Larry Barkdull

100 Responses to “Contact”

1. on 25 Jul 2008 at 7:49 pm1nilapeterson

   

   Bro. Barkdull,

   Thank you for this wonderful article! Thank you for saying DO SOMETHING! BECOME SOMETHING! It seems that as I listen to teachers or speakers in church they talk ABOUT somethng. I believe that every word that God has spoken is for us to BECOME, not to just hear, but I find few who understand the same way. All of those miracles in the scriptures are for ALL to EXPERIENCE, if they will!! I love Zion, and I will not wait for something to show up someday. Thank you . . .

   See you walking on the water . . .

2. on 06 Feb 2009 at 4:17 pm2Grant Ipsen

   

   Larry and Buffie – Really enjoy Larry’s articles on Meridian. I would be interested to know the other person to whom you refer in your testimony article. Blessings to you.

   Uncle Grant

3. on 07 Feb 2009 at 10:11 am3carol janiga

   

   Thanks so much for your article in Meridian titled The Power of Testimony. It gave me hope. I have a son who has never been interested in the Church and now he won’t even talk to me. Unfortunately, my children were not born under the covenant. But I know the Lord loves him even as I do. I pray for him every day and have his name on the Temple rolls. Although we do not live in the same town, I pray my good works will have an influence in bringing him back to the Church.
   I enjoy your articles very much. May God continue to bless you as you share your talents. cj

4. on 08 Feb 2009 at 12:57 pm4Beth Griffin

   

   Thanks for the wayward children article. It was/is a source of comfort to me. The references to scriptural accounts is what really did it for me. Alma the Elder experienced much anguish and pain over Alma the Younger. I am sure of that. I am going through the worst trial of my life with my child. I also would love to see more written about women and how their morals as a whole impact a society. If you’ve written on such subjects or can redirect me to someone who has I would like to read more about it.

5. on 10 Feb 2009 at 4:57 am5Horacio Madariaga

   

   Larry,

   This is a brief note to let you know that we have had a lovely Family Home Evening last night based in your article “In the big scheme of things, does it matter?”.

   Since I’m a native argentinian who served as a missionary in the Argentina North Mission from 1971 to1973, I’m curious about the timing and places of your assignments in the mission field. Your face and name look familiar to me! Have a great day!

6. on 10 Feb 2009 at 1:08 pm6Anonymous

   

   I struggle to hear the whisperings of the spirit. I want to more fully understand my Father in Heaven’s plan for me. I want Him to be my master. The article on your website about “light” has given me more information to think about in relations to receiving further light and knowledge the Lord desires to give me.
   I am a young single sister in the church and I struggle with the desire to find my eternal companion, pursuing other interests and developing my talents, and also understand more fully my potential as a daughter of God.
   As I strive to receive more light I feel constantly bombarded by the darkness of Satan. I feel as I come to recognize him and his mission to bring about the bondage of Heavenly Fathers children I see I need to more fully rely upon my Heavenly Father and utilize more fully the atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Many times I feel I fail in this desire. I feast on the scriptures and then find myself getting complacent and redundant in my studies. Those moments when I loose my vigilance in following and keeping the commandments of God is when Satan full frontal attack feels the most powerful. I forget in my natural state to rely upon the power of the Savior to deliver me from bondage.
   I do have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know He is the Savior of the world and the only way back. I know He is the only begotten of the Father. They are one in purpose and goal. His mission is to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man. Heavenly Father has this same desire because He and the Savior are one in purpose. I know my Father in Heaven wants me to return to Him, to become like Him in every way. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God; it is an ancient record of prophets who inherited the promise land. I know that it was saved for this time and for this people. Joseph Smith, Jr. was a prophet of God, he did see the Father and the Son in the flesh, and he restored the proper authority back to the earth. The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth…never to be lost again. I know these truths because of I have felt the spirit testify of these things to my mind and heart, with peace and comfort.
   Thank you for the opportunity to bear my testimony and for all of your work to bear testimony of your beliefs through the written word.
   With sincerity from a grateful reader!

7. on 11 Feb 2009 at 6:04 am7Janet Groneman

   

   Brother Barkdull,
   That was a very succinct article which very clearly outlined the path and consequences of sin. I am also the mother of seven children, and three of my daughters have left the church. One is very active in another Christian church and tries with all her heart, along with her husband, to serve Christ; they are also very anti-LDS, and fight against the Church. One daughter is paralyzed by the laxity of her husband toward anything that takes effort, so has lapsed into doing nothing; the youngest daughter is, as you so well pointed out in your article, and thanks to the anti-LDS stance of her apostate husband, slowly entertaining the ideas of the world in the sinful acts that now sound “normal”. It is heartbreaking to see.
   I have a cousin who has also left the church and is very adamantly anti-LDS.
   But as I observe all of them, I see that the adage that “apostasy usually begins with immorality” is so true. Every one of them started with immorality. The steps to apostasy are just as you pointed out, and I would add: first, rebellion, then sin that gradually deepens, then immorality, then the Holy Ghost withdraws; they are then in Satan’s power and because of that, they of course begin to fight against the Lord and his church.

   But — I have to go back. Their immorality started with their not fully knowing the doctrines of the gospel before they set out in the world, and so they were open to the enticings of their “natural man” friends and associates and of Satan himself. And that whole cascade started with the man I married, their father, because I myself was so uneducated in the gospel and how to apply it in my life that I did not choose wisely when it came time to choose a husband and father for my future children, nor did my aunt, the mother of the cousin who has left the church.

   I see now how vitally important it is to do the things we have been counseled to do as families for many years: study the scriptures, have family prayer night and morning, have family home evening faithfully (and teach the children to understand the doctrines and why they were given), and to seek to have the light of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Ghost a daily part of our lives.

   But — there is one other major element I see in every one of their lives that has been and still is a very real stumbling block for each of them in one way or another that has driven them away or has stopped them when they did try to turn around and come back, and that is the either physical or emotional abuse resulting from hasty judgement, the stating of false doctrine, or rejection and ignoring of them by other members of the church. And not only them, but of anyone who is not a member. I could tell each of their stories of rejection and subsequent emotional pain which caused them to seek acceptance and love in other churches (and having succeeded), but there is not the time or space. I have wrestled with how to deal with the pain we as active members of the church inflict on others because we (some, not all) consider them beneath us. I remember people who have been joyous converts who have finally also left the church for the same reason. That is a sin the church is guilty of which to me is of major importance. If we are going to drive people away who are not “perfect” in our sight, and not be forgiving and loving, then the missionaries might as well stop trying to reactivate or convert, and the whole effort of the Savior to reach out and bring his children home to him is frustrated and of naught. This church is not, nor was it intended to be, a church of only perfect people, to the exclusion of those who are still learning to walk, sometimes stumbling and falling, and getting up to try again, only to be kicked down again and rejected. I cannot fail to feel that the Lord and our Father in Heaven are angry with what they see in those circumstances. I fear that those who perpetuate such an attitude and actions will someday reap their wrath.

   Thank you for letting me have my input in response to your beautiful and so well-written article. I love your insight and ability to express the Lord’s teachings so well — you have a gift of saying what is sorely needed in our lives. Can you help us to be more Christlike toward others by having his pure charity truly in our hearts?

8. on 11 Feb 2009 at 9:54 am8Brandie Nelson

   

   Brother Barkdull,
   We had a conversation awhile ago about the deceptiveness of Socialism and the dangers of promoting a way of life that the Children of God are not emotionally or spiritually prepared to adhere to. Your comment to me was that the spiritual law trumps the temporal law. While I knew better, I had chosen not to reply to avoid what could become a useless war of words. It has been bothering me ever since and I now feel compelled to instruct you. There is no such thing as a temporal law. The laws of provident living, choice, and accountability are all spiritual laws because all of God’s laws are spiritual. Re: Doctrine and Covenants 29:34-35. Consecration without provident living is dangerously close to Satan’s plan. When you couple that with a government mandate it becomes socialism and your admonishment came awfully close to promoting that. You would do better laying the foundation for consecration by teaching the lost principles of accountability and provident living and making the link to consecration that way. Why do you think the prophets have done it that way since the restoration. When you remove choice, you embrace the Advesarie’s plan. Please re-think your position. Remember the parable of the wheat and the tares.

   Sincerely,
   Brandie Nelson

9. on 12 Feb 2009 at 12:04 pm9Vardell Taylor

   

   Brother Barkdull,
   I am happy to see that I am not the only one who reads the scriptures about light literally. I think most people see them as figurative, metaphors. I believe our spiritual growth is a natural result of getting more of what our spirits are made of – light. I think it is important to understand that salvation is as much a cause and effect growth process as it is an award. (see elder Oaks talk The Challenge to Become)

   I tried to explain this to a high priests group and got mostly blank stares. I wish we had more opportunity to learn these things in Church. Here are some of my notes from that lesson. And my favorite verse on this topic in D&C 50

   “[Joseph Smith] was the first in this age to teach . . . that light and truth and spirit were one, that all light and heat are the “Glory of God,” which is his power, that fills the “immensity of space” . . . that light or spirit, and matter, are the two first great primary principles of the universe, or of Being. . . . and from these two elements both our bodies and spirits were formulated. fn

   The Development of the Doctrine of Preexistence, 1830-1844 by Charles R. Harrell Fn, BYU Studies, vol. 28 (1988), Number 2 – Spring 1988 83.)
   (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24-25.)

   And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.
   24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

   (Doctrine and Covenants 84:45-46.)
   45 For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
   46 And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.

   (Doctrine and Covenants 88:)
   11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;

   12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—
   13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.

   67 And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.

   (Doctrine and Covenants 93:28-39.)
   28 He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.
   31 Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.
   32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation.
   36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
   37 Light and truth forsake that evil one.
   39 And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.

   (Matthew 17:2-3.)
   2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
   (Alma 5:7.)
   Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word;
   (Alma 40:25.)
   25 And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God.

   Hyrum L. Andrus, The Glory of God and Man’s Relation to Deity “The Light of Christ, as given to the natural man, is the power by which men reason, discern, judge, compare and comprehend the things of the world, while the Light of the Gospel is in addition a regenerating and sanctifying power.”

   Hyrum L. Andrus, God, Man, and the Universe “… spirit is associated with light so that the terms “spirit” and “light” are interchangeably used and at times made synonymous in the scriptures. A revelation declared that “whatever is light is Spirit.” fn And another revelation referred to the Holy Spirit which emanates from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space as being the “Light of Christ.” fn Joseph Smith reportedly taught “that light or spirit and [gross] matter are the first great primary principles of the universe or of being, . . . and from these two elements [i. e., light, or spirit, and gross matter] both our spirits and our bodies were formulated.” fn

10. on 18 Feb 2009 at 9:18 am10paul allen

    

    Dear Larry
    just to say thankyou for sharing your talents, knowledge and testimony through your regular and well-received articles on Merididan. They have helped me so much recently and have given me strength during a very difficult period of my life.

11. on 18 Feb 2009 at 3:22 pm11Peggy

    

    I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate your articles in Meridian. I want to share them with everyone I know.
    I find them insightful and edifying. They give me hope and guidance in my personal quest to become a Zion person. I feel we are all ‘Wayward Children’ stumbling through our mortal experience,
    estranged from our Heavenly Father, and former home. I read your
    columns to learn more about how I can make the necessary changes in my own life – so I can become a worthy instrument in the Lord’s hand to reach out and help others. Your articles are
    spiritual feasts to be savored and digested slowly.

12. on 25 Feb 2009 at 1:29 pm12Darrell Stoddard

    

    To My Old Friend:
    Larry, After reading your article on “why it is not good for man to be alone,” I felt I must send you my reated article (abrieviated below):

    September 2008 Newsletter

    Pain Research Institute http://www.healpain.net
    Leading the World in Drug-Free Pain Treatments that “Do No Harm”

    Medical Consequences of Being Single
    (The most lethal risk factor for men)

    Years ago James Lynch, an epidemiologist from the Maryland School of Medicine, conducted research and wrote a book entitled, The Medical Consequences of Loneliness. In the study involving millions of people, Dr. Lynch analyzed the marriage, divorce, and death statistics in the United States. He concluded that men who never marry or who lose their mates from death or divorce and do not remarry will die an average of than 13 and ¼ years sooner than men who are married. No other risk factor will shorten a man’s life more than being single; but you almost never hear about being single as risk factor for premature death.

    Dr. Lynch found that women who never marry or who lose their mates from death or divorce and do not remarry will die 3 and ½ years sooner than women who are married. There was nearly a 10 year difference between the death rates for men and the death rates for women. Being single shortens a man’s life much more than it does a women. Where the good book says it is not good for man to be alone, it must mean men more than it does women. Still for both men and women, I believe We are, each of us angels with only one wing; and we can only fly by embracing one another. –Luciano de Crescenzo.

