Well I get set apart tomorrow to be a Missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day. I'm so excited to be able to serve my Lord and Savior to the best capacity I can. This isn't good bye; rather, it is see you in two years. Posting things that I learn or find interesting has been a huge strength to me and to my testimony, and so I definitely want to continue this blog when I get home. I hope that I have shared stuff that will strengthen others; I know that it has strengthened me.
Before I leave, I want to share my Testimony. I know that this Gospel is true. I have received a witness for myself, from the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is the words of God. When I inquired of the Lord whether the Book of Mormon was true, I received a joyful feeling so great and so pure, that I know the gospel of Christ, written in the Book of Mormon, is true. I know that Joseph Smith restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. I know that there is a modern day prophet on the Earth today, who leads the church through revelation. I know that those who have a desire to know if the gospel is true only have to ask the Lord if it is true. As I have strengthened my Testimony, my desire to share my joy increases. I know that my Joy comes from a hope, a hope that I can be clean through the Atonement. I have a hope that I can live with my family forever. I have a hope that I can live with my Father in Heaven once again. I wish everyone could feel the joy that I receive from the gospel. It truly has changes my life. It has made me who I am, and it has given me the desire to serve a mission for two years. I know that as I follow the commandments and seek the Lord daily, that my testimony will be strengthened, and my joy will continue to grow. I truly love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Perfect Circles
What an inspirational video this is. I knew after I saw this, that I wanted it on my Blog, so I could share it with others. We are all imperfect circles, but we can all be lifted up by our Savior, and made perfect in Him. It really shows me the love our Savior and our Heavenly Father has for us, to have the characteristic of absolute and perfect love, even to love something so crooked and imperfect as I.
The scripture in Ether 12:27 says, "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me." This is such an amazing scripture. It has so much meaning in our lives, and it's also amazing because it’s a chameleon scripture that pertains to many situations and many people. First of all there are many forms of weakness. As the scriptures say, "the natural man is an enemy of god." (Mosiah 3:19). We all start as natural men on this earth and thus we are weak in the beginning. Other weaknesses are those of disabilities. Whatever our weaknesses may be, we are told that as long as we are able to humble ourselves, and do our best, our Savior's grace will bring us back to him. How wonderful this promise is because we are told that, "no unclean thing can enter into the Kingdom of God." (Moses 6: 57).
We cannot rely solely on grace, by our work we are also judged. President David O. McKay related a story which illustrates the relationship between works and grace.
He told of a group of boys who were learning to swim when one fell into a treacherous hole in the stream. The boy would have drowned but for a quick-thinking companion who extended a branch to him and helped pull him to shore. "There are those who claim that no one will sink and be lost if he will look to Jesus on the shore and say, ‘I believe.’ There are others who declare that everyone must by his own efforts swim to the shore or be lost forever. The real truth is that both of these extreme views are incorrect. Christ redeemed all men from death which was brought upon them through no act of theirs, but He will not save men from their personal transgressions who will put forth no effort themselves, any more than the young rescuer on the river bank could have saved the drowning lad if the latter had not seized the means provided him. Neither can man save himself without accepting the means provided by Christ for man’s salvation.”
The Lord does not require us to runs faster than we have strength, but he does expect us to do our best. If we do so, I know that the Lord's grace is sufficient to carry us home to our Heavenly Father. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
"O ye that embark..."
"If you serve a mission faithfully and well, you will be a better husband, you will be a better father, you will be a better student, a better worker in your chosen vocation. Love is of the essence of this missionary work. Selflessness is of its very nature. Self-discipline is its requirement. Prayer opens its reservoir of power." - President Gordon B. Hinckley
I found this quote on the MTC website, and I found it to be very inspirational and uplifting to those who are preparing to serve a mission, those who are thinking about serving mission, or for those who know someone serving a mission.
I have faith in our Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, that what he says is true. There really is no better growing experience available for young men between the ages of 19 and 25. For the young women who serve after their 21st birthday, they to get to experience life and grow in ways not readily available except through a mission.
It’s a great blessing to do the Lords work, and to receive the blessing that he promises us. We’ll be able to continue to see these blessings throughout our life on Earth, and even throughout the eternities.
"Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thrash the nations by the power of my spirit." (D&C 35:13)
We are weak, but we can become strong in the Lord. The Lord through Joseph Smith says, “at all times, and in all places, [we] shall open [our] mouth and declare [His] gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And [he] will give [us] strength such is not known among men." (D&C 24:12)
“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people. And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (D&C 18:10-16).
There are many scriptures which testify of the great work that is currently going forward, and the blessings that come to those that work in His vineyard. These gifts include but are not limited to, a greater testimony, a better understanding of the Spirit, extra strength, pure joy, love for those you bring to the gospel, and many other blessings which He promises, both through prophets of old, and modern day prophets. The scriptures also say that another gift is, "everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God." (D&C 11:3)
As Section 4 in the Doctrine and Covenants says, "For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. "
"O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.” (D&C 4:2). To prepare for your mission, "seek to obtain [His] word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have [His] Spirit and [His] word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. " (D&C 11:21). "Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in [His] wisdom that you shall go forth." (D&C 11:26). The lord says, "no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care." (D&C 12:8).
There’s a lot of preparation required before the Lord can use you at his full disposal. Prepare now to serve diligently. If you need to work on acquiring some of the attributes the Lord says are necessary to missionary work, start acquiring them now, so that the Lord can use you as soon as you start your mission. The Lord knows when we are striving to do his will and will bless us for our efforts.
