The Last Supper

Thoughts on 21 days on quarantine.

I have read the account many times as Jesus and the Twelve Apostles gathered to eat the Feast of the Passover together. During this meal Jesus told His Apostles that one of them would soon betrayed Him. Before long, Judas Iscariot left the group and went out into the night. 

Jesus also offered the first sacrament at this time. He blessed the bread and gave it to the Apostles telling them to eat it in remembrance of HIs body. Then He passed the cup, telling them to drink and saying that this wine was in remembrance of HIs blood. Jesus spent the rest of the evening teaching His Apostles. He removed His outer robe and placed a towel around His waist. Then He pour water into a basin and one by one, began to wash and dry the Apostles's feet. Jesus explained that He had done this to teach them that they were to serve others. Afterwards they sang a hymn and went to the Mount of Olives. 

That story of the Last Supper took another meaning when visiting Jerusalem that I will never forget as long as I live. According to tradition, the Last Supper took place in what is today called Mount Zion or The Room of the Last Supper, just outside the Old City of Jerusalem, and is traditionally known as The Upper Room. 



As I walked into the room, an overwhelming feeling came over me. I saw those pillars and felt as if Christ was standing there next to those pillars looking right at us saying: " I was here with my disciples" IT IS TRUE!! The thought of feeling His presence penetrated my whole being that I almost felt like crying, but those tears were of happiness to know that each time we take the sacrament, symbolically, we are remembering Him. 

Today is also a special day because my husband and I just had our last Supper too and have started our fast. Dinner tomorrow will be special, it will include homemade bread Italian pasta, salads and pasta frola for dessert. Even though we are quarantine, which is not fun, we are thankful for the opportunity we have to pause and to participate in a global inter-faith fast tomorrow. 


Con amor,
Vero

The Golden Rule

Thoughts on our 20 days on quarantine.

I am grateful for my belief in God and His beloved Son, The Lord Jesus Christ of the New Testament, the Jehovah of the Old. The Redeemer of the world. In all of human history there is nothing to compare with the Savior's gracious most perfect gift of His atoning sacrifice. A gift He could only give. 

I am thankful for His teachings. The principle of the Golden Rule as one of them. "Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them." (Matthew 7:12) incidentally, the primary teaching of every religion around the world, is based on the Golden Rule Jesus taught. 

I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that a fundamental teaching is to allow all people to worship God according to the dictates of their conscious, that all may worship how, where, or what they may.  At a time such as this, we need to be united in prayer and fast with the invitation to appeal to a power much grater than our own. He grants us the free agency to do as we please, and this is the reason for our present troubles. 

I believe in the words found in the Holy scriptures: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) I believe that God will really communicate with His children who seek Him, that no one needs to face the challenges of our trials alone. I believe that if we all come together regardless of our faith we will be endowed with a unique and marvelous power, a power that only can come from God, the creator and ruler of the universe. I believe He can touch the hearts of His children of all lands for good, and can bring the necessary force that leads to health, strength, peace in our hearts and happiness. 

Con amor,
Vero 

Inasmuch as ye have done it...

Thoughts on our 19 day on quarantine.

Who doesn't remember Matthew 25: 35-40 on the topic of the love and charity taught by the Savior. He taught us to soften our hearts, be kind, help those less fortunate  but not only that, we are asked to forgive our enemies and pray for those who hate us. How about that?

Remember, "individuals or groups whose objective is to condemn, discredit, rail, or tear down those whose beliefs are different from their own. These people who live by hatred would destroy others if it were within their power to do so. Lasting peace cannot be built while we are reviling and hating others. True Christians have no time for contention. those who preach hate, ridicule, and slander are the opposite of "peacemakers" and they will reap a bitter harvest according to the poisonous seeds that they sow." Marvin J. Ashton

Con amor,
Vero

Jesus Cleansed the Temple

Thoughts on our 18 days on quarantine.

In Matt. 21; Mark 11 and Luke 19 we find the incident when Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out the merchants that were selling stuff and said unto them: "It is written, my house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. " I can only imagine the look on His face in disbelief when He saw the moneychangers who were distracting worshipers and neglecting the true purpose of God's temple.

Jesus was sweet, compassionate and patient but He showed us He had spine. There has to come a point when you need to draw the line to never compromise to lower standards. Jesus meant business when he wanted to make a point dealing with matters of the temple We also never need to allow distractions to make us not focus on temple attendance in order to occupy our time in more worldly things. That is what I get out of this story.

Con amor,
Vero

History was made on Palm Sunday 2020

Thoughts on our 17 days on quarantine.