    Related to the need for love is the study of babies in orphanages that would die if they were not held, caressed, and touched. We all need to be loved and just as important; we all need someone to love. Mother Teresa put it this way: There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread. Related to the need that everyone has to be loved (or just recognized) is the following internet treasure that you should see.

    Internet Treasure

    I believe that I have read about as many Emails and articles on the internet as anyone. Below is the loveliest and most heart warming message I’ve seen. See: Who I Am Makes A Difference at http://www.blueribbonmovie.com

    You, the people on our mailing list, have made a profound difference in our lives. My wish is that I could pin a blue ribbon on each of you. We would especially like to hear about your success or failure in finding answers and solutions for your pain.

    Don’t forget to Bookmark this page and please forward and share the message “Never think that a small group of committed people can’t change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead

    Blessings and best wishes,

    Darrell Stoddard, Founder – Pain Research Institute http://www.healpain.net Leading the World in Drug-Free Pain Treatments that “Do No Harm”
    Author: Pain Free for Life, Mail: 266 East 3200 North, Provo, UT 84604 U.S.A. Phone: 801-377-3891, Email: stoddard@healpain.net

    Footnote:
    Thoughts about the love we should all give
    and hopefully receive (if we are so blessed)

    Someday, after we have mastered the winds,
    the waves, and tides, and gravity, we will harness for God the energies of love;
    then, for the second time in the history of the world,
    man will have discovered fire. — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

    We do not sing because we are happy, we are happy because we sing.
    – William James

    We do not serve because we love, we love because we serve.
    — Darrell Stoddard

    You do not love someone because of what they do for you,
    but because of what you do for them. — Darrell Stoddard

    You will never know what love is
    until you love someone enough to die for them,
    and you’ll never love someone enough to die for them,
    without first serving them. — Darrell Stoddard

    You can even love your enemies and those who despitefully use you,
    If you pray for and do good to them. – Darrell Stoddard

    There is no love without service and no happiness without love.
    Service is the key that unlocks the door to both happiness and love.
    — Darrell Stoddard

13. on 25 Feb 2009 at 2:47 pm13Richie

    

    Larry,

    Read your article “Why It is Not Good for Man to be Alone”. I agree with it as there are priesthood holders that are doing those things to delay marriage etc.

    But what would you say about faithful men who are doing the best they can, but either lack opportunity or have taken that opportunity to try but have been rejected even though they have been willing to live their covenants and have done their best?

    Are they condemned too even though they are using their agency to try to live their covenants? I believe a man will not be held accountable if he made choices to try, but was not able to achieve what was asked for because of the choices of the other party.

    Marriage requires two people to make a choice, not one and while men need to be proactive in doing their part and making the first move, they cannot fulfill that covenant on their own. It takes two people to make a relationship/marriage work. Guys should not be just going for the nearest woman with a temple recommend. There needs to be attraction and compatability also.

    Like you said in your article, women need to be able to say that their prospective husband can be someone who is trustworthy, puts them first and loves them. We have that same fair requirement of them also.

    Maybe we can talk more.

14. on 04 Mar 2009 at 2:29 pm14Margaret

    

    I appreciated your article. I had always known that our sins could be consecrated to our gain, but I had never considered the fact that adversity could likewise be consecrated to our good as you have so clearly enunciated. Thank you for this pearl of wisdom.

15. on 05 Mar 2009 at 4:53 am15Christina

    

    I come from a family that abused me verbally and physically a lot when I was younger, and does still, and calls it “being a normal family.” They achieved missions, multiple degrees, and temple marriages, (then watching their kids use drugs, divorce, be sexually immoral, et cetera.) It’s a family full of “staunchness” in testimony, having studied much & struggled with our inactive dad. Yet they so greatly enjoy bragging about achievements — scholastically, financially, & regarding status. (They can’t brag much about callings in the Church. I believe the Spirit whispers to their ward leaders, so their emotional abusiveness is not as secret as they would like!)

    My parents having moved when they married to the Northwest, I was mostly isolated from all my warmer-hearted, humbler extended family members in the Rocky Mountain States. The portrait being painted is basically this: I’ve been a little fussy, so have never married / had children, & my immediate family members, at my mother’s behest, (EXCEPT for my formerly inactive dad) reject me almost completely, from the time I was about age 10. Around then, my brother, the only one who was against the Church, (& still is,) got out of jail, (being there for drug manufacturing in the 1970s,) & systematically taught my brothers to abuse me, thankfully not sexually, with my mother’s encouragement.

    I’m sure this sounds like a sob story, but it’s not, because I want to testify that a person can feel, at times, very despairing and bereft of loved ones or family in this Life, & yet always be rescued & SAFE in the arms of God’s unfailing love. I see homeless people & understand what kinds of families they must have come from. I also know my 90-year-old dad’s love is the main reason I am physically safe for now.

    But it is largely of emotional, spiritual safety that you write; it is also regarding this that I respond to you. Here it is: I would not, in mortality, have developed the unbreakable, indescribably essential bond of love and trust that I have with my Heavenly Father & Jesus, my Savior and Redeemer, if it had NOT been for my being born into this abusive, and in most cases, cold-hearted, family. This is going to sound absolutely insane to a person of the world, but to any strong member of Zion it easily makes sense: I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT I WAS BORN INTO THIS FAMILY!

    I read a lot & I would probably have become more shallow, and not so heavily invested forever in His love, if I had not had the deep heartache, all my life, from my family’s attitudes, combined with the miracle of such opportunities to learn about the Gospel and His love in so many of those empty hours, that were filled by HIM.

    He loves me far better than any husband and children ever could have, even though I yearn for these. Would I have FELT this truth, in the depths of my soul, if I had gone to BYU like my siblings did, and/or found a husband with whom to have children, before this time of my life? I wonder seriously.

    My pain is very deep at being single and kind of, pretty much, alone in the world, (shoved out by my mother as a teen, so an “official” education, such as it is, has been very, very difficult,) but God has blessed me in far more important ways BECAUSE of these years of adversity, of utter loneliness, and sorrow. I still love people easily (and am easily loved by others outside my family,) because HE has surrounded and filled me with His love, and filled me with His light, all my life. It’s impossible to put into an e-mail with few words.

    But I want to state that your article about His taking care of every soul who Covenants with Him, taking care of each person emotionally, and in every other, (eternally important,) way, keeping each of them “safe” in ways the world doesn’t understand, consecrating their experiences to always be making their spirits stronger, INSTEAD of devastated and destroyed, through Christ’s faithful CONSTANCE, through His healing presence with His Spirit…your article is full of truths I have personally experienced! I LOVE my Heavenly Father and my Savior! I know They love each one of us! I seem to never cease in desire to praise Their goodness and tenderness and beauty. Words are not conveying this well, so may the Spirit do it better. The joy and depth and gratitude are only what the Spirit can communicate. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

16. on 11 Mar 2009 at 10:57 am16Barry Dickerson

    

    - not for general posting -
    Bro. Barkdull, how do I get tested to see if I can be a donor for Matt? I am on the national registery for blood marrow donors, so perhaps they can use that data and I will forward my permission to whomever necessary. Or, if I need to go in for a test, I will gladly do it. I live in the Salt Lake valley and I have two good kidneys. The word is, one of them is just taking up space.

17. on 11 Mar 2009 at 10:57 am17Carrie Mannes

    

    My name is Carrie Mannes and I would like to be considered for donating my kidney to “Matt”. I would be happy to try to arrange whatever needs to be done to see if I can be a match. I live in Mesa, Arizona, however. Please feel free to contact me at my email address. Thanks, Carrie

18. on 11 Mar 2009 at 10:28 pm18Richard Shepherd

    

    Mr Barkdull, I just finished reading “Cold Train Coming” in just a few hours and I was deeply touched by the story. I have travelled in that area of Montana on several occasions in the past and am very familiar with Great Falls and areas of Choteau, Conrad, Shelby, and, of course, Fort Benton. I could close my eyes and see these places and understand the way things were during the War Years. I was born in SLC in ’37 and so this was my time of growing up.

    This story has been well received over the years…I don’t recall it being made into a movie. This would be a family film well worth seeing. It has the nostalgia for me of “A River Runs Through It” and the incredible “Where The Red Fern Grows”.

    This would be a great movie. Thanks for writing such a story.

    Sincerely, Richard Shepherd, Idaho Falls.

19. on 12 Mar 2009 at 9:28 am19Nila Peterson

    

    Dear Bro. Barkdull,

    I just read your article in Meridian Magazine concerning your son’s situation. I do not know where one would begin to find a donor for a kidney, but I am willing to help out. I am a very healthy 52 year old female, living in Colorado, and have no idea if I could possibly be a match for your son, but I am willing to try. Please let me know if I can be of help to you and your family. You have blessed my life greatly, and it would only be right for me to see if I could bless yours.

    Sincerely,

    Nila Peterson

20. on 13 Mar 2009 at 4:11 pm20Dan Messick

    

    Larry,

    Tonight my wife and I are planning to talk about the possibity of me becoming a kidney donor for Matt. I prefer that Matt not know this incase I choose to not be a donor. I am contacting you to learn more about being a donor. Could you share more information about the process. Is it likely that my kidney would work for Matt. How do I get tested to see if my kidney is a good match. My wife and I will talk more tonight after we put our children to bed. You are welcome to call me on my home phone @ 208-542-5861 or cell phone which I prefer (speaker phone option) @ 208-760-9996 or write back. I will probably check my e-mail early tomorrow morning. p.s. My wife is expecting to deliver a baby in the next seven days. How does that complicate things. My wife and I do not have the internet at home but I have looked on line for kidney donor information and printed off about 50 pages worth this morning. My wife has read most of it, I have been at work all day and have not. I am sure she will inform me tonight what she has learned. I am not sure how urgent the kidney transplant needs to be. Please fill me in, I sure appreciate it.

21. on 13 Mar 2009 at 5:22 pm21Jodi Hinckley

    

    Your article in the Meridian Magazine entitled, ” 3rd Nephi-Our Guide to Establishing Zion” was absolutely wonderful.
    Thank you for your study and words of wisdom to help us all gain a greater understanding of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and our part to do in this great plan.

    God Bless!!!!

22. on 21 Mar 2009 at 12:31 pm22Jeff Richins

    

    Larry,
    I very much enjoyed your article on becoming zion. I thought it very intersting about the Nephites becoming zion in about a year. So, do you think that Christ appeared to them because they had become zion? Is it possible that, like the experience with the Brother of Jared, the Lord could not withold his presence from them because of their “zion-ness”?

    I recently found your website. I am now reading your other articles.

    I also read the Zion series of books that you wrote with Lance Richardson and Ron McMilllan (both of whom are relatives of mine through Edmund Richardson). In considering your fictional story and the account of the Nephites, Zion only came about by the desperate need to come together and submit themselves because of cataclysmic events or cataclysmic persecution. Is that what it’s going to take for us?

    Jeff Richins

    P.S. I wrote a book about about my ancestor Edmund Richardson and their submitting to the will of the Lord. I would be happy to share a copy with you.

23. on 25 Mar 2009 at 4:18 pm23J Medina

    

    Larry,
    Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your publications. I am an avid reader, particularly LDS material. Through my large library of LDS books, I favor some authors because they are able to convey important spiritual messages in such a way as to impress the mind and heart. I must say you fall in that category. Your style of writing and your talent for highlighting the essence of doctrinal subjects leaves one yearning for more. Thanks for taking the time to share your talents with the world.

24. on 08 Apr 2009 at 7:37 am24Tracy Bassett

    

    I was wondering if you had a reading guide in existence for The Mourning Dove?

    We are reading it in our book club next month and it would be a great help!!

    Thanks for your time!

25. on 08 Apr 2009 at 8:29 am25Cindy

    

    I appreciate your recent article in Meridian magazine about rescuing wayward children. I have six children, two of whom have given me great cause for concern. Both children, one son and one daughter, have been diagnosed with mental illness: bipolar disorder and some schizophrenic tendencies. Depression seems to come between them and spiritual feelings. Also, my son suffers from severe paranoia. To him, the concept that there is an omnipotent God that sees all is a very frightening thought. He even sincerely(?) suspects his parents of evil motives in our dealings with him.

    When their symptoms are severe and obvious, I don’t doubt that it’s a physical illness that they deal with that will surely be removed in the resurrection and then they will understand. When things are calmer, they only seem rebellious. I know that understanding and living the gospel would give them great strength and comfort in their lives, but to try to teach is only to drive away. I find that all I can do is love them. I do worry, however, about my daughter’s children being raised outside of the Church. This family is not just inactive, they are (or were, I can hope they are softening a little bit, but we haven’t discussed it lately) hostile to the Church.

    Do you know much about mental illness and its spiritual difficulties. Is there anything you can teach us about that? There seems to be so little understanding out there about mental illness and how it affects members of the church. (except for depression, I do see a little about that) Thanks for any thoughts you’d like to share.

