Reflections on the MTC murals

 In one of the new classroom buildings on the Missionary Training Center campus in Provo there are several large murals.  We enjoyed looking at the beautiful artwork and would sit in the peaceful quiet to reflect on what the characters might desire for us to learn.  The accompanying scriptures and observations are taken from plaques at each mural; most are not my own words.

ESTHER

Observations from the mural:

• Esther seems to be full of light as she approaches the king.  
• What is the general feeling in the room as she enters?
• The symbolism of red and power is strong in this mural - what does that tell you about how Esther was feeling when she entered the room?

Esther 4:14

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

• What can you learn from Esther?
• As a missionary, how can you inspire others to stand firm for truth and righteousness?
• How can you increase your own courage?
• What helped to increase the courage of Esther?

--------------------------------------------------

What can I accomplish with the Lord's help?

--------------------------------------------------

And what of us?  In each of our lives as members of the Church, there will be moments of decision that will test us, that will ask us to come of age, to act in a way that says: "My needs and wants are not as important as the cause of building the kingdom.  I will commit my life to Christ."

                                                                                                            Kathleen H Hughes

Additional inspiration:

May You Have Courage - General Conference April 2009

Lessons from the Old Testament - Ensign December 2006

BROTHER OF JARED

The brother of Jared prepares 16 stones to present to the Lord

Observations from the mural:

• What is the brother of Jared doing in this mural?
• Why is this significant?

Ether 2:23

And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?  For behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take fire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fire.

• How can you develop faith like the brother of Jared?
• What can you learn from the communication between the Lord and the brother of Jared?
• How can you teach others who are living in darkness in some aspect of their lives, about the light that Christ offers us?
• How can your invitations inspire someone to act, and how will that impact their lives?

--------------------------------------------------

How am I acting in faith?

--------------------------------------------------

How does a person venture out into the darkness without fear?  How do any of us venture out day after day into a world where there are no guarantees of safety?  The Lord gave a profound answer that again applies not just to the dark sea the brother of Jared faced, but to our own dark seas as well: "Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea" (Ether 2:25).  "I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea" (Ether 2:24).  The Lord was not going to spare the Jaredites from the experience, but he prepared them for it and gave them the sweet promise of bringing them up again out of the depths of the sea.

                                                                                                                 Dwan J Young

Additional inspiration:

The Light of Hope - General Conference October 1986

JOSEPH - LIBERTY JAIL

The Lord speaks words of comfort to Joseph in Liberty Jail

Observations from the mural:

• What could the light represent?
• What could the darkness represent?
• Have you ever felt such hopelessness and despair?

D&C 122:7-9

7.  And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thy enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall be for thy good.

8.  The Son of Man hath descended below them all.  Art thou greater than he?

9.  Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee: for their bounds are set, they cannot pass.  Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for god shall be with you forever and ever.

• Why did Joseph receive these words of comfort?
• How did he yoke himself with Christ and let Him help bear his burdens?
• How will you teach this kind of reliance on the Lord to those you serve?
• What experiences have you had that have helped you to grow?
• What are other phrases in the scriptures of the Lord speaking to those who are enduring trials?

--------------------------------------------------

How will I allow my experiences

to help me grow?

--------------------------------------------------

But the lessons of the winter of 1938-39 teach us that every experience can become a redemptive experience if we remain bonded to our Father in Heaven through it.  These difficult lessons teach us that man's extremity is God's opportunity, and if we will be humble and faithful, if we will be believing and not curse God for our problems, He can turn the unfair and inhumane and debilitating prisons of our lives into temples - or at least into a circumstance that can bring comfort and revelation, divine companionship and peace.

                                                                                             Elder Jeffrey R Holland

Additional inspiration:

Lessons from Liberty Jail - Ensign September 2009

MARTHA

Martha prepares to receive the Lord in her home, where He teaches her to choose the 'good part'

Observations from the mural:

• What do you learn about Martha from the mural?
• What general feeling in the room do you get when you look at the mural?

