Unconquerable

©Darrell Wyatt

As I have mentioned before, I teach in the primary.  Today's lesson was about Job, whom I knew the story of, but had never really studied previously.  What an amazing man.  He had everything he desired - a large family, many servants, thousands of animals.  "This man was the greatest of all the men of the east."(Job 1:3)  He was wealthy, probably famous, and very happy.  And then it was all taken away from him.  Instead of cursing God, as Satan was sure that he'd do, he said "the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."(Job 1:21)

I thought about this a lot as I was preparing my lesson.  I don't think that I could've been as humble and forgiving as Job was.  Not only did he lose his material possessions, he lost his entire family and all of his friends turned away from him.  Through it all, he remained faithful to the Lord - even grateful - saying "till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me".(Job 27:5)

Compare this to what I read today in the Book of Mormon.  The Nephites and Lamanites are still warring, with many men dying on both sides.  In this particular battle, the Nephite armies had the Lamanite army surrounded.  Captain Moroni, being a man who hated bloodshed, gave the Lamanites the choice of giving up their weapons or being killed or held captive.  The leader of the Lamanite army was named Jacob.  Jacob had a lot of hatred for Moroni and was determined to kill him, so "he led the Lamanites forth to battle with exceeding fury against Moroni"(Alma 52:33).

"But behold, Moroni and his men were more powerful; therefore they did not give way before the Lamanites.  And it came to pass that they fought on both hands with exceeding fury; and there were many slain on both sides; yea, and Moroni was wounded and Jacob was killed."(Alma 52:34)

Believe it or not, I found a similarity between Jacob the Lamanite and Job.  Mormon described Jacob as having "an unconquerable spirit".  His hatred for Moroni and the Nephites was so strong that he was willing to die rather than give up that hatred.  I can't think of a better way to describe Job than to say that he also had an unconquerable spirit.  His faith in and love for God was strong enough that even though literally everything was taken from him, he would rather die than give up his integrity.  

There was a powerful lesson in this for me today.  I can also have an unconquerable spirit, but I have the power to decide what kind of spirit that will be.  Will I use my agency to allow grudges and hatred to grow, or will I strive to ever increase my faith in and love for God?  It is my choice.  

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 52

United We Stand

©Darrell Wyatt

Yesterday we got kind of a last minute invite to a friend's house for dinner.  It was a busy night, but our friend was super willing to wait until the kids finished with their activities, which was really, really kind.  The three younger kids went to a movie with a friend, and two of the older kids were at a football game.  Finally, at around 7:00, the little kids came home and we headed to our friend's.  As soon as we were about to sit down to eat, my cell phone rang, and my oldest daughter needed me to pick her up at the school.  So I rudely left dinner, picked her up and came back just as everyone was finishing up.  As crazy as this scenario seems, it's not uncommon in our household.  The kids are running in all directions, my husband is busy with work, and I'm just trying to keep up with as much of it as I can.

This morning I read of a civil war of sorts that took place amongst the Nephites.  The people had become divided between Freemen - people who "had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free government"(Alma 51:6), and Kingmen - people of noble birth who wished to "overthrow the free government and to establish a king over the land"(Alma 51:5). 

Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking down the wars and contentions among his own people, and subjecting them to peace and civilization, and making regulations to prepare for war against the Lamanites, behold, the Lamanites had come into the land of Moroni, which was in the borders by the seashore. (Alma 51:22)

While the Nephites were disputing among themselves, the Lamanites were able to overthrow quite a few of their cities and gain access to their fortifications, which made it very difficult for the Nephites to be able to fight back.

This made me think about my family.  With so much going on, and all of us seeming to head in different directions, family unity seems nearly impossible.  But it is essential.  Without it, we are opening the door to the adversary who will gladly sneak in when we're too busy to pay attention.  Is it possible to put up a united front even when we're apart?  I think so.  The leaders of the church very wisely implemented Family Home Evening almost exactly a century ago.   

In 1915, the First Presidency instructed local leaders and parents to inaugurate a home evening, a time when parents should teach their families the principles of the gospel. The Presidency wrote: “If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influence and temptations which beset them.” Joseph B. Wirthlin, Spiritually Strong Homes and Families, May 1993

 

Imagine that!  Almost 100 years ago, families were struggling to find enough time to spend together, and the Presidency of the Church had the answer.  Just set one night a week aside.  A night where we can strengthen our family bonds.  A time to become unified.  A time for me to teach my kids how to act when I can't be with them, so that even when we're apart, we're together in spirit.  If we can stay unified and alert, there will be no opportunity for opposing forces to take hold.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 51 

The Root of All Evil

©Darrell Wyatt

It has been said, over and over, that money is the root of all evil.  People who don't believe that may say that money itself is not the root of all evil, but rather the love of money.  I disagree with both sentiments.

And they did prosper exceedingly, and they became exceedingly rich; yea, and they did multiply and wax strong in the land.

And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:

Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments they shall prosper in the land.  But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.(Alma 5:18-20)

Countless times, throughout all scripture - be it the Book of Mormon, the Old Testament or the New Testament, we are told that if we will keep the commandments we will be prosperous.  I believe that one can be righteous and rich simultaneously, which would debunk that old phrase about money being the root of all evil.  I also think one can enjoy their wealth, and even love it, without being evil.

So what would be the root of all evil?  In my mind, it is selfishness.  Throughout all periods of time, there are endless examples of one person or a group of people demonstrating a desire for more money, more power, more land.  These selfish desires, almost always, have led to a war of some sort.  This is what happened in the chapter that I read today.  

But behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni...(Alma 50:23)

This happiness lasted for quite a few years, until a group of people decided they wanted more land.  They tried by brute force to take this land, but were ultimately defeated and humbled.  This seems to be the cycle that mankind has gone through since the beginning of time.  We are happy and content, until we're not.  And then we suddenly decide we need more of something - land or wealth or food or power, and we become selfish and try to obtain what we want through whatever selfish means necessary until finally we fail and become humble.  When we are humble, we are content with what we have or where we stand, at least temporarily.  And then the cycle begins again. 

So this morning, I've been thinking about how I can avoid becoming trapped in the selfishness cycle.  I came to the conclusion that I've already been told how.  I just need to remember what the scriptures have told me:  Inasmuch as I keep the commandments, I will prosper in the land.  Keeping the commandments is a full-time job.  As I've said before, I can choose to actively engage myself in keeping them, or I can be passive about it.  I believe being active is the way to go about it.  If I'm busy actively keeping the commandments, I don't have time for selfish desires.  They will be pushed aside, replaced by better and more important things.  If selfishness really is the root of all evil, and I believe it is, I have to keep moving in order to prevent those roots from taking hold.  

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 50

Being the Mother of a Teenager

Being the mother of a teenager is way hard.  Have I said that before?  Well it really, really is. 

I'm still reading in the "war" chapters of the Book of Mormon, where the Lamanites keep trying to destroy the Nephites.  The Nephites, under the command of Captain Moroni, are able to continue to fend off these attacks by constantly changing their battle plans and fortifying their cities.  Just when the Lamanites think they have it all figured out, the Nephites, once again, are one step ahead.  They make their weak places strong (see Alma 49:14).  They change their weaponry and find new and better ways to build up their defenses.

Sometimes, I feel like that's the proverbial story of my life.  Constantly trying to stay one step ahead of everything that my teenager throws at me.  I know that it shouldn't feel that way.  I shouldn't feel like I'm at war against my own kid, but sometimes I do.  I give her a curfew, and she breaks it.  I explain step by step why I expect certain things, and she feigns ignorance when those expectations aren't met.  It's like I constantly have to keep reworking my strategy and rebuilding my defenses.  And I get tired.  So very tired.

And then I really take a good look at her.  She's beautiful.  She's friendly.  She's extremely kind and considerate (when she's not acting like a teenager).  She's confident and intelligent and spirited.  She loves to do all the things that young girls do - dance and sing and drive and date.  And she's so good at all of it.  She really is.  Sometimes I wake up in the morning, and the dishes are done and the floor is swept, and I just feel so full of gratitude for the things that she does for me.  And I know that I don't express that gratitude enough.  She takes care of the younger kids and laughs at her autistic brother's jokes - even when they don't make a shred of sense.  She gives up her place in the face-painting line so that someone who needs it more than she does can get a turn.  She paints her little sisters' toenails and straightens their hair.  I don't know what I'd do without her.

Being the mother of a teenager is fantastic.  Have I said that before?  Well, it really, really is.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 49

Spectacular Me

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. (Alma 48:17)

Wow!  What an incredible tribute.  I can't imagine there being higher praise than having someone say "the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever" if more people were like you.  So what attributes did Moroni have that elicited such praise?  Well, Mormon gives us a list: 

And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ....(Alma 48:11-13)

He sounds like an amazing man.  In fact, if I could choose to meet one person from the past (aside from Christ, of course), I think it would be Captain Moroni.  His exceptional courage and faith at an age younger than mine is so impressive to me.  We do need more people like him, even today.

As I continued reading though, I was struck by one verse:

Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God...(Alma 48:19)

No less serviceable.  Helaman and his brethren - missionaries - were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni - a Captain over all of the Nephite armies, and charged with the safe-keeping of not only the Nephite people, but their liberties and freedoms.  I love this phrase - no less serviceable!  It gives me great hope.  As I was studying, I came across this quote:

Not all of us are going to be like Moroni, catching the acclaim of our colleagues all day every day.  Most of us will be quiet, relatively unknown folks who come and go and do our work without fanfare.  To those of you who may find that lonely or frightening or just unspectacular, I say, you are 'no less serviceable' than the most spectacular of your associates.  You, too, are part of God's army. (Howard W. Hunter, "No Less Serviceable", 64)

©Darrell Wyatt

I sometimes get caught up in comparing myself to those around me.  I want to be better than I am, which is not always a bad thing, but it can lead to unrealistic expectations.  I will never be as Captain Moroni, for obvious reasons, but I am no less important to the great causes in which I am involved.  I will probably never literally fight for my country, but I can still fight for my liberties and the liberties of those that I love.  I may never serve an actual full-time mission (although it is a goal), but I can still spread the good news of the gospel.  I will probably never be a renowned advocate for autism awareness or cancer research, but I can be an advocate nonetheless.  Any energy that I can put toward a goal or a cause for right is good and important energy.  As President Hunter said, I am no less serviceable than the most spectacular of those I see on TV or read about in the news.  I am my own spectacular me. 

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 48 

Poison by Degrees

©Darrell Wyatt

 
I remember when I was younger, probably about 11 or 12, my parents rented a movie that was pretty popular at the time.  If my memory serves, and it usually doesn't, mom and dad were watching the movie after we went to bed.  As all children do, I came downstairs to get  a drink or use the bathroom and saw just a tiny clip of the movie, which I judged to be inappropriate.  I wasted no time in telling my parents that I was disappointed that they would watch such a movie.  I'm sure that they were pretty amused at my pre-teen self-righteousness, but they turned off the movie and told me that I was probably right.  For all I know, they turned it back on and finished it as soon as I was upstairs.  I don't tell this story to "rat" on my parents for watching an inappropriate movie (especially since it turns out it wasn't inappropriate), but to illustrate a point about myself.  The funny thing is, I have always been hesitant to even watch that particular movie because of the feeling that was planted in my mind that night.  I watched it for the very first time a few weeks ago, and to my great surprise, I didn't find it inappropriate in the slightest.  It was a fun movie, and I really enjoyed it.  So what changed?  It certainly wasn't the movie.

