Luke 21:37-38 -- On Hearing the Lord

"And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him."
Luke 21:37-38


I like this little insight into how Christ lived, and how the people found him. Today, let's remember to take time out of our schedules for Christ, to hear him. As we make that our priority, we will be able to carry that Spirit throughout our day, and it will make all of our more mundane obligations and interactions that much better, because we are starting with our minds and our hearts in the right place.

D&C 46:11-26 -- On Gifts and Interdependence

"For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
And again, to some is given the working of miracles;
And to others it is given to prophesy;
And to others the discerning of spirits.
And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God."
Doctrine and Covenants 46:11-26


A few verses before this, God encourages us to "seek ye earnestly the best gifts" (verse 8), and to remember for what they are given. I love the overall idea here of spiritual gifts that God gives us to help us through life, but not just for us individually... the idea is that we use them to help "that all may be profited" (verse 12). So they are things that give us strength that can help the community, helping us grow together and assist each other. We're working out our own salvation, but we're also doing all we can for others as well. Having something to contribute, and knowing that we need things that others can contribute, helps us to learn love and interdependence--the weaving that brings us all into the grand tapestry of God's kingdom.

Today, let's seek the best gifts, using our own gifts to bless others, and seeking out others who have gifts that we need, so we can learn and grow all together in the Lord, lifting each other up, and including God in all that we do.

D&C 42:49-52 -- On Faith and Leaping

"He who hath faith to see shall see.
He who hath faith to hear shall hear.
The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:49-52


I like the emphasis placed on faith here. It's so easy to doubt and to believe that we just can't do it, that things will never work out, that things will always be the same, etc. God promises that change can happen--that even our doubting hearts and minds can be changed through faith on his name. To get there though, we have to make room for hope and faith. We have to stretch and at least start with a "desire to believe" (Alma 32:27), and work from there, letting more of God in as we go. We aren't static beings, or trapped in being the way we are right now. We are "blessed being[s] of light" (Do Your Part With All Your Heart, October 2025 General Conference), and God can still change and mold us, if we let him in and ask for help. He can heal us, and help us.

Today, let's have faith to see and hear and leap. Let's work on our faith and bear our own and others' infirmities as we strive together to become a faithful, believing community in faith and hope and love, with God's help to unify and strengthen us. Let's learn to hope and trust him more, and build the faith necessary to see miracles happen in our lives and all around us, and in learning to leap. :)

D&C 5:34 -- On the Lord's Timing

"Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee."
Doctrine and Covenants 5:34


This is a good reminder that the Lord's timing isn't always what we expect. Often we stop when the Lord wants us to move forward, but sometimes it is the opposite. When in doubt, we should move forward along God's path, striving to become more like him, because it is easier for God to course correct when we are moving rather than sitting still... but let's remember that sometimes the message is also stop. Regrouping, staying healthy, managing stress... these are all things that sometimes require slowing down physically, although we can keep moving forward spiritually in other ways. :) God can see what is coming and we cannot, so he can help us know when to move and when to stop, and when to slow down or speed up. The fastest, most efficient way is not always the best way. Sometimes we need to stop and learn something along the way, and sometimes we need to stop dallying and get on with it. :) As we include God in our decision-making, he will guide us in our paths, including the intended velocity. :) Today, let's pray and listen as we go about our daily activities, and notice when God prompts us about timing.

Leviticus 6:13 -- On Never Going Out

"The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out."
Leviticus 6:13


This struck me today, not as a rule about meat offerings, but as an idea... like making sure our faith never goes out. Too often I think we replay the whole conversion process within ourselves, finding faith and belief within ourselves, and feeling that spark of connection with God, but then not sustaining it and moving on to deeper faith and further lessons, but instead re-introducing doubt and fear and confusion, and having to go through the process over again to regain that spark. Instead, we should be feeding that spark, turning it into a fire and keeping it alive, and keeping us connected with the divine. I'm not suggesting arson here, but who can glory too much in the Lord, right? If we come out of it with a controlled burn, even if it is a raging inferno... that's all good. We just probably shouldn't burn or melt the things around us. :)

In all seriousness, we can be, symbolically, burning brightly with the Spirit every day, if we will talk to God about how to feed that spark and build it up. We don't need to reload and revisit doubt over and over again... this is just where we begin, and conversion is the trailhead, but the rest of the path is long, and sometimes hard, but always amazing. Today, let's keep the fire of faith ever burning, and never, ever go out.

On Age and Spirit and God's Power

"And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh."
Exodus 7:7


Moses being eighty years old when he went in to speak to Pharoah is what struck me today. Moses lived to be 120 or so, so he definitely had plenty of life left in him, but it made me think about how we percieve age. The scriptures are full of young men doing amazing things, like David taking on Goliath, or Joseph being sold into slavery and thriving, or Joseph Smith saying a simple prayer in a grove of trees. But God gives us examples of people being amazing when they are older as well, and of his gospel and his word being true, and powerful, at any age. Underneath, our Spirits are eternal. We are never too young or too old to be able to connect with God and to work with him. And someday our bodies will rise again, never to fail again--through Christ, we will all be immortal beings, with spirits and bodies that can never sicken or die.

Today, let's remember that we are blessed beings of light, only experiencing mortality as a temporary trainging ground that will help us choose and prepare for a far greater eternity. Let's choose happiness and love and follow God's instructions for how to survive, thrive, and succeed here--and let's remember both for ourselves and others that age is also temporary, and doesn't dictate our potential. We can walk in the footsteps of Christ at any age. Let's rely on the Lord and move forward, never fearing that it is too early or too late. The Lord's timing is all that matters.

Philippians 2:21 -- On Seeking Outside Ourselves

"For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s."
Philippians 2:21


This is a good reminder to think outside ourselves, and to seek to lift and help others. Today, let's think and pray about how to get outside the trap of selfishness and consider other people. Valuing ourselves is a good thing... we shouldn't wallow in self-hatred or demean ourselves either. Part of escaping that, though, is considering others and going to work to help rather than just considering ourselves... helping others can help them, and help the way that we think about ourselves. Let's work with God today to find ways to seek His will and spread His love.

D&C 42:2 -- On Repetition

"Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall give unto you."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:2


The Lord tells us many things over and over and over again, because we aren't listening or it isn't getting through to the place where we care and listen and act. Today, let's think about what the Lord is saying to us, and really listen this time. Then let's talk to the Lord about how to move forward on his path.

D&C 42:27 -- On Doing No Harm

"Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:27


This is a jam-packed section, with so much in it. Earlier it has "if ye have not the spirit, ye shall not teach" which is what I was originally going to write about, but as I was reading through the commandments, this one struck me. It isn't very specific with specific instructions like some of the others about killing and adultery, for instance, but instead it is a general guideline, which seems to indicate that we shouldn't say anything bad about others and shouldn't hurt them in any way--mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. No harm. Which is one of the reasons that God asks us to be "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and pervese nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15). Harmless here not meaning "not really able to affect things" as we sometimes use it now, dismissively, but sincerely "without harm" ... not willing to harm others.

Today let's take a step back and really think about whether we are doing harm, and then let's counsel with the Lord about becoming less harmful.

James 4:10 -- On Humility, Comparison, and Change

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
James 4:10


Thinking about humility today, as the opposite of pride. I've never been great at learning it, but I think at least a beginning is recognizing God and his greatness, and that compared to that, we have a lot to learn, although "a lot" is a laughable understantement. :) Perhaps the harder part is the "supposing that [we] are better one than another" (Alma 5:54). I think we learn that comparison and judgement from the world, but abandoning it is hard because that is the way we think about things sometimes. Maybe the answer there (well, the answer is always God, but I mean a mental way of thinking about it) is just comparing ourselves to ourselves. Are we better than we were before... are we growing or regressing? Instead of just coasting through life and letting things happen, are we recording who we are? Do we have goals for becoming better? If we put as much effort into self-improvement (in God's way of course) as we do into the rank/power/political games of corporate America, or politics, or even unfortunately interpersonal relationships, then I think we could improve greatly.

