Haggai 1:5-6

"Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.
Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes."
Haggai 1:5-6


I came across this scripture this morning and I think it is fascinating.  Just the first verse would have been cool by itself... consider your ways.  A good thought, and something that it is good to do from time to time.  But then God jogs our memories a little further... think about it.  What are we building, what are we living for?  God is trying to convince these people to build a temple, but they keep running around, so worried about their houses that they don't have any time to build one for him.  So, he says... think about it.  What is going to make a difference here?  You running around in circles, not getting anything done, or you listening to me? :)  I think that we have the same dilemma in our lives.  And not that our lives are pointless... there are families to raise and people to love, and friends to make happy.  there are always really good things to do... but God still says the same thing.  Consider your ways.  Are they making you happy?  Are you building something that will last?  Think about it.  And, if not... whenever you realize it... come unto me, and I will give you something to build that will last forever.  Something that matters, something that will add some meaning to your life.  God will satisfy all those needs for us, if we let him... we will sow, and reap in abundance.  Eat, and have more than enough.  Drink, and become filled to overflowing.  God will make us warm, God will offer us abundance.  We need God in our lives.  He's the one that can fill the gaps.

Abraham 3:25-26

"And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever."
Abraham 3:25-26


Abraham is interesting.  I like that we have more than one version of the creation story... we have the one in Genesis, the one in Abraham, and the one in the temple... and then of course there are bits and pieces everywhere in the scriptures... and they all add cool and interesting things to our understanding of the plan. :)  This scripture is interesting because it is talking about estates... the footnote when it talks about the first estate refers us to Jude 1:6, where it talks about the angels who kept not their first estate.  presumably this is referring to our premortal existence.  Did you realize that you had already taken half the test, and passed it successfully?  Each of us on earth in our mortal bodies passed the first, premortal half of the test.  We chose God's plan, and fought for it... and now we are here for the second half of the test.  Can you imagine when this is all done what a great reunion party we are going to have?  All the people we studied with and fought with in the first test, and then all the people we studied and lived with here... it is going to be fabulous.  So, today... let's work on making it back for the party. :)

Philippians 4:11

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Philippians 4:11


This is interesting.  I think that it is hard to be content in some states... especially North Dakota.  Okay, just joking :) ... but it really is hard to be content at times, when we focus on the future and what we want in our lives that we think will fill the void, or make us happy... or whatever it is.  The cool thing is that, with God's help... we can get to this point.  Where, no matter what is going on in our lives, we can be okay with it.  And not just okay... content.  Like the difference between being sorry for your sins because you don't like the consequences, and being sorry for your sins because you truly have your mind and your heart changed and you don't even want it anymore.  Sometimes we think of "content" as in... okay, I can cope with this.  But God doesn't just want coping, he wants us to be happy on the journey, to see the incredible opportunities we have along the way, not just at our destination.  And we can learn it.  We can learn to be happy along the way, and to enjoy the opportunities that each day affords.  Are we content today?  (And content does NOT equal complacent, by the way) ... if not, why not?  Something to think about...

Moroni 6:9

"And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done."
Moroni 6:9


I had a bishop once who used to have a sacrament meeting every six months or so that he ran like this.  After the sacrament it was completely open... not just as a testimony meeting, but for anything.  People would get up and sing, or talk about a scripture... whatever they felt prompted to do. :)  There were a few bizarre things... people rehearsing for months, planning for the "surprise" meeting.  But it was kind of cool.  Sometimes I think that we get caught up in the way we think things should be so much that we might not hear the Spirit telling us to do something... I mean, does the spirit prompt us to bear our testimonies in fast & testimony meeting only?  of course not, but how often are we open to that prompting outside of that meeting?  And then, of course, how often do we listen for the Spirit outside of church?  I know that I need to think about this... the gospel is not just a Sunday thing, but I know that sometimes I treat it like that.  Incorporating the gospel into every part of our lives... or incorporating our lives into the gospel rather... is one of the most essential ingredients to becoming *whole* ... consistent... true to everything we believe in.  So often we try to separate the gospel from our lives, when they are integral parts of one another... they can't *be* separated.  When we try, we divide ourselves.