26. on 08 Apr 2009 at 9:05 am26Helen Lusk

    

    Larry,

    I was interested in finding out about your non profit organizations for LDS artists etc. As a recovering addict and the Mother of a recovering addict, we have had many experiences with the dark side of addiction. I am an advocate and supporter of the Idaho Meth Project and I also write music and poetry in my spare time after taking care of two jobs, a ranch, six grandchildren and four children (who are now all out of the home). My latest song is a song about Mary’s Mother’s Love for the Savior. I would love for you to hear it and let me know what you think. Thank you for your truly inspirational messages. From my knees, I have found courage to stand.. (which is also a line in one of my songs…)

    Have a great day,
    Helen

27. on 08 Apr 2009 at 9:25 am27Kevin Brooks

    

    Replying to you asking for miracles of children “coming home”. When our oldest of 5 boys Jarod, decided to do “what he wanted to do”, at 13, we were devastated. What ensued by his decision was 15 years of pain, heartache, fasting & prayer. He was the central reason for all fasts in the family. Gone was our dream of him serving a mission.Tattoos, drugs, alcohol, premarital sex, stealing, even jail time. However, all 4 younger brothers did serve the Lord. The last Darin, is coming home in 3 weeks from Argentina. This Elder has been the most well loved & appreciated, & missed by all the boys. Out of the blue, when our 2nd boy Adam, was to be sealed in the Mesa Temple, Jarod called him & asked him if He could be sealed also. Adam literally fell down. What followed was more bouts with Satan. Within a year, Jarod baptized his 8 yr old son. A few months later, he baptized his wife. In May 09, he is baptizing his daughter. Prayer Works. We always told him he was loved. Don’t miss-read here, it was Tough, the hardest challenge to deal with our whole marriage. It drew us closer as a sealed couple. Jarod’s name was in 4 Temples continually. This was miracle of major power. I have been inspired as I have read the stories of other parents with similar crosses. Satan wants to destroy us all. He has several thousand years experience over us. Never, ever, ever give up on your wayward children! Forces are in play to help us if we keep our covenants. That is what we learned. The Lord is so amazing, long suffering & loving! We truly “stand all amazed”!! Thank you for this forum to enable us to share with our brothers & sisters in the Only cause that truly matters, the war for souls…..

28. on 08 Apr 2009 at 10:41 am28Elizabeth

    

    Dear Larry
    I have just read your article on wayward children. I commend you on it.
    My husband and I joined the church in our teens in 1962before we met each other. We met in our early twenties and married in 1970. We have 5 children all born in the covenant.
    We enjoyed a very good happy church and home life in the 70s and eighties. The downward slide seemed to come when we moved into a new ward and stake. The children were not happy in the new ward and felt isolated to some degree from their peer groups.
    As they entered their mid teens they all began drifting into inactivity except for the youngest now 30 who stayed much longer. After nearly 30 years of intense activity and faithfulness to the church my husband also has become “less active” although he still attends social events. This of course was a major blow to me and I find it hard to be the only one in our family attending church. He does still live a very good gospel oriented life and has not broken any of his covenants other than attendance at church and the temple. My youngest daughter still has enough faith that she married in the church last year although it was to a non member albeit a very nice young man.
    My heart breaks for my grandchildren who have had very little church contact or gospel teaching even though I do my best when they visit.
    Your article has given me some greater hope and encouragement as to my path to perhaps helping them back to the right path.
    I must say that I have never felt great depair at my husband’s inactivity and attitiude to church. But I do feel a great sadness that I cannot share with them the many joys and spiritual experiences I receive myself. Any thoughts?
    Thank you again

29. on 08 Apr 2009 at 1:29 pm29Todd Johns

    

    I have found your periodic articles in Meridian magazine interesting and informative. I have read with interest as fellow Church members share their personal struggles with family members who have left the security of the Church and have abandoned their testimonies.
    I find myself in a rather unique position in the Church as my wife of almost 30 years left the Church 15 years ago and became bitter toward basic Church teachings. Because of her attitude towards Church doctrine, our two young adult children now are not associated with the Church, despite my sincere attempts to project a positive attitude toward the Church and helping them to participate as fully as possible in the youth programs in our ward.
    I have struggled alone in my journey, trying to make sense and peace with my individual situation. I have remained active in the Chruch through the years and have tried as well as I can to be a faithful member of the Church. I have prayed daily that somehow the hearts of my family members would be softened and that they would eventually make their way back to the Church. I have also prayed that I might love my wife as Christ does, realizing that the Atonement was paid for her sins as well as mine. I have faithfully attended the temple, trusting that my participation in temple worship would be a blessing to not only me but to my family members as well. I read daily from the Book of Moromon, drawing strength from the marvelous teachings that it affords.
    In your recent article about James and the anquish that his parents endured by his wayward lifestyle, you emphasized that they had each other to lean on for support, that their marriage covenant was helping to achieve miracles which, in fact, it ultimately did. Well, I have my temple covenants that I am trying to keep to the best of my ability, but I feel that I am having to carry on alone in my journey, and can only hope and pray that someday the temple promises that my wife and I made together will come to fruition. I have to maintain faith in the Atonement of Christ trusting that the sorrows, pains, heartaches and disappointments we endure will eventually be rewarded by blessed healing that can only come through the power of the Atonement.
    I don’t know what the future holds for me and my family from an eternal perspective, or what condition of an eternal family unit I can expect, but I know that I am committed to continue to live the gospel principles as best I can and leave the rest to the Lord. Any comments or insights in private would be appreciated.

30. on 08 Apr 2009 at 2:38 pm30William Lauro, MD

    

    Hi Larry:

    I used to write for Meridian so I know how much effort you put into your articels and I congratulate you for them. I read with interest your article regarding wayward childfren and temple sealings. I wanted to point out for clarification that although Jos F Smith stated that our children would always be ours by virtue of the celestial marriage coveneant and sealing, that did not necessarily imply that wayward children would be granted the Celestial Kingdom simply by virtue of righteous temple- married parents. Pres Smith said that they would be ours, but might be living in a lesser kingdom (if they have not done the necessary requirements for the Celestial). I point this out becuse a lot of people get confused and think that our wayward kids will be saved in the Celestial Kingdom by virtue of our (the parents) righteous acts–that would cheat the law of justice (mercy cannot rob justice). Orson Whiteney confused things by saying the Master’s eyes are ever on the wayward kids and would feel after them and ultimately bring them back (implying the Celestial KIingdom) but Pres ‘Smith corrected this. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

31. on 08 Apr 2009 at 3:02 pm31Shawny Lee

    

    I appreciated your most recent article on the power of the marriage sealing. I am the mother of twelve children that came of a marriage of 37+years, which ended in divorce in 2006. I entered the marriage with the fullest commitment to live and fight for a truly eternal marriage. My ex-husband came into the marriage with a sexual addiction that eventually destroyed all hope in me. It was like experiencing a death for me to divorce my husband because it felt like I was losing the most important element of my life, my marriage, and the power it would have to save my children and bind them to us eternally. I have lived a worthy life, dedicated to being a wife and a mother. I have never cancelled the sealing or remarried, not because I desire to still be sealed to the man who would not/could not choose me in his lifetime. (He has since passed away.) I have considered myself and my children still fully in the covenant with God. I live to retain its power and blessings and promises. As you have written this article, you speak of the power of the righteous couple who seeks to have their marriage sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise in sealing their children to THEM eternally. You speak of their RIGHTS in prayer for their children. IF one member of the marriage partnership is not faithful, is the remaining faithful partner denied the blessings and powers of the covenant sealing they have with their children? I am fighting for my children. One of the twelve is not doing well, and I spend a great deal of time praying for him and his children who are suffering at his hands. I want to believe that my faithfulness to the covenant, even though I am alone, will be honored in the same manner that you describe of a faithful couple. I am trying very hard not to feel like my efforts and offerings will fall into a pile of collateral damage because of my former husbands weakness. Do you have any insights on this matter? I’d appreciate your thoughts on this.
    Shawny Lee

32. on 09 Apr 2009 at 10:50 pm32Renee

    

    Larry,

    I have really ejoyed your article about wayward children. My husband and I have 7 beautiful and amazing children.
    Our family has had experiences with 3 of our children being wayward children. Two of which have come back to God and to the church , and both are now married in the Temple and have the blessings of children sealed to them and their spouses.
    We have one daughter we are still praying for miracles to touch her heart.

    And recently my husband has been led astray by the adversary too. Something I never in a million years would have expected. I was exceptionally touched by this perticular passage in your article:

    However, though this article deals specifically with the power given to married couples who are sealed in the temple, many of its principles apply to singles, single parents, those working for eternal union with less-active spouses, and to children who are praying for their wayward parents. Faith and grace allow us to act as if we were in possession of that which we lack and to do all that we can do with the assurance that the Lord will make up the difference.

    I am wondering if you know of any “specific promises”, articles or talks by the brethren or scriptures dealing with a “wayward” spouse. Are there any specific promises in the temple IF one spouse is faithful to the covenants made. Can my faith and prayers render miracles and blessings upon my husband to bring him back and to regain those precious blessings of eternal marriage? My hope and faith want to belive that it can! But I would really like to know if there are any specific promises.

    This has been an exceptionally difficult time for my children and I, to see a man who has always taught us about these times of “our day” These times to watch for and be ready for. He used to look so forward to the time the savoir would come again. But now his heart has failed him.

    My husband has had many trials to overcome ( as I’m sure we all have in our own way) But he seems to be especially attacked by Satan, and almost continually for the past 10 years. The past two have been especially difficult for him. He seemed to be losing strength emotionally, mentallky, physically, and spiritually. I have prayed much for him, and our family has fasted for him too.

    But, about 9 months ago he quit going to church. And then little by little he started pulling away from me and the children. Two months ago, he decided to file for divorce. He moved out a little over a month ago. Even though he has filed …he has not completed the process to finalize the divorce. I know deep inside he still loves me. He is tender and kind most of the time, and the spirit tells me not to give up on him. I am keeping my heart open and loving and kind towards him and I am praying for a miracle for he and I. He is the love of my life and I believe he is worth “fighting” for. I have promised the Lord I will not give up on him. I am comforted by the spirit and I believe that God is “working” on him and in Gods timing, he will come back to “truth”…to God …and to me as his wife and to our family.

    But there are days when my faith is weak and I am hurting, that I seek for something to HOLD on to…something tangible…some scripture of promise…something…

    If you have anything else to offer…I would love to glean from your knowledge!

    Thank you for your article and your time in reading my message.

    Sincerly,

    Renee

33. on 10 Apr 2009 at 12:39 pm33Marilyn Holley

    

    My husband and I read with great interest your article in Meridian Magazine titled: “Power in the Marriage Sealing to Rescue Wayward
    Children.” Your last paragraph said: “The children who issue forth from this union–or who are sealed into it–are surely secured to their parents by virtue of that same, sure weld. Despite their rebellion, they cannot break free. The power of their parents’ oneness, which was set in place by God and made sure by the Holy Spirit if Promise, has the power to hold onto the children and eventually reel them back.”

    My question is: Does this pertain also to children who, because of their poor choices, were excommunicated? Our daughter is in that position, is unrepentant, and seemingly getting further and further away from anything spiritual. She’s become very hardened.

    Thank you.

34. on 10 Apr 2009 at 1:24 pm34Pat Lowe

    

    Dear bro Barkdull, thanx for your very welcome article on watward children. We joined the church in 1962, my som was 6. He grew up having FHE every Mon, having afmily prayers and other prayers every day. He was the 1st South African Aaronic Priesthood holder to win a Duty to God award. He attended 4 yrs of seminary and 4 yrs of Institute. He served a 3 month mission, then wasa called up for army duty as South Africa was involved in a conflict which is known as the Border War. He serveds his time in the army on active service in battles. On his return he awent back on a mission and served an honorable 2years. He was married to his wife in the Salt Lake Temple. by an Apostle. He has served as an elders Quorom president and in many callings since then.
    However, 25 years later, he and his wife and three daughters visited family of his wife in SLC. My son and his wife had current Temple reccommends. They came home not having visited any Temples. We soon discovered that the family they had vsisted had “enlightened” them with horror stories about Joseph Smith. After they returned to SAfrica, this family continued to send them anti-Mormon materal. Two years ago, my son and his family requested that their names be removed from the membership records. The girls now live with their boyfriends, and don’t even recognise that its wrong. Although they live the Word of Wisdom, and are honorable in their dealings with their fellowmen, living most of the principles of the Gospel excepting Sabbath Day, they do not attend any church. Our son and his wife have been faithful to each other throughout their many years of marriage. Their home is a good place to be. They do not have liquor or allow tobacco, the spirit of fellowship and goodwill is allways there. They love us and look after us in our old age. (76 & 73…. we have been married 57years, sealed to each other and to our children in the London Temple in 1965)
    My husband and I pray for them continuosly, and my husband has faith that our son will return. Unfortunately, I do not have the same faith. I read the scriptures (B.O.M) daily and try to think positively about life. I am however depressed and am under a psychiatrists care. We were promised many years ago by Pres David O McKay that if we held regualar FHE and fam prayers, even though our children might go astray, they will come back. I would appreciate your comments
    Sis Pat Lowe
    Randburg Ward Johannesburg South Africa Stake

35. on 10 Apr 2009 at 6:57 pm35gospelidea

    

    Dear Shawny,

    Your story is heartbreaking. Satan seems to be working overtime to destroy marriages and families. Although I have written primarily to parents of wayward children, the principles of rescue apply to anyone. That does not mean, of course, that we can interrupt agency. Listening to your account, I doubt that there is much more that you could have done. We all have a tendency to shoulder the blame for a loved one’s wayward actions, but usually that is wasted effort. In the process of partnering with the Lord to reach out and rescue another person, we need to remember that we are woefully inadequate to take on the work of God. We cannot create or implement a plan of salvation for that person. But nevertheless, we must participate in the plan until the Lord “releases” us. Typically, our responsibility lies in what you are doing with your child: extending unconditional love, forgiveness, and doing all you can to sanctify yourself. There is no reason to go overboard on any of these things. We simply need to do our best and trust the Lord.