Today, let's recognize our humility in the presence of God, but also, let's change the way we compare. Let's compare ourselves to ourselves. Let's consider our own failings rather than the failings of others. Let's plan improvement and changes for our own behavior. When we consider God's word, let's think about how we can change to accomodate God rather than about someone else who needs to change. Let's give others grace and love, and not judgement. We have enough to worry about trying to sort ourselves out. :)

Alma 29:4-5 -- On Desiring Goodness

"I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.
Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience."
Alma 29:4-5


Reading about how God grants people according to their desires, on one hand it seems crazy for anyone to want destruction or remorse of conscience... but then again, thinking about our own lives, sometimes that's exactly what we are choosing, knowing ahead of time that there will be consequences and choosing it anyway, and even sometimes trying to talk ourselves into something bad by disparaging God's offers, saying that being good is boring or ... whatever it is that we tell ourselves to block the knowledge that this is wrong and we need to go the other direction.

But goodness isn't boring, and being bound to Satan with self-forged chains is infinitely worse than being chosen in the family of our Father, with access to oceans and worlds of knowledge, and his infinite and abiding love--the one thing that can actually fill the emptiness. We think sometimes that we can't change, that through nature or habit our minds and/or bodies are firmly set on the path to hell, or somewhere besides heaven, which is essentially the same thing. But there is no depth into which God cannot reach to save us, if we are willing to change. He can change our hearts. He can help us be the people we want to be rather than the people that we are. It is not too late. Today, let's reach out to him and listen to his advice, and take a step towards God rather than away. If God is going to give us what we most desire, let's let him help us change our desires into something that will make us truly happy rather than eternally miserable.

Alma 34:4 -- On Moving Forward with Christ

"My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us.
And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and to patience—
Yea, even that ye would have so much faith as even to plant the word in your hearts, that ye may try the experiment of its goodness."
Alma 34:4


I like Amulek's words here in support of Alma, pulling all the threads together for his listeners. I also love that God is willing to show us the truth and to answer our prayers, allowing us to "experiment" on God's words. Alma 32:28 is where Alma compares the word to a seed, and is an excellent read. As Amulek moves past this experiment stage with them he centers on Christ, because us mortals aren't the power or doing any of the convincing here. It is all God, who speaks to us all, proving his words, and convincing our hearts... and as we ask, giving us power to accomplish anything that he asks of us, as we seek to know him in humility, patience, and faith. Today, let's start where we are, and seek the Lord, who will help us believe, build on our testimonies, and help and serve others.

Helaman 3:31-32 -- On Peace, Rejoicing, and Interest

"And in this year there was continual rejoicing in the land of Zarahemla, and in all the regions round about, even in all the land which was possessed by the Nephites.
And it came to pass that there was peace and exceedingly great joy in the remainder of the forty and ninth year; yea, and also there was continual peace and great joy in the fiftieth year of the reign of the judges."
Helaman 3:31-32


I like the mentions of the times of peace. Usually when we hear news or read history (including the scriptures), the focus is on something dramatic and "newsworthy," but it is good to read about times of rejoicing and peace as well, knowing that is what we are striving for... trying to make those times last, through remaining dedicated to God. In the next verse we read about the pride that starts the downward spiral, but here I love that there was just rejoicing and peace for a couple of years. Learning peace is also important, if we are to become peacemakers. We have to learn how to be okay with peace, and not be always in need of, or instigators of, drama. :)

That doesn't mean that life has to be boring. I don't think for a second that God wants us to be boring, or that heaven is boring. It just means that the kind of excitement that the Lord offers is different than the kind that Satan offers. Instead of conflict or prideful comparison, maybe we'll be learning walking on water, the mysteries of the Jaredite stones or the Liahona, or mountain-moving. We can dedicate our attention and interest to buiding something amazing that lasts, rather than something destructive and temporary. Perhaps today in talking with God, we can come up with some good ideas.

Daniel 4:27-31 -- On Heeding God's Warnings

"Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee."
Daniel 4:27-31


This is a good reminder to heed God's warnings. God warns us when we are going astray. We don't always hear it, or take it seriously, but he cares, and he wants us to have a chance to turn around. When God helps us out with such a warning, let's listen. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, unlike Pharoah, unlike Laman and Lemuel... let's learn from their mistakes and change course. Let's develop some humility, and avoid the really bad consequences of thinking that ignoring God is a good idea. He is trying to help and save us from worse.

Psalms 120:1-7 -- On Inner Conflict and Changed Selves

"In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war."
Psalms 120:1-7


I love the poetry of this. It reminds me of John Donne's Holy Sonnet 14, where he asks the Lord to "batter [his] heart" and force his way in, because he was trying and failing to drop his defences and let him in himself... basically, his reason conflicting with his faith. Here, David expresses a similar emotion... that part of him (in this case his tongue and his lips) are rebelling against what he truly wants.

This echoes back to a scripture we talked about recently, where Christ tells us that if our hand or foot offend us, then cut them off. Not I think telling us to intentionally maim ourselves, but to force us to confront our choices with that alternative in mind. If the alternative is getting rid of our reason, or our tongue and lips, or whatever it is that is within us that is blocking what we say we want... then we have to choose. If we want God, we have to accept him completely, and not hold out. We have to convince our reason... we have to tame our mouths. Sometimes we do have to let go of part of our self-definition, and it can feel like an amputation. God can help us through it, if we truly choose him.

C.S. Lewis explained a similar necessity for choice in his introduction to his book The Great Divorce. He says "I do not think that all who choose wrong roads perish; but their rescue consists in being put back on the right road. A wrong sum can be put right: but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on. Evil can be undone, but it cannot "develop" into good. Time does not heal it. . . . It is still "either-or." If we insist on keeping Hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell."

Today, let's cry to the Lord in our distress... and let's be willing to set whatever is holding us back on the altar, offering it to the Lord, either to purify or to consume. In Alma 19 when Lamoni and his household are converted, they explain that their hearts had been changed. They had no more desire to do evil. God does that for us, if we go to him in humility, willing to let go of all of our "souvenirs of Hell." It isn't easy, and it isn't painless, but it is the way to happiness and peace. God will strengthen us, be with us, and protect us as we sincerely choose Him, even over our own body. He will help us be at peace within ourselves if we open our hearts to him and let him change us. Instantly, or little by little, in God's time and not ours... choosing Christ is always the answer.

Psalms 119:32 -- On Dependence and Choice

"I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart."
Psalms 119:32


This struck me today because it seems to show our dependence on God really well. We depend on him even to help us keep his commandments... we need life and breath, and yes, a new perspective and greater love sometimes. All that we have is dependent on him. The one thing we have is choice. We can choose which direction we are going. We can choose whether to accept God or to reject him. Those things don't change the reality of God, but they greatly affect our ability to learn from him and to improve our lives because we're either willing to learn and change or we are stubbornly trying to do things our own way... or Satan's way... which will always fail in the end. God's way is the way that leads to happiness, AND to freedom and light, even though I know we can get that twisted around in our brains and think that God is leaving us in the dark and restricting our freedom. That's Satan talking. He's the one that is trying to bind us with our own habits and desires.

Today, let's pray for an expanded ability to love, to learn, and to see the truth. God is supporting us in every moment. Let's accept his help, and learn more.