I was reading this morning more of the story of Amalickiah.  This is quite a story, and I would suggest that anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to read it or has forgotten it take the time to read it.  The entirety of the story is found in Alma, chapters 46 through 52.  The portion that I read this morning, though, talked of Amalickiah's plan to overthrow the king of the Lamanites.  And oh what a plan it was!  He had cunningly positioned himself to become the second in command of a sort of opposition army that wasn't willing to join the king's army to defeat the Nephites.  The first in command was named Lehonti.

Now it was the custom among the Lamanites, if their chief leader was killed, to appoint the second leader to be their chief leader.  And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of his servants should administer poison by degrees to Lehonti, that he died.  Now, when Lehonti was dead, the Lamanites appointed Amlickiah to be their leader and their chief commander. (Alma 47:17-19)

Poison by degrees.   Instead of just poisoning Lehonti all at once, which would have aroused suspicion among his troops, the servant poisoned him a little bit at a time.   The scriptures don't say how long this took, but I imagine it was days or even weeks.  Amalickiah was patient in order to obtain his desired result - being promoted to first in command.

Back to the story of me and the "inappropriate movie".  Why is it that a movie that would leave such an impression on me as to make me wait 25 years to watch it could end up being so harmless and enjoyable?  I'm sure some of that could be attributed to my life experiences.  I was a naive adolescent when I saw that infamous clip all those years ago.  I have matured and grown much.  And really, the part that I saw as a child was taken completely out of context and blown up in my mind.  But is it possible, even probable, that all these years I have been being poisoned by degrees?  My senses being dulled, little by little, until what I once thought inappropriate could now be considered entertaining?  I believe it is a combination of both, but I find the latter to be somewhat alarming.

This morning, I have been thinking about the kinds of things that I have become desensitized to over the years.  Things that even just a few years ago, I would have found disgusting at worst and distasteful at best, are now not only allowed in my home but sometimes sought after.  The adversary is patiently biding his time until he gets his desired result - my spiritual death.  The scary thing is that not only have I allowed myself to be poisoned, I am poisoning my kids.

So what to do?  What is the antidote for this kind of poison?  I don't believe it's just a matter of removing the poison from my home, although that's a good start, because the poison is all around them at school and everywhere we go.  No.  I must take a proactive stance by replacing the poison with good things - prayer, scripture study, Family Home Evening, and even just one on one conversation.

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.(Elder L. Tom Perry, General Conference April 2010)

So what is the antidote to poisoning by degrees?  Me. So I'd better start making sure that I have cleansed myself of the poisons that I've allowed to build up over all of these years.  Otherwise, I won't be a very effective antidote at all.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 47

The Power of One

©Darrell Wyatt

So many times I've heard the sentiment, "I'm only one person.  What can I do?  I can't change anything."  I've even felt this way myself at times.  Today, as I was reading, I was reminded of the power that each one of us has.

After the battle between Captain Moroni's armies and the armies of Zerahemna, Helaman and his brothers continued preaching of Christ's coming, and "they did appoint priests and teachers throughout all the land over all the churches"(Alma 45:22).  But not everyone believed what they were preaching, and those who did not gathered together against those believers.  There was a man named Amalickiah who wanted to be king, and the non-believers backed him.  The problem though, was that many believers also started to be sympathetic to his cause, and they dissented from the church.

Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.

Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked man can cause to take place among the children of men. (Alma 46:8-9)

One very wicked man.  Just one.

When Captain Moroni heard what was happening among the people, he became very angry.

And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it - In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children - and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.(Alma 46:12)

...he went forth among the people, waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had written upon the rent par, and crying with a loud voice, saying:

Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them. (Alma 46:19-20)

One very righteous and brave man.  Just one.

After he had finished his speech, the people came running.  They raised their own titles of liberty and covenanted to take upon themselves the name of Christ and not transgress.  They promised to preserve their liberty and stand against Amalickiah and his followers.  And so they did.  And their freedoms were preserved.

And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites.(Alma 46:36)

Because of the courage of Moroni, the Nephites maintained their freedom of religion and other liberties.  If he had said, "I'm only one person.  What difference can I make?", Amalickiah would most likely have come to power and stripped the Nephites of these freedoms.  But because one man decided to make a difference, there was "peace and rejoicing" among the Christians.

We live in perilous times.  Some of our rights and freedoms and liberties are being undermined and even taken away by those who wish for power.  It is not just our right, but it is our responsibility to fight to preserve these freedoms.  You and I may only be one person, but imagine the effect of thousands of people, each manifesting the power of one.  I may be only one person, but I can make a difference.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 45

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 46

Promises, Promises

©Darrell Wyatt

This morning, I've been trying to imagine a world in which every person kept every oath and vow and covenant and promise they made.  I think it would be a much different place than the world in which I live right now.  Take marriage, for example.  According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, there have been over one million divorces per year every year since 1975 (more info here).  That's right around 3000 divorces per day!  And those statistics only include the United States.  I believe that it's reasonable to assume that one or both parties in each of those marriages broke their vows in some way.  There are also many jobs that require an oath to be taken prior to beginning work - doctors, congressmen and women, the President, and more.  Yet nearly every day, someone in one of those positions is highlighted in the news for some violation of that oath.