    I want to preface my remarks by saying that your bishop is the best person to counsel with you on all these issues. What I am telling you via email does not trump his counsel. There are some celestial laws that will preserve and protect you. Your covenants and ordinances are vital. Do not give up your sealing ordinance unless the bishop counsels otherwise. There is power in this ordinance. There is also power in the Law of Restoration. Alma and Amulek discussed this law. Everything that we lose in this life is made up to us by covenant–either in this life or the next, we are restored completely. That means you will be given a relationship that is better than you can imagine. Then there is the “hundredfold law,” which states that our sacrifices to the Lord are made up to us “an hundredfold.” Imagine the pain you have felt and multiply that by a hundred times to the good, and you have an idea what is in store for you. These things are made possible by your covenants, so it behooves you to gain a greater understanding of what you have. Because I studied these principles at length, I feel comfortable in declaring to you that you are absolutely safe, and that your future is bright. Despite your present difficulties, blessings are on the horizon, which are beyond your capability of appreciating.

    Now the last thing. You asked if the blessings of sealed couples are also available to single parents. Absolutely. The principle of grace states that we must do all that we can do and the Lord will make up the difference. If you do not have a husband to pray with, the Lord will come and pray with you. We need never feel alone or in a deficit situation. We are required to do our best with what we have, but we are not required to do something that is beyond our capacity. This is the “as-if” principle–you move forward in faith as if you were in possession of all you needed for the blessing to occur. Because none of us is equipped with all that we need, we continually rely on the Lord’s grace to make up the difference. I truly believe that things will work out better than you imagine. Put your energy into your relationship with the Lord and you will discover strength and power beyond your imagination.

    Blessings,

    Larry

36. on 10 Apr 2009 at 9:52 pm36Pat Werneth

    

    Brother Barkdull: I always look for your articles, they always have messages that really hit to the heart. My youngest daughter has also become a great fan of yours. Thank you for all you do. I just finished your article about temple sealings helping to bring wayward children home. I loved the article but as so often I find in my readings of gospel matters, I feel completely condemned. I am a convert to the Church and after 1 year of membership my husband and I traveled to the temple and were sealed to each other and our 2 beautiful little girls. About 2 years after, I found myself no longer feeling compatible with my husband and through many bad decisions made a fatal error that caused my excommunication. I never lost my testimony, never became inactive and always provided gospel instruction for my girls. After 5 years I was re-baptized and have held many wonderful callings. I have re-married, but as is the case in the mission field, there are not a lot of members for dating and marrying and I married a non-member. I hold a temple recommend and attend frequently each month. I find I can’t seem to believe that I could be forgiven, I’ve made so many wrong decisions. I try to convence myself that surely the Lord wouldn’t call me to these callings and give me a recommend if I wasn’t worthy, but I can’t seem to get past the guilt. Even though my girls are now grown women with families of their own I still love them and want to protect them as if they were still toddlers. I fear so very much that when the judgement day comes I’ll be told “sorry, you can’t enter in” and I’ll loose my girls. Is it possible that I, one who has made so many errors, can hope to have these eternal blessings too?

37. on 11 Apr 2009 at 1:46 pm37Tanya

    

    Yesterday, at the temple, I performed sealings. I had always focused on the sealing ceremony as it related to husbands and wives. I have two children who are not sealed to me. Yesterday, my focus was on what it really means to be born in the covenant. I had a lot of questions, many of which your article answered.
    Thanks.

38. on 11 Apr 2009 at 10:55 pm38gospelidea

    

    Dear Renee,

    Yours is heartbreaking story. Satan seems to be working overtime to destroy marriages and families. Although I have written primarily to parents of wayward children, the principles of rescue apply to anyone. That does not mean, of course, that we can interrupt agency. Listening to your account, I doubt that there is much more that you could do than you are doing. We all have a tendency to shoulder the blame for a loved one’s wayward actions, but usually that is wasted effort. In the process of partnering with the Lord to reach out and rescue another person, we need to remember that we are woefully inadequate to take on the work of God. We cannot create or implement a plan of salvation for that person. But nevertheless, we must participate in the plan until the Lord “releases” us. Typically, our responsibility lies in what you are doing: extending unconditional love, forgiveness, and doing all you can to sanctify yourself. There is no reason to go overboard on any of these things. We simply need to do our best and trust the Lord.

    I don’t have to tell you that there is a real possibility that your husband will go through with his plans for divorce. If that is the outcomes, you will need to regroup and move forward. Your bishop is the best person to counsel with you on all these issues, by the way. What I am telling you via email does not trump his counsel. There are some celestial laws that will preserve and protect you. Your covenants and ordinances are vital. Do not give up your sealing ordinance unless the bishop counsels otherwise. There is power in this ordinance. There is also power in the Law of Restoration. Alma and Amulek discussed this law. Everything that we lose in this life is made up to us by covenant–either in this life or the next, we are restored completely. That is not to say that your husband will be restored to you, but you will be given a relationship that is at least as good, and probably better, than your present one. Then there is the “hundredfold law,” which states that our sacrifices to the Lord are made up to us “an hundredfold.” Imagine the pain you have felt and multiply that by a hundred times to the good, and you have an idea what is in store for you. These things are made possible by your covenants, so it behooves you to gain a greater understanding of what you have. Because I studied these principles at length, I feel comfortable in declaring to you that you are absolutely safe, and that your future is bright. Despite your present difficulties, blessings are on the horizon, which are beyond your capability of appreciating.

    Blessings,

    Larry

39. on 15 Apr 2009 at 3:07 pm39Allan South

    

    Larry,

    Your comments on the concept of zion are helpful. We seem to be able to use Hugh Nibley as a foundation stone for our thoughts on the subject with great confidence. He was always accurate and insightful. However, one thing that leaves me less than satisfied about his and your writings on the subject is that there is left a Grand Canyon-size chasm between principle and practice. Of course, we must make these decisions for ourselves, but a derisive description of seeking money, power, notariety, or sex followed by discussing the blessings of paying tithing and admonition to keep an orderly house hardly connect the dots in any meaningful way for me. These strong human needs and desires are in us all to one degree or another. Further, they propel society, and they are the engine of propetuation and tranquility of the species as well as being powerful adversarial stumbling blocks and sources of evil. For many, economic and physical survival require huge, even near-consuming effort. Maybe we just need to assume that.

    Do we replace the carpet after 20 years, or do we send the money to the missionary fund? Is it wise to have a cash reserve fund, as counseled, or should we give it to the PEF? Is it right to give to political causes and groups which protect the Constitution and right principles? Can we rightfully invest in enterprises that promise good things?

    Just a little more discussion on the everyday challenges and some people’s ways of handling them could be helpful.

    Keep up the good work.

40. on 22 Apr 2009 at 11:50 am40Shauna

    

    Hi Larry~
    I think we’re related!!!
    And…..I just read your article in Meridian Magazine about your daughter donating her kidney to her brother. I hope all is going well and that they’re both recovering amazingly!!
    Now, about being related!! My paternal grandmother’s maiden name is Barkdull and she was born and raised in Utah, so I’m guessing we’re related…probably cousins! Her name is (was–she’s passed on) Flora Jane Barkdull Hanlon….ring any bells??? She actually had kidney issues, as do I, so I was very interested in reading about your children. I hope you will have time to respond and confirm if/how we’re related. Thank you!!
    ~Shauna

41. on 24 Apr 2009 at 3:30 pm41Mark

    

    Hi Larry,

    I really enjoyed reading your article “God or Mammon”. I am currently reading “Approaching Zion” by Nibley – as well as some works by author Denver Snuffer – who has been influenced by Nibley.

    I wholeheartedly agree with Nibley – but I struggle in knowing exactly how to “leave Satan’s employ”.

    I believe part of it is not partaking of party politics, part of it involves not being focused on materialism and things, and obviously not focusing on making money. Our hearts must be focused upon Christ.

    However – what are your thoughts about whether or not we can “leave Satan’s employ” and be part of the Social Security System and be marked with that number? What about the corrupt tax system?

    I struggle with this – knowing that the BEAST will come against you if you try to leave the system. I realize that we are in bondage and that none can deliver us save the Lord – but do you believe the Lord expects us to fight that battle and risk prison and worse for confronting the beast?

    I really would like your thoughts on how we leave Satan’s employ?

    If we have a mortgage – or owe on anything – is it impossible to live the Law of Consecration?

    Or is living the fulness of the Law of Consecration still in the future after the Lord leads us in an Exodus out of Babylon and the Apostate Empire we live in now?

    I would appreciate your thoughts.

    Thanks,

    Mark

42. on 24 Apr 2009 at 5:02 pm42gospelidea

    

    Dear Mark,

    You must read Nibley very carefully to capture what he is saying. His writings are interpreted by some as bordering on revolution or extremism, but they are not. Although he is quick to offer his opinion, he is usually careful to ground his writings in the scriptures and prophetic statements. Let us follow the same approach. I do not know of a prophet who has counseled us to shun politics, stop making money, or cease paying taxes. Rather, they have urged us to become politically involved, make money for the right reasons, be good citizens, and pay taxes according to the country that we live in. If we feel that there is a problem with the system, we should use legal means to try and correct it. We are not to segregate ourselves from the world; rather, we are to be “lights” to the world and help to bring people to Christ.

    In my opinion, to “leave Satan’s employ” is to leave the anti-Christ philosophy, which is well documented in the Book of Mormon. Selfishness, pride, and seeking independence from God. etc. are not consistent with a Zion attitude. Leaving Satan’s employ is not consistent with revolution, stepping in front of the prophet, or doing anything that is illegal. You mentioned the “Beast.” If you are referencing Satan, I would suggest that we confront and overcome him with testimony and covenants, not in courtrooms, talk shows, work places or campaign trails. Will he try to dissuade and attack us? Of course, but that is common to the mortal experience. Leaving the world seldom involves changing locations; leaving the world involves leaving the world’s destructive philosophies. Again, we never step in front of the prophet to keep a commandment.

    We need to be careful with interpretations with scriptures and scriptural terms. For example, we are better served when we interpret the terms Zion and Babylon as conditions of the heart rather than locations. With that in mind, the Law of Consecration has almost nothing to do with money or mortgages. Many prophets have said as much. Consecration is an immediate law that is lived according to the condition of the heart, and it is not waiting for an announcement from Salt Lake. Nothing is stopping us from living this law in its fullness today. Of course, consecration can be a program; today’s program is called the Church Welfare Plan, and it works! But consecration is not dependent on a program. Consecration is a “template” that can be used in any number of circumstances, and over the years it has been used in a number of ways. Once you understand the template, you begin to understand how Zion can be established in a life, a marriage, a family, a quorum, a ward, a stake, or in the Church. I suggest that you resist trying to find your answers in world conditions and focus on studying your covenants in depth. Spend more quality time in the scriptures and in the temple. There you will find your answers.

    Larry

43. on 29 Apr 2009 at 12:01 pm43Denise

    

    I have been enjoying your articles on Meridian Magazine. Thank you for your insights. I have read many books on related subjects, but I have not come across the book you reference in your recent King Benjamin article by M. Catherine Thomas, King Benjamin’s Speech. I checked a couple of sources and cannot find a place to purchase it. Suggestions?