Obadiah 1:15 -- On Compassion and Love

"For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
Obadiah 1:15


This is a verse after God has explained that people shouldn't have rejoiced in the calamity of his people, or taken advantage of their downfall. It's a good reminder perhaps that even if we aren't the actual people doing the evil things that are hurting others, we're still not supposed to rejoice in those bad acts or take advantage of the people that are in distress. It's not our doing, but if we embrace it rather than trying to help, then we face the same consequences that God offers to everyone: As thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee.

If we want compassion, understanding, and mercy, let's be sure to show those qualities to others. Let's take a step back and examine our lives and make sure that we aren't treating anyone in a way that we don't want to be treated, and that we are working on improving our love for all people, even, and perhaps especially, our enemies or people that we find it hard to relate to or understand. If we're having trouble feeling it, let's pray our hearts out, asking God to help us care and love, as we would hope others would do for us in similar circumstances.

Matthew 18:8-9 -- On Body and Spirit

"Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire."
Matthew 18:8-9


These verses seem extreme, I'm sure intentionally. Christ is trying to get our attention and make sure that we understand that our quest for heaven is more important than our bodies. God isn't actually asking us to maim outselves, but instead explaining that it's better to not have a body part than to let our bodies get in the way of our long-term happiness (both on earth and in the eternities because those concepts are tied together as we learn in Mormon 9:14). The best answer is to solve it a different way than maiming, but the maiming part is in here for those of us stubborn enough to argue that we can't. :)

Today, let's recognize when our bodies are getting in our way spiritually, and let's find a way, with God, to follow him anyway. I trust that, with God's help, we will be able to do that without harming ourselves. :)

Jonah 1:1-3 -- On The Word of the Lord

"Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,
Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.
But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."
Jonah 1:1-3


Sometimes God asks us to do something and our first instinct is to run away or hide. Not that it works, of course, because there is no hiding from the Lord, but still we try. We don't want to do it... we're scared, or we have our own plans, or whatever it is. God's way though is always better, and listening to the Lord helps us to understand him in the future. Another ultra-important part is that God is leading us to happiness... no matter what he is asking us to do, or how much we're scared of it, it is always the way to happiness, because God doesn't lead us anywhere else.

Today, let's work on listening to the voice of the Lord and not running away from what he asks us to do. Let's stretch, rely on God for help, and do it anyway, so that God can continue to lead us where we need to go.

Obadiah 1:3-4 -- On Self-Deception and Help from God

"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord."
Obadiah 1:3-4


This is a good reminder to beware of pride and self-deception, especially thinking that we are higher or better than other people, or God. Our thoughts and actions are not hidden from him, and at some point we will stand before him to account for our actions. Why not accept that humility now, while we have time to improve and change? Rather than being just our judge, God is willing to be our guide to help us learn to be different, and better than we are. He is willing to bless us with confidence based in the knowledge that with his help we have learned to be truly good, which can replace that inflated, and false, feeling of being "superior." Let's work with God on seeing others with love and a desire to lift and help.

Moroni 7:45 -- On Charity

"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Moroni 7:45


In the verse after this we're told that "charity never faileth" even when "all things" fail, and so it seems worthwhile to take a closer look at the indestructible answer, which is pure, godly love. This verse gives us some excellent pointers on how to love, even our enemies, as Christ taught.

There are a lot of things here, but a couple that stand out to me right now are purity (thinking no evil) and hope. Maybe today we can work on these. Let's watch out for things that corrupt our minds and hearts. The things that we allow to play on the stage of our minds dictate so much of who we are and the actions we take, so let's start there and do a deep cleaning. And as we do, let's have hope.

We're never too far gone for the Lord. Like the prodigal son, he can help us escape from the consequences of our own actions and bring us home. That's what being saved means... if we repent and are willing to change and follow Christ, God can remake our whole selves and clean us from our sins. Let's turn to him and counsel with him, and learn of his love for us, and his love for other people. That love can fill our emptiness.

Alma 38:2-5 -- On Looking, Praying, and Trusting

"And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.
I say unto you, my son, that I have had great joy in thee already, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, and thy patience and thy long-suffering among the people of the Zoramites.
For I know that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I also know that thou wast stoned for the word’s sake; and thou didst bear all these things with patience because the Lord was with thee; and now thou knowest that the Lord did deliver thee.
And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
Alma 38:2-5


I like the connection here between looking to the Lord and trusting him, and being delivered. I don't think that kind of faith is easy. It takes practive, and observation, and learning more about ourselves and about the Lord. It takes prayer and developing a relationship with the Lord. So, not making light of it like it was a genie and a lamp... but faith does work, if it is faith in the Lord and his gospel, and if we are working at it, like the man who asked Christ to help him with his unbelief. And it IS something that we can learn, if we don't feel like we have it.

God doesn't set us down here and give us commandments and make them impossible to fulfill. He also didn't make us as static beings that can never change. He gives us power, and the ability to change. So if we lack faith, let's pray for it and work for it. If we are awful at prayer, then let's try little by little to develop the habit. If we hang in there and keep working at it, our spiritual senses will develop, and we will feel that connection come.

Today, let's be steady and faithful and look to the Lord, and work with him.

3 Nephi 7:18-19 -- On Belief, Anger, and Real Change

"And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.
And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people."
3 Nephi 7:18-19


This is Nephi, the son of Helaman, that the they are talking about. It's so interesting here that it was "not possible that they could disbelieve his words" ... but even though they believed him and knew he was right, they were just angry, and not realizing they were in the wrong, or repentant. Not willing to change. Just mad that they couldn't control him. It reminds me of Laman and Lemuel, still determined to have their way even after talking to an angel. Or Lot's Wife, still wanting to go back even when God was trying to save her from destruction. Or us, sometimes, right? Making the bad choice not because we are ignorant of the wrongness of it, but because we are actively choosing bad over good, trying to tell ourselves that we can make exceptions and avoid the consequences of evil, but then letting it bake into us rather than letting God prevail in our lives, and losing ground to Satan.

This chapter is from a time where things had gotten so bad that they had just destroyed the government by murdering the chief judge. They are starting to divide into tribes and spiraling down, and yet Nephi and his brother are out there preaching, trying to pull them back from the edge, calling people to repentance. Christ's coming, for them, is a mere four chapters away, and they are teetering on the edge. But it isn't an edge of ignorance. It is an edge of choice. And we, in our day, are on a similar edge, and God is trying to pull us back, to save us from hurling ourselves into the void. Let's be certain-sure that we are taking the knowledge that we have of God and doing something with it to change things, not just becoming angry. Let's listen to the truth and stop embracing evil. Let's make real changes in our lives and maybe even stop playing on the tops of cliffs in the first place? Let's turn to God, stay far away from cliffs, and do all we can to help others as well. :)

Helaman 5:9-10 -- On Remembering

"O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.
And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins."
Helaman 5:9-10


I love that Nephi and Lehi, the sons of Helaman, are remembering these words as adults and looking back on what their father taught them from the scriptures. It alwo reminds me of Alma 37, where it talks about how the scriptures have "enlarged the memory of this people" which led many to salvation (verse 8). The scriptures help us know of God's dealings with our ancestors and the whole human family. They help us to enlarge our memories and to learn how regular people dealt with hardships and problems, and were helped by God in all of it. Today, let's remember, remember that Jesus Christ can, and will, save us, and work on our part, which is repenting, exercising our faith, and staying true to God's purpose by following his commandments to love everyone.

