through the prophet Isaiah, in 2 Nephi 7:2: “O house of Israel is my arm shortened at all that it cannot redeem, or have I no power to deliver?” You will note that this question comes at the start of the Isaiah chapters of 2nd Nephi, which chronicles many sins and abominations. It is this question that we are left to ponder as we read about the wickedness of the world. But at the end of it, Christ notes all this, and says succinctly in 2 Nephi 28:32: “I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long.” In short, these two verses teach this very important principle: Christ’s arm is not shortened! He can redeem!”
Let us, therefore, not put limits on an atonement that is infinite. Christ has all power. If the oceans can evaporate on his commandment, then why can he not change our hearts if we come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit?
Christ will never turn his back to us. As near as I can tell, that is the point of the Isaiah chapters in 2nd Nephi: Christ is there for us. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell put it: “We may turn from Him, but He is still there. We may feel that he is hidden from us because of the cloud cover of our concerns, but He is still close to us. We—not He—let something come between us, but no lasting eclipse need ensue. Our disregard for him is no match for His love of us!”
Yes, love is the greatest trademark of our Savior, for it was His love for us that caused him to commit the atonement for us! Of this Ezra Taft Benson said, “We may never understand nor comprehend in mortality how He accomplished what he did, but we must not fail to understand why He did what He did. Everything He did was prompted by His unselfish, infinite love for us.”
Perhaps this perfect and pure love of Christ is best exemplified with his dealings with Paul. Said Elder Maxwell: “Who but merciful and discerning Jesus could be betrayed, arrested, and forsaken, and yet extend to a one-time persecutor, Saul, the great apostolic calling? Later on, [Christ] stood by a jailed and persecuted Peter in the night.” Alma the Younger is a character very similar to Paul because, like Paul, Alma went about seeking to destroy the church and the testimony others had for Christ, but was stopped by an angel. Alma tells us that after this experience he was “for three days and three nights was I racked with the pains of a damned soul.”
But Alma “remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou son of God, have mercy on me … And behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was pain!” (Alma 36:16-20).
Indeed, Christ does stand with open arms, waiting for us. Indeed, he did suffer all things for us. He did this so that we would not have to be racked with the pains of a damned soul. He did this so we would not be forever in Satan’s power. He did this so that we could become like Him. That we could live again with Him and the Father. It is when we understand why suffered that we can sing: “I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me!”
The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob expressed his gratitude for the Savior in 2 Nephi 9:10, when he said: “O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster.” Yes, we have the opportunity to cast off sin and purified in the blood of the Lamb.
But that does not mean that repentance is a right that can be abused. We must remember that we are, as Paul said, “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20). And as such, we must behave like ones who know that Christ did, in reality, suffer all things for our good.
We, therefore, should not seek out sin nor fall victim to the dangerous and abusive attitude of “Sin now and repent later.” We cannot trade our allegiance to our Redeemer for any portion of money, sex, or praise of man. Perhaps we can learn from the example of Anthon H. Lund. As a 13-year-old boy, Anthon H. Lund, who would later serve in the first presidency, was fulfilling a mission in his native Denmark. His combination of youth and spiritual competence won over many. He was so impressive that a wealthy and devout Lutheran offered to make Anthon his heir, if Anthon would become a Lutheran minister. Anthon replied: “I have no doubt that you are a rich man, but you have not money enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of God.” Even as a 13-year-old boy, Anthon H. Lund comprehended what was of the greatest worth: Following the Savior. We show our appreciation and friendship for the Atoner by being obedient to His commandments and by striving to live a life that would mirror the life that was sacrificed for us.
Recently, I read an article about Joe Delaney, who was an All-Pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs in the early 1980s. Joe was more than just a football player. He was known for mowing the lawns of lonely women and checking in on the elderly. He was an all-around good guy. Perhaps that’s why one day, when he heard a cry for help from three drowning boys, he jumped in to save them—even though he couldn’t swim. By sheer strength, he was able to throw one of the boys to safety before he and the two other boys drowned.
Of the boy who was saved, Sports Illustrated’s Rick Reilly writes: “As much as you might hope that [he] has done something with the gift Delaney gave him, so far he hasn't. . . . Thirty years old now, [he] got out of jail in May after serving time for distribution of cocaine. There's still time for him to do something wonderful with the life Delaney gave him. After all, Delaney was doing wonderful things with the one he gave up.” This young man has forgotten that his mortal life was purchased with a price.
Similiarly, our eternal lives were purchased with a price—the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. To attain eternal life, we must live lives in which our faith is not hard to detect. We need to live lives that reflect the testimonies we have of Christ.
The Spirit of God has written such a testimony on my heart. Indeed, I do know that my Redeemer lives. I wish to live worthy of every blessing He would extend to me. I know He lives. But the Spirit of God has also whispered frequently to me other testimonies, and from this, I can testify that God lives and He too loves us with a love greater than we can comprehend. And the Father and The Son did appear to a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith. They did call him to be a prophet through whom they would restore the Holy Priesthood and bring forth those treasured books, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. I also know that Gordon B. Hinckley is God’s prophet on the earth today. How grateful I am to be a member of this church. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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