44. on 30 Apr 2009 at 11:21 am44Jeanne Hodges

    

    Dear Bro. Barkdull, I enjoyed your articles – “Slippery Treasures & “God or Mamon – The Ultimate Test”. Regarding the upcoming release of your “Three Pillar’s of Zion” books – Will they be self published or by a commercial publisher? Thank- You JLH

45. on 06 May 2009 at 8:29 am45Lisa

    

    Dear Brother Barkdull,
    Your article in the Meridian, “Rescuing Wayward Children,” was very comforting. My son is facing his third DUI and I am numb. I love him but I was feeling like my prayers were not being heard. A friend asked what part of “free agency” did I not understand. I answered, the free part.
    You have given me hope and encouragement. I know the gospel is true and that we are led by Prophets in these latter-day.
    Thank you for giving me a reason to strengthen my testimony even more in any way I can.
    Lisa

46. on 06 May 2009 at 10:36 am46gospelidea

    

    I doubt that they can correct, but I corrected the mistake on my site. Thanks for th heads up.

47. on 06 May 2009 at 10:38 am47Trish

    

    I was impressed with your article on wayward children taken from your book which I intend to buy. since I too, have wayward children I have read extensively on the subject but am always troubled with the same terminology. The word “saved” which is always used to ease the pain and encourage hope among parents with wayward children is not comforting to many I know in my situation. People in the Telestial, Terrestrial, and lower degrees of Celestial spheres will certainly be “saved.” We know scripturally that those populations will be extensive. What many LDS parents FEEL is that “saved” means our children may not be “exaltated” which is the only “saving” we are interested in, but will rather be saved in one of the lower kingdoms–which is not in the least comforting to an LDS parent. Even the declaration made by Joseph and reiterated by Whitney, uses the word “saved” which simply doesn’t bring comfort. It also uses the word, “if” which every discouraged, sad parent reads as applying to their own child’s agency, which means their own children might be in the category of using their agency to not return. I know the words saved and exaulted are used interchangeably, but it seems safe and sometimes meaningless to be given the “saving promises.” If these same comforting principles used the word “exaulted,” then our comfort would be much deeper. I have always had a strong testimony of the Gospel and of Jesus Christ. I haven’t yet come to a testimony that the comforting quotes pertaining to wayward children mean exaultation rather than merely being in a wonderful “saved state” in a lower sphere. I would love to Know that the promises refer to exaultation.

48. on 06 May 2009 at 10:46 am48gospelidea

    

    Lisa,
    I understand…believe me, I understand. Satan would like to kick us when we are down, but there is really something else going on. We are in the middle of an intense education so that we can do the work of God. How much confidence could we have in a God who had no experience in redeeming people? The minute we understand that we are being taught invaluable tools that we will use throughout eternity, and the moment that we understand that our wayward children are not curses but divine trusts, we can relax and go to work. And the primary work we must do to affect a change in another person is to work on ourselves first. Every effort we make to sanctify ourselves has a redeeming effect on the person for whom we are praying. We don’t need to take the place of the Savior or create a plan of redemption for this child. There is already a Savior who has suffered for and created the plan. We simply need to partner with Him and learn our place in His plan. Sooner or later a miracle will come, just as it did for Alma. We believe when that moment of decision arrives, our children will remember who they really are and choose as Alma did. Time is on our side. In the meantime, love this child with all your heart and maintain the relationship. The day will come when he will need a soft place to land.
    Larry

49. on 06 May 2009 at 11:35 am49John and Fran Richins

    

    Dear Larry: We are parents of combined: 8 children. Two of which are inactive, and have turned away from the truths of the LDS doctrine. I went on a mission to Norway, my wife went on a mission to Great Britian; we are currently Ward Missionaries. However; this is our problem. Our daughter at 14 left our home and put herself in Foster Care, it was a VERY, bad period in our lives. She accused our son of rape – it’s a VERY long and costly story, anyway – NO proof that he raped her; BUT, the state of WA, tried him as an adult – leaving him with two choices – you ether take a lessor charge of insest of rape and have a felony or you disclaim it and go to Prison for twenty years. (Hard choice) So now he has a felony in the lowest degree. But still a felony. At the time this was all happening, my Mother in law died, I was in Iraq, my youngest still home with Fran – thank goodness she was not left entirely by herself. Yes, We know; WE always have God. BUT; now daughter is (22) in AF, and has gone on with her life, our son (25) is stuck. Thank goodness; he has a seasonal job as a Painter, but smokes mj, just to be able to cope, with all that has happened to him. We don’t know how to help him, and her, and how to help us. One day we’d like to go on another mission, and to move. God will have to prepare a way for us to do so. BUT, what to do with Ben? We understand the comfort in talking about “Wayward children”. And the hope; we have been given, that we will have our wayward chilren come back. BUT: what about NOW? Someday, is a LONG time. The burden is so heavy. We have let go and are trying to let God, and have placed the BURDENS, at his feet. BUT this is reality, it is happening to us; right now, so what can really be done or do ?Do we have to wait until the next life? And now to complicate things – there is free agency. And our youngest haven seen all this strive between his Borthe and his Twin Sister, now will have nothing to do with the church and with God – says he doesn’t belive in God and won’t even bless the food with us. So how do we cope with that? May 19th he isgoing to LV,NV to get married out of the church – we are heart broken. Is there releif for Parent; in THIS life – really? HOW, in this life? Here is the realities of evil. Please reply. John and Fran Richins

50. on 13 May 2009 at 8:13 pm50Jill R.

    

    Brother Barkdull

    I just wanted to let you know how profoundly your article Rescuing Wayward Children affected me. You will never know how much I needed that article. Now, I feel some hope and a place to start. I know first hand that desperately trying to save your child by yourself does not work. You can use every book, every thought, every action you can possibly think of and many times they just keep falling. You have reminded me what the solution really is. I think I knew, but the sheer terror of the experience seems to send you racing around in a panic. Thank you for your effort and time to write it. I will get your book. I pray the Lord blesses you and your family.

51. on 13 May 2009 at 10:04 pm51gospelidea

    

    I’m glad the article helped. I sometimes wonder why we, who entered into a covenant with God, feel as though he has left us. The central point of the Covenant is a sacred relationship–a partnership. When we enter into the Covenant by baptism, all three members of the Godhead effectively sign their names to the Covenant. As you recall, baptisms are done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Clearly, we are never alone! We parents have enormous resources at our disposal. The Father, whose spirit child our child is, commits to work with that child. To that end, the Father commissions the Savior to redeem and save the child. Moreover, the Father sends the Holy Ghost to prompt, purify and sanctify the child, The Holy Ghost is in charge of the angels. He sends these ministers to help. The prophets tell us that these angels are usually our ancestors. Our children could not be in better hands…and neither could we. We are surrounded by divine help. Our contribution to the rescue of our child is our effort to increase of level of sanctification. Then we become better partners with better perspective. The promises are sweeping. Things will work out better than you can presently imagine. Hold tightly to your Covenant.

52. on 21 May 2009 at 11:47 am52Brenda Floyd

    

    Please tell me if all your articles are within the context of your book. I have followed them and copied off several copies – but I always find someone to give them to and I tell them “this will comfort you.”
    I want my own copy for keeps! But I don’t want to miss a phrase or letter.
    This series has brought unbelievable comfort to my soul and has carried me through this past winter. Bless you.

53. on 21 May 2009 at 12:07 pm53gospelidea

    

    Dear Brenda,

    All of my articles are adapted from my books. Rescuing Wayward Children has just been released. The Three Pillars of Zion will be released August 1st. Thanks for your kind words, and I am happy that my articles are helping others, too.

54. on 21 May 2009 at 12:14 pm54Leigh Ann Smith

    

    Your article made me ponder the past 15 years and how things have transpired in our family during that time. We had two wayward sons out of 6 and it truly broke out hearts. My husband and I are converts, & we each brought our own baggage with us to deal with and we aren’t perfect. We did our best, though and were “true to the faith” so when our 2nd and 3rd sons strayed, it felt like a rejection of all we had taught and as though all of our sacrifices were for nothing.
    Our oldest son was on a mission in Brasil when these things transpired and I learned when he left that all I could really do for him was to pray. We then began to earnestly pray for our other children, & in particular the two who seemed to be lost. We also tried to reach out as we were able and be supportive to them without enabling, always letting them know our love was unconditional and steadfast. I put their names on the temple prayer roll often, and we continued to attend the temple regularly and were steadfast in our committment to the gospel and our family.
    Well, to make this long story a bit shorter, they both used drugs and were involved in illegal activities in their late teens, & early 20′s. Now, the older one is 31 and is married with two children and he is active and attends church with us most Sundays He is married to a nonmember but they both try to be good parents and are clean and are close to us. That son seemed to almost hate us at age 18, moved out on his birthday and we hardly saw him for a few years. Now he lives in our area by choice. Miracles can happen & I testify of this.
    The other son is now 28 and is going to be sealed to his wife and daughter in July. He is married to a member that he knew in his late teens. They are both active, committed to the gospel, one another and their little girl. He is planning to become a pharmacist and is in school. Our sons live with the consequences of their choices, but they have come so far and are headed in the right direction, I learned that is the important thing.
    Your remarks were so true, I read about Alma and I knew that Heavenly Father loved my sons as much as He did Alma’s and that indeed they were His sons before mine. I put them into His hands and things happened to my sons that humbled them and woke them up. It can happen, this is my testimony. So–thank you for writing about such a difficult topic that so many of us deal with.

55. on 21 May 2009 at 12:52 pm55erika pechacek

    

    Hi Larry,

    Your insights about how to deal with wayward children is great. Despite what you already talked about, I still have a question – or several.
    I had my son before I met my now ex-husband. He adopted my son but he was never sealed to us. We moved around a lot and sometimes we were very far from a congregation, not to speak from a temple. My husband became inactive and was always finding faults with bishoprics, hometeachers or members. We had one son born in the covenant and the two boys are 3 years apart in age.
    Because of the negative example of my ex, my older son followed his example and lived with a girl friend, got drunk and avoided church all together. The girlfriend got pregnant but had an abortion. I believe that my son gave her the money for the procedure and to this day he feels guilty about it. He says that he was just helping his friend and she made the decision because she did not feel that she wanted a child at that time.
    My son goes in and out of depressions but refuses to seek medical help. I believe that the root of his problems is this abortion experience, he does not want to hear anything about it. He is otherwise a really good person. He would give his last penny to someone in need and is always there for his friends.
    After losing his job as a stock broker, he never found satisfying work again. He had his name removed from the church records, is very negative against the prophet and apostles and is trying to convince me to see “how bad these old men are” and that I was stupid to send money to these people. I bore him a strong testimony, told him I loved him despite what he is doing now by trying to blame me for all his failures. I told him that he, if he wants me to let him live his life as he pleases, he has to do the same for me. He only communicates at an absolute minimum with me.
    My question now is, what can I do besides the obvious. Is this child going to be lost to me or is there a way to have him sealed to me later on, after I, he or both of us are dead?

    There are a lot more details to this saga but in the interest of space and time, I want to wait and see if you have additional questions in order to give me an answer.

    I am looking forward to hearing from you soon,

    Erika Pechacek

56. on 21 May 2009 at 6:20 pm56gospelidea

    

    Dear Ericka,

    In my book, Rescuing Wayward Children, I included a chapter filled with prophets’ promises. We must not cave in to present realities. Judgment requires priesthood keys, and ultimate judgment belongs only to God. He is not willing to lose any of his children, and he has paid a tremendous price to ensure the possibility (and the probability) of eventual rescue. Parents are quick to try and take the place of the Savior and create a plan of salvation for their wayward child. Although their intentions are good, their actions are akin to a vote of no confidence in the Savior. A better plan of action is to draw ourselves closer to the Savior through personal sanctification, which will open the door to our becoming a better partner with the Savior. Personal sanctification also opens the door to revelation, which is vital in these situations. If specific actions are not revealed, you need not force the issue. Primarily, a parent is to show unconditional love and set a proper example.

    I would change the subject matter of your conversations and take religion off the table. If your son criticizes your beliefs, tell him that you are sorry he feels that way and try to listen to him without passion. You could tell him why you believe otherwise, but I would avoid conflict at all costs. If he knows that you will not fight with him or force the Church on him, he will feel more comfortable about your relationship and open up on other issues. You need to be supportive without endorsing bad behavior–a true balancing act. The point is this: Relationship is everything. The day will come when his lifestyle will catch up to him–it always does–and he will need a soft place to land. He will go to a safe place, wherever he senses love and no judgment. Then you can help him heal. If religion is too big of an issue right now, work on building trust. After all, that is what God does with all of us. He could beat us up with the totality of gospel principles and insist that we live them all today, but he does not. He first proves to us that he loves us and that he is trustworthy. Then, when love and trust are in place, he carefully introduces us to the gospel plan one concept at a time. He is not in a hurry. He always builds the relationship first.

