Weathering the Storms of Life

Thought I'd share today what I learned as I studied my scriptures this morning.

Chapter 18 of The First Book of Nephi in the Book of Mormon relates the story of Lehi’s family taking their voyage to the promised land.

“And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto [Lehi], that [his family] should arise and go down into the ship.”

“And … [they] did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land.”

“And after [they] had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, [Laman and Lemuel] and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness… And… [Nephi] began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with [them]…”

“Wherefore, …[Nephi] began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with [him], saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us.”

Then “…Laman and Lemuel did take [Nephi] and bind [him] with cords, and they did treat [him] with much harshness…”

And “…there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and [they] were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and [Laman and Lemuel] began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose [Nephi].”

After four days, they “…were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea…” and Nephi’s “…wrists… had swollen exceedingly; and also [his] ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.”

“Nevertheless, [Nephi] did look unto …God, and …did praise him all the day long; and [Nephi] did not murmur against the Lord because of [his] afflictions.”

Finally Laman and Lemuel released Nephi and he “…prayed unto the Lord; and after [he] had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.”

Often in our lives we face adversity. Sometimes we feel that our wrists and ankles are bound by the choices of others or our own choices. Sometimes the pain that comes from wrong choices or sins can be “…exceedingly sore.” The storms of life can be “…great and terrible.” We may feel like we are being “…driven back.” We may be “…frightened exceedingly.” It may even seem that “…we are about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea.”

At these times we must “…not murmur against the Lord…” but …”praise him all the day long.” We must “…[pray] unto the Lord” for his help. Then, in the Lord’s way and time, “…the winds [will] cease and the storm [will] stop and there [will be] a great calm.”

Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet

Yesterday while searching for information on a religious topic, I came across some negative commentary about the leaders of the LDS Church. I felt so bad that these wonderful brethren, some of which I've met personally, were so unfairly and inaccurately represented. I wanted to join the conversation and defend the leaders of my Church that I love and support. This started me thinking about Elder Ballard's recent messages about using the Internet and new media to share the gospel. There was recently an article in the July Ensign by Elder Ballard discussing this. I hope in some small way I'm contributing to the conversation, spreading the gospel and strengthening friends and family through the things I publish to the Internet.

Day 1 (again): He that spared not his own Son

I'm grateful for today for a Heavenly Father that was willing to offer up his Son as a sacrifice for the rest of His children.

Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

1 Corinthians 2:9
...Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Day 66: The Word of God

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

2 Nephi 32:3
Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

Isaiah 55:2
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Revelations 7:17
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

2 Nephi 4:15
And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.

Day 64: Sacrifice

A favorite hymn of mine, Praise to the Man, includes the phrase, "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." I know that is true. To sacrifice is to give up something of value for something of greater worth. The greatest people who have ever lived in this world are remembered in part because of their sacrifice. I wish the principle of sacrifice was more directly taught in the world to day. The world would be such a better place. It is hard for selfishness and sacrifice to co-exist. When we sacrifice our own desires or pleasures for what God would have us do, we are truly able to unlock the powers of heaven in our behalf.

I'm grateful for sacrifice it truly brings forth the blessings of heaven.