I was reading today the continuance of the battle that I wrote of in yesterday's post.  The Nephite armies had the Lamanite armies surrounded, and Moroni was speaking to the leader of the Lamanite army, whose name was Zerahemnah.  Moroni explained that it was not the desire of his armies to destroy the Lamanites.  They just wanted to protect their wives and children and their freedom of religion and their liberty.  So, he told Zerahemnah that if he and his men would all turn over their weapons of war and make an oath not to come to war against the Nephites again, they would let them all go.  But if they would not do this, he would command his men to commence fighting again.

And now it came to pass that when Zerahemnah had heard these sayings he came forth and delivered up his sword and his cimeter, and his bow into the hands of Moroni, and said unto him:  Behold, here are our weapons of war; we will deliver them up unto you, but we will not suffer ourselves to take an oath unto you, which we know that we shall break, and also our children; but take our weapons of war, and suffer that we may depart into the wilderness; otherwise we will  retain our swords, and we will perish or conquer.(Alma 44:8)

This did not sit well with Moroni, who immediately returned the weapons to Zerahemnah and told him that the only way they were going to let them leave would be if they swore an oath to not return.  Zerahemnah refused, and the battle began again.

Now Zerahemnah, when he saw that they were all about to be destroyed, cried mightily unto Moroni, promising that he would covenant and also his people with them, if they would spare the remainder of their lives, that they never would come to war against them again.

And it came to pass that Moroni caused that the work of death should cease again among the people.  And he took the weapons of war from the Lamanites; and after they had entered into a covenant with him of peace they were suffered to depart into the wilderness.(Alma 44:19-20)

There were a couple of interesting things that I noticed in this story.  First, as wicked and murderous as Zerahemnah was, he understood the importance of an oath.  He was prepared to die rather than swear an oath that he knew he or his descendants would someday break.  It was strangely honorable.  I also realized just how much faith was put into oaths and covenants during this period in time.  Moroni had no witness, except for the word of an enemy, that these people would not return at a later time and try again to kill them all.  Yet he immediately stopped the battle when Zerahemnah told him of his desire to enter into an oath, and as soon as they had entered into a covenant not to return, he let them leave.

What if we all put that much stock into promises?  I know that I use the words "I promise" a little too loosely sometimes.  I have good intentions of honoring the promises that I make, but for the most part, it isn't devastating if circumstances mean that I have to go back on that promise even a little bit.  Maybe it should be.  Maybe I should think much more carefully before using those words, as to keep my integrity intact.  I promise to work to improve in that area, starting right now.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 44

War - What is it Good For?

©Darrell Wyatt

It's nearly impossible to read the book of Alma without thinking about war.  There were so many wars and so many deaths during Book of Mormon times.  In today's reading, Moroni had just become captain of the Nephite armies when it was discovered that the Lamanites were headed toward the Nephites.  So Moroni prepared his army for war.

...and his people were armed with swords, and with cimeters, and all manner of weapons of war...with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing.  Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any such thing; they had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings; ...But they were not armed with breastplates, nor shields - therefore they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armor, notwithstanding their number being so much greater than the Nephites. (Alma 43:18-21)

So the Lamanite army retreated.  But they did not go away.  They decided to take a different approach and go around to another city that would be far less fortified.  Moroni, however, sent spies to follow the army and find out where they were going.  He also sent messengers to ask Alma, as the high priest, to pray to the Lord that they might have guidance and direction in knowing where they needed to be in order to defeat the Lamanite army and protect their cities. God did give them this direction, and they were able to cut off the army before it reached their cities.  A great battle ensued, and the Nephite army was once again able to temporarily fend off the Lamanites.  The victory was short-lived, and the Lamanite army came at the Nephites again, but with more vengeance than the Nephites had ever before seen.

Now in this case the Lamanites did fight exceedingly; yea, never had the Lamanites been known to fight with such exceedingly great strength and courage, no, not even from the beginning....and many of the Nephites were slain by their hands...(Alma 43:43-44)

And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them.  And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts...and it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage.  And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power(Alma 43:48-50).

The scriptures say that the Lamanite army was more than double the size of the Nephite army, yet they were able to surround them and stop the battle for the time being.

As I was trying to decide how I could relate this to my life, it struck me that we are all at constant war.  Yes, there are wars in the world right now, in which brave men and women are fighting for their freedoms, but that's not the type of war that came to mind.  Each one of us is in a struggle to return home to our Father in Heaven.  There are forces all around us, all the time.  Just as Moroni prepared his army to meet the Lamanites, we must be prepared to fend off these inbound attacks.  And, like Moroni's army, we must always be one step ahead of the adversary.  We must have armor when it does not.  We must have a strategy.  We must fortify all areas of our lives, to prevent it from entering in through a weak spot.  One of the most important parallels to this battle, though, is that we must never be comfortable in our own strength.  We must not let our guard down at any time.  We may be able to temporarily fend off the adversary, as Moroni's armies did, but it will return with a vengeance.  And if ever we feel that we just cannot go on, we must also look to the example of Moroni and his men.  We must cry "unto the Lord [our] God" for direction and strength and support.  And, like Moroni's army, if we consistently rely on Him, we will receive the strength we need to make it through this battle and the next one and the next.  With His help, we can conquer all.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 43

Personalized Parenting

©Darrell Wyatt

I was watching a sitcom a couple of weeks ago in which one of the main characters said, "Your kids don't need to know who you were before you had them; they need to know who you wish you were, and try to live up to that person. They're gonna fall short, but better they fall short of the fake you than the real you."  While it was meant to be a funny statement, I found there to be much truth to it.