Luke 10:41-42

41.  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42.  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

• How has Martha been preparing for the Savior?
• How has Martha shown that she loves the Lord?
• How are we like Martha?
• What was Martha lacking?
• How does the Lord help me realign my priorities?

--------------------------------------------------

Are my priorities with the Lord's?

--------------------------------------------------

I don't believe the Lord was saying there are Marthas and there are Marys.  Jesus did not dismiss Martha's concern, but instead redirected her focus by saying choose "that good part."  And what is that?  The prophet Lehi taught the we "should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit."

                                                                                                       Bonnie D Parkin

Additional inspiration:

Choosing Charity: That Good part - General Conference October 2003

The Needful Thing - Ensign April 1998

PAUL

The Lord appears to Paul on the road to Damascus

Observations from the mural:

• What was Paul's journey?
• Do I let others influence my decisions?
• Do I fear man more than God?

Acts 9:6

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

• How can I be ready to receive instruction from the Lord?
• Am I humble enough to put aside my perceptions and do the Lord's work?
• What was the Lord able to do with Paul after he was "enlightened"?
• What qualities did Paul have that helped him be a disciple?

--------------------------------------------------

Am I ready to do the Lord's work

in the Lord's way?

--------------------------------------------------

Brothers and sisters, dear friends, let us not wait too long on our road to Damascus.  Instead, let us courageously move forward in faith, hope, and charity, and we will be blessed with the light we are seeking upon the path of true discipleship.  For this I pray and leave you my blessing in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

                                                                                         President Dieter F Uchtdorf

Additional inspiration:

Waiting on the Road to Damascus - General Conference April 2011

SONS OF MOSIAH

The sons of Mosiah go forth to bring many to the knowledge of their redeemer

Observations from the mural:

• Can you feel the hope that the sons of Mosiah had as they went to preach the gospel?

Alma 17:3

But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.

• How has my heart been changed, and can I serve with the same desire as the sons of Mosiah?
• What can you do to be a better disciple of Christ, and thus a more effective missionary?

--------------------------------------------------

How can I teach with the power and

authority of God?

--------------------------------------------------

Finally, you must stand as an independent witness of the things you teach and not just be an echo of the words in a manual or the thoughts of others.  As you feast upon the words of Christ and strive to live the gospel with greater purpose than ever before, the Holy Ghost will manifest unto you that the things you are teaching are true.  This is the spirit of revelation, and this same spirit will carry your message into the hearts of those who desire and are willing to receive it.

                                                                                                     David M McConkie

Additional inspiration:

Teaching with the Power and Authority of God - General Conference October 2013

Turn to Him and Answers Will Come - General Conference October 2015

MOSES

God reveals to Moses the workmanship of His hands

Observations from the mural:

• How do feel when you look at this mural?
• Proportionately, why do you think that Moses appears to be so small in this mural?
• How do you think Moses felt after viewing God's revelation to him?

Moses 1:6

And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and my Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all.

• What was God teaching Moses?
• What is God's mission?
• What is God's plan for you?
• How can you help God fulfill His purpose?
• How can I discover my role in God's plan?

--------------------------------------------------

What role do I have in God's plan?

--------------------------------------------------

Our Heavenly Father sees our real potential.  He knows things about us that we do not know ourselves.  He prompts us during our lifetime to fulfill the measure of our creation... Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to become.  Let us listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves.  He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents.

                                                                                Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf

Additional inspiration:

Of Regrets and Resolutions - General Conference October 2012

I Have a Work for Thee - General Conference October 2017

MOSES - RED SEA

Moses and the children of Israel escape Pharaoh and the Egyptians through the parted Red Sea

Observations from the mural:

• What symbols of light and darkness do you see in this mural?
• What can you learn from this mural?

Exodus 3:11

And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

• How must you live, and what kind of faith must you have to receive revelation in times of great need, such as Moses when he led the children of Israel out of bondage?
• "Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell" (Moses 1:20).
• Do I let fear get in the way of my faith?

-------------------------------------------------

Do I have enough faith in Jesus

Christ to accomplish anything

He wants me to do?

