When Mormon was placed in charge of the Nephite armies, he was hopeful that he would be able to rally the Nephites to repent and return to their Father in Heaven, as so many before them had done. When he saw that the people began to be sorrowful, he thought that there might be hope for them, but then he records:
"But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin." (Mormon 2:13)
As Alma reminded his son Corianton, wickedness never has resulted in happiness. This is an absolute principle, and no matter how much people will try to rationalize away their morality, the constancy of this principle will not change. To illustrate this point to my children, I took a beanbag and asked them what would happen if I threw it in the air. They said that it would come back to the ground, so I tried it, and they were right. I inquired why this was, and they replied that it was because of gravity, and that as long as I sat in my chair and threw the beanbag up, it would keep returning to the ground.
I then asked them what would happen if I commanded the beanbag to stay in the air. Of course it didn't work no matter how many times I tried it. Ultimately the law of gravity prevailed over my desire to keep the beanbag in the air. It is the same with the commandments and principles that our Father in Heaven has laid out for us through His servants, the prophets. We are free to exercise our will, but unless we are willing to align our will to the will of the Father, we will always find ourselves fighting against natural principles to no good end.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Answers to Prayers (7/28/2009)
"To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer." - President Thomas S. Monson
This quote from President Monson contains great advice to us to seek out our Father's assistance in prayer. The one piece that I too frequently forget to do is listen for the answer. Sometimes it is because I get in too much of a hurry, sometimes because His answer may not be the one that I want to hear. Regardless, my experiences have taught me that our Father does hear and answer our prayers, and as we take the time to listen and accept that He will always act in our best - not necessarily our immediate - interests, then we will have meaningful communication with Him.
This quote from President Monson contains great advice to us to seek out our Father's assistance in prayer. The one piece that I too frequently forget to do is listen for the answer. Sometimes it is because I get in too much of a hurry, sometimes because His answer may not be the one that I want to hear. Regardless, my experiences have taught me that our Father does hear and answer our prayers, and as we take the time to listen and accept that He will always act in our best - not necessarily our immediate - interests, then we will have meaningful communication with Him.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Spiritual Eyes (7/27/2009)
This morning, I would like to share a quote from Elder David Bednar that I came across:
"Before attending her sacrament meetings, Sister Bednar frequently prays for the spiritual eyes to see those who have a need. Often as she observes the brothers and sisters and children in the congregation, she will feel a spiritual nudge to visit with or make a phone call to a particular person. And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. It often is the case that as soon as the 'amen' is spoken in the benediction, she will talk with a teenager or hug a sister or, upon returning home, immediately pick up the phone and make a call. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. Often they will ask her, 'How did you know?' The spiritual gift of being quick to observe has enabled her to see and to act promptly and has been a great blessing in the lives of many people."
As I read this example, I wondered how better off the church would be if we all took the time to do this. In the hymn "Have I done any good?" we sing "There are chances for work all around just now, opportunities right in our way. Do not let them pass by, saying 'sometime I'll try,' but go and do something today." (italics added) I think that it is easy for the natural man in all of us to get wrapped up with the problems in our own lives, but when we seek the Lord's help then take the chance to look around, we will see that there are plenty of people who could use our help, even if it is just a kind word or a listening ear.
"Before attending her sacrament meetings, Sister Bednar frequently prays for the spiritual eyes to see those who have a need. Often as she observes the brothers and sisters and children in the congregation, she will feel a spiritual nudge to visit with or make a phone call to a particular person. And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. It often is the case that as soon as the 'amen' is spoken in the benediction, she will talk with a teenager or hug a sister or, upon returning home, immediately pick up the phone and make a call. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. Often they will ask her, 'How did you know?' The spiritual gift of being quick to observe has enabled her to see and to act promptly and has been a great blessing in the lives of many people."
As I read this example, I wondered how better off the church would be if we all took the time to do this. In the hymn "Have I done any good?" we sing "There are chances for work all around just now, opportunities right in our way. Do not let them pass by, saying 'sometime I'll try,' but go and do something today." (italics added) I think that it is easy for the natural man in all of us to get wrapped up with the problems in our own lives, but when we seek the Lord's help then take the chance to look around, we will see that there are plenty of people who could use our help, even if it is just a kind word or a listening ear.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Learning About Our Heritage (7/23/2009)
If I mention the name Albert Einstein, most of us will call to mind a brilliant scientist known for his successes and theories that revolutionized science. Abraham Lincoln conjures images of a master statesman, one who led the United States through one of its darkest periods. If we think of Beethoven or Mozart, we think about the beautiful and inspiring music they created. Famous people abound, and many still look to them today to try and build on the wonderful things they did.