In Mark 11:9 and John 12: 12-13 we find the account when Jesus traveled with His disciples to Jerusalem for the feast of the passover, and He entered the city riding on the calf of a donkey. Large crowds of people gathered to honor Jesus. They spread clothing and palm branches in His path. The people rejoiced and shouted "Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord."

Likewise this weekend has been historic we have been part of history and at the same time fulfilled the ones who prophesied about our days. While participating with millions of saints waving our white handkerchiefs commemorating 200 years when Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son as we declared: Hosanna to God and the Lamb! A deep feeling came to me and without doubt felt the spirit so strong testifying of the truthfulness of His restored gospel. This event alone answered so many questions pertaining to what God looks like, does He still communicates with his children like he did at the time of Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham etc.. and what about the priesthood? All the talks were amazing! It was truly a banquet of spiritual nourishment.

President Nelson asked for a special fast this coming Friday and introduced Bicentennial  proclamation and the new logo for the church. We also received an apostolic blessing and 8 new temples were announced. The choir at the end had many other choirs from around the world singing.

Over all it was just like it was promised: memorable and unforgettable! I loved watching General Conference for 10 hours this past weekend. Tonight as it all ended, I felt so much peace.

Con amor,
Vero

The start 190th General Conference

Thoughts on our 16 days on quarantine. 

Today Daniel and I sat down to watch General Conference via internet. Although not every message is directed to me at the time it is presented, I know each message has  been prepared to make a difference in the lives of those who might need it. I appreciate all the brethren and sisters who prepare words of inspiration to teach us something from their heart at General Conference. I have come to know these servants of the Lord in a more intimate way, by what they teach us and the experience they share. 

In my lifetime, I have heard many teachings and warnings from many General Conferences that I have listed to or attended in person. All have been inspired for our time. Something many have in common is when they share their testimony as incredible witnesses of Jesus the Christ. All testify of Christ. They have warned us to be prepared for what is to come. What is happening today should not surprise us. 

I particularly like the push to be self- reliant, and to strengthen the home through scripture study as a family or individuals. When you think of it, this effort has never being so on point than at the present time when we need to be self-isolated. It is important to draw near to the Lord for support. This pandemic is not our first trial and won't be our last. We must work hard at improving ourselves every day. I can't wait for the written copies of the talks given today. I took notes as usual but not fast enough.  

For those who have an increase in free time, There is now an opportunity available to study the scriptures, to work on family history, to tidy our homes and even call those who we have not spoken to recently. These activities can bring a new sense of purpose and joy into our lives. 

It is never too late to make the necessary changes in our lives that we may receive the blessings our Heavenly Father has for us. Let us truly come unto Christ and Hear Him. 

Con amor,
Vero

General Conference will be different

Thoughts on 15 days on quarantine. 

Tomorrow is the historic general conference we have waited for the past six months. When we hear the words of the Lord's servants, we hear Him. Church leaders have prayerfully prepared to offer messages of hope, inspiration, and guidance as we celebrate the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here is the last talk from President Nelson: 

“My beloved brothers and sisters, as we come to the end of this historic conference, we thank the Lord for inspiring the messages and the music that have edified us. We have truly enjoyed a spiritual feast.

We know the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will bring hope and joy to people who will hear and heed His doctrine. We also know that each home can become a true sanctuary of faith, where peace, love, and the Spirit of the Lord may dwell.

Of course, the crowning jewel of the Restoration is the holy temple. Its sacred ordinances and covenants are pivotal to preparing a people who are ready to welcome the Savior at His Second Coming. Presently we have 166 dedicated temples, and more are coming.

An open house will be held prior to the dedication of each new and renovated temple. Many friends not of our faith will participate in tours of those temples and will learn something about temple blessings. And some of those visitors will be moved upon to know more. Some will sincerely ask how they might qualify for the blessings of the temple.

As members of the Church, we need to be prepared to answer their questions. We can explain that the blessings of the temple are available to any and all people who will prepare themselves. But before they can enter a dedicated temple, they need to qualify. The Lord wants all His children to partake of the eternal blessings available in His temple. He has directed what each person must do to qualify to enter His holy house.

A good place for us to begin such a teaching opportunity is to call attention to the words etched on the temple’s exterior: “Holiness to the Lord: The House of the Lord.” President Henry B. Eyring’s message today and many others have inspired us to become more holy. Each temple is a holy place; each temple patron strives to become more holy.

All requirements to enter the temple relate to personal holiness. To assess that readiness, each person who wants to enjoy the blessings of the temple will have two interviews: first with a bishop, bishopric counselor, or branch president; second with a stake or mission president or one of his counselors. In those interviews, several questions will be asked.

Some of those questions have recently been edited for clarity. I would like to review them for you now:

1.    Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost?