--------------------------------------------------

First of all, revelation almost always comes in response to a question, usually an urgent question - not always, but usually.  In that sense it does provide information, but it is urgently needed information, special information.  Moses' challenge was how to get himself and the children of Israel out of this horrible predicament they were in.  There were chariots behind them, sand dunes on every side, and just a lot of water immediately ahead.  He needed information all right - what to do - but it wasn't a casual thing he was asking.  In this case it was literally a matter of life and death.

                                                                                    Elder Jeffrey R Holland

Additional inspiration:

Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence - BYU Speeches 1999

ALMA THE YOUNGER

Alma the younger testifies of his conversion

Observations from the mural:

• What could the light symbolize in this mural?
• What does this mural tell us about the kind of setting that conversion would most often come in?

Alma 5:46

Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God.  Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself.  And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.

• How does the Doctrine of Christ relate to this mural?
• What is required for true conversion?
• What is the difference between being a member of the church, and being converted?

--------------------------------------------------

Have I experienced a mighty change of heart?

--------------------------------------------------

A repentant soul is a converted soul, and a converted soul is a repentant soul.

                                                                                        Elder Russell M Nelson

Additional inspiration:

Repentance and Conversion - General Conference April 2007

Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change - General Conference October 2009

NEPHI - PRAYING

Nephi seeks a personal witness of his father's visions

Observations from the mural:

• How do you think Nephi is feeling in this mural?
• How do the living conditions of Lehi's family contrast with the living conditions that they had in Jerusalem?

1 Nephi 2:16

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against like unto my brothers.

• How has Nephi prepared himself for this moment?
• How would you have reacted if you experienced what Nephi has experienced?
• How does Nephi show gratitude for this experience?

--------------------------------------------------

Have I inquired of the Lord?

--------------------------------------------------

Nephi's example of seeking knowledge included (1) a sincere desire, (2) humility, (3) prayer, (4) trust in the prophet, and an exercise of (5) faith, (6) diligence, and (7) obedience.  This method of seeking is in great contrast to my "prying at the plates," or trying to force an understanding of things meant to be revealed according to the Lord's timetable and through the power of the Holy Ghost.

                                                                                        Elder W Mark Bassett

Additional inspiration:

For Our Spiritual Development and Learning - General Conference October 2016

That I May Draw All Men Unto Me - General Conference April 2016

JOSEPH SMITH - YOUTH

Joseph ponders on his standing before God

Observations from the mural: 

• What does the mural tell you about the kind of upbringing that Joseph had?
• What do you see in Joseph's face?

Joseph Smith - History 1:28

During the space of time which intervened between the time I had the vision and the year eighteen hundred and twenty-three - having been forbidden to join any of the religious sects of the day, and being of very tender years, and persecuted by those who ought to have been my friends and to have treated me kindly, and if they supposed me to be deluded to have endeavored in a proper and affectionate manner to have reclaimed me - I was left to all kinds of temptations; and, mingling with all kinds of society, I frequently fell into many foolish errors, and displayed the weakness of my youth, and the foibles of human nature; which, I am sorry to say, led me into divers temptations, offensive in the sight of God.  In making this confession, no one need suppose me guilty of any great or malignant sins.  A disposition to commit such was never my nature.  But I was guilty of levity, and sometimes associated with jovial company, etc., not consistent with that character which ought to be maintained by one who was called of God as I had been.  But this will not seem strange to any one who recollects my youth, and is acquainted with my native cheery temperament.

• How did Joseph align himself with the Lord's will?
• What do I need to change in my life to align myself to the Lord's will for me?
• How will that change help me represent Jesus Christ? 

-------------------------------------------------

What does it mean to me to

represent Jesus Christ?

--------------------------------------------------

The prophet Joseph had no role models from whom he could learn how to be a prophet and leader of the Lord's people.  He learned from heavenly messengers and from the harvest of his unique spiritual gifts.  He had to rely on associates who had no role models either.  They struggled and learned together, and the Prophet's growth was extremely rapid.