For more information on preparing to be a missionary, search the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord gives many great revelations which can help strengthen us in his work. I have found it to be a great source in obtaining personal revelation and leaning how to better serve the Lord. I know those preparing to serve a mission can also use it to their advantage.
This is a great talk; I would encourage those who are preparing to serve the Lord on a mission, to read. http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-19,00.html
The Lord asks, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” Then in the same breath he gave this answer: “Even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27). I know that serving a mission can make us more like our savior, in fact, we are helping the Lord bring salvation to the souls of all those we teach. Being like Christ opens the doors for the Lord and lets him bring Blessings into our lives. We should prepare now to gain Christ like attributes and grow in knowledge of the gospel. This will make us the best missionaries we can be, and the best children of our Heavenly Father that we can be. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I found this quote on the MTC website, and I found it to be very inspirational and uplifting to those who are preparing to serve a mission, those who are thinking about serving mission, or for those who know someone serving a mission.
I have faith in our Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, that what he says is true. There really is no better growing experience available for young men between the ages of 19 and 25. For the young women who serve after their 21st birthday, they to get to experience life and grow in ways not readily available except through a mission.
It’s a great blessing to do the Lords work, and to receive the blessing that he promises us. We’ll be able to continue to see these blessings throughout our life on Earth, and even throughout the eternities.
"Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thrash the nations by the power of my spirit." (D&C 35:13)
We are weak, but we can become strong in the Lord. The Lord through Joseph Smith says, “at all times, and in all places, [we] shall open [our] mouth and declare [His] gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And [he] will give [us] strength such is not known among men." (D&C 24:12)
“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people. And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (D&C 18:10-16).
There are many scriptures which testify of the great work that is currently going forward, and the blessings that come to those that work in His vineyard. These gifts include but are not limited to, a greater testimony, a better understanding of the Spirit, extra strength, pure joy, love for those you bring to the gospel, and many other blessings which He promises, both through prophets of old, and modern day prophets. The scriptures also say that another gift is, "everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God." (D&C 11:3)
As Section 4 in the Doctrine and Covenants says, "For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. "
"O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.” (D&C 4:2). To prepare for your mission, "seek to obtain [His] word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have [His] Spirit and [His] word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. " (D&C 11:21). "Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in [His] wisdom that you shall go forth." (D&C 11:26). The lord says, "no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care." (D&C 12:8).
There’s a lot of preparation required before the Lord can use you at his full disposal. Prepare now to serve diligently. If you need to work on acquiring some of the attributes the Lord says are necessary to missionary work, start acquiring them now, so that the Lord can use you as soon as you start your mission. The Lord knows when we are striving to do his will and will bless us for our efforts.
For more information on preparing to be a missionary, search the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord gives many great revelations which can help strengthen us in his work. I have found it to be a great source in obtaining personal revelation and leaning how to better serve the Lord. I know those preparing to serve a mission can also use it to their advantage.
This is a great talk; I would encourage those who are preparing to serve the Lord on a mission, to read. http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-19,00.html
The Lord asks, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” Then in the same breath he gave this answer: “Even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27). I know that serving a mission can make us more like our savior, in fact, we are helping the Lord bring salvation to the souls of all those we teach. Being like Christ opens the doors for the Lord and lets him bring Blessings into our lives. We should prepare now to gain Christ like attributes and grow in knowledge of the gospel. This will make us the best missionaries we can be, and the best children of our Heavenly Father that we can be. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Blessings from Adversity and Sadness
We all chose to come to this earth to gain a body and to become more like our Heavenly Father. In fact, this was God’s work and glory, “to bring to past the Immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1 39). To progress as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father we had to choose to come to earth, and to experience the joys and sorrows of this earth, and to choose the Lord again.
The hard part of this journey though is suffering the despair and sadness that can plague the inhabitants of the earth. Sadness can be like a dark storm in which we can feel lost, hopeless, and discouraged. The journey through this life will never be easy, and sadness is inevitable. "Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days" (D&C 24:8). We knew before we came to this earth that there would be much sadness, but without sadness we could not know joy. And without joy we could not be like our Heavenly Father.
Sorrow can cause us to lose hope in our Heavenly Father; it can cause us to remember our Heavenly Father; and it can be a catalyst for blessings from the Lord. I would encourage you to try and use adversity, sorrow and discouragement as a catalyst for the blessings that the lord has in store for you. Lord Byron said, "Adversity is the first path to truth"
Heavenly Father told Joseph Smith, during his time of trials, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.” Joseph Smith endured many things, and through his trials, and his commitment to following the Lord, he will be blessed by the Lord in the life to come. The Lord works in mysterious ways, ways, higher than our ways, and so his blessings can come many differnet ways and many different times. Never the less, they are all blessings of joy and happiness. In Mosiah it says that the Lord, “doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you.” Do the Lords will always even in times of sadness and he will bless you and raise you up to be mighty in faith and action, and bless you with strength beyond what you feel you have. Joseph Smith had many many times of sadness but because he did the Lords will, he found much joy, and was blessed beyond most.