As I'm reading these chapters, full of Alma's advice to his sons, I am noticing some interesting things.  With the first two boys, Alma was very positive and thankful that they had chosen to go down a righteous path.  Helaman and Shiblon both had strong testimonies of Christ and had become good at preaching of His coming.  Alma spent the majority of his time with them bearing witness that the things they knew were indeed true and telling them why he believed those things.  He then sent them off to continue preaching.  When it came time for him to talk to his youngest son, Corianton, he took quite a different tone.

And now, my son, I have somewhat more to say unto thee than what I said unto thy brother; for behold, have ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God?  Behold, has he not set a good example for thee?  For thou didst not give so much heed unto my words as did thy brother..."(Alma 39:1-2)

Corianton was rebellious.  Alma gave him a list of the things he had done to disappoint him - he was boastful and vain and he had spent his time "hooking up", to use one of my kids' terms, with one of the local harlots.  Alma told him that he knew that she was beautiful and that "she did steal away the hearts of many", but that this was no excuse for Corianton leaving the ministry to be with her. 

...I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good.(Alma 39:7)

My kids don't like to be reminded of the things that they've done wrong, but sometimes it's necessary to make them feel a little bit of remorse for their actions in order for them to understand that they need to change.

Alma also tried to make Corianton understand that there were consequences to his actions that also affected people around him.  "...for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words"(Alma 39:11).  I think that this has been one of the toughest things to get across to my kids - that they aren't just hurting themselves, but they are influencing other people.  People are always watching, whether we know it or not, and what they see will have an impact on how they feel about us or our religion or our families.

The thing that strikes me the most about this part of Alma's discussion with Corianton is that Corianton seemed like an exact replica of Alma as a young man.  Alma was rebellious.  He did many, many things that were "abominable in the sight of the Lord".  Yet not once in his talk with his son did he mention any of these things.  He never said, "I've been there.  I understand what you're going through."  It was as if none of those things ever happened.  And it wasn't because he was choosing to forget or block out his past, because in the chapters previous, when he was talking the Helaman and Shiblon, he discussed his actions with them.  I've pondered a little on this every time I have read these chapters, and I have come to the conclusion that had Alma told Corianton of his past, it may have given him an excuse to keep sinning.  After all, his dad turned out just fine.  He could repent later.

I was always a little upset as I was growing up when I'd receive a different punishment than my siblings when we did the exact same thing wrong.  I remember my mom telling me that she couldn't treat us all the same because the same punishment wouldn't work the same way for me as it would for someone else.  I did not understand that until I had children of my own.  Each of my kids has a different personality and a different "hot button".  Whereas grounding may work for one child, another child wouldn't be fazed by it.  Just as Alma knew he could speak to his first two sons about his past, he also was aware that it may not be a good idea to talk to Corianton in the same way.  He knew his kids, and he knew the best way to get through to each one of them.  I love his example of "personalized parenting".

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 39  

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 40

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 41

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 42

He Hears Me

©Darrell Wyatt

I got a call from my youngest son's first grade teacher yesterday.  She told me that he has finished all of the first grade readers, and can't go on to the second grade readers, so she was going to start sending home some hard back books as "fillers" for the rest of the school year.  When I asked her why he couldn't go on to the second grade readers, she told me that there were two reasons.  The first reason was that all second graders start in the same place, and he shouldn't be ahead of them.  The second reason was that she didn't want any of the other first graders to feel pressured to keep up with him or feel bad that they aren't also reading second grade books.  I'm not going to lie.  My head almost exploded right then and there.  My son was going to be punished for being ahead.  I told her that I'd really like him to move on, and she said that she'd meet with the second grade teachers and see if any of them had a problem with him starting their grade ahead of the rest of the class.  I was completely flabbergasted.  What teacher would honestly have a problem with a child who needed to learn at their own pace?  And then I remembered that I have been on the other side of this coin.  My special needs son was pushed through elementary school, with teachers giving him undeserved passing grades just to move him along.  Finally, he had a teacher that cared enough to let me know that he wasn't going to make it if we didn't do something right then.  And so we did.

So I've been pondering what to do about my first grader's situation.  I know that something needs to be done, but I don't know what.  I decided to pray about it last night and this morning.  And then, as I was reading today's chapter, I came across something.  It wasn't a complete solution to my problem, but more like the voice of my Heavenly Father telling me how to handle the situation.

Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness. (Alma 38:12)

It was as if He knew exactly what I needed to hear, right at that moment.  I have been very concerned about being seen as an overbearing mother - you know, the kind that thinks her kid is perfect and much more deserving and intelligent than the rest of the class.  I know that I need to use boldness to make sure that my little guy isn't left behind, but I can do it without being overbearing.  I really do need to bridle my passions, as well.  No matter what happens, I must make sure that I'm not angry when I speak to the teacher, and let her feel that I appreciate all that she does do for my son.  And refrain from idleness.  Get to work!!  

I know that all of my prayers are answered, whether it be immediate or delayed according to God's timetable.  I've always known that.  But today was a powerful lesson to me that there is no prayer that is too trivial for Him.  If it's important to me, it's important to Him, and He will give me what I need.  For that I am ever grateful.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 38

Because I Said So

My cute nephews              ©Darrell Wyatt

"Because I said so."

