did ya pray about it?

James 1:5

Joseph Smith—History 1:11-13

Pondering and lost? Have you prayed about it?

2 Nephi 32:4

Why do we do this to ourselves? No need to pick a spot in the forest. Just pray.

Doctrine & Covenants 12:5

Personal invite from the Lord . . . But we're silly, imperfect, overthinking, distracted, over complicating beings.

That's why God gave us ancient and modern prophets to remind us as well as friends and family. So, "Did you think to pray?". Yeah, I forgot too. Here’s a reminder for both of us.

peace vs happy

To follow evil influences can never result in a feeling of peace simply because peace is a gift from God and it only comes through the Spirit of God. “Wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10). In our day-to-day actions, it is often the small and simple things that will have a long-lasting impact (see Alma 37:6–7). What we say, how we act, and how we choose to react will influence not only ourselves but also those around us. We can build up, or we can tear down.

Rest unto Your Souls  

By Elder Per G. Malm

October 2010

Alma 41:10 has often reminded me that there is a distinct difference between carnal pleasures or enjoyments and true happiness or joy. Elder Malm's distinction of peace is an excellent indicator. There can be peace in the midst of life's atrocities. I've learned that it may take a strong will and devotion to discipleship. Nevertheless, in the midst of even ongoing trials, we can find peace.

if / then

Ether 4:15

I love "if/then" statements. It clearly outlines directions and results. Ether 4 has a lot of "if/then" or "when/then" statements.   

I chose verse 15 because it first says to rend the veil of unbelief and states what the unbelief is causing. That's nice but how? Then it tells you how, "call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit". Sometimes, answers are obvious and easy. Sometimes, they aren't. It could be the difference of a day that clouds our sight and understanding.   

Life's rough and there's all kinds of storms. Having those obvious instructions help keep us going the right direction.

sealing power

One of the things i enjoy doing is cross referencing principles and doctrine between the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants / Pearl of Great Price. It's not an attempt to prove anything to anyone. It has really helped me better understand God’s relationships with diverse people, compare doctrine in various cultures, compare and connect people living principles (or not living them) and the outcome, and appreciate the consistency of God’s dealing with His children.   

Here's today's connections. It's not all of the references. Feel free to add some.  

Sealing power

Matthew 16:19

Helaman 10:7

Doctrine & Covenants 1:8

privileges and boundaries

3 Nephi 18:22-25

3 Nephi 18:28-29

3 Nephi 18:30-32

I know. It's basically verses 22-32 *but* I split them up into groups.  

First, don't deny anyone attending church.

Follow Christ's example. 

Second, don't allow those who are unworthy to partake of the sacrament. 

Those seem opposed to each other *except*

Follow Christ's example.   

He chased money lenders from the temple. Matt 21:12-13. Following Jesus Christ means setting and keeping boundaries. Even those kept from partaking of the sacrament are still welcome to attend church.  

The bishop has the responsibility of making this call at church. We're responsible for our own lives. Boundaries are necessary and even kind.   

Someone unwilling to strive to keep the commandments is only damaging themselves by continually making a covenant with the Lord. The Lord Himself sets the standards. Removing a unearned or abused privileges is not unkind.  

The same is true for our personal lives. Setting boundaries and keeping them sets your standards. It protects you and clearly defines privileged interactions or space in your life. Removing privileges is not unkind.

shame is pride

Ether 12:27 is my favorite scripture. I received another bit of understanding today during "Come Follow Me".

Humility is more acknowleding your weakness. It's taking responsibility for it.  

Pride is the opposite of humility but I never realized that shame is part of pride.  

Humility goes to the Lord, acknowledges the weakness and takes on the responsibility of working with the Lord to find and enact solutions. 

Pride might deny weakness or completely give up on change. "I'm a terrible person" is the cry of giving up or using weakness as an excuse. Shaming yourself is just as prideful as denial. Both ignore the Lord’s out stretched Hand and instead insist on knowing more than our Creator.  

It reminds me of the difference between Godly sorrow and mortal sorrow. (2 Corinthians 7:9-11) It's all in where it leads. One leads to the Lord and the other leads anywhere else.

it is what it is

William W. Phelps joined the church in 1831. He did all kinds of things to help build the kingdom and then lots of things to tear it down.  

"Later, Phelps wrote to Joseph asking for forgiveness. “I know my situation, you know it, and God knows it, and I want to be saved if my friends will help me.” 

In his reply the Prophet stated: “It is true that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior. … However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Heavenly Father has been done, and we are yet alive. … Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, for friends at first are friends again at last.”

Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion  

By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Oct 2024

"The cup has been drunk" sounds like the 1840 version of, "It is what it is". The response is tender. People have suffered real hardships but it's time to move forward.  

Matt Haig said something in one of his books that has stuck with me, "You are not the only one with sorrows in this world. Don't hoard them like they are precious."

It's a call to recognize that there is life outside of your problems. It's also a reminder to not clutch those worries so tightly that they become your focus.  

In the immortal words of President Monson, “It is better to look up!”

It Is Better to Look Up  

By Elder Carl B. Cook

Oct 2011