As you prepare to do the Lords will, you may find that adversity and sadness become more than you feel you can handle. As a soon to be missionary, I can say first hand that there can be many hard and unexpected trials, and sufferings that will face those who are preparing to do the Lords work. There will be things that might discourage you from serving a mission. It is vital that you have the right intentions for serving a mission, and that you remember why you are serving a mission. As the Lord and his prophets have mentioned countless times throughout the earth’s existence, “O remember, remember.” It is so easy to forget through the hustle and bustle of life why we are striving to do what’s right. It is because the Lord has commanded it, and through those commandments we are promised blessings. It says many times in the scriptures, and in many different ways, “assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed.” (D&C 6:9) The Lord also says “Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.” (D&C 15:5) “For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.” (D&C 21:9). It is obvious in these scriptures that the Lord will bless those missionaries that decide to put off their own will, and to do the will of their Savior our Redeemer. Satan will temp you with a hundred reasons why not to go on a mission, but the Savior will bless you with a thousand blessings for doing his great and marvelous work. “O remember, remember,” when your heart aches for the love of a daughter of God, or when issues in your family come up than make it difficult to leave, or when you feel inadequate because of Satan’s temptations. I have faith in my words that the lord will give back a thousand times more than what we give to the Him.
Trust in the Lord to do his will for he tells us “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say ye have no promise.” (D&C 82:10) If we do our duty to our God he is obligated to do as he tells us, and to bless us, or else he ceases to be a God. “Yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.” (Helamen 12:1). Richard G Scott says “Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy.”
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. (Alma 38:2). I know that life is hard and that challenges will come, especially when we strive to do the will of the Lord, that is when Satan is most active in discouraging us, but endure to the end, and follow the will of the Lord, and he will bless you. This I do have Great Faith in, which is one of many reasons I have chosen to serve the Lord for two years on my mission in Chile. I have faced hardships and sorrows like I haven’t suffered before in my life, but I know that the blessings will be so worth both the two years of service and the sorrows that come along with leaving your old life behind. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
The hard part of this journey though is suffering the despair and sadness that can plague the inhabitants of the earth. Sadness can be like a dark storm in which we can feel lost, hopeless, and discouraged. The journey through this life will never be easy, and sadness is inevitable. "Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days" (D&C 24:8). We knew before we came to this earth that there would be much sadness, but without sadness we could not know joy. And without joy we could not be like our Heavenly Father.
Sorrow can cause us to lose hope in our Heavenly Father; it can cause us to remember our Heavenly Father; and it can be a catalyst for blessings from the Lord. I would encourage you to try and use adversity, sorrow and discouragement as a catalyst for the blessings that the lord has in store for you. Lord Byron said, "Adversity is the first path to truth"
Heavenly Father told Joseph Smith, during his time of trials, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.” Joseph Smith endured many things, and through his trials, and his commitment to following the Lord, he will be blessed by the Lord in the life to come. The Lord works in mysterious ways, ways, higher than our ways, and so his blessings can come many differnet ways and many different times. Never the less, they are all blessings of joy and happiness. In Mosiah it says that the Lord, “doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you.” Do the Lords will always even in times of sadness and he will bless you and raise you up to be mighty in faith and action, and bless you with strength beyond what you feel you have. Joseph Smith had many many times of sadness but because he did the Lords will, he found much joy, and was blessed beyond most.
As you prepare to do the Lords will, you may find that adversity and sadness become more than you feel you can handle. As a soon to be missionary, I can say first hand that there can be many hard and unexpected trials, and sufferings that will face those who are preparing to do the Lords work. There will be things that might discourage you from serving a mission. It is vital that you have the right intentions for serving a mission, and that you remember why you are serving a mission. As the Lord and his prophets have mentioned countless times throughout the earth’s existence, “O remember, remember.” It is so easy to forget through the hustle and bustle of life why we are striving to do what’s right. It is because the Lord has commanded it, and through those commandments we are promised blessings. It says many times in the scriptures, and in many different ways, “assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed.” (D&C 6:9) The Lord also says “Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.” (D&C 15:5) “For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.” (D&C 21:9). It is obvious in these scriptures that the Lord will bless those missionaries that decide to put off their own will, and to do the will of their Savior our Redeemer. Satan will temp you with a hundred reasons why not to go on a mission, but the Savior will bless you with a thousand blessings for doing his great and marvelous work. “O remember, remember,” when your heart aches for the love of a daughter of God, or when issues in your family come up than make it difficult to leave, or when you feel inadequate because of Satan’s temptations. I have faith in my words that the lord will give back a thousand times more than what we give to the Him.
Trust in the Lord to do his will for he tells us “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say ye have no promise.” (D&C 82:10) If we do our duty to our God he is obligated to do as he tells us, and to bless us, or else he ceases to be a God. “Yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.” (Helamen 12:1). Richard G Scott says “Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy.”
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. (Alma 38:2). I know that life is hard and that challenges will come, especially when we strive to do the will of the Lord, that is when Satan is most active in discouraging us, but endure to the end, and follow the will of the Lord, and he will bless you. This I do have Great Faith in, which is one of many reasons I have chosen to serve the Lord for two years on my mission in Chile. I have faced hardships and sorrows like I haven’t suffered before in my life, but I know that the blessings will be so worth both the two years of service and the sorrows that come along with leaving your old life behind. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Two Paths
I was reading in 2 Nephi a few nights ago, and I came to this scripture in chapter 10 verse 23 which says, "Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.” Also in verse 24 it says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.” These scriptures tell us that there are only two paths to choose from, we can either choose the devil’s will or we can choose the Lords will. There are many scriptures that are like this one that make it clear that there are only two paths, and only one to eternal happiness.
The scriptures tell us that there are two paths to choose from, this doesn’t mean they are equal paths. Christ says to his disciples, “… enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work.” (3 Nephi 27:33) We get a much greater perspective of the task set before when we realize just how unequal the paths are. The path to destruction is easy and wide, but brings only misery, while the path to happiness is small and narrow. The path to the Lord, our God, is not a easy path to follow. When, and not if, we leave the path, it can be difficult to find our way again. The further we wander from the path the harder it is to find the narrow path which leads to God, and thus to happiness.