But what if Albert Einstein had just remained a patent clerk? What if Lincoln took his failures to heart and never achieved anything beyond being a lawyer? Without their accomplishments, these revered individuals would just be names, meaningless to almost nobody beyond their immediate families.
This is the philosophy that has helped me with my genealogy of late. Much research had been done on my family, and on every line but one, I have a full six generations worth of names. Instead of just being names, however, I have sought to learn stories of these individuals to help bring them to life. It has been an interesting exercise, as some of the stories have been faith promoting and others not so much, but as I seek out the heritage that these individuals have left behind, suddenly the idea of spending eternity with a family spanning back generations seems more appealing than it was before.
But what if Albert Einstein had just remained a patent clerk? What if Lincoln took his failures to heart and never achieved anything beyond being a lawyer? Without their accomplishments, these revered individuals would just be names, meaningless to almost nobody beyond their immediate families.
This is the philosophy that has helped me with my genealogy of late. Much research had been done on my family, and on every line but one, I have a full six generations worth of names. Instead of just being names, however, I have sought to learn stories of these individuals to help bring them to life. It has been an interesting exercise, as some of the stories have been faith promoting and others not so much, but as I seek out the heritage that these individuals have left behind, suddenly the idea of spending eternity with a family spanning back generations seems more appealing than it was before.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Living our Heritage (7/22/2009)
Where we will celebrate the arrival of the pioneers in the Salt Lake valley this Friday, I wanted to share a thought with you today about our pioneer heritage. Instead, I found a quote from Elder L. Tom Perry that was a good reminder of just how valuable our pioneer heritage is:
"I was shocked by a statistic that crossed my desk a few weeks ago. It stated that only thirteen percent of the children being reared in our country today come from traditional homes consisting of a working father, a stay-at-home mother, and one or more children. Each day we see the effects of the breakup of the traditional home. There is an alarming increase in the number of battered wives, physically and sexually abused children, vandalism in schools, teenage crime rates, pregnancies among unmarried teenagers, and elderly people growing old without the solace of an extended family.
"Our present prophet has warned us that the home is the place to save society. A proper home, of course, is not created automatically when a boy and girl fall in love and marry. It takes those same virtues that were taught in pioneer homes - faith, courage, discipline, and dedication - to make the success of a marriage. But just as those pioneers made a desert blossom as a rose, so it will happen in our lives and in our homes if we follow their traditions and follow the great heritage that they establish in these valleys of the mountains. Yes, a pioneer faith is needed as much in the world today as in any period of time. Once again, we need to know that heritage. We need to teach it; we need to be proud of it; we need to preserve it."
As a father of six children, I have seen the wide eyes that say "why would you have so many?" I have been scoffed by others when they hear that I practice my religion. But just as Elder Perry talked about here, I know that by living the values and religion that those pioneers fought to preserve, my life and the lives of my family will be better.
"I was shocked by a statistic that crossed my desk a few weeks ago. It stated that only thirteen percent of the children being reared in our country today come from traditional homes consisting of a working father, a stay-at-home mother, and one or more children. Each day we see the effects of the breakup of the traditional home. There is an alarming increase in the number of battered wives, physically and sexually abused children, vandalism in schools, teenage crime rates, pregnancies among unmarried teenagers, and elderly people growing old without the solace of an extended family.
"Our present prophet has warned us that the home is the place to save society. A proper home, of course, is not created automatically when a boy and girl fall in love and marry. It takes those same virtues that were taught in pioneer homes - faith, courage, discipline, and dedication - to make the success of a marriage. But just as those pioneers made a desert blossom as a rose, so it will happen in our lives and in our homes if we follow their traditions and follow the great heritage that they establish in these valleys of the mountains. Yes, a pioneer faith is needed as much in the world today as in any period of time. Once again, we need to know that heritage. We need to teach it; we need to be proud of it; we need to preserve it."