2 Corinthians 13:4 -- On Weakness and Power

"For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you."
2 Corinthians 13:4


The idea here seems to be that the crucifixion was possible because of the weakness of the body, but overcoming it was possible by the power of God. And that the same is true for us. Our weaknesses are also overshadowed by the power of God, no matter what consequences we see because of those weaknesses. Christ lives, though he died, and we are saved, though we have sinned... all because of God, and Because Christ died, for us. He gives us the power to change and to become more than our weaknesses. Today, let's work on rising above our limitations, through our connection to God's unlimited love and power, and on being part of his work to help and to strengthen others.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 -- On Weakness

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10


We often are afraid of weaknesses... scared of failure, afraid of breaking and not living up to who we want to be and what others (including God) expect of us. I think that in that context, what God says here is very comforting. He knows our weaknesses, and his grace is sufficient for them... instead of taking Paul's weakness away, he strengthened him in other ways, and Paul's ability to manage despite his weakness showed God's hand in his life. Similar for us. God blesses us magnificently, but he won't take away 100% of our weaknesses and challenges. They are part of what life is meant to be. We learn to do God's will and to find happiness despite our limitations and the circumstances of our lives. We learn who we are, at least in part, because of the things that we endure.

Today, let's let our weaknesses make us humble, and more willing to invite God's Spirit into our lives. Let's learn to rely on God every day, rather than just calling upon him when we think we can't do it ourselves. Partnering with God on everything will make us better in all that we do. Our weaknesses will never exceed our Father's grace and love, and ability to help. Weak as we are, let's go forward confidently, knowing that God will help us as we look to him in faith and obedience.

Isaiah 24:14 -- On Voices in the Midst of Destruction

"They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord, they shall cry aloud from the sea."
Isaiah 24:14 I like this bit of joy in the midst of darkness. Three verses before this, it tells us that "all joy is darkened" and four verses after it talks about the earth being broken down and "clean dissolved" ... both of which are individually terrifying for anyone who wants to live here. :) But in the middle is this little verse about the isles of the sea, and singing for the majesty of the Lord. It reminds me of third Nephi a little, with all the destruction and noise and darkness, but then in the middle of it all, a voice. God calling to his people. This is the other way around. God's creations calling to him. I think the idea of connection is the same though. Let's keep looking for the Lord in our lives, in times of darkness and times of light, and we will find him, reaching out to us as well.

Job 11:13-16 -- On Prepared Hearts and Stretched-Forth Hands

"If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;
If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear:
Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away."
Job 11:13-16


I love the idea of preparing our hearts and stretching out our hands to God. If we put iniquity away, then we don't need to fear God at all, and he will help us forget our misery... and even more promises after this, but in general, the message is clear and simple, and one we have heard many times. Repent and be saved. :) Today, let's see that message as an invitation and not a condemnation. Let's accept God's offer, prepare our hearts, and run to him with open arms.

Luke 12:16-21 -- On Barns and Building

"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Luke 12:16-21


The moral of this story is already laid out for us, and the lesson goes even further after this. The next verse is Christ instructing the disciples to "take no thought for your life," but to trust in the Lord and later to "seek ye the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you" (verse 31), and even to sell what we have to give to others (verse 33). Clearly, the things of God come before the things of man.

So I guess the question is then, is God asking us all to become spiritual nomads, and to not build barns at all? Certainly, that is how he lived during his ministry, with God preparing the way before him. Missionaries taste a little bit of this idea, moving from place to place and teaching rather than settling down and building anything. However, God through his prophets also asks us to be prepared, and to "prepare every needful thing" in order to build, not barns, but temples, and people in the scriptures didn't all live as spiritual nomads... many of the missionaries did in the Book of Mormon, for a time, but they eventually went home to preach and to raise families as well.

I think the point here is not to tear down all the barns, but to recognize that our physical wealth is ephemeral. We should take care of our bodies and our families, but not obsess over building up physical wealth. We need to focus on being rich towards God, and if we run into the situation in the initial verse where we have an abundance that we can't store, then instead of building bigger barns, we should realize that we have enough, and God has given us the abundance in order to help others. Everything that we have, we should be willing to give up for God (including relationships/people and even our own lives where necessary as in Luke 14:26-26-33), but just as with Abraham and Isaac, we aren't always called to give it up, but rather to care for others and to use any material wealth we have to further God's work.

So, perhaps yes on being willing and ready to be a spiritual nomad for God when he asks us to go on a mission or move to a new area or to do something we might not be ready for... leaving our loved ones behind and going out into the unknown. But we should also be ready to do anything else for him, which means preparing and building sometimes, including maybe building a barn or other storage as Joseph did in Egypt to save everyone from the seven years of famine. The bottom line is to always be ready and willing to do as God asks, and to build treasure that we *can* take with us by becoming truly good people. God loves us... he wants us to be able to live, and love, and pursue the things that we love as well. We just have to remember that sometimes we go the wrong direction, and just as Amulek did in Alma 10, we need to pivot when the Lord asks us to pivot, and build what *he* asks us to build.

Luke 6:22-23 -- On Hatred and Joy

"Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."
Luke 6:22-23


As is often the case, here God is asking us to change our perspective. So much of how we see life and the world is about what we are focused on, and whose opinion we value. If we're focused on God, and his opinion, then there are so many times where what might seem like a tragedy from the world's perspective is actually a triumph and a reason to rejoice. ... Not that we should seek trouble or contention, or work towards being hated, for sure, but if we are hated for doing service to God or for loving him and acknowledging his existence, well... that's a reason to rejoice, because we stood up for God when it mattered, and we didn't back down from the truth because of the world's opinion.

It can be hard to be hated, and God does care. He loves us and will help us see the good and the reasons to rejoice as we ask him for help. Let's just make sure that if we are hated, it is for doing good, and being true to God. If those are the reasons, then we are in very good company, and there are crowds of people in the spirit world cheering us on. :)

Matthew 23:8-12 -- On Greatness and Service

"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
Matthew 23:8-12


This is a good passage to remind us that Christ is who we should be turning to for leadership, and for advice, rather than other people. The idea of becoming great by serving others is also amazing... and it is exactly what Christ did in his life. Everything for us. Today, let's do everything we can to help God in his still-ongoing work, to help everyone, lift them up, and help them understand where all joy and peace can be found--in Him.

Acts 12:5-8 -- On Following

"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me."
Acts 12:5-8


I love this angel-assisted jailbreak. :) It's a good reminder that God is in charge, and no matter how we try to stop God's work, it will keep rolling forward. Today, let's work with God rather than against him, and we will therefore be on the side with the angels and the unstoppable good. It often seems to us in our limited mortal forms that evil is winning... but it never can. It can only have power in the middle chapters, but the story is the Lord's, and evil will never triumph. It's self-limiting, because it can only take advantage of others, and when it can't, it self-destructs. As we choose good, to follow the Lord and walk away from evil, we become part of a greater work and a greater power. In the end, God will triumph, and save us all. If it takes angel-assisted jailbreaks, or moving mountains, it will be done. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

Matthew 21:6-11 -- On Praise and Preparation

"And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."
Matthew 21:6-11


I really love this part of Christ's story, because in this brief moment of time, he is recognized and celebrated appropriately. The people love him and show him respect. His life wasn't lived for this purpose, but I think that it is very good that God granted him this triumphant moment during his mortal ministry, although it was just part of a longer-term preparation for the great work of his life.

I don't think that our lives are made for short-term praise and accolades either. This life is a test, and not an easy one. It takes sustained effort over a long time to learn the things that we need to learn and to actively choose to be more than we are, and to follow God's path to salvation. However, God grants us brief moments of understanding and celebration as well. Let's be grateful and thankful for the good times that help us endure and remember what we are striving for, and the long-term joy that is set before us. Let's choose joy in the hard times, helping others and knowing that God is teaching us and preparing us all for more, and better.

Luke 22:31-32 -- On Faith and Strength

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Luke 22:31-32


I imagine that the Lord feels this way about each of us. Satan wants us, but Christ holds on, and prays for us, so that we can keep having faith and become coverted... and then when that happens, he still supports us, but asks us to join his work and support others as well. Today, let's be strong in faith, stay connected to God, and strengthen the people around us.