I had an experience a few years back, were I went backpacking with a few guys from my scout troop. It was a weeklong backpacking adventure activity, and it was tons of fun. The purpose of the week long backpacking trip was to come to feel the spirit better, and to test ourselves physically, and mentally. In some ways that is the purpose of us being here on this earth. On the first day of our backpacking trip my group had the opportunity to hike up a fairly large hill. As we began to hike up the hill we soon realized that it was a much longer walk than we had first thought it was going to be. Still we made it to the top of the hill and we had a great view from the top of the large hill. From the top we could see many lakes and areas that we would come to hike throughout the week. We were able to see just how long the trek ahead was going to be but we look forward in joy because of the fun we knew we would have and the things we would get to see and experience. As some of the boys started to hike back down the hill taking the path that led to the bottom of the hill, a boy in my group said that we should go straight down the mountain because we could see the trail from where we were which we knew would lead us safely down the hill. Being naive and of a daring nature, a few of us decided to follow him down the hill, by cutting the trail. It was much faster at first, and because we always could see the trail we felt safe enough. After doing this several times we became more confident in our path. After doing this several time, we tried to cut the trail once again, though we did not come to the trail. All of a sudden we felt a lot more worried. The way we had come was too steep to climb back up so all we could do was continue on. We were lost.
I tell you this because I have come to realize that our life on this earth is much like the experience that I had during the backpacking trip. Some of us during the journey realize that the path to happiness is already made, and that we cannot make our own path to happiness. What may seem like a better path to us now may become a scary and dangerous path latter on in life. Even though we saw the path ahead while at the top of the hill, we could not remember every turn and switchback that the path took, thus when we tried cutting the trail, we became lost. This is the same way, we, here on earth; need to follow the path that has already been said to bring happiness, because we cannot find it on our own. In the scripture that says the path is wide to destruction and narrow to happiness, this experience really made me see just how wide the path to destruction can be. It also makes me realize that no matter how far off of the trail which leads to happiness; we are still off of it. We must strive to follow the trail diligently and to “reconcile [ourselves] to the will of God… and not the will of the flesh”
Feeling lost can be a very scary feeling, no matter where you may be lost, or what situation you are in while you are lost. It is the same with those that have no knowledge of the gospel. They are lost and don’t know which direction to take to find happiness, so they take the path that they feel will lead them there such as drinking, or gambling, but it never makes them happy.
As my friends and I continued on in our course to find the trail again, we found that our path was becoming much more hazardous, and one time someone about slipped of a fairly large cliff. These are the kinds of obstacles in our off trail trek that we were not able to see until we got right on top of them, but that the creator of the trail knew were there. This is the very reason that the trail was made, to take hikers the easiest, and the safest way down the mountain in the long run, and not just the short run. It came to the point in our journey that we all decided it was time for us to pray to our Heavenly Father that we would find the way to the trail, and that we would be safe. After only about five minutes, we heard people from our group not too far off in the distance. They were talking loudly, and with much excitement. As we called for them, they called back and we were able to follow their guiding calls to find the trail. As it happened, we were not that far from the trail, but with all of the trees and greenery around we could not see the trail.
I learned, and still am learning, a lot from that experience. The path that the Lord wants us to follow is the way that will get us home to him. If we choose our own path it will only bring temporary happiness, and then we will be lost. The Lord loves all of his children though, and he wants us to be safe and to be happy, “men are that they might have joy.” His way is the path to happiness. To find that path it might require faith, and a prayer that the lord will help you find your way back to the path of happiness. Repentance is the way back to the Savior, who died for us. For us, on our exciting trek, it required us to kneel and ask the Lord to help us find his way, because we had come to the conclusion that we were done trying to find our own way.
The Lord works through his missionaries to help people find their way to the Lord’s way. We must call out in joy and happiness, our knowledge of the path that we know to be true, a path which leads us to our heavenly father. Just like those from our group were calling out, we must call out so that we can find those who are lost. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to serve as the lord’s messenger in the two years to come, and also in my life to come. We are so blessed to know of the true path to happiness and we must not let those who are lost struggle on their own, but we must answer their prayers for the Lord, and call to them and let them know about the gospel and the good news it brings.
As I have been preparing to serve the Lord more diligently I have come to realize that we cannot call people to the path of happiness unless we to are on it. There are many people who believe that they know the best way, such as my friend, who thought that going straight down the mountain was the most fun, fastest, and smartest way to go down the mountain. My friend was not a wicked man; he just was unaware of the consequences of his actions. In fact his goal was the same as those who took the trail; to get down the mountain. The Lord put people on this earth with the knowledge necessary to lead us to that joyful path, and to lead us back to the Lord our God. These people are the prophets. They have been called of God to be a messenger for the people of this earth, to show us what the right way down the mountain is, because only the Creator of the world knows what path is best for us to travel.
