The Miracle: A Chance to Become

The Miracle: A Chance to Become
By: Jacob Sok




February 22nd 1980, one of the most riveting moments ever, in American Olympic tradition. The United States and the Soviet Union amidst cold war relations of mixed political structure and philosophical values, faced off in the Winter Olympic Hockey Finals of the 1980 games.
The Soviet Union undefeated, undaunted, unmatched, this vessel of victory was not only an overshadowing super power but yet a dominating platform of athletic superiority. The United States in faith of a newly appointed coach Herb Brooks, awaited anxiously the outcome of the seemingly insurmountable task that laid before the rather "unorthodoxly" recruited team of armature players (as to the norm of using professional NHL stars to form the team). With under a minute left the world waited on pins and needles watching in disbelief as the United States scored several shots  in the later half of the game and withheld the puck from the Soviets. Final Score being USA:4 to Soviet:3

The climatic moment was historically coined in one line of dialogue by sports-caster Al Michaels who famously asked the world watching as the clock finished "Do you believe in miracles? YES!".

Now my sporting career got about as varsity as the marching band, but yet every time I re-watch that footage I am enveloped in a sense of suspenseful joy and awe. Now before I lose the readers in glory day ESPN sports coverage of this feat, I wish to bring our attention to the culminating question of this event. "Do you believe in Miracles?"


What a question for our day and age. Its not everyday you hear the world miracle as a modern day vernacular. What constitutes a miracle? Do they even exist in our lives today?
With the term miracles, I am either reminded of Moses parting the red sea or the 1947 Christmas classic of a movie depicting a Department store Santa Clause getting the people of new York to believe in him again  (Miracle on 34th Street). Or rather for me in my life using the term miracle seemed to refer to abstract feats of wonder- unattached to my personal circumstance, from the Lord feeding the 5,000 to Noah's survival of the flood, never  to be a modern mere everyday occurrence.
Don't get me wrong I have come to see and even in moments of my adolescence, the blessings of the Lord unfold and they truly have been miraculous.

I guess the point I would like to make is best stated by inviting all of us to not withhold ourselves from the greatest miracle of all; the very Son of God being proactive in our lives. Not just some idle presiding figure of ambiguous involvement. My testimony today is that He is with us from the moment we wake up and even through the night till we start again. 24/7, thick and thin, What a miracle, that the King of Kings is the Friend of Friends.

It is my prayer that hope and strength can be mutually found between you and I from the spirit, as we examine the following passages of recent reading I have found in the Book of Mormon. In the Book of Moroni the last author of the book itself and last survivor of his people, inserts and excerpt from the teachings of his father Mormon, in the seventh chapter of his writings. His father Mormon a war leader overcome by the internal destruction of his people by  rebellion, sees the carnage brought about by self-inflicted wounds of those who to the extreme turned from God. Yet even in this bleak scene his council to any who would read his words, is a message of pure Hope.

Witnessing these awful events He asks us this rather unexpected question in Chapter 7 verse 27 "Have the miracles ceased?". Now in no way doubting the miracles himself he turns to his brethren, he repeatedly asks if miracles have ceased simply because Christ had ascended into heaven. Or rather, is it so far fetched to think that just because of the mortal trials and physical separation from the Lord that He can no longer work miracles in us or for us?
In verse 26 we read about this beautiful promise, "Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the father in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you.". What a promise almost seem miraculous, that the Lord would be so in-tuned to our individual needs that we can simply call upon Him for help. What a powerful message given to this people during such a horrible time. I cannot think of a more pertinent message for us to day.

Mormon's message goes beyond stating the doctrinal promise of heaven's aid and personal miracles, He goes on to explain the principles that bring us to those tender mercies from heaven. He states three key principles that are also attributes of the Savior being Faith, Hope and Charity.

We can read in verses 28-33 that Faith is the fuel by which we can bring about good works, even fruit of repentance. This often seems difficult but we can not attack the uphill strides of life by just standing still. Faith moves as we do. Now with the invitation to repent, it often has a negative connotation but I am learning that to repent means nothing more than to return. The small simple efforts of faith are what count and the miracles are results provided by heaven based on our simple tiny steps forward. Its these very steps that cultivate a real, and personal hope, not borrowed hope or temporary but even our very own hope. As we taste of this hope which I testify is real we become more open to the refining will of the Lord which motivates us to share in faith and hope with others. Charity being "the pure love of Christ" is the final principle that makes this promise. Charity believes all things suffers all things, hopes all things.Charity never fails(verses 45-46). This powerful principle allows us to experience joy at its fullest measure. And brings with it the promise that as we apply it we will "become the sons of God, that when he shall appear we shall be like Him, see him as He is."(verse 48).