    You need not worry about the sealing, judgment, hell or heaven. God has this all worked out. Put your energy into the relationship. If he will not respond weekly, try monthly. If he won’t talk on the phone, try email or a card. Keep him in touch with family experiences so he feels connected. Look for the good in him. Tell him you are proud of him, and give him specifics. But no criticism, no contention, no disputations, no defense on your part. It might not seem fair, but it will pay off. This probably won’t resolve itself any time soon. No problem. God knows the exact day, hour and minute that this situation will turn–and he knows all the steps to get there. Trust him!

    Larry

57. on 21 May 2009 at 6:27 pm57gospelidea

    

    Dear Leigh Ann,

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful success story. This gives hope to all parents who are still waiting for their miracle!

    Larry

58. on 28 May 2009 at 6:41 am58John A. Tvedtnes

    

    In your article on priesthood restoration, I see that you quote my book The Church of the Old Testament, but you don’t mention my much later and much more comprehensive book, Organize My Kingdom: A History of Restored Priesthood (2000), in which I discuss virtually everything in your article and more. I also covered some of the material in various articles posted on Meridian.

59. on 30 May 2009 at 2:59 am59Leslie

    

    I so look forward to reading your articles each time they come out in Meridian Magazine. I cannot express how much you have enlightened my understanding by your words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, research, experiences, strength and hope with so many of us. As a Relief Society President these last 2 years, I have used your insight numerous times to apply to problem solving situations requiring my attention and understanding.

    May God bless you for the good you have done for others.
    Sincerely,

60. on 30 May 2009 at 4:11 pm60gospelidea

    

    Thank you. I’m glad that you find my writings useful.

61. on 04 Jun 2009 at 9:46 am61Paralee M. Eckman

    

    Dear Larry,
    I will never forget your kindness to me, and confidence in me to publish my “Simplified Hymns” series. I have had many people over the years express their appreciation for those books. The website listed above is sponsored by a lady in our ward, whose husband teaches music at Dixie College. They have a large section of simplified hymns and Primary songs. I have submitted quite a few there, (public domain ones), and have many arrangements I have made, and also a few original piano compositions.
    I am now 74 years old, but still very active in accompanying people here in St. George. My husband and I have served 2 missions together, in Sweden, and in Connecticut. Each place we left many copies of our Simplified Hymns and Primary Songs, and they were very much appreciated.
    I have wanted for many years to be able to thank you, and tell you I have read most of the books you have written, and I am grateful and proud to have been your acquaintance. I hope your sons who have had homophelia are okay. I remember your concerns about them. You are truly a great man, and I am so thankful for all the help you have given me in the past. I just heard of this website, and I am sure some of your writings on wayward children will help us. We have 9 children, 29 grandchildren, and 10 greats. Out of the 9, our oldest is a Stake President in Bountiful, and 4 are not active, and of those 4, 2 of them have children who aren’t baptized, but over the age of baptism. It is truly a concern for us. Wayne and I are now on a service mission to an assisted living center, and have been Temple ordinance workers, and I have filled 2 local missions to the Family History Center here. I love doing family history and submitting names to the Temple.
    Thanks again! Paralee

62. on 04 Jun 2009 at 10:35 am62gospelidea

    

    Dear Paralee,

    What a nice surprise! What a wonderful life of service you have had. I appreciate your kind words. I have enjoyed my life as an author. I always wanted to go that direction, but running a business was too time-consuming. I hope that my book, Rescuing Wayward Children, helps parents gain some perspective and acquire some spiritual skills. We live in a difficult world for our children. Even the best can be deceived. My best to you and your husband.

63. on 26 Jun 2009 at 12:48 am63mary

    

    In your article on wayward children, you mention Elder Maxwell calling the placement of difficult children with strong parents as “divine positioning”. I would love to have the reference and read the rest of his thoughts re this idea. I have never heard it put that way and certainly like the concept. It gives me a new perspective on the challenges that certain children present to their parents. I give thanks to you and all those who so inspiringly give us the added direction and hope we often need as parents in this last dispensation.

64. on 26 Jun 2009 at 1:19 am64gospelidea

    

    Elder Maxwell spoke of “Divine appointments,” in his article “These Are Your Days,” New Era, Jan 1985. Later, Catherine Thomas and Carl Bradford elaborated, and the term, “divine positioning” emerged. Here is a section from my book:

    The Work of Redemption within Families
    Let us consider that the organization of nations may be as it is so that the weak might be nurtured by the strong. If that is true, it is likely also true of families. God’s divine positioning often calls for weak children to be placed with strong parents, strong children to be placed with weak parents, or strong individuals to marry into weak families. Why? To do the work of redemption.
    Professor Catherine Thomas once suggested, “God may place spiritually challenging children in homes of spiritual and conscientious parents for their mutual benefit.”[1] Elder Neal A. Maxwell spoke to the deliberate organization of families by quoting William Law, an English clergyman of the eighteenth century:

    If it is said the very hairs of your head are all numbered, is it not to teach us that nothing, not the smallest things imaginable, happen to us by chance? But if the smallest things we can conceive are declared to be under the divine direction, need we, or can we, be more plainly taught that the greatest things of life, such as the manner of our coming into the world, our parents, the time, and other circumstances of our birth and condition, are all according to the eternal purposes, direction, and appointment of Divine Providence?[2]

    Carlford Broderick, an LDS marriage and family therapist, wrote:

    My experience in various Church callings and in my profession as a family therapist has convinced me that God actively intervenes in some destructive lineages, assigning a valiant spirit to break the chain of destructiveness in such families. Although these children may suffer innocently as victims of violence, neglect, and exploitation, through the grace of God some find the strength to “metabolize” the poison within themselves, refusing to pass it on to future generations. Before them were generations of destructive pain; after them the line flows clear and pure. Their children and children’s children will call them blessed.
    In suffering innocently that others might not suffer, such persons, in some degree, become as “saviors on Mount Zion” by helping to bring salvation to a lineage.[3]

    [1] M. Catherine Thomas, “Alma the Younger, Part 1,” Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship.
    [2] William Law, quoted in Neal A. Maxwell’s Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward, 67.
    [3] Carlfred Broderick, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, August 1986, 38–39.

65. on 30 Jun 2009 at 5:21 pm65Ike Egan

    

    Larry,
    Congratulations on your new publication. Being the father of eight children (all boys, seven missionaries, one to go) I have often contemplated the plan of salvation from the perspective of the role of divine parenting i.e. Moses 1:39. I have independently come to the same conclusions you have so eloquently articulated and sourced. To me, this is the way we would preach the gospel and characterize the ‘work of Christ and the Father” if we were not encumbered by 2000 years of Christian heresy. Given the burden of teaching from common ground we’re stuck with the status quo, leaving the richer context of the plan to subsequnet discovery on the part of our converts. Having given this topic years of thought I would like to check my premises with you for 10 minutes on the phone sometime. I might have an insight or two that you would find interesting. Incidentally, my father (one of the 1st LDS psychiatrists) was a good friend of Broderick. Is Jerry Jackman an associate of yours? Kindly call at your convenience at 801-942-1933.

    Kindest regards,

    Ike Egan

66. on 03 Jul 2009 at 6:57 pm66Don Capps

    

    Dear Larry,
    My wife and I are at a loss on what to do with our adult son who won’t complete move out and move on. Let’s call him Chris. Chris went on a mission and was faithful before his mission. Since, he has struggled to find himself.
    Chris moved out with his brother and bought a condo just about 100 yards from our home. Most of the time he sleeps there. He is 25 and has yet to complete a semester of school. He also has not been able to find a job. And when he does, it is part time and temporary. He fancies himself as an inventor and things his ship is just waiting off shore to come in. At which point, he will be rich.
    Chris comes to our house every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner; unless he sleeps in. He stays and watches TV or uses our computers until midnight. He doesn’t work and isn’t going to school. My sweet wife feels sorry for him and fixes him nice meals, invites him over at times(on the rare occasions he is not there.) and just gives him an enjoyable day.
    I feel that the reason he is hanging around an not working is he is not hungry enough. He has no friends and doesn’t date. He is not bored enough. I feel we need to encourage him to not come by so often. But how do you say such a thing? When I mention it to my wife, she says I am just driving him away and that he my do something rash if we don’t “take care of him”.
    I am also concerned about his younger brother and sister 13, and 17) and the example Chris is. I have prayed about this and just feel such frustration. Do you have any thoughts or feelings about this?

67. on 03 Jul 2009 at 9:48 pm67gospelidea

    

    Dear Don,
    I’ll give my opinion, but I need to state up front that I am not a psychologist. I highly recommend that you counsel with a professional. I always try to tell parents that waywardness is indicative of at least two and sometimes three “illnesses.” These are spiritual, emotional and occasionally physical. Parents are neither medical doctors nor psychologists. They certainly qualify as spiritual healers, if they have developed the skills. Bishops have special keys, and they should be consulted. Parents are in the unique situation of assembling the team.

    So here is my opinion. You and your wife are both correct. In the first place, your son needs to take responsibility, and you should help and encourage him to do so. Your wife is correct that maintaining the relationship is the single-most important priority. Life has a way of making you face hard realities. When that happens, all of us need a soft place to land. Home needs to be a safe and loving place. I strongly suggest that you and your wife work on becoming united before you put any effort into your son. When the two of you are one, your power will increase to help your boy. There is great power that you can draw upon. Your sealing has immediate power, and I would suggest that you increase your temple activity with the express purpose of allowing the Spirit to teach you what you have been given. The message of the scriptures and the prophets is consistent: Before you attempt to work on someone else, work on yourself. Then the answers will come. I have said it this way: Every effort you make to increase your level of sanctification has a redeeming effect on the person for whom you are praying. Please realize that I am not judging or chastising you. I am simply trying to state a principle of power that often eludes parents when they are faced with a hard situation.

    I don’t know your situation, but I have a suspicion that your son is suffering from depression. You are not equipped to deal with this condition. Only a psychologist and a doctor (in that order) know the symptoms and can work him through it. Depression make you very tired, unmotivated and overwhelmed. Your eating and sleeping habits go haywire. Your personality changes. Any number of things can trigger depression, including sin. If your son has done something that he cannot face and has not yet resolved, he could be feeling like a failure. Can you see why your wife’s course of action is the best at this moment in time? I doubt that he is inherently lazy or a natural mooch. I think something else is going on that neither he nor you can put a finger on. I suggest that you and your wife talk to a trusted counselor, explain your son’s behavior, and come up with a united strategy. You might save his life. Involve your bishop. He will have some impressions, and he can get you to LDS Family Services, which has some of the best counselors to be found. I guarantee that if you will employ the power of your sealing and assemble the team of healers that within the near future you will discover the root cause of your son’s present behavior and you will help him get back on his feet. In the process your relationship with your son will become firm enough to help him have the courage to make the changes. In the meantime, you must be so very careful not to pressure him into something that he might not be able to do right now.

    I hope this helps.

    Larry

68. on 08 Jul 2009 at 10:56 am68Billie

    

    Brother Barkdull,
    I went looking for a book to help our family through some hardships we are facing with our married, divorced married divorced daughter with 4 beautiful children..
    I’m only half way through the book (Rescuing wayward children)
    and have not come across any ideas on how to deal with some one that has kids involved… I want her to hit rock bottom, so she can start the climb back up, but how do we let her, without abandoning the grandkids? This daughter is putting her children and the rest of our family through a living hell.. We love her, Please help

69. on 08 Jul 2009 at 11:43 am69gospelidea

    

    Dear Billie,
    The principles in my book span the range of wayward situations. Although I am focusing primarily on dependent children, the principles can be applied otherwise. My experience is that praying for a specific situation to occur is akin to telling the Lord what to do. Rather, we ought to pray that we can meld into his will and timing. His plan is perfect, and he is working that plan right now. Our purpose is to become part of that plan, not to create or dictate it. I know you feel urgency, but be assured that the Lord whom we trust has a long-range plan to remedy this situation. Things have to happen in sequence, and if they are hurried or delayed, they will not harvest the same results. My suggestion is that you work on increasing your level of personal sanctification. That effort has the amazing effect of helping another person. It is an intriguing fact that every effort you make to sanctify yourself has a redeeming effect on the person for whom you are praying. I understand your pain–I really do. I feel certain that things will work out better than you think. Please read the prophets’ promises in the book. They will bring you comfort, and they will anchor you to persevere in faith.
    Larry

70. on 02 Aug 2009 at 6:32 pm70Joseph Ott

    

    I just finished your book Priesthood Power: Blessing the Sick and the Afflicted. I bought it Friday nite and I just finished it (Sunday afternoon). I work at Deseret Book in the University Mall, where I bought the book. I liked it quite a bit, and will recommend it to people as one of my favorite books.
    Just thought that you might want to know how I liked it.
    Have a nice day!

    .: Joseph Ott:.