                                                                                                Elder Dallin H Oaks

Additional inspiration:

Joseph, the Man and the Prophet - General Conference April 1996

My Servant Joseph - General Conference April 1992

Frankfurt Germany

 On our way to the mission field we had a layover in Frankfurt.  That was our only time being in Germany and because it is where the Europe Area Offices for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are located we decided to make Frankfurt our last stop before flying home.  The area welfare director and a senior couple that oversee humanitarian work in Europe reside in Frankfurt.  During our mission we spent a lot of time on the phone and Zoom calls with our directors there and wanted to meet them in person.

We took the train from Vienna to Frankfurt.  It was a pleasant journey and we arrived safely.  I took some random pictures on the train as we passed through Germany.

Frankfurt is the business and financial center of Germany; also a major European financial hub that's home to the European Central Bank.  Like much of Germany, the city was greatly damaged during WWII and had to be rebuilt.  Except for the Romerberg section (will explain in a moment) the city is mostly high rise office buildings.

Frankfurt sky line

On the hop-on hop-off bus all the guide talked about was how many skyscrapers Frankfurt has and what impressive businesses made their home in Frankfurt.  He proudly pointed out the huge cranes on new construction.  Not a word about the city's history or heritage, just the big buildings.  We were rather disappointed.

Frankfurt Haupfbahnhof

The Haupfbahnhof is the main or central train station where we came into Frankfurt.  It was huge, more like an airport except with trains lined up instead of planes.

The River Main

Frankfurt is located on the banks of the River Main.  It is a tributary of the Rhine River and the longest river lying entirely within Germany.  There are several bridges crossing the river and a nice walkway along the banks.  We walked by the river to a bridge, crossed over and walked the other side until the next bridge.

Romerberg Square

City Hall

Romerberg is an historic market square that was rebuilt to the original plans in 1986.  It represents a classic example of the traditional half-timbered architectural style of old times.  Each house has its own name.  City Hall is located in the square.  There was a wedding party in progress while we were wandering.  We were told that the actual wedding is conducted inside the city hall offices, then they come outside to party with family and friends.

Musicians working the square

A short walk from the square is the Kaiserdom Frankfurt Cathedral of St Bartholomew.  We kept our eyes on the striking 325 foot tower to find it.  It is one of the only buildings to maintain it's original structure due to immediate reconstruction in the early 1950's.  There is a museum on site and you can climb the 328-step tower for a great view of the city.  We did not!

Inside the cathedral

Cute houses on our walk to the cathedral

On our last evening in Frankfurt one of the senior couples took us to see the Frankfurt Temple.  It was still under renovation so just looked at the outside.  They said after the renovations the temple would double in size.

We had dinner with the area office folks before going back to our hotel to repack for the long journey home.

The Winters, Davises and Gilles Francois, our area office support

Next stop Salt Lake City.

Vienna Austria

 We arrived in Vienna after a much shorter, daytime train ride from Salzburg.  Vienna is the capital of Austria and much larger than Salzburg; almost 3 million population.  One of the difficult parts when visiting a large city for a short time is deciding what amazing sites to see.

Danubias Fountain at the Hofburg

Close up of Danubias Fountain

The bearded man is the river god Danubias.  He personifies the Danube River.  His arm is around Vindobono.  Vindobono was the name of a Roman settlement over 2,000 years ago that evolved into Vienna, so she represents the city.  Supporting the pedestal are three mythological mermen (half men, half fish).  In the first photo you can see eight females figures inside the niches flanking the fountain.  They represent the eight major tributaries of the Danube.

Franz Joseph II

Another Franz Joseph II

We encountered this gentleman many times in Vienna.  His mother was Maria Theresa, who ruled as queen for 40 years.  Her death in 1780 ended the Austrian Habsburg line.  This made Joseph II the first ruler of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine.  He was also Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria from 1765-1790.

Typical architecture of Vienna buildings

Huge rabbit atop a wurstelstand

My selection from the rabbit wurstelstand

We saw a wurstelstand on almost every corner of Vienna.  They sell sausage, hot dogs and other street food.  And it is pretty good food.