Now that is miraculous. The trials and needs we pass through in life take different form and the help wanted is specific to each circumstance. But I truly feel that the greatest miracle that can occur is not one of health or financial security, it is as I stated that as we adhere to these principles of faith and hope and charity we can experience a change in ourselves that becomes firm, still and reassuring. Thus gaining the power to see and receive the miraculous mercies of heaven.

The greatest miracle of all is because of the greatest gift of all. The gift of the Savior is that to try agin, to hope again, to believe and heal again. I have personally (not all at once) but piece by piece come to feel this gift this miracle in my life. From small beginnings to very real and special moments I hold dear. I know that if there be a God he must be good, for where it not so I would not find strength in the miracles of Life.

So I would ask you and myself once more to think on Mormon's question "Have the miracles ceased?" This truth is found in our opportunity to become. The word become constitutes that we are to "be" something and fill that role as we "come" to some place. I testify that ours if the chance to BE as the savior and COME to the savior. As we do so I promise that those principles and gifts will open heavens doors to specific circumstances of our life's. The best part being we get to do this over and over again. So as Al Michaels or the prophet Mormon would ask "Do you believe in miracles" I know that my answer is humble yet resolute yes!

May God bless us as we try to see the miracles unfold.


[Sources: Book of Mormon; Moroni 7. Pictures; 1980 USA Hockey team through Google Search. Painting of the Savior by Greg Olsen]

His Will -- Our Prize

This has to be one of the most incredible assets to our relationship with the Lord. The fact that in the tests of life he wants us to have his help, the answers, practically to our mortal exams. I often fall into the pitfall of approaching the Lord in prayer, fearful of asking for help or expressing how I feel. I think it's normal for us to devolope a tunnel vision for our lives. I am still working on practicing this principle.. But the Lord loves our communication with Him and what will allow our love to deepen is our ability to be molded by him.

My prayer that little by little we can look up to God in full confedince and say as in the video "Thank you Mr. Gardner"

**Video: Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The PB&J’s of Problem Solving

The PB&J’s of Problem Solving
By Jacob Sok

One of my favorite lines from a childhood hymn reads “Heavenly Father are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child’s prayer?” (A Child’s Prayer, Primary Song Book) To which the ever reassuring response is “Pray. He is there, Speak He is listening. You are His child His love now surrounds you….”

This humble and genuine question is one we have all asked. Can I really speak to the Lord, Creator of all, and receive an answer? Surely whatever concerns or thoughts to cross my conflicted and limited mortal self are of no interest to the King of Kings.

If I could make one thing clear, share one thing amidst the mess of words I am presenting now it is this; I promise and testify that GOD IS IN THE DETAILS OF OUR LIVES. Fact plain and simple. I have had too many experiences in my life while expressing my concerns and thoughts in prayer to the Lord and receiving help for this to be just an opinion or even just plain old luck.

Even more, the whole mantra to my life has been to strengthen and grow my relationship with God so that the communication is more frequent and recognizable.  I heard this simple truth and totally agree; God always answers prayers, the question is, do we always listen?

I am not perfect nor do I recognize every answer or heaven sent help sent my way, but I have had enough to testify it works and gets better as we practice.

There is no trick or special magic word we need to get God’s attention. He simply asks, that we ask. Now as this is an act of faith it does require the practice of principles to work. 

Just as good old fashion PB&J sandwich is nothing without PB&J, I find that faith without principles is like two plain slices of bread (not completely useless but not very fulfilling.)

I recognize there is no one set way to do this as we are all unique and are taught individually, however I have found some principles out lined in the Book of Mormon that have helped me in my faith while problem solving through prayer.