Psalms 61:1-2

"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
Psalms 61:1-2


This is an amazing scripture.  I was just talking (e-mailing) a friend this morning and we were talking about this very thing... about how God will step in when we are overwhelmed.  We just have to ask.  I like the flood analogy that is in here... of course, I probably like all analogies, so you can take that for what it is worth. :)  lead me to the rock that is higher than I. :)  and when there is a flood, all we want is to get to higher ground, to save ourselves... and you know, God is that ground.  God is our rock, when everything else sinks below water, he is there to save us.  If we pray to God when we are overwhelmed, we can ask him to save us from the flood.  And, you know... even when we aren't in a specific emergency situation... if we can pray with that energy and strength of purpose, recognize, even when we aren't lost in the flood, that we need God *that* much... then we will improve our communication with him incredibly.  He wants us to look unto him in the smallest of things, to include him in each part of our lives... let's give it a try today. :)  And let's look forward to one of the best days on record. :)

1 Nephi 7:17-18

"But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying, O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea; even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.
And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them again."
1 Nephi 7:17-18


I think this is an interesting lesson in prayer. :)  Nephi, having been tied up by his brothers who thought he was being over-critical, and wanted to kill him... (serious sibling rivalry going on here), prays to the Lord, and asks the Lord for deliverance, and tells him his idea of deliverance... and God answers him, but not in the way he asked for.  Instead of giving Nephi strength to burst his restraints... he just unties him. :)  I think sometimes this happens to us, and we don't always recognize the answers to our prayers because they come in a different way than we asked for.  Sometimes when we ask to be more loving, God gives us conflict to resolve.  Sometimes when we ask for patience God gives us conflict that we can't resolve.  Sometimes when we ask for pizza, we get grilled cheese. :)  God knows what he is doing, and how we will learn best.  Maybe today we can recognize some of the answers that God has given us in an unexpected way.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:4

"Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son."
Doctrine and Covenants 101:4


The story of Abraham is hard sometimes for me to understand.  If you haven't read it, here is a brief synopsis: Abraham left the land of his fathers because he didn't believe in human sacrifice, and because they had tried to sacrifice Him.  So, he is saved by God, and given incredible promises, and has a son given to him miraculously by God.  Abraham loved him incredibly, and then God asks him to sacrifice the son.  Abraham believed in God and trusted him so much, that everything that he escaped from and everything he loved, he was willing to sacrifice for God.  In the end, God sent a ram to sacrifice instead, and Abraham received the reward of his faith.
So why did God ask him to sacrifice his son?  I think that he did it because it was the thing that Abraham valued the most in his life... his son was everything to him.  His hope for the future, the physical representation of everything that God had promised... and God tested Abraham to see if Abraham would put God first.  It was also a representation of what God did for us... in sacrificing his only son for us.  Are we willing to do the same for him?
God might not do it quite as dramatically or literally in our lives, but we all will be tried to see if we are willing to sacrifice what we love most in life for God.  Sometimes he will send a Ram, and sometimes he won't.  But even when he doesn't... everything that God does is designed for our ultimate good and happiness... we just have to trust him a heck of a lot sometimes.

Hosea 14:1-4

"O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.
Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him."
Hosea 14:1-4


I like this scripture... basic repentance message with some extras thrown in.  I like the part that says, "take with you words" ... and I don't think it is because God doesn't know what is in our hearts... he does.  But sometimes, I think, *we* don't.  We need to learn to verbalize our needs and our desires, and see them for what they are.  Prayer is an awesome way to do that, because God knows it all... so it is difficult to be dishonest with him, and we learn to be a little bit more honest with ourselves.  I love the part about the calves of our lips as well.  The footnote goes to a scripture that talks about a broken heart and a contrite spirit... what I think is that sometimes the biggest sacrifice that we can make is to actually speak. :)  It is difficult at times to express the feelings in our hearts... especially if they are intense.  It might be expressing our deepest loves, desires and hopes, and it might be our sins, to confess them to God, to recognize them in our lives.  Either way, telling them to God is a step in the right direction... even if you think he won't approve.  Prayer is a two-way communication, and God knows what is in your heart, and he can teach you righteous ways to be happy.... So sometimes the best sacrifice is that of speech... to actually open our hearts to God, and break down those barriers.
In the last verse God says that he will heal our backsliding and love us freely... I love that.  When we freely communicate with God, and open those channels... we find more compassion and forgiveness than we can imagine.  God doesn't want us to suffer... he wants us to heal, and we can't do that when we aren't expressing our anguish and our joy.  Let's be a little vulnerable today... God will be careful with us.

