Enjoy!!

Music and the Knowledge of Good and Evil

Music, Art, and Media Series

Ezra Taft Benson:

We seek that which is praiseworthy, lovely, virtuous, and of good report; and we salute Beethoven, Shakespeare, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo. In due time, we will also have more of our own giants–particularly great father-patriarchs and noble companions and mothers of men. There is certain music heard and art seen and clothes worn on this campus [BYU] that must pass away–not because the styles change but because our standards will be improved.

When individual actions of some Church members disturb you, here’s another principle to consider. This is the principle of stewardship. As the kingdom grows larger, more and more responsibilities have to be delegated and stewardships handed out. Men respond in different degrees of valiancy to their stewardships. God is very patient and long-suffering as he waits for some of us to rise to our responsibilities. He usually gives a man a long enough rope and a long enough time either to pull himself up to the presence of God or to drop off somewhere below. But while God is patient, no puny arm of man in his stewardship can long impede or pervert the work of the Lord. The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind ever so finely.

Because God has given men their agency, there will always be those who will misuse it. The gospel net draws in the good and the bad, the best and the worst–the worst because the devil, before the final cleansing, puts some of his followers within the kingdom in order to try and destroy it. We have some of them within the kingdom today, and in due course their number shall be known. Time has a way of taking care of all things, of elevating the good and bringing down the bad. If we see things going on within the kingdom that disturb us, we might first resolve if the matter falls within our stewardship. We then might go to the person or people involved. If it is of such a nature that we think it should be called to the attention of higher authority, then we can, in a kindly and quiet manner, take the necessary steps at the proper level.

To publish differences we may think we have with the leaders of the Church, to create strife and division, is a sure road to apostasy. Our task is to stick with the kingdom, not to let anything or anybody disaffect or sour us toward that great gift which Christ has given us–his church.

The Church is true. Keep its laws; attend its meetings; sustain its leaders; accept its callings; get its recommend; enjoy its blessings.

Jesus Christ–Gifts and Expectations, Ezra Taft Benson, BYU devotional, 10 December 1974

Moroni 7:12-17

12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.

19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.

We’d write out the whole good spirit vs. bad spirit chart deal here, but formatting it in a blog would be a nightmare, so here’s the link to the whole talk he gave!

Investing for Eternity, John H. Groberg BYU devotional, 15 June 1982

Popular Music Guidelines

Music, Art, and Media Series

Larry Bastian, “Popular Music Guidelines,” Ensign, Apr 1974, 37

Have you ever wondered why things like beat, rhythm, and intensity are mentioned by the brethren as things to be aware of when are choosing what type of music to listen to?  I have, and this talk addressed that very well.

Enjoy!!

Dating and Marriage Series

Here’s a link to the talk we share:

Spencer W. Kimball, “Oneness in Marriage,” Ensign, Mar 1977, 3

Here’s a link to the talk Jenni mentioned – it’s a fun one, we recommend it!

Barbara Jacobson, “Granola Crumbs and Paint Cans,” Ensign, Jun 2009, 10–11

Here’s a link to the article Suzane Smith mentioned to us in an email: Top 50 Mormon/LDS Bloggers

Thanks, Suzane!

Enjoy!!

The Parable of the Treasure

This is the last week to vote for the next series, so put in your votes before next Friday!

Marriage and Dating Series

Boyd K. Packer, “For Time and All Eternity,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 21

Boyd K. Packer:

The Parable of the Treasure

Once a man received as his inheritance two keys. The first key, he was told, would open a vault which he must protect at all cost. The second key was to a safe within the vault which contained a priceless treasure. He was to open this safe and freely use the precious things which were stored therein. He was warned that many would seek to rob him of his inheritance. He was promised that if he used the treasure worthily, it would be replenished and never be diminished, not in all eternity. He would be tested. If he used it to benefit others, his own blessings and joy would increase.The man went alone to the vault. His first key opened the door. He tried to unlock the treasure with the other key, but he could not, for there were two locks on the safe. His key alone would not open it. No matter how he tried, he could not open it. He was puzzled. He had been given the keys. He knew the treasure was rightfully his. He had obeyed instructions, but he could not open the safe.

In due time, there came a woman into the vault. She, too, held a key. It was noticeably different from the key he held. Her key fit the other lock. It humbled him to learn that he could not obtain his rightful inheritance without her.
They made a covenant that together they would open the treasure and, as instructed, he would watch over the vault and protect it; she would watch over the treasure. She was not concerned that, as guardian of the vault, he held two keys, for his full purpose was to see that she was safe as she watched over that which was most precious to them both. Together they opened the safe and partook of their inheritance. They rejoiced for, as promised, it replenished itself.
With great joy they found that they could pass the treasure on to their children; each could receive a full measure, undiminished to the last generation.
Perhaps some few of their posterity would not find a companion who possessed the complementary key, or one worthy and willing to keep the covenants relating to the treasure. Nevertheless, if they kept the commandments, they would not be denied even the smallest blessing.
Because some tempted them to misuse their treasure, they were careful to teach their children about keys and covenants.
There came, in due time, among their posterity some few who were deceived or jealous or selfish because one was given two keys and another only one. “Why,” the selfish ones reasoned, “cannot the treasure be mine alone to use as I desire?”
Some tried to reshape the key they had been given to resemble the other key. Perhaps, they thought, it would then fit both locks. And so it was that the safe was closed to them. Their reshaped keys were useless, and their inheritance was lost.
Those who received the treasure with gratitude and obeyed the laws concerning it knew joy without bounds through time and all eternity.