Alma 10:7 -- On Hearing the Lord

"As I was journeying to see a very near kindred, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto me and said: Amulek, return to thine own house, for thou shalt feed a prophet of the Lord; yea, a holy man, who is a chosen man of God; for he has fasted many days because of the sins of this people, and he is an hungered, and thou shalt receive him into thy house and feed him, and he shall bless thee and thy house; and the blessing of the Lord shall rest upon thee and thy house."
Alma 10:7


Reading this today made me wonder how flexible we are in changing our lives and our plans for the Lord. When the Lord asks us to do something, do we say no because it doesn't fit into our lives, or do we find a way to restructure so that we can do the Lord's will? Something to think about, and to perhaps plan around, today.

D&C 42:27 -- On Not Speaking Evil

"Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:27


I really like this. I am not saying I am good at it, but I love it as an ideal, and something I need to work towards. We usually align on the not being violent part of this, and condemn physical abuse, but criticizing is a whole different animal. And let's note that this scripture doesn't clarify that we can speak evil of our neighbor if it is true, but just not lie about it... the whole deception thing is definitely condemned, but that's a different commandment. This one is clear... don't speak evil. Which I think goes back to not judging, and learning to love our enemies.

I want to be this kind of person... one who recognizes faults in others, perhaps, but never judges or condemns them. Only jumps in to help, gently correcting when the Spirit whispers, but otherwise letting them realize in their own (and God's) time that they need to change--just as we are allowed to do in our lives, with our own faults. We need help and not judgement, and that is how we should treat others. One experience I think of as writing this... I've always loved to sing ever since I was very young, but I remember a time that a family member laughed at me because I was off pitch, which brought self-doubt into the equation, and I sang less, and less confidently from then on, wondering if I couldn't hear my own errors.

Later, after I had regained some confidence in singing, a person on my mission who claimed to have perfect pitch would cringe when I was singing, triggering the same doubts in me. Now, of course, I don't know if my singing is off, even now... but I occasionally get compliments that help me think that I am at least not breaking people's ears every time I try, so I keep trying. I think sometimes, unintentionally, we can crush people's hope and confidence in a similar way by mocking and criticizing what they are doing. Even when we can clearly hear that it is wrong, maybe they can't. Maybe they are doing their best. Wrong, perhaps, but slamming them because they are wrong isn't going to teach them why, or how to do better. God is working on that with them, and if we can't kindly help God with that, in a way that he approves, and with the Spirit, then let's back off. We probably already have plenty to do, working on our own faults anyway. :)

D&C 41:12 -- On the Words of God

"These words are given unto you, and they are pure before me; wherefore, beware how you hold them, for they are to be answered upon your souls in the day of judgment. Even so. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 41:12


This struck me today not as a warning about specific words in a specific section, but as more of a warning about how we treat the scriptures and the words of the prophets. Too often I think that we try to fit them into our lives when we should rather be trying to fit ourselves into God's sacred tapestry of life. If we look at these words as something that may or may not fit into our lives or work for us, then we aren't really getting what is going on here... God, inviting us and teaching us how to become who we need to be in order to thrive in a glorious eternity. If that doesn't fit into our plans, then I mean, they are the wrong plans.

Today, let's jump in and learn and listen and build and assist and magnify all that God has given us. Let's be aware of how carefully we are holding and using the words of God.

Alma 7:21-24 -- On Motivated Learning

"And he doth not dwell in unholy temples; neither can filthiness or anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of God; therefore I say unto you the time shall come, yea, and it shall be at the last day, that he who is filthy shall remain in his filthiness.
And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been received.
And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."
Alma 7:21-24


This is some great advice. What struck me here was the idea of filthiness and somehow being stuck that way at the last day, which is a disgusting and horrible thought... the idea of being dirty and not being able to get clean, compounded by the idea of that not just physically but spiritually. Yikes. So, after that idea comes some advice on how to avoid that, which is welcome. Let's work on these things. Sometimes they are very difficult, but humility and patience, and all the rest... they seem very much worth learning in order to avoid the idea of eternal filthiness. :)

Malachi 3:13-18 -- On Blessings and Backstories

"Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?
And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."
Malachi 3:13-18


What I see here is a complaint that is focused on the current moment rather than long-term patience. God is basically saying "wait and see" because he knows all of those complaints are based on mortal short-sightedness. Which is understandable on one hand, because we are mortal and we can't see God's whole plan. But if we truly believe in God and his plan, then we have to look further. I use the analogy all the time I know, but it works. God is writing this story, and yeah, maybe the bad guys are winning in Chapter 5, but they do NOT win in the end. Let's keep that in mind as we navigate this day, and our lives in general. God is talking about the entire plot, not just this chapter, and we haven't read the rest yet, and we have no room to judge until we do. There is a difference, and we will see it in time.

I think it is also important to note that God is *not* saying that we just have to suffer... that our lives will be awful be we will rise in the resurrection and suddenly be happy. He says earlier in this chapter "Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). Mormon 9:14 reminds us that at the judgement that "He that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still." In the scriptures God gave people power to "submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord" even when they were mistreated slaves, and he will give us the same power if we turn to him. As Russell M. Nelson taught, "The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives."

Today, let's stop comparing ourselves with the bad guys, and focus on God, and on the good in the world around us. Let's make things better for others. Let's serve and love and reach out to bless others. As we do, we will find happiness, blessings, and purpose... we'll be able to find joy in fulfilling the Lord's plan for us individually and on making a difference where we are. These early chapters are the backstory of how we become the triumphant hero that we are destined to be in the end. :)

Genesis 50:19-21 -- On Forgiveness and God's Will

"And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them."
Genesis 50:19-21


This is after Jacob dies, and Joseph's brothers think that *now* he will take revenge on them for plotting to kill him, and instead selling him into slavery. But he doesn't, noting that it was God's will.

I think there are a lot of bad things that happen to us in our lives that are God's will and part of the plan, but we don't realize it until later. It doesn't make what Joseph's brothers did right, and it doesn't make the bad things in our lives automatically good... but God uses everything to bring to pass his righteous purposes and turn us to good. Even the worst things, like Joseph's brothers hating him and selling him into slavery. God helped Joseph get over that and move on without bitterness and hate filling him up, and he can help us similarly to move on and to forgive. Let's talk to God about our circumstances and our hearts, and be willing to change our hearts and our heads with God's help, so we can move onward, and upward, towards God and a happier, better life filled with a new purpose.

Ephesians 6:12-17 -- On Armor and Adventure

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
Ephesians 6:12-17


This resonated with me today, I think because we can see similar things happening in our day, and we could probably use some armor. :) All of these things are good, don't get me wrong, but the ones that stand out to me right now are truth, faith, and the Spirit. Remembering and holding fast to the truth is so important in these days of deception. Our faith can protect us, but we need to maintain and strengthen it. And the Spirit, which is also the word of God, to cut through the darkness and the tangling vines of sin as we forge forward on our path.

It's interesting to compare a bit to Lehi's dream, where the word of God was represented by the iron rod that led to the tree, which was the Love of God. All of our armor and weapons and protections and helps and the way forward and our rearguard and even our cloak and clothing is all make of the same stuff... the light of Christ, the power of God, the sure promises of Salvation. These stories and dreams and symbolism help us to visualize it and hopefully internalize it, but it is all the same gospel, leading towards the same God, and ending in the same love and infinite joy, which is before us eternally. God has his arms open and extended to welcome us home, not to a boring eternity of sameness, but to an engaging, eternal adventure. Let's suit up and move towards those arms, and that goal... helping as many as we can along the way.