71. on 16 Aug 2009 at 3:14 pm71Nila Peterson

    

    Dear Bro. Barkdull,
    I have just finished reading “Portriat of a Zion Person”. I am grateful to you for finding my own voice. From the first moment that I began reading your articles in Meridian Magazine concerning Zion, I have been hearing my own hopes, my own dreams, the wonderful possibilities that have always filled me, even while those around me would think me unrational. You have spoken of the God that I love, that I adore with my whole being. Your words are familiar to me, in a world that seems so foreign. I have lept with joy, and wept with joy and pleading as I turned the pages. I love Zion and never stop waiting for my day to be blessed to completely step over the line of Babylon into her loving presence, and it will come, while I still walk this earth. That is the melody that I hear in your words. Thank you. I can never that you enough for your portrial of truth unhidden in any way.

    May God bless you. May He be with your family. May He be with your son, is my prayer of gratitude. I look forward to the day that I can thank you personally… in Zion……

    Nila

72. on 17 Aug 2009 at 3:26 pm72F, in the Netherlands

    

    Hi Larry,

    I wrote you last year an email about my son being arrested and how your articles about wayward children helped me lot during that most difficult time in my life.

    Well, I would like to give you an update, but since it is rather personal I would like to do so through a more private email. But I lost your email address after my computer crashed. However…., I can already tell you this: ‘My Sunday has come’, and it is a wonderful experience, and I am so happy about that!

    If you would like to know more you can email me through my email address in the box above.

    Thanks!
    F, in the Netherlands

73. on 29 Aug 2009 at 8:58 pm73Dolly Piatt

    

    Brother Barkdull, I bought your book and talked with you at Education Week. I read your columns and they give me so much knowledge about adult children. You mentioned that you give firesides. Could you let me know when you have upcoming firesides and the information on them so that I can attend one.
    Thank you.

74. on 03 Sep 2009 at 5:37 pm74Laurie

    

    Hi Brother Barkdull,

    I have read and appreciated much of your “Wayward Children” series, and I have certainly been taught and blessed in having spent time pondering your inspired thoughts.
    I have a question for you, and if you have already answered it in your writings, will you direct me to it? Or, if you have not yet addressed it, will you please?
    My question is this: When a teenage child (or anyone, I guess) decides that the church may or may not be true and that other “options” must be examined before that determination is made, and the child further challenges that probably any religion or philosophy that we give significant attention to is going to consume our hearts and ring true (I think she’s worried that she’s being brainwashed), what does a parent do?
    I am teaching my children the gospel and have been since they were tiny, but they are also being raised in a less-than-ideal home as far as both parents being on the same page, spiritually. I am mostly grateful for my children’s questioning hearts, because I am hopeful that their questions will ultimately yield firmly rooted testimonies of Christ, however I do find myself answering them clumsily when they challenge the gospel’s verity and think me naive for accepting it without a comprehensive look at other philosophies.
    Gratefully,
    Laurie Cisneros
    (949) 351-3321
    (801) 930-9069

75. on 09 Sep 2009 at 10:44 am75Sandy

    

    Dear Bro. Barkdull,
    I have read a few of your articles and was hoping on a little insight into a situation we have with our daughter. At 18, she eloped with her boyfriend and became inactive in church. Now, at 21, she is divorced and just moved back in with us last week to save some money to go back to college. My question is: is it unreasonable for us to expect that she not smoke and drink while living in our home? (we have 2 teenage daughters still at home). She agreed to that in order to move back in, but I am suspecting that she was not being truthful. In fact, I have already seen pictures of her doing these behaviors. We want to help her, but we also don’t want our other 2 children to think that we would enable her. I realize that I cannot force her to change, but shouldn’t I be able to expect that if she is living in our home, she should follow these rules? I’m not sure if I would be able to make her leave, though, in order to enforce the rules. Of course, we are hoping that while living at home, we can possibly a good influence to help her get back on the right path. Thank you for you help.

76. on 09 Sep 2009 at 1:22 pm76gospelidea

    

    Dear Sandy,
    It sounds as though your attitude is right: You must love unconditionally, but you can expect certain behavior if someone lives in your home. For example, would you tolerate a live-in companion or drug use? I would caution you not to bring up the Church when you lay down the rules. That might tend to distance your daughter from the Church. Rather, you could state kindly that you believe a certain way and you have health concerns that you hope she will respect. Moreover, you can ask her to set a proper example for her siblings. If she is a responsible and feeling person, she will honor your request and smoke and drink away from home. You can tell her that you must insist that she will not be allowed to stay in your home on the days that she is under the influence. I realize that this is tough love, but you are entitled. You can point out that your rules are the same for her and her siblings; you are neither being unfair or playing favorites. If she wants a free place to stay, she needs to abide by the family rules, as long as she is in the house. That said, let’s talk about a larger issue: the fact that she is now home. This is huge opportunity that might have been orchestrated by the Holy Ghost. To take advantage of this opportunity, however great or small it might be, you must maintain the relationship with your daughter. Being a watchdog is counterproductive to being a savior on Mount Zion. While you must set down and enforce household rules, your actions have to be carefully balanced with nurturing and kindness. Your present opportunity to repair a relationship is huge, and the resulting friendship might be a key to saving your daughter. Also keep in mind that addictions are very difficult to overcome. She might not be at the point of wanting to change, but when that time comes (and it will!), she will encounter a very rough road. Your relationship will help to see her through. Until then, your daughter has unwelcome companion, and you need to recognize the fact that that companion has also come to stay with you. Just insist that the companion cannot enter the house.
    Larry

77. on 12 Sep 2009 at 1:53 pm77Marie McEntire

    

    Dear Brother Barkdull,

    I recently read your book ‘Rescueing Wayward Children.’ I found this to be very enlightening and a hopeful approach for parents dealing with inactive children.
    Our eldest son seems so unresponsive to our feeble attempts at bringing him back to the fold. He is often aloof and we fear continually about his physical and spiritual safety. We try to be positive with him but he has been like this since graduating from high school and we are growing very weary. Is there anything we can do to bring the peace that we are longing for?
    Anonymous

78. on 12 Sep 2009 at 3:26 pm78gospelidea

    

    Parents tend to put a lot of energy into feeling guilty, trying to change a wayward child or trying to come up with a plan. While we must do our best, we also must realize that the “plan” is already in place. To participate in the plan, we must increase our level of sanctification. It is a gospel verity that we must work on ourselves before we can work on others. Beyond you own sanctifying efforts, I would suggest that you work on the relationship. Become as close as you can with no dialog about the Church. Send your son a signal that you love him unconditionally. Then when he needs a soft place to land someday — and he will! — he will feel safe in returning to you and seek comfort and counsel. In a way that we do not fully understand, our efforts to sanctify ourselves breathe power into the plan of salvation. So my counsel is to be your Savior’s good partner and your son’s good friend.

79. on 13 Sep 2009 at 10:13 am79Jan Dyson

    

    Dear Br. Barkdull,
    I want to thank you for the comfort and strength I have received through reading your book “Rescuing Wayward Children”. Melanie and Roger Hoffman (dear ward members/friends) suggested I read the book, which I have, and continue to buy and give to friends, family, and coworkers–who need hope. I have been taught these enobling and hopeful doctrines–by the spirit—as I have studied, prayed, fasted, and attended the temple, over the years. But it is wonderful to see them recorded and to be reminded of the hope and joy we can have through our faith in Jesus Christ–and the enobling doctrines of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ on the Earth!!!
    I am a divorced, single mother of two sons. My family has experienced divorce, apostacy, serious drug and alcohol addictions, jail, homosexual issues, financial difficulties, etc. Through it all, I taught my sons the gospel, prayed with them everyday, held regular family home evenings, attended church every Sunday, and attended the temple regularly. However, my sons are “wayward”—- One son is battling a terrible heroin addiction, while my other son has recently walked away from the Church (mostly because of the negative influence of his father–who is living an “alternative lifestyle” and who is very vocal about his anti-Mormon feelings). But, I have absolute faith and hope and comfort that because I have tried to live the Gospel and “anchored” my life in Jesus Christ, that all these things will “give me experience” and will ultimately be “consecrated for my good” and to the Salvation of my family! I thank you for reaffirming my hope in our ability to sanctify ourselves—and then become as “Saviors on Mount Zion” for our children, families, and loved ones. We have so much hope through our Savior Jesus Christ–and through our covenants made in holy temples. Thank you for spreading the Good News of the Gospel–and particularly the blessings and hope we can obtain through sanctifying ourselves–and then helping our families do the same! Truly, we have so much to be thankful for!
    Jan Dyson
    Orem, Utah

80. on 13 Sep 2009 at 12:02 pm80gospelidea

    

    Dear Jan,
    You are a hero and will be rewarded with a hero’s blessings. What you are facing and learning will be invaluable in the eternal world. It is so easy to take things personally and feel as though we have failed. But that is an easy answer to a more complex question. It is much harder to admit that we are involved in a graduate course of learning the principles of redemption. In the process, the Lord has given us a trust coupled with some long-term experience. Your faithfulness in the midst of incomprehensible odds will yield redeeming blessings beyond your ability to fathom. We cannot allow ourselves to pass judgment when the Lord has not arrived at that point yet. There is still lots of time, and we know that God never gives up on his children.
    Blessings,
    Larry

81. on 17 Sep 2009 at 3:55 pm81Allisha Larsen

    

    Dear Mr. Barkdull,
    I just finished your book Cold Train Coming. I teach gifted and talented students at Buffalo Point Elementary in Syracuse, Utah. This term we are working on stories for a district storytelling festival. I would like to know if I may use the Epilogue of your book at our school festival. What a sad, poignant story. Thanks for sharing.
    Warmly,
    Allisha Larsen

82. on 24 Sep 2009 at 9:46 am82mary Bowen

    

    Dear Bro Barkdull:

    My husdand and I have the oppurtunity to lead a support group as a pilot program for parents with wayward children. We started with just members of our stake and had the support of LDS-Social Services. We have now opened it up to everyone in our area and it is interesting to see that people who are not in our stake will come, but members of our stake will not. I’m sure it is a pride issue. I know that when our family went through the addiction of our son I felt so helpless and I knew everyone was aware of his drug and alcohol addiction , so I looked for help in every direction. Since we were so open about our problem I have had many parents at our
    door pleading for some relief. When we found your book it truly was a blessing. When we get new scared parents either at our door or in our group we tell them your book “Rescuing Wayward Children” is”required” reading. We have found it is a great book for the Fathers. Bro Millets book “When a Child Wanders” is really good also but it seems to touch mothers more than fathers. I have found that reaching out to other parents has really blessed our lives. Our son is still wandering for a season, however, we see small baby steps as he comes to the realization that he is not comfortable in the life of addiction. We have learned to love him and accept him with open arms. When parents learn to mourn the loss of the child they thought they had and start loving the child they now have (addiction and all) peace can fill their hearts. Turning everything over to our Heavenly Father is the hardest thing to do but so necessary.

    Thanks for your inspired book and for helping us help others
    Mary Bowen

83. on 02 Oct 2009 at 11:39 pm83Brenda Cooper

    

    Dear Larry,
    Thank-you so much for the wonderful book, “Rescuing Wayward Children.” It has been a blessing in my life. Each page has blessed me… especially as it has confirmed to me the lessons that have been taught to me and my husband by the Holy Ghost during the past ten years of struggling with a wayward son. The stories and thoughts are similar to what we have learned through prayer, Temple worship, fasting, and the sweet whisperings of the Holy Ghost.
    Thank-you for putting into words our thoughts and feelings. I did not know how to share with other parents the things that we have learned through our experience. Now I have been able to share with them your book.
    Our story actually started the day we were sealed in the Logan Temple. It has been a life journey as we have seen the Savior’s hand in our lives guiding us and helping us through the pain of watching our beautiful boy turn from the gospel, his family and friends to a life of alcohol, drug abuse, jail, deceit, guilt.
    I could relate to so many stories in the book and would be so excited when you used passages of scripture that had been answers to our prayers. There is peace and hope through the redeeming power of the Savior. The atonement heals the parent and the child.
    We have a relationship with our son today because of the love of Christ. Our son knows he is loved and he knows Heavenly Father loves him. His hand is outstretched still. The light touches him through our prayers, our faith and our love.
    The Lord simply told us to “Show Forth More Love” and that is what we have done. We would not have chosen this experience for our son but we have learned more about our Heavenly Father and His love for His children then we ever would have without the experience.
    We know that in the Lord’s time we will see our son return. For now we rejoice in each small miracle that crosses our son’s path. He has truly had Book of Mormon experiences, answers to prayers and angels attending him on this wayward journey. We know the Lord loves him and knows him and has a plan for him.
    You cannot put ten years of painful experience into a comment but thank-you for your insight and wisdom. When we first started to go through our experience our Stake President said to me that he did not know anyone in our stake who was going through what we were. We felt so alone as parents and did not have the support that is available today. It would be great to have a parents support group that would help us to share our wisdom that has come from such a hard and painful experience. I hope there will be a program like that for parents. But for now….Your book does that for us!
    Your book has been inspiring. I am so happy to share it with others.
    Thank-you
    Brenda Cooper

84. on 06 Nov 2009 at 11:33 am84Mindy Knudsen

    

    Dear Brother Barkdull,

    My father just sent me your article, “The Work of Angels.” I love it and can’ wait to get my hands on a copy of the book.