As I prepare to serve the lord with all my might, mind, and strength in the days, months and years to come, as long as the Lord wills it to be so, I have been trying to become closer to our heavenly father, and to allow the spirit to be with me at all times. To do this we must be on the path at all times. The Spirit is like our field guide. He will protect us so long as we are willing to listen to him. The further and further we get the harder it is for the spirit to help us, or for us to recognize, and hear the promptings that he give us. When we listen to music that is inappropriate, watch R rated videos or movies with violent, immoral behavior, or with humor that is offensive to the spirit, we are walking away from the path, and the spirit then becomes harder to hear. Also the more we ignore the spirit when he tells us what is right or wrong, the less he is likely to help us and the more likely we are to get lost. Strive to put the Lords will above our own. Stepping off the path for our own pleasures will bring us sadness, and it makes it harder for us to feel the spirit. Commit fully to living the way the lord would have us live. Little things now can become big things in the future. The more the spirit knows that you are willing to commit to the lord, the more he is willing to help you in your everyday life, and the stronger your testimony will grow in regards to knowing that the Lords way is the right way, and that his path leads to happiness.
When you read or watch something, think to yourself, is this what the lord would have me do, or will this drive me from the path of righteousness and further from the spirit. In the Strength of Youth pamphlet, it says…
“Whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Therefore, choose only entertainment and media that uplift you. Good entertainment will help you to have good thoughts and make righteous choices. It will allow you to enjoy yourself without losing the Spirit of the Lord. While much entertainment is good, some of it can lead you away from righteous living. Offensive material is often found in web sites, concerts, movies, music, videocassettes, DVDs, books, magazines, pictures, and other media. Satan uses such entertainment to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal and exciting. It can mislead you into thinking that everyone is doing things that are wrong. Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable.”
I have had to really “be honest with [myself], others, and the Lord,” in deciding what was appropriate to the Lord and to the spirit. “Don’t rationalize that wrong is right, even though many people around you may think there is no harm in being dishonest. Being honest requires courage and commitment to do what you know is right.” A quote by President David O. McKay counseled: “The greatest battle of life is fought within the silent chambers of your own soul.’ … It is a good thing to sit down and commune with yourself, to come to an understanding with yourself and decide in that silent moment what your duty is to your family, to your Church, to your country, and … to your fellowmen.” Be honest with yourself and the Lord. When trying to decide what is right and what is wrong our prophet president Thomas S. Monson says “I have tried to pattern my life after the Master. Whenever I have a difficult decision to make, I have looked at [the] picture [of our Savor] and asked myself, “What would He do?” Then I try to do it. We can never go wrong when we choose to follow the Savior.”
As I have been striving to feel the spirit stronger, I have found that changing the small things in our lives, which draw us away from the Lord, are the things that show our commitment to the Lord the most. By choosing to put off the small sins we choose to commit, the spirit can work in us to a much greater degree. As it says in Matthew 6: 24 “no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Do as Joshua counsels and “choose this day…” to serve the Lord. The Lord knows that we cannot be perfect, but the Lord also knows when we are not doing all that we can. If you feel that you have not been doing all you can do to serve the Lord, and to choose his path, then work your way to the path of righteousness. In Helamen 12:23 it say, “Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.” It can be a scary thing if you have to speak to the bishop about a sin, but it is important to remember that the bishop is there for you and that he won’t laugh or judge you because of a sin. He knows the courage it takes to talk to him, and he will think highly of you for being able to talk to him. Remember also that the scriptures say that he that repents is blessed. I truly believe that you are blessed when you repent. I have felt the atonement work in my life and it is truly a blessing to have. Do as the Savor say’s and don’t procrastinate the day of repentance. He died for us, and it is important to not waste that sacrifice. This I know, that Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to get back to him, he wants you to be safe and feel clean. He wants you to guide you back to him, so that your joy can be full. Choose the path of righteousness, and put off all evil. Do this and you will have joy, and you will feel closer to the spirit and to your Heavenly Father. This I do bare witness of in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
The scriptures tell us that there are two paths to choose from, this doesn’t mean they are equal paths. Christ says to his disciples, “… enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work.” (3 Nephi 27:33) We get a much greater perspective of the task set before when we realize just how unequal the paths are. The path to destruction is easy and wide, but brings only misery, while the path to happiness is small and narrow. The path to the Lord, our God, is not a easy path to follow. When, and not if, we leave the path, it can be difficult to find our way again. The further we wander from the path the harder it is to find the narrow path which leads to God, and thus to happiness.
I had an experience a few years back, were I went backpacking with a few guys from my scout troop. It was a weeklong backpacking adventure activity, and it was tons of fun. The purpose of the week long backpacking trip was to come to feel the spirit better, and to test ourselves physically, and mentally. In some ways that is the purpose of us being here on this earth. On the first day of our backpacking trip my group had the opportunity to hike up a fairly large hill. As we began to hike up the hill we soon realized that it was a much longer walk than we had first thought it was going to be. Still we made it to the top of the hill and we had a great view from the top of the large hill. From the top we could see many lakes and areas that we would come to hike throughout the week. We were able to see just how long the trek ahead was going to be but we look forward in joy because of the fun we knew we would have and the things we would get to see and experience. As some of the boys started to hike back down the hill taking the path that led to the bottom of the hill, a boy in my group said that we should go straight down the mountain because we could see the trail from where we were which we knew would lead us safely down the hill. Being naive and of a daring nature, a few of us decided to follow him down the hill, by cutting the trail. It was much faster at first, and because we always could see the trail we felt safe enough. After doing this several times we became more confident in our path. After doing this several time, we tried to cut the trail once again, though we did not come to the trail. All of a sudden we felt a lot more worried. The way we had come was too steep to climb back up so all we could do was continue on. We were lost.