2 Chronicles 12:14

"And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord."
2 Chronicles 12:14


This kind of jumped out at me today.  how do we prepare our hearts to seek the Lord?  obviously it is important, if we are "evil" when we don't... so, I have been thinking about that, and maybe the trick is being open to the Lord's influence.  To prepare for that, we have to be willing to listen to him.  Often, we close our minds to anything except what we want to hear... or we close our minds to anything that isn't familiar.  but it doesn't say just prepare our hearts to *listen* to the Lord, but to *seek* him... so it has to be more than that.  I think it is also a little dose of humility... recognizing our need for the Lord.  I mean, don't get me wrong... I like to be just as tough as the next person, and handle it all... but sometimes we need to recognize that we really can't handle everything, and that we need God's help.  So, when we actually realize that we need the Lord's help, and we are ready to listen to him... then we are probably prepared to seek him.  Not that I am saying all of that is easy.  Sometimes it is the biggest thing we have done in a very long time, to admit that we actually need something outside ourselves... to show our vulnerability in that way.  But unless we are missing something in our lives, why would we seek for anything?  We don't search the whole house for the car keys unless we need them... the same with God.  If we realize that we need him, then we will do some searching.  I think it is fascinating to think about this step.  usually we just skip to the seek step without thinking about preparing our hearts for it... maybe it is part of the whole sincerity / real intent thing.  Anyway... think about your heart today.  Is it prepared to seek the Lord?  What kinds of things need to change to get there?

Doctrine and Covenants 138:56

"Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men."
Doctrine and Covenants 138:56


Sometimes I wonder who we were in the spirit world.  Of course it is foreign to us to think of ourselves without a body... but it is interesting to me.  What did I love, what did I look forward to in coming to earth?  What kind of lessons did we learn that we could carry with us to our lives here?  Were we frightened of the trials, or purely confident and excited?  Is who we are now who we were planning on being?  who we wanted to be?  And then there is always the question... when we are reunited with our memories of that time, will we like who we are?
It's a weird test, being on this earth without our memories of before... of course, it is really the only way that we could be tested.  We knew God and each other so well before this life that maybe we wouldn't be able to really experience trial and temptation otherwise... we'd see the emptiness in everything if we had that perfect knowledge of God.  And, you know... maybe we can approach that in this life as we include God in our hearts and minds and lives each day.  We’ll be able to tell the difference between the real thing and the cardboard imitation.  It amazes me sometimes that I can be so blind as to dedicate so much of my energy and loyalty to cardboard.  That the imitation is so important to me, and I trust in it so much, and then I am surprised when the breeze knocks it over.  When you dedicate all that you are to the cardboard facade, you are, unfortunately, setting yourself up for a fall... sooner or later.  Luckily, God gives us all that we need to detect the cardboard from the original.  He offers us his perspective... seen from above, the difference is plain.  And, he can remind us of ourselves... who we used to be, and who we knew we wanted to become.  Today, as I go to church and interact with my friends, I am going to try to find some dreams that are made of firmer stuff than cardboard.  I wish the same for you.

Luke 11:8-9

"I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
Luke 11:8-9


Importunity means to ask in an urgent and/or persistent way... sometimes to the point of annoyance. :)  I think this is interesting.  The parable of the unjust judge is similar, but this one is less well known.  God says here and elsewhere, that EVERYone that asketh receiveth... promises every single person an answer.  The trick is asking regularly and consistently... urgently and persistently.  God's timing is different than our own, and our faith may be tested when we have to wait for our answers that aren't coming quickly... but they will come, God has promised that.  Sometimes we get on our knees for 30 seconds and then wonder why God isn't listening to us, we figure we've tried, and then we go on assuming that God doesn't care.  This is a faulty conclusion... he definitely always cares.  A better guess might be that he is trying to expand our attention spans a little bit. :)
The other thing that seems to happen pretty often is when ask for an answer, and God gives us one we don't want.  We then assume that wasn't really an answer and keep praying and begging for what we want when God has already told us no several times.  Sometimes, in those cases, God will relent and give us what we want so that we can find out for ourselves it is not right.  Usually then our lives go sideways.  We need to be careful what we pray for, and not ask for things that will make us miserable.  Adding "thy will be done" helps... as well as seriously being open to either answer.  When our whole heart and mind is set on one answer sometimes we can't hear the other one.  So, today... let's go and talk to God.  Let's thank him for the amazing care he takes in watching over us... and remember to keep asking.  Sometimes we learn more in the asking process than we do in receiving the answer.