Sausage/brat/hot dog selection

Spire of St Michael's

St Michael's

Inside St Michael's

St Stephen's Cathedral

The Gothic cathedral is located in Stephensplatz, the epicenter of historic Vienna.  You can see an eclectic blend of architecture spanning 800 years.  It is a huge shopping area as well.  The most prominent building of course is the cathedral.  It was truly an awe to behold.  The north tower bell weighs 44,380 pounds (that's 22 tons!!).  The clapper adds another 1,800 pounds.  The roof contains 230,000 colored, glazed tiles.  The majority form zigzag and diamond patterns but the north roof is a huge double eagle mosaic representing the Habsburgs and the city's coat of arms.

Inside St Stephen's

School children in the square

Busy street full of shoppers and tourists

Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace has over 2.5 million square feet of space in 2,600 rooms within 18 wings.  Today it is a disjointed network of museums.  Since WWII Hofburg has been the office and official residence of Austria's president.

Schonbrunn Palace and gardens

Schonbrunn Palace was the summer home and hunting grounds for the Habsburgs.  Most of what you see today resulted from Empress Maria Theresa's flamboyant imagination and excessive spending.  Since 1918 this architectural gem has been a museum owned by the Republic of Austria.

The above photo borrowed from the internet is what we expected to see at the palace.  It was undergoing extensive renovations and this is what greeted us at the gate.

Interior courtyard

Architectural details

Cannons flanking the walls

In the early months of our mission I read a fascinating book called The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts.  Until reading this book I had not heard of The Spanish Riding School in Vienna.  First, my plug for the book (you're welcome Elizabeth).  If you have any interest in WWII events, like horses or just enjoy a good read, take time to read this book.

The NY Times review describes it better than I could:

In the chaotic last days of the war, a small troop of battle-weary American soldiers captures a German spy and makes an astonishing find—his briefcase is empty but for photos of beautiful white horses that have been stolen and kept on a secret farm behind enemy lines. Hitler has stockpiled the world’s finest purebreds in order to breed the perfect military machine—an equine master race. But with the starving Russian army closing in, the animals are in imminent danger of being slaughtered for food.

With only hours to spare, one of the U.S. Army’s last great cavalrymen, Colonel Hank Reed, makes a bold decision—with General George Patton’s blessing—to mount a covert rescue operation. Racing against time, Reed’s small but determined force of soldiers, aided by several turncoat Germans, steals across enemy lines in a last-ditch effort to save the horses.

Pulling together this multistranded story, Elizabeth Letts introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters: Alois Podhajsky, director of the famed Spanish Riding School of Vienna, a former Olympic medalist who is forced to flee the bomb-ravaged Austrian capital with his entire stable in tow; Gustav Rau, Hitler’s imperious chief of horse breeding, a proponent of eugenics who dreams of genetically engineering the perfect warhorse for Germany; and Tom Stewart, a senator’s son who makes a daring moonlight ride on a white stallion to secure the farm’s surrender.

A compelling account for animal lovers and World War II buffs alike, The Perfect Horse tells for the first time the full story of these events. Elizabeth Letts’s exhilarating tale of behind-enemy-lines adventure, courage, and sacrifice brings to life one of the most inspiring chapters in the annals of human valor.

After reading the book, I told John we had to go to Austria and the Spanish Riding School was a must see.  Unfortunately we visited in July when the horses are on "holiday" in the countryside so we did not get to see them practice or perform.  There were only a few horses in residence when we toured the school.

Front entrance

Night view

The school is in the heart of busy Vienna, only a few blocks from St Stephen's Cathedral.  Looking at the building you would never imagine what takes place inside.

The arena 

Opposite end of arena

Empty stall

Each horse has a name plate above their stall

Tack room; everything labeled for individual horses

Practice arena located outside the main building

Lipizzaner horses performing

Except for the dirt floor, the show arena looks like a ballroom.  It was a disappointment not to see a performance of the magnificent Lipizzaner horses.

Vienna is a beautiful city, well worth the visit.

Next stop Frankfurt Germany.