I tell you this because I have come to realize that our life on this earth is much like the experience that I had during the backpacking trip. Some of us during the journey realize that the path to happiness is already made, and that we cannot make our own path to happiness. What may seem like a better path to us now may become a scary and dangerous path latter on in life. Even though we saw the path ahead while at the top of the hill, we could not remember every turn and switchback that the path took, thus when we tried cutting the trail, we became lost. This is the same way, we, here on earth; need to follow the path that has already been said to bring happiness, because we cannot find it on our own. In the scripture that says the path is wide to destruction and narrow to happiness, this experience really made me see just how wide the path to destruction can be. It also makes me realize that no matter how far off of the trail which leads to happiness; we are still off of it. We must strive to follow the trail diligently and to “reconcile [ourselves] to the will of God… and not the will of the flesh”
Feeling lost can be a very scary feeling, no matter where you may be lost, or what situation you are in while you are lost. It is the same with those that have no knowledge of the gospel. They are lost and don’t know which direction to take to find happiness, so they take the path that they feel will lead them there such as drinking, or gambling, but it never makes them happy.
As my friends and I continued on in our course to find the trail again, we found that our path was becoming much more hazardous, and one time someone about slipped of a fairly large cliff. These are the kinds of obstacles in our off trail trek that we were not able to see until we got right on top of them, but that the creator of the trail knew were there. This is the very reason that the trail was made, to take hikers the easiest, and the safest way down the mountain in the long run, and not just the short run. It came to the point in our journey that we all decided it was time for us to pray to our Heavenly Father that we would find the way to the trail, and that we would be safe. After only about five minutes, we heard people from our group not too far off in the distance. They were talking loudly, and with much excitement. As we called for them, they called back and we were able to follow their guiding calls to find the trail. As it happened, we were not that far from the trail, but with all of the trees and greenery around we could not see the trail.
I learned, and still am learning, a lot from that experience. The path that the Lord wants us to follow is the way that will get us home to him. If we choose our own path it will only bring temporary happiness, and then we will be lost. The Lord loves all of his children though, and he wants us to be safe and to be happy, “men are that they might have joy.” His way is the path to happiness. To find that path it might require faith, and a prayer that the lord will help you find your way back to the path of happiness. Repentance is the way back to the Savior, who died for us. For us, on our exciting trek, it required us to kneel and ask the Lord to help us find his way, because we had come to the conclusion that we were done trying to find our own way.
The Lord works through his missionaries to help people find their way to the Lord’s way. We must call out in joy and happiness, our knowledge of the path that we know to be true, a path which leads us to our heavenly father. Just like those from our group were calling out, we must call out so that we can find those who are lost. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to serve as the lord’s messenger in the two years to come, and also in my life to come. We are so blessed to know of the true path to happiness and we must not let those who are lost struggle on their own, but we must answer their prayers for the Lord, and call to them and let them know about the gospel and the good news it brings.
As I have been preparing to serve the Lord more diligently I have come to realize that we cannot call people to the path of happiness unless we to are on it. There are many people who believe that they know the best way, such as my friend, who thought that going straight down the mountain was the most fun, fastest, and smartest way to go down the mountain. My friend was not a wicked man; he just was unaware of the consequences of his actions. In fact his goal was the same as those who took the trail; to get down the mountain. The Lord put people on this earth with the knowledge necessary to lead us to that joyful path, and to lead us back to the Lord our God. These people are the prophets. They have been called of God to be a messenger for the people of this earth, to show us what the right way down the mountain is, because only the Creator of the world knows what path is best for us to travel.
As I prepare to serve the lord with all my might, mind, and strength in the days, months and years to come, as long as the Lord wills it to be so, I have been trying to become closer to our heavenly father, and to allow the spirit to be with me at all times. To do this we must be on the path at all times. The Spirit is like our field guide. He will protect us so long as we are willing to listen to him. The further and further we get the harder it is for the spirit to help us, or for us to recognize, and hear the promptings that he give us. When we listen to music that is inappropriate, watch R rated videos or movies with violent, immoral behavior, or with humor that is offensive to the spirit, we are walking away from the path, and the spirit then becomes harder to hear. Also the more we ignore the spirit when he tells us what is right or wrong, the less he is likely to help us and the more likely we are to get lost. Strive to put the Lords will above our own. Stepping off the path for our own pleasures will bring us sadness, and it makes it harder for us to feel the spirit. Commit fully to living the way the lord would have us live. Little things now can become big things in the future. The more the spirit knows that you are willing to commit to the lord, the more he is willing to help you in your everyday life, and the stronger your testimony will grow in regards to knowing that the Lords way is the right way, and that his path leads to happiness.
When you read or watch something, think to yourself, is this what the lord would have me do, or will this drive me from the path of righteousness and further from the spirit. In the Strength of Youth pamphlet, it says…
“Whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Therefore, choose only entertainment and media that uplift you. Good entertainment will help you to have good thoughts and make righteous choices. It will allow you to enjoy yourself without losing the Spirit of the Lord. While much entertainment is good, some of it can lead you away from righteous living. Offensive material is often found in web sites, concerts, movies, music, videocassettes, DVDs, books, magazines, pictures, and other media. Satan uses such entertainment to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal and exciting. It can mislead you into thinking that everyone is doing things that are wrong. Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable.”
I have had to really “be honest with [myself], others, and the Lord,” in deciding what was appropriate to the Lord and to the spirit. “Don’t rationalize that wrong is right, even though many people around you may think there is no harm in being dishonest. Being honest requires courage and commitment to do what you know is right.” A quote by President David O. McKay counseled: “The greatest battle of life is fought within the silent chambers of your own soul.’ … It is a good thing to sit down and commune with yourself, to come to an understanding with yourself and decide in that silent moment what your duty is to your family, to your Church, to your country, and … to your fellowmen.” Be honest with yourself and the Lord. When trying to decide what is right and what is wrong our prophet president Thomas S. Monson says “I have tried to pattern my life after the Master. Whenever I have a difficult decision to make, I have looked at [the] picture [of our Savor] and asked myself, “What would He do?” Then I try to do it. We can never go wrong when we choose to follow the Savior.”