Oh how I disliked hearing those words as I was growing up.  I swore that I would never say them to my kids.  It's funny how perfect a mom I was - until I actually had kids.  Of course I've said "Because I said so" to my kids many times.  Sometimes there's no other way to answer them when they ask why they have to do something or why they can't do something.  As a mom, I just sometimes know in my heart whether something is right or wrong, and there is no other reason for my decision.

It was heartening to me to read more of Alma's words to his son, Helaman, today.  He was giving him charge of the precious records of their ancestors and telling him to keep them safe.  He knew that Heavenly Father wanted them to be passed down from generation to generation, but he didn't know why.  He only knew that God said so.

Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forebear.

And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is know unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. (Alma 37:11)

Basically, God had previously said, "Take care of these records, because I said so."  And Alma did, without questioning, because he had seen the power and wisdom of God manifest itself in his life many years prior.  He knew Heavenly Father would never lead him astray or waste time with frivolous or meaningless commandments.

One of my favorite verses in this chapter says:

Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. (Alma 37:6)

So many times, the rules or guidelines that I set for my kids are met with rolled eyes or even anger.  No rule has caused more arguments in our home than my choice to not let my children have "sleepovers".  There have been some circumstances that have made me feel more than justified in making this decision, but they are things that I really don't need to discuss with my kids.  Hence, "Because I said so" slips from my lips.  My kids, especially the older ones, have told me how dumb this rule is.  "What's it going to hurt?"  "Why don't you trust my friends?" or worse, "Why don't you trust me?"  It's not a matter of trust, I try to explain to them.  I just have a really bad feeling about sleepovers.  Just as Alma said to Helaman, I say to my kids - "I know you don't understand.  And that's ok.  You don't need to understand, you just need to listen.  Someday you may understand, and someday you may not.  But for now, you have to do it because I said so."  The tantrums pass eventually, and I know that I've done what I feel is right for my family.

Therefore I command you, my son Helaman, that ye be diligent in fulfilling all my words, and that ye be diligent in keeping the commandments of God as they are written. (Alma 37:20)

There are also rules that kids, being kids, will try to fudge a little bit.  No single dating means just that - no single dating.  It doesn't mean "I can single date as long as I'm in a theater full of people".  But boy does she try!  It's tough to be the enforcer.  It would be easier most of the time to give in and let the kids do what they want.  To not have to face tantrums and rolling eyes and slamming doors.  But my thoughts are this:  More tantrums now, less heartache later.  All of these rules and guidelines that I'm setting for the kids will, I hope, help them to grow into mature, responsible adults who are capable of making the right choices when their parents aren't around.  This is also the reason Heavenly Father gave us commandments.  We all need rules to help us grow, and we need to follow them "as they are written" - no fudging allowed.

No parent is perfect.  No child is perfect.  The combination of imperfect parents and imperfect children sometimes seems an impossible mountain to climb.  But by using the example of my Heavenly Father - the only truly perfect parent, I should be able to get my kids through these tough growing up years.  If I can prove to my kids that I "counsel in wisdom", and not get too hung up on things that don't really matter, it will be much easier for them to trust me when I can't really find a great answer when they ask "why?".  And someday, they'll have the courage to say to their own children, "Because I said so."

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 37

Just Do It

I've never been very comfortable with bearing my testimony.  I'm not sure why, other than that I seem to begin crying as soon as I start talking, and it's embarrassing to me.  There are those who can stand up each and every testimony meeting and bear powerful witness of the truth of the gospel.  I am not one of them.

I love these next six or so chapters of Alma.  I've always thought that a complete parenting book could be written using them as reference.  Alma had been among the people in every city to preach the gospel and was concerned with the contentions and hardness of heart among his people.

Therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered together, that he might give unto them every one his charge, separately, concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness.  And we have an account of his commandments, which he gave unto them according to his own record. (Alma 35:15)

I love that when Alma was worried about the things that were going on in the world, he felt that it was so important to speak to his boys.  I also love that he talked to each of his children one on one.  In my experience with my own kids, talking to them is much more effective when they know that your attention is completely focused on them.

He began with his oldest son, Helaman, and he started by bearing his testimony to him:

And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.(Alma 36:3)

I wonder sometimes if my kids are aware that I have a testimony.  I think they know, but I don't know they know.  Have I missed golden parenting opportunities because I have a hard time standing in front of a congregation?  A few days ago, I read about the importance of praying everywhere - not just in church and not just for others to hear.  Maybe I need to modify those scriptures a tiny bit to include my testimony.  I need to bear witness to my kids wherever I can.  It doesn't have to be in testimony meeting or even at church.  It doesn't need to be a Sunday.  It can be in the car, on the way to practice.  It can be while I'm making dinner.  It can be any time, any place.  I just need to do it.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 35

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 36

Move Those Rocks

©Darrell Wyatt

As I was reading today, I was reminded of James, chapter 2, in which James explains that "faith without works is dead".  Amulek was was talking to the people about faith.  He reminded them of the things that Alma had finished preaching, about prayer and faith, and then he said:

And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need - I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith. (Alma 34:28)

I have heard many different takes on James' sermon about faith, with some saying that he could not have meant what it sounds like, because "by the grace of God only, we are saved".  No works needed.  I cannot imagine this to be true.  To say that it is not necessary for us to put forth any effort toward our salvation just seems to me to be taking for granted everything that Jesus suffered.  Kind of like watching my mom work for hours or even days to make a huge and perfect Thanksgiving dinner, eating it all within just a few minutes, and then making her do all the dishes afterward.  It just doesn't seem right.