As a father of six children, I have seen the wide eyes that say "why would you have so many?" I have been scoffed by others when they hear that I practice my religion. But just as Elder Perry talked about here, I know that by living the values and religion that those pioneers fought to preserve, my life and the lives of my family will be better.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Learning from our Painful Mistakes (7/21/2009)
Last night we went to a friend's house for a joint Family Home Evening including dinner and time playing in their pool and on their trampoline, toys that we do not have. With a 3 year old and a 2 year old, we were especially vigilant, yet in spite of our best efforts, the 3 year old fell on the trampoline, hit her head on a spring, and ultimately wound up with 3 stitches in her left temple.
As we sat in the waiting room at the pediatric clinic waiting to get the stitches, I felt sad for her. I knew that I had done everything I could without interfering with her fun, yet things still went wrong. My thoughts then turned to how our Father in Heaven must feel for us as well. He gives us direction then gives us our agency, knowing full well that without His direct supervision we can - and probably will - be injured. And just like the stitches were able to fix the cut, we have repentance that can help us recover from the ill effects of sin.
Yes, this was a painful lesson for my daughter, but with any luck she will learn from it and exercise greater caution in the future when she finds herself on a trampoline. I hope that we can do the same as well - as we repent of the mistakes we make along the way, hopefully we will learn from them and be able to avoid the pain of having to review the lessons again.
As we sat in the waiting room at the pediatric clinic waiting to get the stitches, I felt sad for her. I knew that I had done everything I could without interfering with her fun, yet things still went wrong. My thoughts then turned to how our Father in Heaven must feel for us as well. He gives us direction then gives us our agency, knowing full well that without His direct supervision we can - and probably will - be injured. And just like the stitches were able to fix the cut, we have repentance that can help us recover from the ill effects of sin.
Yes, this was a painful lesson for my daughter, but with any luck she will learn from it and exercise greater caution in the future when she finds herself on a trampoline. I hope that we can do the same as well - as we repent of the mistakes we make along the way, hopefully we will learn from them and be able to avoid the pain of having to review the lessons again.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Choices and Consequences (7/20/2009)
This morning, I would like to share a thought with you from a talk given by President Spencer W. Kimball:
"With agency one can murder, commit all the moral, sexual sins, steal, lie, use drugs, be unkind; he may hate, envy, swear, or do whatever he would like. One can hate, or one can love. One can curse, or one can bless. One can live in loneliness, or one can be promiscuous. One can help and assist, or one can hinder. One can blaspheme, or one can honor and bless and pray. One can believe in himself, or he can believe in an overall omniscient Being. One can do as he pleases. Free agency is his. Or he can live his life with the great Redeemer as the center of his life."
After he shared the choices that we could make using our agency, President Kimball went on to explain:
"One can touch a hot wire, but he cannot stave off the certain death that results. One can step in front of a powerful oncoming train, but he cannot set aside the mangling that will follow. One can jump from a skyscraper, but he cannot control the results and save his body from the crushing effects of the fall and the abrupt contact with the hard pavement below."
There are those who would encourage us to break the covenants we have made to follow the Savior. They would tell us that by following the Gospel plan, we are limiting ourselves with respect to the fun we could have or the circles in which we could socialize.
What is important to recall, however, is the fact that while we are able to choose for ourselves the path we will follow, we are not able to choose the consequence that comes from our actions. I hope that as we make decisions we will stop and consider not only the immediate benefit that can be derived from those decisions, but the long term consequences of our choices.
"With agency one can murder, commit all the moral, sexual sins, steal, lie, use drugs, be unkind; he may hate, envy, swear, or do whatever he would like. One can hate, or one can love. One can curse, or one can bless. One can live in loneliness, or one can be promiscuous. One can help and assist, or one can hinder. One can blaspheme, or one can honor and bless and pray. One can believe in himself, or he can believe in an overall omniscient Being. One can do as he pleases. Free agency is his. Or he can live his life with the great Redeemer as the center of his life."
After he shared the choices that we could make using our agency, President Kimball went on to explain:
"One can touch a hot wire, but he cannot stave off the certain death that results. One can step in front of a powerful oncoming train, but he cannot set aside the mangling that will follow. One can jump from a skyscraper, but he cannot control the results and save his body from the crushing effects of the fall and the abrupt contact with the hard pavement below."