    I happen to be collecting stories about my own Angel Mother and the work she’s done in our family since passing away of leukemia in 1983. She is extremely busy (as you can well imagine) with seven children, 29 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and several close friends who all need her.

    Since beginning the project, more than 20 stories have come to me–some subtle, some amazing-from family and a few friends who have had help or comfort from my mom over the past 26 years. My niece Lindsey even shared a near-death experience she had with Mom after a car accident.

    Also, with such a large family, we have definitely seen our share of wayward children. We have also seen nearly all of them return. I used to be surprised at our family “returnover rate.” Once I started seriously thinking about Mom in terms of what she’s doing in heaven and about all her Angel Mother roles, I’m no longer surprised at all.

    I’ve entitled my little collection, “An Angel Mother’s Work Is Never Done” It is very rough and currently in a format intended for family, but I think it could have the potential to influence and uplift others outside our family.

    If you come across the time and desire to read these stories and (possibly!) give me any pointers, I would be so grateful.

    Thank you. Sincerely,
    Mindy K.

85. on 06 Nov 2009 at 12:53 pm85gospelidea

    

    What a wonderful work you are doing! Books that are very personal are not always (or should be) commercial. However, your idea seems to have merit. I would suggest that you expand the idea to include stories from other people so you could demonstrate that familial angelic ministration is a universal principle rather than one that is unique to your family. You would have a wonderful experience collecting the stories. Good luck!

86. on 13 Nov 2009 at 9:33 pm86Paul & Eileen Tooke

    

    November 13, 2009
    Hi Brother Barkdull,
    After 7 years of many heartbreaks, and tears, we are at a standstill as to what we can do to help influence our youngest daughter. She has been rebellious since the young age of 10-12 yrs, by avoiding good choices of friends, choosing to lie, steal, be immoral, and choosing strange and unusually low life type of friends. Now she lives with a male and has done for the last 7 years.
    After reading an article adapted from your book, Rescuing Wayward Children, we feel that working on our marriage and praying that something will “pop” in her life, to bring her back into the fold of our family, is the only thing left for us.
    She very ignorantly and profanely told us to leave her alone, and has NOT spoken to us at all for the last two years, and has stopped sending even a Christmas card.
    We never abused her, always tried to show her the correct way, and have bent over backwards to help her as she grew up.
    She was BIC (born in covenant) and now has “joined” the same church as her boy friend, the Catholic church, by being baptized in it. I baptized her at age 8 in our stake center, so to me, that’s the only baptism that is really authentic. We would like to have miraculous answers to our prayers happen.
    We would love to hear from you with any strategies or ideas of how to cope. Thank you very much.
    Paul & Eileen.

87. on 14 Nov 2009 at 12:35 am87gospelidea

    

    Dear Paul,
    She cannot break free of her sealing to you. That is unconditional. She is not further removed from you than were Alma and the sons of Mosiah, whose story is our latter-day model. If you want another example, read Helaman 5. Here, dissenters from the Church had thrown the prophets in prison, starved them and were on their way to murder them. In that instant, the Lord called them back–300 hundred of them! Then these converted, dissenters, persecutors and would-be murderers became the missionaries and converted a nation. The Book of Mormon is a textbook on reclamation. Over and over again, we see vile sinners rescued in a moment. If you believe the Book of Mormon–really believe it–if you believe in the Atonement–really believe it–you are obligated to believe that the Lord can and will rescue your daughter. Relax and let him do his work. He is very good at what he does. He is not interested in losing her, any more than you are. He has a plan of salvation for her, and despite your feelings to the contrary he is working that plan. I suggest that you stop fretting and put your energy into partnering with the Lord. You do this by increasing your level of sanctification: obedience, service, prayer, partaking of the sacrament, fasting, temple service–all with more frequency or purpose. Keep trying to reach out to her, but not to preach. Give that job to God. Your job is to love unconditionally and try to reestablish the relationship. For now, your only testimony can be borne by example. Unless you are invited, you must say nothing of religion. Time is on your side. When life drives her to her knees–and it will–she will feel after a place that is safe, where love is. She won’t come home to “I told you so,” but she will come home to love. Send her a love note. Put photos of her and you and recall fond memories. Even if she won’t return love immediately, you must keep trying. Remember what Moroni said: “Charity never faileth.” I promise you that success is in your future, and the day will come when you will see God work his reclaiming miracle just as he did in all those Book of Mormon stories. Otherwise it is all fiction.
    Larry

88. on 14 Nov 2009 at 6:03 pm88Dian Black

    

    Brother Barkdull, I have just finished reading “Zion, seeking the City of Enoch” and I am starting on “Zion, the Long Road to Sanctification”.
    It is my understanding that there are more books in this series, but for the life of me I am unable to discover where I can get the remaining volumes. I read really fast, and will finish this last book in a day or so…..I would really love to continue on with this enthralling series. Retirement has many benefits…..one of which is reading all the books I have been unable to read while raising a family:) please help….

89. on 15 Jan 2010 at 6:25 pm89Doug Noble

    

    Thank you for your book Rescuing Wayward Children. While trying to rescue my son I have rescued myself. What a wonderful book. It was just what I have needed for so long. Every single page shows the way back home. My son has his agency and we are praying he will use it wisely but I can tell you this my son has saved me in the process. Fathers to the sons/Sons to the Fathers, fullness of the priesthood, truly beautiful.

    Bless you and Thank You so much!
    Doug N.

90. on 01 Feb 2010 at 1:06 pm90Lou Ann Rodgers

    

    Dear Larry,
    I am a grateful recovering addict with an amazing mother who is a partner with Christ in the work of redemption. I am so grateful that my mother never gave up on me and saw me through the eyes of Christ. She reminded me as often as possible who I really am (a beautiful daughter of my Heavenly Father). I did not know that recovery was possible for someone like me and thought I would die an ugly death in addiction to heroin. My miracle of recovery started in a jail cell when a prayer just spilled out of me and I felt the most amazing love of the Savior that I had not felt for many years even decades. I have faced the Lord since that day. I love the Lord and have faith in his plan for me.
    I have been invited to speak at BYU Womens Conference on Resueing Wayward Children. That is when I purchase your book. It is wonderfully written. I will be making a recommendation to the women who attend my talk to purchase your book.
    Thanks for all you do!
    Lou Ann Rodgers

91. on 10 Feb 2010 at 5:32 pm91Amelia Campbell

    

    Dear Brother Barkdull;
    I am a widow {16 years},70 years of age, mother of 10, grandmother of 29, and a member of the church for 30 years. My husband and I have 7 of our children sealed to us, however only 5 of the 10 are active.
    As a Black family, all of us have had offensive actions and remarks we’ve had to deal with. The inactive children, especially, could not understand how people who said they believed in a God of love, who is no respecter of persons,[ and all of us are of the tribe of Ephraim], could treat us with such disdain, as we received, and so as they left home , one by one, they left the church.
    Five of us served missions. Of the 5 girls,4 married non members who later joined then left the church so my grandchildren from these unions are at risk.
    I feel so alone at times, as far as being able to talk to anyone and especially to my children. Yes, I Do speak with my Father in Heaven and my Savior, and I Am Thankful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, but I fear that I keep trying to urge them back to the gospel and I make things worst. So now I’m trying to be like Lehi and “say no more”
    I have ordered your book on Wayward Children so that I might gain guidance. I know that “the Lord sent me these 10 special spirits because He trust me”. I am hoping to get the additional help I need by reading your book. By reading some of your readers comments I see that I am not the only parent dealing with this challange, however, we, as Black members in the United States, do have some ‘different’ problems.
    I will appreciate any priesthood wisdom you can impart.
    Thank you, Sister Campbell

92. on 22 Feb 2010 at 12:23 pm92Keith Brandt

    

    I am presently reading your Wayward Children book and am eagerly searching for an answer to our situation. How is the situation changed when your adult child has had her name removed from the records of the Church? She was Born in the Covenant, rebelled in her teens and when she went away to college assumed a gentile lifestyle and then had her named removed. We firmly believe that the only way to effect a change is to pursue a course of sanctification. But has the situation changed since she is no longer a member of the Church?

93. on 22 Feb 2010 at 12:32 pm93gospelidea

    

    The principles are the same regardless of a person’s age. Church leaders, friends, spouses, siblings–anyone who wishes to participate in the Lord’s plan of redemption can do so by following the principles the Lord has set out. My book focuses on wayward children, but it is not limited to that group. Keep in mind that ultimate judgment cannot come until a person has full light and knowledge then choose away from it. We are clearly shown in the Book of Mormon a very vile man who had apostatized from the Church and was brought back through a partnership of God and a righteous father. This is not an isolated experience. Mormon meant it to be a pattern.

94. on 24 Feb 2010 at 2:08 pm94Janine

    

    Please accept my gratitude for your Meridian article “Is Your Life Really Without a Purpose.” I am a single mother of nine children and recently unemployed. I had spent the entire morning in prayer and contemplation about my present circumstances. Your article came as a direct and specific answer to my very private prayers. The spirit bore witness to me that the Lord knows you and he knows me because he brought your spiritual effort to me. All is well.

95. on 24 Feb 2010 at 2:55 pm95gospelidea

    

    Bless your heart! I watched my mother struggle through similar circumstances. No one knows how lonely and sometimes desperate is the life of a single parent. But the blessings are incredible. I assure you that you are being sustained by powers that you cannot fathom. Your life truly does have purpose–exalted purpose.

96. on 02 Apr 2010 at 2:19 am96Michael Gailey

    

    For years I have used your book, The Prodigal in helping to teach young folks the relationship between choice and accountability. Searching the web I don’t believe it to be in print anymore. I’ve been asked to process the teaching moments connected with an upcoming youth trek in our stake. Is The Prodigal available in any form, perhaps in a pamphlet? I’d like to use the story in written form for youth to read during a solo activity.

    By the way, thanks for inspiring me over the years. I love your writings.

    Mike

97. on 30 Apr 2010 at 3:41 pm97Ann Jones

    

    Brother Barkdull, you have addressed many topics in a wonderful and Christ-like way. Perhaps you may have already addressed this… I was the youngest in a family of six children from a dysfunctional home (emotional abuse)– we were to be seen and not heard, never allowed to speak at the dinner table (among other things). I have struggled all of my life trying to overcome my fear of speaking in front of a group of people— teach a class, give a talk, conduct, etc. I am okay one-on-one with people, but to be in front of a large group I am nearly paralyzed. I now have a calling at the temple where I must ‘be in charge’— conduct preparation mtgs, talks, etc. How do I overcome this weakness and learn how to replace it with faith, hope, charity, trust, confidence?

98. on 30 Apr 2010 at 4:24 pm98gospelidea

    

    When you are called to a position, the Lord takes the responsibility of making you equal to the task. Think of yourself as a missionary who has just entered the MTC to learn Russian. Not only must you learn the language, you must learn how to teach the gospel in that language. If you are like most missionaries, very little in your background qualifies you for this monumental task. So what do you do? Humble yourself and ask the Lord for help. If this process didn’t work, we would have 60,000 missionaries teaching the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. I suggest that you fast and ask for a blessing. Then go forward in faith. You might stumble around for a little while, but you will be among people who love you. If you are scared, be honest and ask for their prayers and support. You don’t need to be an actor; just be yourself and do your best, and the Lord will make up the difference. I testify that this works. When I began to write books, people started asking me to speak. I was terrified because I was sure I couldn’t do it. I fasted, prayed, asked for a blessing, prepared and opened my mouth. Everyone thought I had been speaking for years. I no longer worry about it, and neither will you. Blessings!

99. on 03 Jul 2010 at 11:27 pm99gospelidea

    

    No. Not specifically about family history work.

100. on 27 Aug 2010 at 6:27 pm100daisies

     

     Hello,

     I recently read your book “Touch of the Masters Hand”. My mother had given it to me.. I have been going through 3 yrs of adversity with children, finances and as a single mom, but my health and testimony are strong! I constantly am sharing the gospel here in Texas and know one day the struggle part might end. But through it all I have been the one who has become strong, and patient and with this book it opened my eyes to reality. What a wonderful read! I’m wishing we had a DI here so I could search for a few other wonderful finds to read. But I will find some of your books somewhere! Thanks for the inspiring words. My aunt used to work for Meridian and there is great strength from this site too, I will go on and read the article mentioned above.. If you ever come to Texas, Dallas please let me know, I’d like to come and listen..
     Blessing to you!

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