From: Richard Pratt
To: Those I love
Re: Spiritual Preparation
As pointed out in the last memo physical preparation consists of food, shelter and clothing which at the best will prolong mortal life but for a moment in the eternal scheme of things. The spirit obviously while in this body doesn’t need physical clothing and shelter but only food, spiritual food. What is spiritual food? And why is it so very important to our eternal happiness?
God is the source of all life both physical and spiritual and the spirit is the life of the physical body which is so obvious for when the spirit leaves the flesh in the change called death the physical immediately begins to return to the dust from whence it came. Only to be reactivated in the resurrection by the return of the spirit.
God then is the power plant that like an electric generator sends this life generating force thru out all space. To use this life giving source one must be plugged into it. For this is the only source of spiritual food. And without it the spirit in our body literally becomes emaciated and faint and sickens however it can never entirely die but in its poor condition when placed back in the resurrected flesh can only enjoy eternally only a portion of that which a healthy well fed spirit can.
Spiritual food then is to do the will of God not because that’s what he wants, although he does because he wants his children to be happy, but because it is the only way we can have a fullness of joy. And the will of God the Father is to accept Jesus Christ by believing on him and having faith (active belief) that he is indeed our Creator and Savior.
Who is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.....They become the church and kingdom, and the elect of God. And also all they who receive this priesthood, receive me saith the Lord; for he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; (of which I am one) Please believe me! And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; and he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; Therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him. (D. & C. 84:33-38) And here is the best definition of spiritual food given by God himself:...Give diligent heed to the words of eternal life. For YOU shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. (D. & C. 84: 43-44)
(Incidentally when one does the above they can cease to worry about the flesh for all things necessary for its well being will be provided)
Not automatically, but by your hard work with faith in Christ the needs of this life will flow unto you. Example: we were married May 19, 1934 in the worst year of the awful depression which began in September 1929 and didn’t end until Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941.
The day after our marriage date we had the clothes we were wearing no job, no education, no future but we did have $.35 cents and a loving family. We spent the 35 cents for a bag of oranges, a great luxury, so we could start with nothing. And 13 years later we owned, free and clear a beautiful ranch a mile and one half long in the beautiful cascade mountains of Central Washington. It had two sets of buildings and the ranch was stocked with the animals of the day. But we didn’t do it, yes we worked hard but so did our neighbors. But we were blessed with one money making opportunity after another, some of the details are listed in my auto biography which most of you have a copy of.
God is no respecter of persons and wishes to sustain all his children spiritually and physically, but He will only do it for those who plug into the source of power which emanates only from him. Any other course will ultimately fail.
Any other course leads to disaster as is witnessed by the daily news. God doesn’t cause war, men cause war! There would be no war or any other violence if all obeyed Him. Neither would there be fires, earthquakes, storms, droughts, famines and other natural disasters or awful plagues and sickness. How does one become infected with the dreaded HIV viruses? It certainly isn’t God’s fault. But man chooses his destiny and receives what he deserves.
Back in 1831 God, a loving Father, said: “Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear. Prepare ye prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh.” And notice the next words: “I the Lord, KNOWING the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth (caused by their failing to plug into the source of all life thus weakening their spirit) called upon my servant Joseph Smith, and spake unto him from heaven and gave him commandments, and also commandments to others THAT they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets... I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh. For I am no respecter of persons and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh;...when peace shall be taken from the earth and the devil shall have power over his own dominion (Now) and also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst and shall come down in judgement upon the world. Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.” (Please read Doctrine and Covenants section 1)
What does the Lord require of us then? “Behold, the Lord requireth the HEART and a WILLING MIND; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these LAST DAYS.”
One last scripture of the many thousands: “For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, (meaning eternal families), and few there be that find it, BECAUSE YE RECEIVE ME NOT IN THE WORLD NEITHER DO YE KNOW ME.
BUT if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.
This is Eternal Lives (FAMILY) to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye therefore, my LAW D. & C. 132:22-24
I have answered the two questions given at the beginning: Spiritual food is to accept Jesus willingly and plug into the only source of life.
And its importance is that in no other way can we have eternal life which is forever families.
I plead with you, if you have not yet done this: DO IT NOW!
Faith in Jesus Christ (means act) repentance of sin, Baptism by immersion by an authorized Priesthood holder and then receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and walk by every word proceeding from the mouth of God. Then shall ye be spiritually prepared and ready to receive all that the Father has to give.
I love you,
Dad, Grandpa, friend etc.
With May 19th (1934) the wedding anniversary of Richard and Adaline coming up We
thought it would be fun for you to re read the dating and courtship of Adaline and Richard. They
both wrote of this in their books, Dad’s starts on page 74 second paragraph and goes to page 78.In Mom’s book see page 45 “Whisper of Romance” through page 46. Note grandma was always
proud of how their posterity was growing and so I did some figuring and this is how it stacks up in2003: 6 children plus 37 grandchildren plus 82 great grandchildren with 2 more expected this yearadd it all together and you have 127 descendants for this wonderful couple. Note what a
handsome young couple they are in their wedding picture.