3 Nephi 27:25-26

"For behold, out of the books which have been written, and which shall be written, shall this people be judged, for by them shall their works be known unto men.
And behold, all things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged."
3 Nephi 27:25-26


How interesting... I can't imagine God writing.  It seems like he would just keep all the files in his brain, you know?  Or maybe have someone else write for him... but I suppose that it makes sense in a way... he talks to us all in our own language, and deals with us on our understanding level... so, if he writes things down, then he is helping us to see in actual physical fact, the record of our actions on the earth.  And you know... God is perfect, so what an amazing thing to be able to read perfect writing... :)  And I guess the scriptures are God's writing in a way... so we'll be judged according to what is in them.  Even a better reason to actually read them... so that we know what we are going to be measured by, right?  Maybe it'll help us to cram for the test. :)  (joking, by the way... I really don't think that this test is one you can cram for.)  And, this scripture is also a great reason to keep a journal... maybe we can tell *our* side of the story.  Which reminds me of a book by C. S. Lewis... _Till We Have Faces_ ... an excellent book in which the narrator is a woman who is writing *her* side of the story, because she thinks that the Gods have twisted things. :)  Anyway, let's remember to read God's writings today, and write some of our own. :)  Let's do some good stuff today, so that God can write it down. :)

Moroni 7:15-18

"For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.
For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged."
Moroni 7:15-18


Kind of long today, but interesting.  I have been thinking lately about choice, and about a woman I met in Oregon once.  a few of us were at Denny's and eating and talking and this woman hadn't said much... but someone mentioned their mission, and she started to talk about hers.  :)  She became animated and excited and talked about the people that she had met, and the amazing things that had happened... it was fascinating.  My mission was great and amazing too in spots, but nothing like what she was telling us.  Then she excused herself to go have a cigarette.  When she came back, we talked about her life now, and where she was in regards to the church.  She told us she had been excommunicated , and told us that she knew that God wanted her to be out of the church.  And she said she was happy.  Afterwards we went to her house and she talked about a lot of unhappy things for quite a while.  It confused me, and frightened me... and when a friend and I were driving back to where we were staying, she told me to remind her to never become like that woman, and I asked her to promise me the same thing... and we talked and wondered about how someone could get to the point where they truthfully believed that wrong is right.  It still confuses me, and still scares me.
So, I thought this was a good scripture.  God offers us his spirit, his light, so that we can see in the darkness, and not stumble.  We just have to make sure that we are listening to God and not to some other voice.  Some guidelines for today... make sure you are persuading people to do good stuff today, and not bad. :)  If everything points towards God and the things that he has in store for us eternally, then it sounds pretty safe.  :)  If it doesn't, run away, fast. :)  Don't let Satan tell you that the mud pie is really chocolate... you could be in for a really really bad day.

Doctrine and Covenants 136:32

"Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;"
Doctrine and Covenants 136:32


This scripture hit me today because so often I think that we look for answers anywhere but from God.  I know I frequently do... decide what *I* want... what *I* think is good for me, and never stop to remember that God knows what is best.  We can't find the answers to life's questions in our daily horoscopes, in Tarot cards, or in other people.  Only God has the answers; there is no other source.
We are little children compared to God, and we don't know what is best for us, and the other kids don't know what is best for us... only our father does.  He can protect us from the kidnappers and the other things fighting for our attention... but not if we willingly go to them and like them better than our own father.  We have to remember who we are, and not trade a ride in a nice shiny car for the rest of eternity.
Our eyes and ears don't comprehend all the things that God sees and hears, but if we trust him, he will heal our blindness and sing to us of what we can become.

Proverbs 27:17, 19

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
. . .
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man."
Proverbs 27:17, 19


We perfect each other in a lot of ways... I know that I have mentioned this before, but Neal A Maxwell talks about us being the clinical experience for each other... perhaps in our interactions we shave off some of the rough spots... we get polished by coming into contact with others.  In our families, and in all of our relationships, we learn some of our most important lessons... how to love one another, how to be honest, vulnerable, open... we sharpen each other, and prepare each other for interactions and challenges in the future.  It's a great thing that we do for each other, and even when there are challenges, it is commitment to the relationships in our lives that teaches us how to heal rather than hurt... how to weather the storms of life.  The last verse is interesting... saying basically that we reflect the hearts of each other.  If we approach someone with love, then love is reflected back to us.  If with suspicion and doubt, then that will be reflected as well.  We are all brothers and sisters... all with a lot to learn, and all with magnificent potential.  Let's remember our similarities today, and sharpen each other with love, and radiate some positive energy, so that we can get some reflected back. :)  Remember, when you look at someone else, that your heart is reflected there.  Do you like what you see?