Genesis 46:2-4 -- On Comfort and the Word of God

"And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes."
Genesis 46:2-4


I like how God comforts Jacob here. Jacob is doing something scary and hard, and God reassures him and promises that things will be okay in the end. ... I think God does the same thing for us in our lives if we are open to it. Jacob's family grew into something huge, nurtured by the Egyptians, and God kept his promise to bring them out of there later and back to the land he had promised to their fathers. ... As he will keep his promises to us. Not in our time of course, but in His... all his words will be fulfilled. Which happens to be an excellent reason to study God's words, and to listen to them. Today, let's pray, and also study and learn of the word of God given to others throughout history.

Mosiah 24:10-12 -- On Pouring Out Our Hearts to God

"And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God.
And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death.
And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts."
Mosiah 24:10-12


I like the fact that prayer can't be stopped, since it can be out loud or silent, which is a good thing to remember here. Also though, the very first part where their afflictions were so great that they began to cry to God... I don't think they neglected to pray before that, but I think sometimes we do forget, and so another good thing to remember is to pray through all of it, the good times and the bad, because our relationship with God isn't just an emergency outlet... we need him all the time, even even though we don't always realize that need until things go wrong. Today, let's pray our hearts out to God and build that relationship so that prayer is like breathing... something that we just always do. As we get closer to that ideal, the more God can help direct our paths and lead us to happiness within, even when the circumstances we are in aren't exactly happy. :)

Mosiah 23:13-14 -- On Kings, Artificial Intelligence, and Trust

"And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you.
And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments."
Mosiah 23:13-14


Good reminder that systems have checks and balances for a reason, and king Noah was a great example of why kings can't be trusted. If they go off the rails, they take everyone else with them. The part that struck me today is the second verse of today's selection though... trust no one to be your teacher or minister, unless it is someone who follows God. Perhaps it is a strange thought, but my mind instantly went to AI. While AI can be an excellent *tool* ... it is definitely not something we can trust to teach or advise us in other ways.

Let's remember that for the real advice, we still need to go to God, and his servants who are following the commandments and have his spirit. What we are calling AI is trained to say yes to anything, and think that everything we come up with is a good idea. That is definitely not what we need when we have bad ideas and are getting off track... something that will just help us down the wrong path. God loves us... he will correct us, and get us facing the right way again, and so will anyone else who actually cares. AI does not care. Today, let's stick with God, and trust ONLY his spirit when we need real wisdom and truth.

Mosiah 22:1 -- On Planning for Salvation

"And now it came to pass that Ammon and king Limhi began to consult with the people how they should deliver themselves out of bondage; and even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the people concerning the matter."
Mosiah 22:1


Reading this today I was impressed that the king gathered everyone together to get their ideas and make a plan. The situation required it, of course, but I still get the feeling that a king like Limhi's father would have just commanded and expected to be obeyed. Instead, Limhi and Ammon really want to hear what everyone has to say, and talking about it together seems to have gotten them to the plan that they had to leave and go back to the land of Zarahemla. Gideon comes forth and helps them figure out how to make that overall plan work, and they escape.

For this plan, everyone had to be in on it, and I think God had made them ready to do something really hard, through wars and bad treatment, and internal dissent... so many things in their recent history, until they were ready to escape. And how cool of God, honestly, to save these people as well as Alma's group that had already left when king Noah was in charge? Both groups went through different things, but they both returned to God and got to the same place eventually.

God does a really good job of gathering and saving us, wherever we are. Let's consult with him today and talk to him about how to get to where we need to be for the next step in our own story, and how to accept the gift of salvation that he offers to all of us.

Genesis 45:25-28 -- On Happy Endings

"And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father,
And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not.
And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:
And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die."
Genesis 45:25-28


I love the last line where Jacob/Israel finally believes, and decides to go see his son before he dies. It's kind of like the story of Job, where everything gets taken away, and then restored... but better, because Joseph didn't die as he thought, but he is able to see him not just in the afterlife, but in the present. And everyone can see the truth at the end of the story... there is no question of Joseph's rulership anymore. No resentment from his brothers. Just understanding and forgiveness and the acknowledgment of the hand of the Lord.

Today, let's learn from this. Let's let the past be the past, and understand that God has taken us where we are for a reason. Let's let go of bitterness and see the underlying truth that God is in charge of all of it, and he blesses us with opportunities and relationships that we would never have without the good and the bad in our lives. Let's see the lessons and the hardships as a learning experience, and grow from there, and trust that God will bring us through all of it, just as with Joseph and with Jacob, if we trust him and follow him with all our hearts. And yeah, historically, this also set up a rough situation for the family's descendants, but they also, in turn, had their chance at their own happy endings as well... and on all the way to us. Let's not just believe IN God, but let's believe his teachings and his promises as well. As we do, he will lead us to happiness, now and later.

Genesis 39:1-3 -- On Prospering in Place

"And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand."
Genesis 39:1-3


So, here Joseph is a slave, but he prospers anyway. I think that we often hate our circumstances and let that poison the rest of our lives, but God always has a plan for us, in every circumstance, and will help us and guide us. Joseph went through a lot in his life, but his life shone as a light anyway, and he realized that God had sent him to this place, and to these circumstances, for a reason. Today, let's work on having the same kind of faith in our own circumstances. God is not punishing us--rather, he is putting us exactly where we need to be for a greater purpose. Let's shine brightly, wherever we are, and make the world better around us, any way that we can. Let's lighten burdens for others and call upon God for whatever help we need. He will guide us and help us, and if we need to escape, he will help us do that as well. Maybe it will be like Lehi, taking his family and finding a new land, or maybe it will be like Joseph, prospering and saving and leading his family to him... or any number of other plans that God has. Let's have patience and trust in God and his plan, and do as he asks, and we will be led to our happy ending. If we aren't happy yet, then it isn't the ending. Let's keep turning the pages, and God will get us there.

1 Nephi 8:21-23 -- On Mists of Darkness

"And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.
And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.
And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost."
1 Nephi 8:21-23


This is just a small part of Lehi's dream, but I thought it was a good reminder for us today that the mists of darkness will arise. We want things to always be easy, but they aren't, and honestly, the always-easy way is Satan's plan, because that way we never change, or learn the things that we need to learn. In the dream, there was no way to dispel the mist of darkness, but you could catch hold of the rod of iron, and feel your way through it. Likewise, in our lives, sometimes we are going to feel confused and blind, and we won't see a way out, but God can guide us. The iron rod symbolizes the word of God, which we get through reading the scriptures and following the prophets. Even when we can't feel the Spirit in our lives in that moment, God still has guides to help us through the darkness. Today, let's pray, and read, and listen to the word of God, so that we can navigate the darkness and find our way through. God has promised us a happy ending. The darkness is just chapter 5, where things seem bleak. But if we keep turning the pages, the hero manages to escape, and with God's help, always triumphs. Let's be the hero, and stick with God, our author, who will lead us to an ending and then a continued series that is more glorious than we can imagine.

Luke 17:31-32 -- On Looking Forward

"In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
Remember Lot’s wife."
Luke 17:31-32


This is talking about the Second Coming, and letting us know that it will be a day where we need to remember Lot's Wife... so I assume, if the Lord says go, we go... thinking about what God asked rather than what we are leaving behind. And that's always the tough part, right? We worry about our stuff and we don't want to let it go, and we have a tendency to compare... oh, if I just had my soft bed, or the food we used to have, or our nice things. But that's exactly what got Laman and Lemuel and the Children of Israel into trouble.