I read an article last night that shed some light on the events that led up to yesterday's miraculous mine rescue in Chile.  After the mine collapsed, a deep, narrow hole was drilled down to where the mine owners believed the miners to be.  When it was discovered that they were alive, a larger adjacent hole was drilled, through which the miners were eventually brought to the surface.  As these holes were being drilled, debris would fall into the shaft where the men were, and they in turn would move the debris to a different area of the shaft, allowing the drilling to continue.  The article said that by the time both holes were drilled, a staggering 3,000 to 4,000 metric tons of rock had been moved by the miners.

These miners had to put their faith and trust in the workers 2000 feet above them if they had any hope of being rescued.  But that is not all they had to do.  They had to work.  They had to do their part by removing the falling debris, or else the drilling could not be successful and they could have perished. They could not simply depend on the men and women above them to do everything.  Their faith alone was not enough.

So it is with my faith.  There is debris falling daily all around me.  It is easy for me to have faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ as my manner of rescue, but if I do not do my part and remove that debris, through the things that Amulek talked about - charity, prayer, study, repentance - then my faith is useless.  I may still have faith, but it availeth me nothing.  Looks like I've got some rocks to move.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 34

God Has Never Left Us Down Here

For the past few hours and part of last night, I have been glued to my computer monitor, watching the amazing rescue of 33 miners who have been trapped in a mine in Chile for over two months.  Every time one of the men is raised up and released from the metal capsule, so aptly named Phoenix, I am filled with emotion.  Each man has had different reactions - from stunned silence to fist-pumping, high-fiving, and cheering, and everything in between.  There have been a couple, though, who immediately upon emerging from the capsule, dropped to their knees in prayers of gratitude.

©Hugo Infante/Government of Chile, used with permission.

In today's reading, Alma was chastising some people who complained that they were not allowed into the synagogues to pray because of their poverty.  He reminded them of what Zenos, a prophet of old, said concerning prayer and worship:

For he said:  Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me.  Yea, O God, and thou was merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in prayer, and thou didst hear me.  And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer.  And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear me.  Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.  Yea, O God, thou has been merciful unto me me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations.  Yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out and have been despised by mine enemies;...

And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy...(Alma 33:4-11)

These men, who were at the height of their afflictions, knew that they could turn to God - no matter where they were - and that he would hear their cries.  This was evidenced when, even before the rescue began, a letter was sent to the surface from the miners in which nineteen year old Jimmy Sanchez, the youngest of the miners, wrote "There are actually 34 of us, because God has never left us down here."   Mario Sepulveda, the second miner to be rescued, said, "I was with God and with the devil. And I reached out for God."  What awe-inspiring faith.

Not only is the rescue of these miners a modern-day miracle, it is a lesson to me that wherever I go, whatever I do, whenever I need Him, He is there.  I do not have to wait until Sunday to speak with Him.  I do not have to be in a church building.  I can be in my car or my house or 2000 feet below the earth.  He will hear me.  I am never alone, no matter how alone I feel.  God has never left me down here.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 33

Always Time for Blessings

©Darrell Wyatt

I have a vinyl quote on the wall of my entry way:

This time, like all times, is a very good one

if you know what to do with it.

It has gotten me through some pretty rough times by making me look past the hurt or discomfort of the moment to find the lesson that I need to learn from each particular situation.  It seems like when I'm at a low point, I am much more apt to turn to my Heavenly Father for guidance and comfort.  When things are going well, and I don't have a lot to worry about, those are the times where I sometimes forget to turn to God, even in gratitude, and the humbling starts.

...for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; (Alma 32:13)

You'd think that after all these years, I would just learn my lesson.  If I stay humble always, there will be no need for God to humble me.

And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?(Alma 32:14)

Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble...(Alma 32:16)

I have so much to be grateful for.  It's easy to forget that when things seem to be going my way, it's not because of anything that I've done, but because I am being blessed by the Lord.  On the other hand, when things are not going the way that I'd like them to, it is not that the Lord is withholding His blessings from me.  I am just being blessed in a different way.  The responsibility to figure out what that blessing is lies with me.  Sometimes I don't have to look far at all to find it, and other times I have to dig pretty deeply.  But the blessing is always there.  I just need to know what to do with it.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 31

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 32

Freedom

I remember countless times as I was growing up that my friends would ask me how I could stand to live with all of the rules that come along with my religion.  Even as a young adult, I'd get questions like, "Don't you feel tied down?"  While it's true that, as a teenager, there may have been times that I felt like I needed a little bit more freedom, for the most part I really never did feel "tied down".

I do not teach this people to bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and performances which are laid down by ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them, to keep them in ignorance, that they may not lift up their heads, but be brought down according to thy words.

Ye say that this people is a free people.  Behold, I say they are in bondage...(Alma 30:23-24)

That was Korihor speaking to the High Priest about why he was going around preaching to the people that Christ was not real, but a foolish tradition passed down by their ancestors.  He accused the leaders of the church of keeping the people in bondage, rather than allowing them to freely do as they wished.  He was telling them that "every man prospered according to their own genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength, and whatsoever a man did was no crime"(Alma 30:17).

And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness...telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof.(Alma 30-18)

It was easy for Korihor to lead so many people astray because the things he taught "were pleasing unto the carnal mind" (Alma 30:53).  I think it's human nature to want to feel pleasure.  The problem is, oftentimes we look to instant gratification instead of looking at the big picture.

How can a person not feel like they are in bondage when they're a member of a religion with so many "rules"?  Never smoke.  Never drink.  Never have pre-marital sex. Never lie, cheat or steal.  Never. Never. Never.  Because I have chosen to follow the guidelines that are a part of being a member of the church, I really have lived my life with quite a few "nevers".  I have never had a hang-over.  I have never had to give up an addiction.  I have never ended up in jail.  I have never had to worry about an unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.  Never.  Never.  Never.