As I have been striving to feel the spirit stronger, I have found that changing the small things in our lives, which draw us away from the Lord, are the things that show our commitment to the Lord the most. By choosing to put off the small sins we choose to commit, the spirit can work in us to a much greater degree. As it says in Matthew 6: 24 “no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Do as Joshua counsels and “choose this day…” to serve the Lord. The Lord knows that we cannot be perfect, but the Lord also knows when we are not doing all that we can. If you feel that you have not been doing all you can do to serve the Lord, and to choose his path, then work your way to the path of righteousness. In Helamen 12:23 it say, “Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.” It can be a scary thing if you have to speak to the bishop about a sin, but it is important to remember that the bishop is there for you and that he won’t laugh or judge you because of a sin. He knows the courage it takes to talk to him, and he will think highly of you for being able to talk to him. Remember also that the scriptures say that he that repents is blessed. I truly believe that you are blessed when you repent. I have felt the atonement work in my life and it is truly a blessing to have. Do as the Savor say’s and don’t procrastinate the day of repentance. He died for us, and it is important to not waste that sacrifice. This I know, that Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to get back to him, he wants you to be safe and feel clean. He wants you to guide you back to him, so that your joy can be full. Choose the path of righteousness, and put off all evil. Do this and you will have joy, and you will feel closer to the spirit and to your Heavenly Father. This I do bare witness of in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Strength
A few years ago I broke my collar bone in a mountain biking accident, after flying through the air a ways, and landing very hard on the ground. The good news was that I broke the bikes fall. After going to the hospital I found out that I would have to wear a sling, which would immobilize my arm for about three months. After that three month period I was able to get my sling off, which was a great relief to me. To my surprise, after getting to take the sling off, and move my arm for the first time in three months, I found that I could not move my arm at all. I had lost almost all of my ability to move my arm. It was a very frightening experience. I was told that this was normal, and that I would have to go to Physical Therapy to learn ways to get my arm to move again. The Physical therapist told me that I would need to do movement exercises every day and that I would gradually get full motion of my arm back. It took a few days but gradually, after using my arm more and more, I was able to get more control and movement back in my arm.
Looking back at this experience, I am able to clearly see, how the same affect can work spiritually. The choices we make in this life, and the consequences that follow, whatever they may be, have the ability to either immobilize or strengthen our spirit. When we make choices that either remove us from the spirit, or bring us closer to the spirit, we are immobilizing or strengthening, our spirit and our spiritual connection to our heavenly father. While in the sling I didn't realize the affect that having it immobilized was having on my ability to move my arm. Similarly, we may not be able to see the affect of having the spirit out of our lives. It can be a very sad and frightening path when we really realize the consequences of our actions.
The good news is, as there always is from our Heavenly Father, we can gain back our strength, and once again strengthen our spirit and likewise our spiritual connection to our Lord, and Savior. Our consequences, like mine, might require Physical Therapy, or in a spiritual sense, might require counsel and support from our bishop. It is not a easy path to recovery lots of time, Satan would like us to believe that we can never regain our strength again, but this is a lie. With proper exercise and continual effort, we can regain our spiritual health and well being.
Another important quality to strength is the ability to improve and grow stronger. Like the ability to strengthen our muscles, and exercise our bodies, we too can strengthen and exercise our spirits. For those that know what it is like to get back into an exercise routine, you can understand what it is like to get your spirit back into a healthy state. Our testimony and connection to the spirit is like weight training or conditioning, when we first start getting back into training, it can be hard to feel a connection, and we can feel discouraged. Little steps in the beginning can lead to big gains though. As we strengthen out spirit through reading the scriptures, praying to our Heavenly Father, listening and following the teachings of the prophets and the spirit, and many other conditioning exercises, then we will be able to recognize the Saviors love and the Spirits quiet promptings easier, and burdens will seem lighter. To become closer to our Father in Heaven, who is one of our many trainers while on this earth, we will be able to come closer to Him and we will be much stronger spiritually.
Another important aspect of Strength is, the requisite of action. Without an action, running, or lifting weights, muscles cannot grow; we cannot just think about exercising, we must actually exercise. Same with conditioning our spirit, as, Nephi says we must, “go and do." We must do our scripture reading, and we must follow the promptings of the spirit, and we must fulfill our callings and honor our priesthood.
In a great talk by President Henry B. Eyring called "O Ye That Embark," he says,” for (Heavenly Father) to give you that increased power you must go in service and faith to your outer limits." "It is like building muscle strength. You must break down your muscles to build them up. You push muscles to the point of exhaustion. Then they repair themselves, and they develop greater strength. Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give."