Looking back and coveting, not just what others have, but what we used to have, is poison. It can distract us from now, and the path that God has asked us to walk. What we can do though is be prepared. Always good to have a bag packed with things that we need if we have to leave on short notice. Maybe we'll never use it, but it isn't just for that one event. Having a bag like that can help us be prepared for evacuations and natural disaster warnings and even for family emergencies. We can keep it in the car, or near the door or wherever, and hope that when we do have to move fast that we aren't on the roof already, and we can grab it on the way out. :) Today, let's look forward, and have a plan for when God warns us about anything. :)

Isaiah 28:21-22 -- On Strangeness and Mockery

"For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.
Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth."
Isaiah 28:21-22


I don't think that I understand all of this, but the part about mockery struck me... and I think that we can apply that lesson, because whatever God does, and asks us to do, is going to be strange to some. It's God though, and he knows infinitely more than we do. If it seems strange, the answer is not to mock or laugh at something that we think doesn't make sense, but rather to pray for understanding. We get enough mockery from people thinking that religion itself is some sort of delusion or joke... let's not add to the arrogance and pride by also mocking God. Today, let's try for some patience and humility and be open and willing to learn from the Lord about his timing and his ways. His works are sometimes unclear to us, but are are always perfect. As we cultivate the Spirit in our lives, we will also grow in understanding.

Genesis 19:17 -- On Escaping, and Looking Not Behind

"And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed."
Genesis 19:17


This is when God sent angels to tell Lot and his family to escape the destruction of their city, and they are instructed to not look behind. It reminds me of the similar stories of God telling Lehi to escape from his city, and God telling Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of their city. So many of those groups looked back, despite the danger and destruction behind them. They weren't turned to salt as Lot's Wife was, but there were similar devastating consequences in a longer-term way.

The lesson here, which is the same lesson that we experience in our own lives when God tells us to escape from sin, or to leave a city or a place and start over, is don't look back. Don't live in the past, but go forward with hope and build something new. Partner with God, start over, become the new, better person. Today, let's remember that Godly advice. Let's let go of the past, create an amazing present, and work towards the future that God has promised.

Mosiah 12:25-27 -- On Applying Our Hearts

"And now Abinadi said unto them: Are you priests, and pretend to teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying, and yet desire to know of me what these things mean?
I say unto you, wo be unto you for perverting the ways of the Lord! For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them; therefore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord.
Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?"
Mosiah 12:25-27


This is part of the story of King Noah and Abinadi. Here Abinadi is being questiond by the King and his priests (presumably including Alma at this point, which is how the story comes to us afterward). On the surface, it is a prophet turning a question back on his attackers, but since we know the larger story, we also see that it is God, carefully teaching a young, corrupt priest under the sway of a wicked king, the truth. Abinadai is asked about a scriptural passage in order to catch him contradicting himself, and instead he lays into them. For us, it is an excellent reminder that we need to apply our hearts to understanding, and do more with the scriptures than just skim them. If there is something we don't understand, then let's apply our hearts and our minds and look for the truth. Today, let's study and pray... including the Lord in all of our efforts, with this and with all else that we seek to understand. That is wisdom. Let's follow Alma out of darkness and into the light.

Isaiah 26:2 -- On Keeping the Truth

"Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in."
Isaiah 26:2


I'm not sure there is such a nation, at least now, but it's here in God's word, so I hope that there will be. Maybe it's something that the city of Enoch can claim, or a nation can claim in the future at the second coming. After all, the Nephites in 3rd Nephi managed to hold on to a fairly perfect society for a couple of generations. There is hope for us as well. :)

One thing we can work on today, to be sure that we qualify to be part of that future nation, is the truth. Truth is getting harder to discern in our society, with important people, companies, and governments lying, as well as chatbots that have been trained on less than 100% truth. They are also trained to agree with us, so they won't correct our bad information and make us rethink or recheck. We have to do that for ourselves. So let's check, read different perspectives, and study it out in our minds, and let's also cultivate the Spirit which can help us know the truth of all things.

Truth is much more important than our current society values it. Let's remember that God is a God of Truth, and hold to that ideal, and practice being truthful as well as kind, not sacrificing one for the other.

Luke 16:27-31 -- On Allowing Ourselves to Be Persuaded

"Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
Luke 16:27-31


This reminds me a little of A Christmas Carol when Marley comes back. Here, a rich man asks Abraham to send a former beggar to comfort him in the flames of hell, and then when he learns that is impossible because of the gulf between then, asks for his family to be assisted to understand and believe. It's hard on one hand to understand why someone wouldn't repent after seeing someone come back from the dead, or after seeing an angel as we see with Laman and Lemuel, but on the other hand if we just look at ourselves and the obvious truths that we push aside for our own comfort or opinion, it is probably easier.

Perhaps another thing that comes into play here is God's involvement in our lives. He prompts us to listen and to turn to him. We have times in our lives where the voice is easy to hear, warning us or trying to save us... and then after, similar to Laman and Lemuel with the angel, we go back to our normal way of doing things rather than remembering that we need the Lord to save us every single day, not just in one crisis.

Today, let's remember that we have the scriptures and the prophets, and give them full sway in our lives. Let's remember the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. Let's remember prayer and God's hand in our lives. Let's be humble and remember how much we need God, every day, and include him in our lives and follow his path, and keep his commandments. And as we do, let's give everyone around us a chance to see and hear and know the truth as well, so we *and* they can avoid the "place of torment" the rich man is speaking from.

Isaiah 25:8-9 -- On Waiting and Working

"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.
And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
Isaiah 25:8-9


The whole idea of victory over death is powerful. Being able to continue past that ending that seems permanent, and find that there are other stories and other chapters for us... that seems like the ultimate hope. Today, let's remember who offers that hope to us, and let's wait for the Lord's second coming and his salvation... and while we wait, let's work to do his will and make the world around us better and more loving than it was before, or than it is now.

Luke 16:12 -- On Learning Faithfulness

"And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?"
Luke 16:12


This one strikes me today, I think because I'm thinking about it from an employee perspective. You often have to work your way up and show that you are going to be diligent at your job, even if it isn't the ideal job, before you can move into something you love more... before people will trust you to do that other job that you are looking for.

It's also interesting from our perspective as children of God and essentially toddlers on the earth learning to share and to love at some basic levels. We're still growing and learning, but if we can't take care of our toys now, how will we graduate to "grown up" and the responsibilities of adulthood, especially when growing up with God as our father suggests that there will be a lot of earth-shaking power involved. If we can't learn to be good now, who is going to trust us with that kind of power?

The other thing flitting through my mind about this is relationships. If we can't learn to care about and love people now, how are we going to do with the myriads of people around us in a perfect society? Are we even going to want to be there if we can't open our hearts to others?

Definitely not saying give up... we can't be perfect in this life, and we have to take little steps, but we can be headed in the right direction. Let's partner with God and work on our faults, and try to be faithful, and learn to love better.

3 Nephi 6:12-14 -- On Inequality and Iniquity

"And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches.
Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God.
And thus there became a great inequality in all the land. . ."
3 Nephi 6:12-14


Later in verse 15, this same situation is called "iniquity" rather than just "inequality," which I think is something that we might want to ponder, considering how much our modern world resembles this. Clearly God wants us to be one, even going so far as to say "and if ye are not one ye are not mine" (D&C 38:27).

I'm not saying that humility and sharing and working on our attitudes and our actions towards others is easy, and the not turning and reviling again is a huge challenge. But these are also the same things that Christ asked in the Sermon on the Mount and in 3rd Nephi. To love even our enemies. To be the glue that holds the world together, rather than joining forces with Satan to tear it apart.

Today, let's learn more equality, more humility, and let's partner with God in doing everything we can to make the world better--for everyone, including our enemies.

Luke 11:23-24 -- On Sticking with God

"He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out."
Luke 11:23-24


The part about the unclean spirit is also in Matthew (12:43-45), which has a slightly different wording, and perhaps a slightly different lesson at the end, whereas what looks like this lesson in Luke comes before. ... I think the lesson here is that we have to stick with God and keep walking his path, every day. It can't just be a one time conversion (or exorcism), because if we don't keep it up, we'll fall back to our old ways, which will get us into the same hole that we were in before.