Moroni 6:8

"But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven."
Moroni 6:8


Sincerity counts for a lot it seems.  I was talking with a friend from work the other day at lunch, and he was asking me all about the church and how it differs from Catholicism, which he has studied.  One of the things that came up is whether we had to go to confession or not, and I explained to him some of the things that you had to confess to a bishop, etc.  He asked whether someone could just confess something and then go back and confess the same thing, week after week... And so we talked about church courts and how they work.  And I mentioned sincerity... that if a person was sincere, and really wanted to change, that that made a huge difference... basically what it is saying right here... that no matter how often we make mistakes... if we get to the point where we really are sorry for what we did, and we really do want to change, then it doesn't matter to God how often you have asked in the past... he will listen, and forgive.  Of course, on our side... probably the more you do something the harder it is to give up... the harder it is to be sincere.  That's why our individual conversion is so important.  We need to know, without a doubt, that the church is really where God wants us to be, that God knows what he is doing, that the scriptures contain God's instructions for us... and if we don't know that yet, then we need to find out.  How else can we be sincere?  About the church or any other option... unless we find out?  And of course... sincerity counts there too. :)  We have to ask God, with real intent, whether this is the right church... whether the Book of Mormon contains his word... and then listen and be prepared for the answer.  Sometimes the answers don't come until the sincerity comes... So, our task for today is to think about what we sincerely believe, and what we sincerely want... whether it is forgiveness or knowledge... and then ask for it. :)

Psalms 112:5-7

"A good man sheweth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord."
Psalms 112:5-7


I like this one.  Good people offer favor to others... compliments, admiration, respect... building up each other.  They aren't moved... meaning (I think) that they are consistent, and solid. :)  and they aren't afraid of evil tidings... they don't get paranoid that everything is going to fall apart, because they know that the Lord is in charge of it all.  Good things to remember, as we strive to become good people. :)

3 Nephi 19:30

"And when Jesus had spoken these words he came again unto his disciples; and behold they did pray steadfastly, without ceasing, unto him; and he did smile upon them again; and behold they were white, even as Jesus."
3 Nephi 19:30


This is cool... it is neat to think of Jesus smiling at these people, and beyond that, that the smile had such an incredible effect upon them... it purified them.  I think that it seems like what happens to us when we please God... that our efforts, combined with his, can make us pure.  Almost all of it ends up coming from God, of course... but receiving the smile is a great place to be. :)  Can you imagine... Jesus, who did everything for us, who has power over every element and who helped to create this beautiful world... smiling at you?  Smiling can change people's moods, it has incredible power over your own attitudes as well as those you smile at... and then think of that power magnified by a billion or more and you know what was happening to these people... their mood and hearts and minds were all affected and happy... and mostly due to a smile. :)  Let's try the power of a smile today. :)

Ether 14:1-2

“And now there began to be a great curse upon all the land because of the iniquity of the people, in which, if a man should lay his tool or his sword upon his shelf, or upon the place where he would keep it, behold, upon the morrow, he could not find it, so great was the curse upon the land.
Wherefore every man did cleave unto that which was his own, with his hands, and would not borrow neither would he lend; and every man kept the hilt of his sword in his right hand, in the defence of his property and his own life and of his wives and children.”
Ether 14:1-2


This is so interesting.  Every time I lose something I think of this scripture.  Maybe the earth is cursed, and it isn't just that I am forgetful. :) And the plural wives is interesting too.  anyway... sometimes I worry that the world is going to get more and more like this in these the last days... not even necessarily that the curse will increase, but that that people will get like this... never helping anyone else, going into total defense mode, fighting for whatever group they see themselves as part of.  I think that we tend to slip into this attitude in daily life... or at least I do... I know all of you out there in cyberspace are perfect. :)  At work sometimes I start to get the "us against them" attitude... and in everyday life too... I am definitely not a part of those groups called the "government" or the "politicians" ... or the "FBI" or the "smokers" or the "intolerant" (yikes!) ... and the list goes on.  I need to relax... and remember not to hold onto my sword so tightly that I can't let go.  I need to trust God more, and remember that he can protect the people that I love, and it is my job to learn to enlarge that circle until it encompasses all people.