There are those who would encourage us to break the covenants we have made to follow the Savior. They would tell us that by following the Gospel plan, we are limiting ourselves with respect to the fun we could have or the circles in which we could socialize.
What is important to recall, however, is the fact that while we are able to choose for ourselves the path we will follow, we are not able to choose the consequence that comes from our actions. I hope that as we make decisions we will stop and consider not only the immediate benefit that can be derived from those decisions, but the long term consequences of our choices.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Which Side of the Fight? (7/17/2009)
"Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, both Jew and Gentile, both bond and free, both male and female, shall perish; for they are they who are the whore of all the earth; for they who are not for me are against me, saith our God." (2 Nephi 10:16)
One of the tools that Satan uses is justification. It is OK to tell a LITTLE lie. Taking just ONE pen from the office won't hurt anything. It is easy to trivialize sin, especially when it is something that we want to do. Jacob reminds us, however, that if we are not actively choosing to follow Christ and advance His cause, then we are not with Him. While perfection is an impossible goal to reach in this lifetime, as long as we are honestly doing our best to become like the Savior, we are on the right side of the battle.
One of the tools that Satan uses is justification. It is OK to tell a LITTLE lie. Taking just ONE pen from the office won't hurt anything. It is easy to trivialize sin, especially when it is something that we want to do. Jacob reminds us, however, that if we are not actively choosing to follow Christ and advance His cause, then we are not with Him. While perfection is an impossible goal to reach in this lifetime, as long as we are honestly doing our best to become like the Savior, we are on the right side of the battle.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Discipleship (7/16/2009)
"The word disciple comes from the Latin word discipulus; it means to learn or to know. Many people think that being a disciple means simply to follow, with an unfortunate connotation of following blindly. Becoming a true disciple is nothing of the sort! It requires us to learn and to know of Jesus Christ, to study the principles of truth for ourselves and to receive answers - in other words, to receive knowledge...
"Once we have knowledge of the simple principles of the Restoration, coupled with a deep and abiding faith in the truths we do not yet know, we become true disciples of Jesus Christ and not simply followers. The difference between a disciple and a follower is like the difference between a ship's anchor that is lodged solidly at the bottom of the sea, holding the ship fast, and an anchor that is merely suspended in water because the chain is too short. Such an anchor may appear to be doing its job when the seas are calm, but serves no purpose during storms or high waves." -Elder M. Russell Ballard
Many times I have been singled out because I choose to be a member of the church, and to follow the Gospel teachings. The thing that these people miss is the fact that I have a testimony of the truths behind these teachings. While my obedience to the commandments might not be as consistent as I would like, the simple fact remains that the Spirit has borne witness to me that this is Christ's church, and that everything I need to gain eternal life can be found herein. As I strive to live its teachings and learn to become more like Christ, the stronger my testimony of the truth will become, and the more I will be able to stand firm when I am faced with the inevitable challenges that will come from the adversary.
"Once we have knowledge of the simple principles of the Restoration, coupled with a deep and abiding faith in the truths we do not yet know, we become true disciples of Jesus Christ and not simply followers. The difference between a disciple and a follower is like the difference between a ship's anchor that is lodged solidly at the bottom of the sea, holding the ship fast, and an anchor that is merely suspended in water because the chain is too short. Such an anchor may appear to be doing its job when the seas are calm, but serves no purpose during storms or high waves." -Elder M. Russell Ballard
Many times I have been singled out because I choose to be a member of the church, and to follow the Gospel teachings. The thing that these people miss is the fact that I have a testimony of the truths behind these teachings. While my obedience to the commandments might not be as consistent as I would like, the simple fact remains that the Spirit has borne witness to me that this is Christ's church, and that everything I need to gain eternal life can be found herein. As I strive to live its teachings and learn to become more like Christ, the stronger my testimony of the truth will become, and the more I will be able to stand firm when I am faced with the inevitable challenges that will come from the adversary.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Atonement (7/15/2009)
"And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish..." (Mosiah 13:28)
One of the most beautiful points of the Gospel is the idea that in spite of our imperfections, each of us still has the chance to return to live with our Father in Heaven again. Through the Atoning Sacrifice that was made by our Savior, we are not condemned to an eternity removed from His presence the first time we err. Instead, we have the chance to take upon ourselves His name, to emulate the life He lived. And as we choose to follow Him, He will do all things necessary to make it possible for us to safely cross the formidable chasm between where we are today and our Father's presence. Though words are not adequate to express my feelings, I am truly thankful to my Savior for the role He played in the Plan of Salvation on my behalf.