Boyd K. Packer, “For Time and All Eternity,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 21

Enjoy!!

Interview with Engagees

Dating and Marriage Series

Special episode!  We got an interview with my brother, Jake, and his fiance, Robyn.  They’re getting married in two weeks, and we talk with them about how they met and how they decided to get married.

We did mention one scripture:

D&C 82:10

I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.

Enjoy!!

Dating and Marriage Series

“Of All Things,” New Era, Oct. 2004, 42

Be sure your courtship reflects the patterns you want in your eternal marriage.
—President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), “Live for the Future,” New Era, Nov. 2002, 12.

A Prophet’s Love Story

As a boy, President Gordon B. Hinckley lived across the street from Marjorie Pay. She first caught his eye at a ward social when she gave a reading. Their first date was to the Gold and Green Ball, a Church dance. At that time, Gordon went to the University of Utah and Marjorie was a senior in high school. They became good friends, and their friendship later turned to courtship.

When the time came, Marjorie supported Gordon in his decision to Read the rest of this entry »

Enjoy!!

Dating and Marriage Series

So now that you’re deep in the dating game, how do you decide WHO to marry?  As mentioned again and again by prophets, this is likely the most important decision you will make in your life!  So how do you decide?  Leave your thoughts in the comments, or email us at popcornandpodcasting@gmail.com

Thomas S. Monson, “Whom Shall I Marry?,” New Era, Oct 2004, 4

Spencer W. Kimball:

“Soul mates” are fiction and an illusion; and while every young man and young woman will seek with all diligence and prayerfulness to find a mate with whom life can be most compatible and beautiful, yet it is certain that almost any good man and any good woman can have happiness and a successful marriage if both are willing to pay the price.
In selecting a companion for life and for eternity, certainly the most careful planning and thinking and praying and fasting should be done to be sure that of all the decisions, this one must not be wrong. In true marriage there must be a union of minds as well as of hearts. Emotions must not wholly determine decisions, but the mind and the heart, strengthened by fasting and prayer and serious consideration, will give one a maximum chance of marital happiness. It brings with it sacrifice, sharing, and a demand for great selflessness.

Many of the TV screen shows and stories of fiction end with marriage: “They lived happily ever after.” We have come to realize that the mere performance of a ceremony does not bring happiness and a successful marriage. Happiness does not come by pressing a button, as does the electric light; happiness is a state of mind and comes from within. It must be earned. It cannot be purchased with money; it cannot be taken for nothing.

Some think of happiness as a glamorous life of ease, luxury, and constant thrills; but true marriage is based on a happiness which is more than that, one which comes from giving, serving, sharing, sacrificing, and selflessness.

First Presidency Message,    Oneness in Marriage, By President Spencer W. Kimball

Ezra Taft Benson:

Remember, young men, the importance of proper dating. President Kimball gave some wise counsel on this subject:
“Clearly, right marriage begins with right dating. … Therefore, this warning comes with great emphasis. Do not take the chance of dating nonmembers, or members who are untrained and faithless. [You] may say, ‘Oh I do not intend to marry this person. It is just a “fun” date.’ But one cannot afford to take a chance on falling in love with someone who may never accept the gospel.” (Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 241–42.)
Our Heavenly Father wants you to date young women who are faithful members of the Church, who encourage you to serve a full-time mission and to magnify your priesthood.

Ezra Taft Benson, “To the ‘Youth of the Noble Birthright’,” Ensign, May 1986,  43

Enjoy!!

Dating and Marriage Series

Love: is it a NOUN, or a VERB?  You choose.

Lynn G. Robbins, “Agency and Love in Marriage,” Ensign, Oct 2000, 16 – be sure to go to this one so you can see the nifty charity chart.  And while you’re there, read the whole thing!

And here’s the little sampler:

Ryan Carr, “At the Top of My List,” New Era, Oct. 2004, 48

So what’s on your list?  Share, comment, tell us what you want in a spouse …and no, this isn’t intended as a dating classifieds site

Enjoy!!

Dating and Marriage Series

In this episode we finish the talk Agency or Inspiration–Which? by Elder Bruce R. McConkie.  Also, we answer last episode’s trivia question: “How many years was it from the time in the Book of Mormon where “There was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets,” until the storms came at Christ’s death?

Enjoy!!

Dating and Marriage Series

Don’t we all wish it were that easy?  Wouldn’t it be nice to just be told “That’s the one!  Now go ask him/her out!”

So how much of this decision comes from revelation, and how much comes from preference?  In this episode, we continue discussing the talk by Elder Bruce R. McConkie called Agency or Inspiration–Which?

So get a date, pop some corn, and enjoy!

Enjoy!!

Dating and Marriage Series

Agency is an essential part of love – not only in the choice of who to love, but the choice whether or not to love.  This subject will take a few podcasts to cover, but there are some great quotes and talks here.  Dating is filled with so many choices… so choose wisely!

Agency or Inspiration–Which? by Bruce R. McConkie

Here’s the Tom Anderson Story we shared.  This story is also read on a talk by Barbara W. Winder.

I made a vow to myself on the drive down to the vacation beach cottage. For two weeks I would try to be a loving husband and father. Totally loving. No ifs, ands or buts.
The idea had come to me as I listened to a Read the rest of this entry »