There is a scripture that my husband and I refer to quite frequently. It’s embedded in the “war chapters” and is one of those if-you-blink-you-might-miss-it kinds of scriptures. Its message is simple and profound. Read the rest of this entry »
Looking at the Life of Christ as reported in the four Gospels of the New Testament, we see that his behavior towards and teachings about women were profoundly, revolutionarily loving in a way that we, in our current state of gender equality (relatively speaking) might take for granted, to the point that we are in danger of losing their impact. Christ’s respectful treatment of women was socially radical to say the least, which lends added strength to the messages inherent in those moments. Read the rest of this entry »
I have been thinking a lot about the gospel–what it is and how to live it and how to deal with the ups and downs of life and so forth. Four scriptures have struck me in a juxtaposition that I hadn’t considered before. The scriptures are these:
For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)
24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; (Abraham 3:24-25) (emphasis added)
And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. (D & C 122:7)(emphasis added)
Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: (Isaiah 26:4)
This seems to me a very basic summary of this mortal life–what it is for and how to get through it. First, the Lord’s purpose–to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Second, how the Lord will fulfill this purpose–by testing, trying, and proving man. Third, a reminder to man of what is happening to him–all these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good. Fourth, a reminder to man of where help is–trust in the Lord because He has everlasting strength. (Naturally, man means mankind and includes women.)
You will be able to think of other scriptures that fit in, as well, but these four stood out to me. Sometimes as we read and study the scriptures, we forget to look at the big picture–or at any rate, I do. If we can remember where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going, we can cope better with our current situation in mortality. We have heard those three questions so often that we may not even notice them anymore, but they can help us focus on our purpose in life and remind us to keep an eternal perspective, which is so important to doing well in our lives.
We all struggle with something–it will be different for each person–but if we can remember why we have struggles and trials and adversity, and do our best to learn lessons and develop strength and virtue from these situations, we will be progressing in our journey back to our heavenly home and our Heavenly Father.
It’s not easy, but that eternal perspective sure helps!
This is dedicated to my parents, particularly to my dad to honor him for Father’s Day.
As a parent, sometimes I wonder what it is that my children will remember from their childhoods. I reflect on my own childhood and struggle to remember specific details, but some memories are embedded in my soul. I remember things like family vacations (to the cabin and the beach — to this day two of my favorite sounds are the wind rustling through aspen trees and the sound of waves crashing). I remember family game time and family home evenings every Monday. (Mom’s testimony of FHE still resounds in my ears: The prophets have promised blessings to families who hold FHE!) I remember birthday bashes and Christmases where Santa was always a little (or sometimes more than just a little) out of control (Mom always went all-out for holidays).
I also have fond memories of talking with my parents through the years while I sat on the kitchen counter or plopped on their bed where I would decompress about my day, about my life. There are few memories I treasure more than conversations where the gospel was the focus and perspective on the stuff of life was gained. Read the rest of this entry »
We’d like to welcome a new guest writer, Kirsi. Following is her first submission.
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness…. (Ether 12:27 )
Ether 12:27 is one of those oft-read and little understood scriptures. I learned it first as a scripture mastery verse in seminary, but I have yet to truly learn it. Some time ago, when trying to discover what to do with my life, it came to me that my profession didn’t matter. What I wanted to be was a disciple. I wanted my life to be a dedication to my Savior. I got rid of my music. I changed my clothing. I changed my friends. I made a covenant with the Lord to guide me on the path of discipleship. But coming “unto the Lord” is not a romantic, beautiful trip when one is on the path. It is rocky, seems to twist and turn so you do not know what is ahead, and is sometimes downright dangerous. But the Lord never promised otherwise. Read the rest of this entry »
One of my favorite chapters of scripture is 2 Nephi 31. In it, Nephi speaks of the doctrine of Christ. In verse 2, he writes:
Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying (emphasis added).
Then in verse 21, he writes:
And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen (emphasis added).
This tells us that the doctrine of Christ is discussed between those two verses. What is the doctrine of Christ? Basically, it is faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is also enduring to the end. There are, of course, details–keeping the commandments, praying, studying the scriptures, and so forth. We can learn all the details and nuances through studying all the scriptures and attending church (and listening to General Conference!).
I love this chapter, though, because it concentrates on the key items of the gospel that will get us into the strait and narrow path and help us to stay there. Read the rest of this entry »
The woman who is described in Proverbs 31:10-31 is a most accomplished woman. We do not know whether she was a real woman, or an ideal woman described by King Lemuel’s mother, but it’s safe to say that what this woman accomplished was very possible in that day and age–otherwise, it is unlikely she would have been held up as an example of a virtuous woman.
Proverbs 31:
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She ariseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Thanks to Irene, one of our guest writers, for this piece.
I have been looking at 1 Nephi 1:1- “[H]aving seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days….”
I was astonished to see that the footnotes for “afflictions” send me to the Topical Guide under the heading of “Blessings” and “Gifts of God.” The whole phrase, as quoted, has to be taken together. I started making a list of my afflictions and suffering and how I have been highly favored of the Lord in the process of them or as a result of them. I felt truly humbled. I was able to go on for pages writing them down and I came to the conclusion that I could have gone on and on. What a wonderful new perspective for me! Read the rest of this entry »
I found an amazing article in the September 1980 Ensign that talks about the significance of the geography of Israel, the promised land, in the Old Testament (and, in fact, all the scriptures). The article, by D. Kelly Ogden, is titled “The Testing Ground for the Covenant People.”
Geography isn’t something we think much about when we study the scriptures, yet maps are bound with our scriptures, and knowing where the towns and cities are located and what the lay of the land is and what type of climate is there can open up some of the scriptural writings to our understanding. Read the rest of this entry »
Recently, President Packer gave a wonderful talk about Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. (I love President Packer!) He counseled his listeners to “read [Lehi’s dream] carefully; then read it again.” (Isn’t it amazing how we can read scriptures over and over again and still learn new things? It’s one reason that I know the scriptures are true, because of their endless layers of meaning.)
I’ve read this dream countless times. But clearly President Packer has let us know that there is much to be gleaned from this account. I’d like to share two insights (not mine) that have recently helped me appreciate and learn more from Lehi’s dream.
Take, for example, one word that President Packer focuses on. It’s not what you might expect. Read the rest of this entry »