One of the most beautiful points of the Gospel is the idea that in spite of our imperfections, each of us still has the chance to return to live with our Father in Heaven again. Through the Atoning Sacrifice that was made by our Savior, we are not condemned to an eternity removed from His presence the first time we err. Instead, we have the chance to take upon ourselves His name, to emulate the life He lived. And as we choose to follow Him, He will do all things necessary to make it possible for us to safely cross the formidable chasm between where we are today and our Father's presence. Though words are not adequate to express my feelings, I am truly thankful to my Savior for the role He played in the Plan of Salvation on my behalf.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Humility (7/14/2009)
"We must cultivate humility. Humility is the great protector. Humility is the antidote against pride. Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things.
"Through the prophet Ether, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility:
"'I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.' (Ether 12:27)
"If we are meek and humble enough to receive counsel, the Lord can and will guide us through the counsel of our parents, our teachers, and our leaders. The proud can only hear the clamor of the crowd, but a person who 'becometh as a child' - as King Benjamin said, 'submissive, meek (and) humble' (Mosiah 3:19) - can hear and follow the still small voice by which our Father in Heaven guides his children who are receptive." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Humility is probably one of the most difficult traits to cultivate. As we accomplish things in life, it is easy to believe that we did those things on our own, and that we merit reward for our efforts. I think it is important to remember, however, the source of the gifts and talents that we have, and that we use those to bless the lives of others rather than for our own personal glorification. And as Elder Oaks reminds us with the scripture from Ether, when we humble ourselves, we will be blessed with greater strength that we can then use to serve others.
"Through the prophet Ether, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility:
"'I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.' (Ether 12:27)
"If we are meek and humble enough to receive counsel, the Lord can and will guide us through the counsel of our parents, our teachers, and our leaders. The proud can only hear the clamor of the crowd, but a person who 'becometh as a child' - as King Benjamin said, 'submissive, meek (and) humble' (Mosiah 3:19) - can hear and follow the still small voice by which our Father in Heaven guides his children who are receptive." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Humility is probably one of the most difficult traits to cultivate. As we accomplish things in life, it is easy to believe that we did those things on our own, and that we merit reward for our efforts. I think it is important to remember, however, the source of the gifts and talents that we have, and that we use those to bless the lives of others rather than for our own personal glorification. And as Elder Oaks reminds us with the scripture from Ether, when we humble ourselves, we will be blessed with greater strength that we can then use to serve others.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Optimism in Adversity (7/9/2009)
"Do not let us speak of darker days; let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days; these are great days - the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race." - Winston Churchill
These words, spoken in the throes of World War II and the German bombing campaign against England are inspiring to me. I'm sure that this time had destruction and death always on the minds of the English, yet Churchill reminded them that those days, while not pleasant, would help strengthen and define the character of the British.
Lately, I have had a struggle (to a lesser degree than the British, to be sure) trying to maintain optimism in the face of challenges. Without getting too detailed, we have had two major household appliances and a car (the second one this year) fail on us in the past two weeks, we received word that my wife will likely be downsized from the part time job she works, and there have been other things which, to say the least, have not worked out as expected.
Yet as I gathered my thoughts to say my prayers last night, frustrated and tired, I stopped and realized how many things I still have to be thankful for. I have a roof over my head. I have more than adequate food to eat. I have a family that loves me, and I am still able to provide for their needs. The list goes on, but last night I was reminded again how much having the Gospel and the perspective it brings sustains me from day to day.
These words, spoken in the throes of World War II and the German bombing campaign against England are inspiring to me. I'm sure that this time had destruction and death always on the minds of the English, yet Churchill reminded them that those days, while not pleasant, would help strengthen and define the character of the British.
Lately, I have had a struggle (to a lesser degree than the British, to be sure) trying to maintain optimism in the face of challenges. Without getting too detailed, we have had two major household appliances and a car (the second one this year) fail on us in the past two weeks, we received word that my wife will likely be downsized from the part time job she works, and there have been other things which, to say the least, have not worked out as expected.