1 Nephi 10:18-19

 "For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.
For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."
1 Nephi 10:18-19


I like especially the part that says that if we diligently seek, we will find.  there is no chance of looking and looking, and never finding... we just have to keep at it.  God wants us to find him, and he also wants us to learn.  sometimes the search teaches a lot.  I also like that the way is prepared for everyone.  that there is a way already there, already custom made for us by a loving and wise father, who knows us better than we know ourselves.  there is a way out of whatever dark places we lose ourselves, and a way back to our father's arms.  and it has always been so... God gives each of us the same blessings and opportunities, in that each of us, individually, has our way prepared... there is nothing that we can't escape from, nothing that we can't overcome... because God has built the way.  made ladders out of every pit... and made bridges to every fountain of knowledge.  So, today... look for the opportunities and blessings that God has placed all around you.  He has prepared the way, all we need to do is find it.

Luke 6:27-28

"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
Luke 6:27-28


This is hard. :)  But I thought it would be a good scripture of the day, so that we can remember and try to learn.  God expects us to be amazing... not average.  Often we excuse ourselves because a lot of people do the same thing, or we're only human... but you know... we are not only human.  We’re potential gods.  We’re incredibly powerful beings, learning to use our power. :)  And God expects us to learn to do these hard things, so that he knows that we won't abuse that power, and hurt others indiscriminately.  Too often, we do hurt others, and then we need to use our power to heal.  So, this scripture is about that... love your enemies.  Use your power for good in the lives of all people, especially them.  Teach them to love, and to return good for evil.  Bless people who are cruel to you, and pray for them... help them to become better people as well.  And, sincerely... we *are* those people sometimes.  Wouldn't it be nice if someone, somewhere was cool to us when we were awful to them?  One of my best friends treated me exactly that way.  I was completely rude, and she was kind to me anyway... and now we are good friends.  Good things can happen, lives can be changed.  Let's try it, and see how we can use our power for good today.  Let's let go of the anger, the bitterness, and see if we can think of something nice to do, and something nice to think... for someone we can't currently relate to.

Psalms 119:66-67, 71

"Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now I have kept thy word.
. . .
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
Psalms 119:66-67, 71


Interesting.  This points out a couple of things that I think we miss sometimes.  One is, that even when we truly believe, we still go astray sometimes.  Our priorities get tangled when we find something that rivals God in our affections... and whatever we love more than God becomes our object of idol worship.  Belief alone won't save us... obedience helps. :)  Hopefully, with faith, they go together.
The other thing is that afflictions teach us a lot.  Sometimes it is humility that we couldn’t' learn any other way... sometimes it is just that trust in God actually pays off.  Many times, when we are afflicted, those things that we thought were more important than God fade... but God remains, and if we can find the strength to call upon him, then he will deliver us.  Afflictions are rarely fun... but they can be good.  They can wake us up and remind us of the truth.  So, today... let's look at our lives and see what the difficult things are teaching us... maybe if we learn the lesson, they'll go away. :)

Revelation 22:5

"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."
Revelation 22:5


This is a cool idea... that one day, we won't need candles, or lights, or the sun... because we will live in light every day.  No shadows.  That will be amazing.  On this earth we get so used to shadows, to times of darkness... where things aren't clear, and we don't have all the information.  At some point, when we get to this scripture... that will never happen again.  :)  Not that candles aren't cool... we are a light to the world, after all... and they are symbolic of so many things... but what an idea, that someday we won't even need the sun, we'll have so much light. :)

1 John 3:2

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
1 John 3:2


Yesterday this scripture was quoted in conference, and I love it.  It is interesting in a lot of ways.  First, just that we will really be like God, and get to see him, and be reunited with him.  And then, going along with the talk where this scripture was quoted... that we don't know what we will be, but that our whole task in this life is to become the person that we can be.  God isn't going to judge us point by point, "you made a mistake is 1972, but I'll balance that out with this good deed in 2008..." but by the sum total of who we are.  The good and the bad... what we have become, what we have learned.  Like the parable of the talents.  God gives us natural gifts and when we are called back, we show what we have learned and gained and become.  See, that's one of the reasons that repentance works... because when we let go of it, and choose something else... it isn't part of the sum total anymore.  God never holds the past against us... only the present.  If we have the past inside of us, then it counts against us... but if we have become a new creature... let God change our heart... none of that will be found, and it won't matter anymore.  I guess that I knew this before in a way, but it really hit me yesterday.  If we are clean, right now... then no dirt from the past can touch us.  That's why he can say he that is happy shall be happy still... because if we can learn to be great, and happy, and build Zion... then who cares about the past?  Certainly God doesn't.  Repent and go on.  It isn't the past that ruins us, it is we who hold on to the past.  We can heal wounds, build solid relationships... embrace peace, cultivate Zion... and we can still be anything and anyone that we want to be, and God helps us to become.  Anyway, you brilliant people probably knew that already, but I needed to remember it. :)