Today, let's make suer that we are with the Lord. Let's gather to him, and stay close, so that we can fall under his protection at all times. Protected even from the evil that we have invited in and embraced in the past. Sin is much like alcoholism... it hovers there on the periphery, and if we aren't careful, we can let it in again.

The cure is always God, who can help us feel safe and a million miles away from temptation. ... Let's work on staying there, in that safety, keeping the Spirit with us, so that we don't find ourselves in a worse situation than we started with (verse 26).

John 9:39 -- On Blindness and Improved Sight

"And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind."
John 9:39


This is an interesting statement, and at first I think it kind of makes you wonder... why would Christ want anyone to become blind? I don't think he really does, but blindness is the byproduct of him coming into the world and those people who believed that they were enlightened becoming blind because they couldn't see through their arrogance and belief in their own authority that the son of God was standing before them.

Others saw and either physically or spiritually gained their sight... in this particular chapter, both. And both is what we hope for as well, because God can heal our hearts and our minds and our spirits, helping us to live and understand, and to be filled with the Spirit, as we look to him in faith.

Both sight and blindness continue in our day, about Christ and all that he taught. We are often blinded by looking at the things the world teaches and placing those things as the focus of our lives, which blinds us to the bigger spiritual tapestry of all things interwoven in beautiful harmony. Today, let's work on seeing past today and talking to God about the bigger picture. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't live today and care about the people around us and our interactions... but let's focus on God and the bigger picture, which will help us to see the things immediately around us in a better way and from the proper perspective, where slights and setbacks can't get to the core of our peace, because God helps us to see farther and better, and know that all things work together and will be right in the end.

Mark 5:27-30 -- On Faith

"When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?"
Mark 5:27-30


This is part of the story of the woman with an issue of blood. What I think is interesting here is that Christ either really didn't know who had touched him (this isn't clear, but we know that he could know people's thoughts and that there was a donkey in a certain place and a piece of money in a fish, so it's definitely possible that he knew, or could have known from his Father), or he asked because he wanted a chance to both follow up with her, and teach the multitude that this sort of thing was possible. "This sort of thing" being having faith in God enough to obtain a miracle without having a specific blessing or hands laid on her. Perhaps it was arranged through prayer, of course, and obviously it was an application of God's power... but power that is available to all of us directly, if we have the faith.

I don't think it has to be a dramatic miracle, but I have seen this happen in my life as well. When you do all you can do, and the only way that things can work out is through God, and you know that it will work out somehow... and it does. Might not be mountains moving, but the more we trust God, the more that he can work with us in our lives. Today, let's learn to trust God a little more. It won't happen overnight, and sometimes we're going to have to ask God to help us with our unbelief (Mark 9:24), but as we strive to stay close to the Lord and to do as he asks, our faith and confidence in the Lord will grow.

4 Nephi 1:27 -- On Holding to the Word

"And it came to pass that when two hundred and ten years had passed away there were many churches in the land; yea, there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner of wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been forbidden because of unworthiness."
4 Nephi 1:27


This reminds me of Lehi's dream, and people going towards the tree that represented God's love and his gospel, and letting go of the rod, and wandering off the path, or in other words, letting go of the word of God (prophecy, revelation, personal prayer, etc.) and wandering off the path (not keeping the commandments, embracing sin, not helping others, etc.), and instead going to the great and spacious building... mocking and scorning and thinking of others as less than ourselves, etc.

I think it's really easy to fall into this trap... to just believe the parts of the gospel that don't interfere with our personal philosophy, and expecting God to change to suit us rather than the other way around. Thinking that we can do the love blackmail think with an eternal parent who has a deep and comprehensive knowledge of every trick in the book, and who will not ever encourage us to stay filthy with sin... but will instead always be helping us to come, and wash, and be clean. He welcomes us in, and will help us, even leaving the ninety and nine to come and find us, but we still have to be willing to be helped out of the gutter, not expect God to live there with us.

Today, let's make sure we're in tune with God... listening to him and his words through his prophets. Let's make sure we're actively seeking and doing and believing in good, rather than accepting evil. Let's not allow ourselves to drift away from God's word.

Mosiah 4:29-30 -- On Watching Ourselves

"And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.
But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not."
Mosiah 4:29-30


I love King Benjamin, but he is also intense. I like earlier in this chapter where he mentions "it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength" (verse 27). He doesn't offer it as an easy out, but reminds us how much we owe to God, and that we need to be lifting and helping others, especially the poor, the hungry, the sick, etc., and encourages us here to do what we can... to watch ourselves, to be aware of what we are choosing rather than just coasting through. Today, let's not get overwhelmed, but let's commit to watching ourselves, and being sure that we are choosing to be who we want to be long term. Let's remember God and be aware of the needs of others, and do all we can to help. It's so easy to coast and not really pay attention, but let's make the effort and remember to include God in all that we do.

Mosiah 25:5-7 -- On Reading and Remembering

"And it came to pass that Mosiah did read, and caused to be read, the records of Zeniff to his people; yea, he read the records of the people of Zeniff, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until they returned again.
And he also read the account of Alma and his brethren, and all their afflictions, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until the time they returned again.
And now, when Mosiah had made an end of reading the records, his people who tarried in the land were struck with wonder and amazement."
Mosiah 25:5-7


This reminds me of Moroni 10:3, which asks us to "remember how mercifult he Lord hath been," which we can't really do unless we know the stories. I love that Mosiah shared the history with his people and it was a shared experience for them, and a way to remember the Lord and his goodness and grace to us.

Today, let's read, and remember, and ponder the goodness of God in our lives, but also in the lives of others throughout history, because that helps us to understand his dealings with the children of men, but also the potential that we all have to partner with God and to make a difference in our lives and the lives of the people around us.

Genesis 2:1-3 -- On Creation and Rest

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
Genesis 2:1-3


I like the idea of a God that rests. He's obviously God and can do anything, so he probably doesn't *need* to rest, but he chooses to. God balances his life and takes time to rest when the work is done, and he made that a pattern for us, at least in part so that we don't kill ourselves with workaholic behavior and fray our nerves, but are able to find some ways to relax and manage our anxieties, and to enjoy the part of our lives that is outside of work.

Today, let's make sure we are taking time to balance our lives, and this weekend, let's also remember to honor the sabbath and take some time off from worrying about other things, and instead take some time to focus on God and be grateful for creation. :)

Mosiah 23:6-9 -- On Kings and Comparison

"And the people were desirous that Alma should be their king, for he was beloved by his people.
But he said unto them: Behold, it is not expedient that we should have a king; for thus saith the Lord: Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another; therefore I say unto you it is not expedient that ye should have a king.
Nevertheless, if it were possible that ye could always have just men to be your kings it would be well for you to have a king.
But remember the iniquity of king Noah and his priests; and I myself was caught in a snare, and did many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord, which caused me sore repentance."
Mosiah 23:6-9


This is a good reminder that, unless you can be sure that all your kings will be good, that kings are a bad idea. Alma speaks to the recent experience they all had with King Noah, and reminds them that he was caught in the pride trap as well, thinking that he was better than others, and that he needed to repent of that.

It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing our strengths to others' weaknesses and thinking that we are super cool... also easy to compare our weaknesses to others' strengths and think that we're slime. I don't think that God wants either one of those, or the swings between thinking that we're great and thinking that we are awful. I think, instead, that God would like us to acknowledge that we are flawed and in need of help and guidance, but that we also have great power to choose and to make a difference. If we understand that God finds value in us, and wants to help us be even better... we are glorious beings of light, as President Uchtdorf mentioned last conference, and if we work with God, we can shine as a light to others as well.

Today, let's just compare ourselves to ourselves, and work on improving that, day by day. Let's pray and work and study with God and open our hearts to him so that we can grow in his light and become, and help others become, more amazing than we can imagine. :)