2.    Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and of His role as your Savior and Redeemer?

3.    Do you have a testimony of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

4.     Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?

Do you sustain the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators?

Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local leaders of the Church?

5.     The Lord has said that all things are to be “done in cleanliness” before Him (Doctrine and Covenants 42:41).

Do you strive for moral cleanliness in your thoughts and behavior?

Do you obey the law of chastity?

6.    Do you follow the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ in your private and public behavior with members of your family and others?

7.    Do you support or promote any teachings, practices, or doctrine contrary to those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

8.     Do you strive to keep the Sabbath day holy, both at home and at church; attend your meetings; prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament; and live your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?

9.    Do you strive to be honest in all that you do?

10. Are you a full-tithe payer?

11. Do you understand and obey the Word of Wisdom?

12. Do you have any financial or other obligations to a former spouse or to children?

If yes, are you current in meeting those obligations?

13. Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple, including wearing the temple garment as instructed in the endowment?

14. Are there serious sins in your life that need to be resolved with priesthood authorities as part of your repentance?

15. Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord’s house and participate in temple ordinances?

Tomorrow, these revised temple recommend questions will be distributed to Church leaders throughout the world.

In addition to their answering those questions honestly, it is understood that each adult temple patron will wear the sacred garment of the priesthood under their regular clothing. This is symbolic of an inner commitment to strive each day to become more like the Lord. It also reminds us to remain faithful each day to covenants made and to walk on the covenant path each day in a higher and holier way.

Now, for just a moment, I would like to speak to our youth. We encourage you to qualify for limited-use temple recommends. You will be asked only those questions applicable to you in your preparation for the ordinances of proxy baptism and confirmation. We are very grateful for your worthiness and willingness to participate in that sacred temple work. We thank you!

Individual worthiness to enter the Lord’s house requires much individual spiritual preparation. But with the Lord’s help, nothing is impossible. In some respects, it is easier to build a temple than it is to build a people prepared for a temple. Individual worthiness requires a total conversion of mind and heart to be more like the Lord, to be an honest citizen, to be a better example, and to be a holier person.

I testify that such preparatory work brings innumerable blessings in this life and inconceivable blessings for the life to come, including the perpetuation of your family unit throughout all eternity “in a state of never-ending happiness.”¹

Now I would like to turn to another topic: plans for the coming year. In the springtime of the year 2020, it will be exactly 200 years since Joseph Smith experienced the theophany that we know as the First Vision. God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph, a 14-year-old youth. That event marked the onset of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness, precisely as foretold in the Holy Bible.²

Then came a succession of visits from heavenly messengers, including Moroni, John the Baptist, and the early Apostles Peter, James, and John. Others followed, including Moses, Elias, and Elijah. Each brought divine authority to bless God’s children on the earth once again.

Miraculously, we have also received the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, a companion scripture to the Holy Bible. The revelations published in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price have also greatly enriched our understanding of God’s commandments and eternal truth.

The keys and offices of the priesthood have been restored, including the offices of Apostle, Seventy, patriarch, high priest, elder, bishop, priest, teacher, and deacon. And women who love the Lord serve valiantly in the Relief Society, Primary, Young Women, Sunday School, and other Church callings—all vital parts of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness.

Thus, the year 2020 will be designated as a bicentennial year. General conference next April will be different from any previous conference. In the next six months, I hope that every member and every family will prepare for a unique conference that will commemorate the very foundations of the restored gospel.

You may wish to begin your preparation by reading afresh Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision as recorded in the Pearl of Great Price. Our course of study for next year in Come, Follow Me is the Book of Mormon. You may wish to ponder important questions such as, “How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?” or “How have the events that followed the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?” Also, with the Book of Mormon videos now becoming available, you may wish to incorporate them in your individual and family study.

Select your own questions. Design your own plan. Immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration. As you do, general conference next April will be not only memorable; it will be unforgettable.

Now in closing, I leave with you my love and my blessing that each of you may become happier and holier with each passing day. Meanwhile, please be assured that revelation continues in the Church and will continue under the Lord’s direction until “the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”³  I so bless you, reaffirming my love for you, with my testimony that God lives! Jesus is the Christ! This is His Church and we are His people. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

He was not kidding when he said: "General Conference will be different than there conference... will not only be memorable. It will be unforgettable." And we can't wait for it start! Here is what you need to know to help you get the most of what will be  surely be an unforgettable conference. 

Although people will not physically gather in the Conference Center or meetinghouses to participate, all five sessions conference will be available in more than one ways than ever before.

April 4-5 live conference times (MDT)

Saturday 

10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday
10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. 
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Con amor,
Vero