Alma 38:8

"And it came to pass that I was three days and three nights in the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a remission of my sins.  But behold, I did cry unto him and I did find peace to my soul."
Alma 38:8


I think that this is interesting because so many times in life we cause pain to ourselves, or we suffer through things longer than we need to.  For every problem, there is a solution... and the quicker we find it, the sooner the pain the problem causes will go away.  Alma is amazing here, for only suffering three days.  I know that I have held on to some things much, much longer than that.  We look around for other solutions, other ways to bring peace to our souls... but ultimately, there is no other way.  Christ is always the answer.  We can all find peace, if we will look to him for it.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:13 -- On Learning Difficult Things

"And after their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them."
Doctrine and Covenants 112:13


This is an interesting scripture.  I think that it shows how much the Lord loves us.  You know, we have to go through hard things... sometimes because we choose to learn the hard way, and sometimes because it's something that you have to learn experientially, not theoretically.  God has to let us learn... he can't protect us from necessary experiences. 

It's like when I was in third grade.  I hated multiplication with a passion.  Hated hated hated it.  But my mom couldn't just protect me from it.  My teacher couldn't just say, "that's okay, Suzanne... you don't have to learn this."  If it had been up to me at that point, I would have bailed... but instead, my mom stayed up all night with me, quizzing me.  And, eventually, I learned, even though it was a painful process. 

We're like that.  We run up against something that is really hard for us, and we plead with the Lord... please don't make me learn this.  I hate it, and I am really bad at it... but we're children, and we need to know this in order to continue our lives, in order to learn compassion, in order to know what it is like to be in each other's shoes.  But in the end, no matter how painful the experience was, our Father is there, to take our hands... lead us to the kitchen, and make us some hot chocolate. :)  If we are still mad at him for not protecting us from learning something necessary, then we probably won't go with him... but he keeps trying, and if we calm down and go with him, he will sit with us, and tell us why we had to learn that, and all the cool things that we have ahead of us. 

God loves us.  None of this life is about us versus him, or him toying with us.  it is about us growing up and learning to be like Dad.  No matter what we have to learn, and how hard it is... he will be there, helping us to learn it, and able to heal our scrapes and bruises and deeper anguish afterward.  We can't run away from growing up... but our Father can make it all right.

Mark 9:50

"Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it?  Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."
Mark 9:50


I think this scripture is hilarious.  what happens when salt loses its saltness? :)  Funny... but meaningful as well.  God says all the time that we are the salt of the earth... and if we lose our flavor... the essence of who we are, then what can be done?  We have to remember who we are every day... that we are the children of God himself, and that we have the potential to be like he is.  We sometimes settle for so much less, pleading that we are only human and that God can't expect so much of us.  And we forget the incredible power that we have as infant Gods.  Our father will never, never give us anything that we can't handle... but we have to believe in ourselves, that we can handle it... and we have to have faith that we are his children.  It makes all the difference in the world.  Don't lose your saltness. :)  Don't lose the knowledge of who you are, and the greatness that is within you.  We can handle *anything* that comes our way.  We can effect change in the world, in our lives, and in the lives of the people around us.  We can turn disasters into triumphs.  We can love the people around us, and show them what they can be as well.  Have some salt within, and don't settle for any other seasonings.  :)  Salt is good.  Be good.  Stay salty.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:34-35

"And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: 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; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion."
Doctrine and Covenants 1:34-35