With increased strength, another benefit is the ability to withstand the extra weight when it comes, though adversity and trials. If we have weak spiritual arms, we are more likely to fall. Gaining strength is time consuming, hard and at points may feels like your spiritual arms are about to fall off, but the lord promises to be there as a trainer to lift us up when we need it. In D&C 84:88 is says, "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
It is important for everyone to exercise faith and exercise spirit, but especially as a missionary, or someone preparing to go on a mission. The Lord needs Strong missionaries that can perform the Lords needs, not Weak missionaries that set the great work back. Likewise He needs strong member missionaries, that when prompted to share the gospel, are unwilling to lift their own weight. Strive every day to excises the Spirit. It will bless you with greater happiness, a stronger testimony, and a deeper understanding for the Lover the Savior has for you and all his children. I know this to be true in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Fortification
Today I was reading from Alma, in the Book of Mormon, and in the chapters I was reading it was about how Moroni prepares his people to defend themselves against the Lamanites, their enemy. Moroni fortified his weakest cities and strongholds by creating great walls. In Alma 48:9 it says "in their weakest fortifications (Moroni) did place the greatest number of men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen the land which was possessed by the Nephites."
Like the Nephites, we too have a enemy close at hand. Satan is one of the greatest advisories to be, and we too must fortify ourselves against our enemy. What does this mean? It means that we can’t be complacent in our protection or the protection of our families. In Alma 49:4 it says that Moroni "dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and arrows at them that they might take effect." In addition to these ridges they built wooden walls higher than the Lamanites could reach. Because of this even though the Nephites were well armed and more prepared then they had ever been before, they we not able to hurt the Nephites, and during the battle none of the Nephites were killed. We too must protect ourselves from Satan. We can’t be complacent and just build weak walls, or sort of dig ridges around part of our homes, or the enemy will get in. while this is better than no defense we must realize the seriousness of the enemy and the devastation that can come if we don't fortify our weaknesses. We must prepare for the worst and not take any risks. President Spencer W. Kimball taught that the fight against Satan and his forces “is not a little skirmish with a half-willed antagonist, but a battle royal with an enemy so powerful, entrenched, and organized that we are likely to be vanquished if we are not strong, well-trained, and watchful.”
Stay far from the edge, because the drop can be devastating and the further from the edge we are the safer we will be. As anyone in a dangerous line of work will tell you, accidents do happen, we have the choice though to keep ourselves far from dangers hand. This does not mean we can't be in the world, for we are all in the world. What it means as James E. Faust says in the talk, Acting for Ourselves and Not Being Acted Upon, "you must not only avoid evil, but also the appearance of evil." Do not get in a possession where you are around drinking if you can help it, choose good friends, as well as many other things. Use wisdom when deciding if you are too close to the edge, use wisdom to know when you are in the appearance of evil.
A scripture that came to mind while reading from Alma today was Ether 12:27, “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” We each have weaknesses that Satan will try to attack, just as the Lamanites tried to against the Nephites. To strengthen our weaknesses we must have faith in the Lords ability to make us strong. Ask in faith for the strength needed to overcome a weakness. We also must put on the Armor of God as it talks about in Ephesians 6:11–17 and D&C 27:15–18. The Lord will not always take a weakness away, but we can still fortify ourselves and our homes by running from evil as Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife.
If you fortify your weaknesses and, “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). There is reason to be watchful and alert for evil, but do not despair, the Lord loves you, and through him all things are done in faith. Life is such a wonderful gift, live it in joy and happiness. "Men are that they might have joy" Being prepared and fortified does not mean sacrificing happiness or joy, in fact it ensures happiness and joy, and spiritual security.
Like the Nephites, we too have a enemy close at hand. Satan is one of the greatest advisories to be, and we too must fortify ourselves against our enemy. What does this mean? It means that we can’t be complacent in our protection or the protection of our families. In Alma 49:4 it says that Moroni "dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and arrows at them that they might take effect." In addition to these ridges they built wooden walls higher than the Lamanites could reach. Because of this even though the Nephites were well armed and more prepared then they had ever been before, they we not able to hurt the Nephites, and during the battle none of the Nephites were killed. We too must protect ourselves from Satan. We can’t be complacent and just build weak walls, or sort of dig ridges around part of our homes, or the enemy will get in. while this is better than no defense we must realize the seriousness of the enemy and the devastation that can come if we don't fortify our weaknesses. We must prepare for the worst and not take any risks. President Spencer W. Kimball taught that the fight against Satan and his forces “is not a little skirmish with a half-willed antagonist, but a battle royal with an enemy so powerful, entrenched, and organized that we are likely to be vanquished if we are not strong, well-trained, and watchful.”
Stay far from the edge, because the drop can be devastating and the further from the edge we are the safer we will be. As anyone in a dangerous line of work will tell you, accidents do happen, we have the choice though to keep ourselves far from dangers hand. This does not mean we can't be in the world, for we are all in the world. What it means as James E. Faust says in the talk, Acting for Ourselves and Not Being Acted Upon, "you must not only avoid evil, but also the appearance of evil." Do not get in a possession where you are around drinking if you can help it, choose good friends, as well as many other things. Use wisdom when deciding if you are too close to the edge, use wisdom to know when you are in the appearance of evil.
A scripture that came to mind while reading from Alma today was Ether 12:27, “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” We each have weaknesses that Satan will try to attack, just as the Lamanites tried to against the Nephites. To strengthen our weaknesses we must have faith in the Lords ability to make us strong. Ask in faith for the strength needed to overcome a weakness. We also must put on the Armor of God as it talks about in Ephesians 6:11–17 and D&C 27:15–18. The Lord will not always take a weakness away, but we can still fortify ourselves and our homes by running from evil as Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife.
If you fortify your weaknesses and, “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). There is reason to be watchful and alert for evil, but do not despair, the Lord loves you, and through him all things are done in faith. Life is such a wonderful gift, live it in joy and happiness. "Men are that they might have joy" Being prepared and fortified does not mean sacrificing happiness or joy, in fact it ensures happiness and joy, and spiritual security.
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