Yet as I gathered my thoughts to say my prayers last night, frustrated and tired, I stopped and realized how many things I still have to be thankful for. I have a roof over my head. I have more than adequate food to eat. I have a family that loves me, and I am still able to provide for their needs. The list goes on, but last night I was reminded again how much having the Gospel and the perspective it brings sustains me from day to day.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tolerance (7/8/2009)
"None of us is perfect. Though our desires are good, we are all capable of foolish and self-destructive acts and omissions. We all have need of repentance. We all need to be tolerant and loving with one another." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks
This quote really struck home with me when I heard it, and that is why I wanted to share it with you today. There are many things with which I struggle, but this is probably one of the greatest. I sometimes forget that I and those around me are prone to err, and as a result, my judgement of others is sometimes harsher than it should be. I hope that we will take Elder Oaks' advice here, and that we will be patient one with another while we all try and work towards perfection.
This quote really struck home with me when I heard it, and that is why I wanted to share it with you today. There are many things with which I struggle, but this is probably one of the greatest. I sometimes forget that I and those around me are prone to err, and as a result, my judgement of others is sometimes harsher than it should be. I hope that we will take Elder Oaks' advice here, and that we will be patient one with another while we all try and work towards perfection.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Strength in Trials (7/6/2009)
When the people of Alma had been captured by the Lamanites and were being forced to be their slaves, they prayed to the Lord for help. Of course the Lamanites did not like this, so they threatened the people of Alma with death if they did not stop, so instead of praying out loud, they kept a prayer in their hearts, and because of their faith, the Lord gave them strength to bear their burdens. In Mosiah 24:15 we read:
"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."
The thing that stood out to me about this verse is the fact that their burdens were not reduced. They faced the same challenges that they faced previously, but through divine intervention, these faithful followers of the Lord were able to bear up under their trials. And not only did they receive the strength to meet their challenges, they then received their burdens patiently, something I know that I have struggled with at times when faced with adversity.
We may not face the same trials that Alma and his people did, but I know that each of us has challenges that we face daily. I hope that we will remember to seek the Lord's help, and as we do, I testify that, just as He gave strength to help His followers in times past, He will also give us the strength we need to overcome.
"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."
The thing that stood out to me about this verse is the fact that their burdens were not reduced. They faced the same challenges that they faced previously, but through divine intervention, these faithful followers of the Lord were able to bear up under their trials. And not only did they receive the strength to meet their challenges, they then received their burdens patiently, something I know that I have struggled with at times when faced with adversity.
We may not face the same trials that Alma and his people did, but I know that each of us has challenges that we face daily. I hope that we will remember to seek the Lord's help, and as we do, I testify that, just as He gave strength to help His followers in times past, He will also give us the strength we need to overcome.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Fanning the Spark (7/2/2009)
I had the chance Tuesday night and Wednesday to be the priesthood representative at our ward's girls camp. It was fun being up there with my daughter and the others in my ward, and good to help them learn how to do things that both my daughter and I take for granted.
Yesterday afternoon, one of our beehives decided to light the fire for dinner. She had noticed that the fire from the morning meal was still smoldering in some parts, so she threw a large stick on there and started to blow. This resulted in smoke, but she could not get the stick to light. I showed her how, by blowing the ash off the embers and using a smaller stick she could get a flame. In a few short minutes, the fire was going and we were on our way to getting dinner.
After we got the fire going, I took the chance to let her know that in her life, there would be people she would meet whose testimony for the Gospel will seem to have gone out. With some help and gentle nurturing on our part, however, we can help them find the spark they need to continue their journey back to our Father.
Yesterday afternoon, one of our beehives decided to light the fire for dinner. She had noticed that the fire from the morning meal was still smoldering in some parts, so she threw a large stick on there and started to blow. This resulted in smoke, but she could not get the stick to light. I showed her how, by blowing the ash off the embers and using a smaller stick she could get a flame. In a few short minutes, the fire was going and we were on our way to getting dinner.
After we got the fire going, I took the chance to let her know that in her life, there would be people she would meet whose testimony for the Gospel will seem to have gone out. With some help and gentle nurturing on our part, however, we can help them find the spark they need to continue their journey back to our Father.
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