So, this is some verses kind of in the middle of a lot of stuff, so don't get freaked out and take them out of context.  Right after this it says that the Lord will take care of the saints... stuff like that.  but anyway, I think that it is cool that the Lord is willing to share his knowledge with everyone, not just a small group of people.  So many times in our society we run into "need-to-know" people, who only give you as much information as they think that you should have, and try to manipulate your decisions.  God offers everyone the same knowledge, and gives as much as he can to us, without overwhelming us and sending us to the mental health facility. :)  As fast as we are able to take it, he offers it.  He wants everyone to know the truth.  And why does he want that?  For a lot of reasons... but I didn't put in the second verse to be depressing, but because I think that it answers the question.  He gives us knowledge so that when things get a lot worse, we'll still be able to handle it.  The only reason that we have choice on this earth is because God shields us from Satan's power as much as he needs to to balance things out.  as soon as he stops doing that... are we going to be able to cope?  God is trying to teach us how to handle things like that.  We are his children, after all, and we have the power within us to withstand anything, and to do anything that God does... but we have to learn to use our power.  We have to learn to seek after truth and not get sidetracked with things that are going to trap us.  Anyway, I think that is why God gives us knowledge... so that we can grow into who we can be. :)  So, today... let's think about what knowledge we need in our lives.  How to handle something at work?  How to study?  How to find something we have been seeking?  Let's ask God.  He's pretty cool. :)

Luke 6:30-31

"Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
Luke 6:30-31


This is great stuff.  Seriously... I love it when the rules are so interesting. :)  "Give to every man that asketh of thee" (and I am sure that he means women as well.)   So, if someone asks me for something, then I give it.  Am I okay with that?  Hmm.  It makes you think about how attached you are to your earthly possessions, and how much you trust God. :)  This whole thing is about faith... if someone takes your stuff, you shouldn't ask for it back.  What?? :)  How much do we trust God?  And then, we should treat people as we would like to be treated.  this is a huge thing... do we really do this, ever?  Do we treat our Boss as we would like to be treated?  Our families?  Our co-workers?  The people who are mean to us?  The people who take our stuff? :)  Do we have the faith to really try to live this way in our lives?  I think it is awfully cool.  It adds some challenge to walking down the street.  :)  If someone comes up to you and asks you for change... then you give change.  if she asks you for $34,972, then you have to give $34,972.  Good thing most people only ask for change, eh? :)  I know, I am being silly... but the idea is serious.  It is a great way to treat life, and it is so relaxing to not be attached to your stuff. :)  If someone wants it, you can let it go.  The Lord might have a more important use for it somewhere else. :)  Can we do it?  Today, let's try giving to anyone who asks us.  What a great day it will be. :)

Luke 24:32

"And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"
Luke 24:32


This is cool, and I think it says a lot about things that we know on a subconscious level sometimes.  these men knew somewhere inside themselves that they were talking to the Lord, but they dismissed the feelings until afterward, and then thought back on the evidences that they had had.  How often do we do this in our lives?  We have a feeling that something is going to happen, but we dismiss it as silly, until it actually does.  we have opportunities to feel the spirit and to learn truth every day, but sometimes don't realize those things until we take time to look back at the week in church, or while writing in our journals... or maybe until some event forces us stop and think for a while.  And yes, it is easy to be confused by Satan, hard to know what is real inspiration, and what is paranoia. :)  But, perhaps, if we would concentrate a little more on living the moment that we are in, on being who we want to be right now.... on God and what he would like us to do today... maybe we'll catch a few more of those opportunities.  Maybe we'll know what the spirit is trying to say to us.
As with the men in this scripture, God walks with us on a daily basis... and as with the men in this scripture, we usually don't recognize it until afterward.  So, let's pay more attention today to what the spirit is trying to say to us... I'm sure there is a lot to be learned, in each of our lives, today. :)

Ether 12:41

"And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen."
Ether 12:41


This is a great scripture.  I was talking to my brother this morning, and he said that this was one of his favorites, and it got me thinking. :)  You know, Jesus is really everything that we are seeking, and the more we get to know him, the more we learn about who we can be, and what is possible.  We know that we can resist sin, because he did. We know that we will be resurrected, because he was.  We know that we need to be baptized, because he was... We know that we can learn to walk on water... because he did. :)  And you know, I don't think that walking on water is any more difficult than repentance.  But Christ can give us the strength and the courage to repent, and he can change our hearts... and someday, he'll help us to walk on water and do all the other amazing things that God can do.  It's an amazing thought.  So, on this beautiful Sunday, I would have to echo Moroni... and commend you to seek this Jesus, who is spoken of throughout the scriptures.  Pray to him, talk to him, learn of him.  Nothing else will bring you closer to your potential... nothing else can bring you closer to your God.