                                As found in the Book of Ether Chapter 2-3:

The Book of Ether, we read the story of a family and tribe known as the Jaredites. Taking place in the time of the Tower of Babel. The Lord prepared this people to escape the curse of that land. Jared and his followers were to be led to a promised land. Leaving Babel after traveling far, they arrived at a seashore, where the decided to inhabit awaiting further instruction from the Lord. After 4 years the Lord came unto them and chastened them for having not called upon Him for the past 4 years. Mercifully the Lord instructed them to construct barges that would carry them across the sea to said promised land. The brother of Jared who spoke with the Lord began the preparations and followed the instruction. The barges, unlike any human design were of God, and as the people built the ships the Lord surly built the people.

At a certain point in construction, there arose a few conflicts for the people that were a concern. One being with the design of the ships being completely covered vessels, there was no way to have light inside the ship itself. Confused and puzzled the Brother of Jared took his problem to the Lord. He explains not only the problem by why it is a problem as well. In his humble plea to the Lord he says “O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me.

And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light;” He then explains how he has tried to reason out his problem, thinking of his own solutions to which all would not work. The Lord tenderly asks “What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?”. After what I believe to have been a few days of thought he again comes unto the Lord and says “O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires. And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore, touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.”. The Lord in turn, lovingly touches the stones which begin to shine and with that leads them to the promised land.

Now I love this story and more recently have identified a few principles that we can add to enhance our faith in prayerful problem-solving.

To remember said system I like to call this the PB&J (and it’s not just an amazing sandwich).

PB&J Stands for. Prayerfully engage yourself. Best strides in obedience. (&) Joined efforts with the Lord.

When faced with a Problem we should always start by calling upon the Lord, having a daily habit of conversation helps us avoid the pitfall of like the Jaredites a 4-year lull. Following the acronym, we should prayerfully express openly and freely what our concern is. All the while the Lord expects our best strides to obey and follow through with what we know how to do.  The Jaredites actually did build the boats as the Lord commanded and in the way He told them to do so.  When the problem arises and after doing all you know how to, explain to the Lord the need for help. Often times just as the Brother of Jared we should even bring to prayer our own ideas of how we have attempted to solve the problem. Bringing this effort to the Lord shows our desire act and to be taught by Him. Now as some answers may come in an instant with a thought or feeling, I also believe the Lord also has us wait and work with Him to come to an answer. Such was the case with the problem of the lights in the story. The Lord asked the Brother of Jared to present in faith a solution, to which after thought, one solution was reached and together they joined efforts in solving the problem.

I promise answers do come. I know that God wants us to talk with Him. He is waiting earnestly to help and He is very active in our lives. Our worries are His, our Hopes are His and as we try to apply faithfully in prayerful problem solving these principles I know we will find answers. Even more importantly we will find the Lord himself helping us!

*Picture by Doc Christensen, 2002

Because of Him

He is the Way, the Light, and the Truth. My soul rejoices in the simple fact that all the substance and meaning to my life has come by way of the Savior of the World. The reason for my Hope, the root of my Faith, and the guide of my everyday.

**Video: Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

A Brief Intro-

A Brief Introduction 

Hello: Welcome to My Blog. This is a new step for me, branching into the vast universe of internet blogging. First and foremost I don't pretend to be an expert in anything, I don't have a PHD in  literature or doctrinal studies, nor do I claim to be proficient in grammar or public speaking. I can barley navigate social media and the basic fundamental tools for a typical member of my generation. I can however make a pretty decent burrito!

So Why the Blog you ask. Good Question. The idea rooted from a basic school assignment to "flood the world with goodness" in which taking to that to heart, was a invitation to contribute to the world through this simple medium a current, active, and personal testimony of the Real Good and Living influence of God in my life.

**My Hope is to- Spread the good word, by spreading the goodness of my life. I do not claim to be perfect nor would I ever expect to be, but what I have is the internal desire to share with, serve and love all those around me.
Simply stated- I hope that can make you laugh when you need a boost. spread some light when things seem a bit dark and simply remind the world that God is in the details of lives.

Note to the Reader- I Jacob Sok, am an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter Saints. The Majority of my posts will include central fundamentals of my faith and beliefs. I do not speak officially for the church, and my posts do not constitute the official doctrine of the Church. I do however speak from the heart, while sharing my journey of personal conversion to the Lord and the faith I feel that brings me there. This Blog is not to preach or convince, it is my prayer that any and all faiths can benefit from any positive spirit that can come from recognizing goodness from what it's trying to be ...Good.

So lets get ready to Live and Love and Share together, and occasionally have a good burrito.

Thanks.