Try the following recipe, It was one Mom liked to make for special occasions.
Matrimony Cake
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 tsp. Soda
3/4 tsp. Salt
2 cups oatmeal
2 cups flour
crumble these ingredients together.
make a filling of:
1 lb. Dates (chopped)
1 cup sugar
1 cup hot water
slowly boil until it thickens and then place in a layer over half of the dry mixture in a 9 x 13 inch
cake pan. Top with remaining dry mixture. Brown in oven at 350* for about 15 to 20 minutes. Cut and serve in bars. YUMMY!
Once upon a time, five thousand men along with women and children walked out of the city and
gathered on a hillside to listen to the Son of God, and they grew hungry and weak. Quiz time:
Q. What does Jesus want to do when people are hungry and weak?
A. Feed them.
Unfortunately, Jesus didn’t have any food. Neither did his disciples. In fact, they only found one boy (a Boy Scout, no doubt) who had come prepared, and he had only five barley loaves and two small fishes. The disciples pointed out the obvious problem: “What are they among so many?”
Do you ever feel this way? After all, you are only one. You only have 24 hours in a day. You only have a limited amount of love in your heart. And there are so very very many hungry people
surrounding you! What are your talents and your love among so many? Quiz time:
Q. How does Jesus most often feed the hungry and weak?
A. Through others. He magnifies whatever possessions and talents individuals like you and me
are willing to share.
The obedient disciples brought Jesus the few loaves and fishes even though they did not
understand what Jesus would do with them. Jesus blessed them. He brake them. He sent his
disciples to distribute them to the multitude. Over 5,000 people ate and were filled. Twelve
baskets were taken up extra!
What loaves do you possess? What small fishes? Do you believe that the Son of God can
multiply them and feed multitudes of hungry souls? (Hint He can!) Start out with small multitudesif you choose, but PLEASE share your heart with the world around you.
Sacrifice is not easy, but every little bit counts. If a few loaves and fishes can feed multitudes.
Then a few kind words and smiles can feed a crowd, and a few hugs and moments of listening
with a compassionate heart can feed and fill a weak and hungry soul! If you open your heart wideenough to let the Love of God flow through it, you will experience the inexpressible joy of love
and service. The night following the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus walked on water, by
following His example, you will walk on air.
Please accept this invitation to join our Savior’s Secret Service. If you love Him, Feed His SheepFeed His Lambs! Join by following these three simple rules:
1. Do secret acts of service. Use your talents in any way you can. Pray that the Lord will multiply your efforts. Pray that the Lord will multiply the efforts of other secret agents.
2. Invite anyone you think might be interested to join. Service is more fun with a friend.
3. NEVER give up or quit serving.
May God bless you. May He hear all your secret prayers and reward you openly. May He grant
you peace and fill your heart with His love. You are special and valuable and wonderful! Have a
splendid week!
Standards for the Strength of Youth (This is in the front of the girls personal progress books as well as other places.)The first Presidency has established guidelines for your daily decisions.
Choosing to live these standards brings joy and helps qualify you for temple blessings....
commit to live them. As you do this your example will strengthen your family and those with
whom you associate... Agency and Accountability: Choose righteousness and happiness, no
matter what your circumstances. Take responsibility for the choices you make. Develop your
abilities and talents, and use them for good. Avoid idleness and be willing to work hard.
Gratitude Have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. Thank God for your blessings, and
express appreciation to others who help you. Education: Prepare to be an influence for good in
the world. Obtain an education, and be enthusiastic about learning. Family: Do your part to build a happy home. Honor your parents, and strengthen your relationships with your brothers and
sisters. Friends: Choose friends who share your high standards. Treat everyone with kindness
and respect. Invite friends of other faiths to church activities. Reach out to new converts and
those who are less active. Dress and appearance: Dress modestly to show respect for God and yourself.... Entertainment and the Media: Choose uplifting entertainment. Avoid anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Commit to keeping God’s standards. Music and Dancing: Listen to music that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father..... Language:
Use language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others. Use the names of God and
Jesus Christ with reverence and respect. Do not use profane, vulgar, or crude language or
gestures.....Plan activities that help you remain close to the Spirit of the Lord....keep yourself
sexually pure...Repentance: Through the Savior’s Atonement, you can receive forgiveness and
be cleansed from your sins when you repent...Honesty: Be honest with yourself, others and the
Lord. Do not rationalize that dishonesty is right. Sabbath Day: Use the Sabbath to worship the
Lord, attend church, draw closer to your family and help others...Physical Health: Keep the wordof wisdom...service: serve others....Go forward with faith be true to the Lord and to His Church. Regularly pray in private and read the scriptures. Keep your covenants and listen to the
whispering of the Spirit. The Lord will help you meet your trials and challenges.
We are sons and daughters of Heavenly Father and he loves us! Obey his ways and be
happy!