I know, without a doubt, that I have much more freedom than a lot of the people who used to tell me how "tied down" I was by my religion.  How grateful I am for the boundaries that have been set to protect me.

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 30

This is My Joy

My husband and I and our then two children moved from Washington State to Utah thirteen years ago last month.  The circumstances surrounding our move may seem strange to some.  We had no job, no house, nothing that usually prompts a family to relocate.  We had a feeling.  We were both prompted at the same time that we needed to move to Utah.  We didn't know why.  We didn't know exactly how it was going to work, but we both knew we were supposed to go.

At the time of our decision, my husband had just finished a good-paying summer job.  He had been going to school and worked during the summer.  His summer paycheck is what would enable us to pay our moving expenses, so the timing seemed perfect.  I was working as a New Accounts Adviser at a local credit union, and I loved my job.  So sudden was our decision to move that I had, just days earlier, applied for a management position with the internal auditing department - without any inkling that I may not be there to actually accept the job.  When the credit union manager got wind of my impending move, he called me into his office.  He told me that he had been considering me for a promotion to branch manager of one of the neighboring branch offices, and that if I were to stay, the job would be mine.  This new position would have meant a significant increase in my income, and a very large step up the corporate ladder.  It was a very enticing proposition.  I talked it over with my husband, and we decided together that we should follow the prompting that we had both felt to move.  And so the next day, I turned in my notice.  We moved just under a month later.

When we arrived in Utah, we stayed in my grandmother's basement for a couple of months until we were able to afford our own apartment.  I found an incredible job at another credit union, and my husband stayed home with the kids.  The plan was for us to gain residency so that he could qualify for in-state tuition at Utah State University.  Well, we were thrown for some loops, including our son being diagnosed with Autism and me expecting our third child, that changed our plans.  My husband found a great job, and upon the arrival of our baby, I was able to quit my job to take care of the kids. 

I have been a stay-at-home mom for almost twelve years now.  If I were to say that I've loved every minute of it, I wouldn't be telling the whole truth.  There are days that I feel useless - like I'm not contributing anything to society.   My self-confidence has decreased exponentially.  I look at strong women in the world, with positions of power, and I can't even imagine myself in their shoes.  I used to be like them, but now I'm "just a mom".

Today, as I was reading, I could completely "liken the scriptures" to myself.  If I were to have written Alma, chapter 29, it would start something like this:

"O, that I were a working woman, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with eloquence and power, with a voice to shake the earth!  Yea, I would declare my wisdom, as with the voice of thunder, that they should listen to me, for I am creative and intelligent and I have many ideas.

But behold, I am a stay-at-home mom, and I do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things the Lord hath allotted unto me.  Why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?  Why should I desire that I be a working woman, that I could speak unto all the ends of the earth?

I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it.  I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hand of God to bring these little children back to Him; and this is my joy."

I think it's only natural to sometimes wish we could be something different than what we are.  To get caught up in "the grass is always greener" syndrome.  Looking back at that decision that my husband and I made, I can see the wisdom of the Lord in leading us here.  My son has seen incredible progress that he more than likely would not have seen had we stayed in Washington.  If I had taken that branch management position, it is very possible that I would not have wanted to continue having children, and I certainly would not be home to raise them.  I don't want anyone to think that I am "anti-working mom", because I am not.  I have the utmost respect for women who can hold down a job and a household.  That's just not what Heavenly Father had in store for me.  Even though I sometimes feel "less than" my working friends, I can look at the big picture and see how blessed I am to be where I am right now.  But most importantly, I can absolutely find joy in what I am - a full time mommy to six of the most amazing and creative and fun-loving kids in the world. 

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 27

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 28

Click here to read what I read today: Alma 29

 

Just One of Those (Fantastic) Days

For today's post, I am using what I wrote the last time I read this chapter - almost exactly six months ago.  It may be a repeat for some of you, but I think it's worth repeating, and still very true.  This is my favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon, and I hope that those of you who haven't read it will take time to do so.  It captures very closely how I feel on most days when I think of the love that God has shown me -  "My joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God."(Alma 26:11)

Here's the entry from six months ago.  Thanks for letting me share it again.

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Today was just one of those days. Now, usually that sentence carries with it quite a bit of negative connotation, but not today. It's a great day! And it's only 9:18 am.

I woke up late (par for my usual course) and, after a mad scramble to find four pairs of socks - only one of which ended up being a matching pair - had to shove my kids out the door so that they wouldn't miss the (thankfully also late) bus. Normally, a start like this would send the rest of my day into an ever-increasing downward spiral. Today, however, I made one small decision that changed that. I decided to do my scripture reading FIRST, instead of trying to fit it in between chores and exercising and Facebooking.

A little background: I am NOT an avid scripture studier. At least I haven't been until a couple of months ago. I made a goal at the beginning of the year to try to read my scriptures every day. I haven't been 100% successful, but I've done pretty well and am actually really enjoying it.

Anyhoooo...back to this morning.

My reading today was Alma, chapters 24-26. There are some days where I just muddle through my reading so that I can make a checkmark on my little reading chart, and there are some days where I find myself totally immersed in what I'm reading. Today was one of those days.

Chapters 24 and 25 are the typical "Lamanite/Nephite war-lots of people die-lots of people get converted" chapters. Good reading, but nothing compared to what I was about to read. Chapter 26 is Ammon glorying in the Lord. "...could we have supposed when we started...that God would have granted unto us such great blessings?"

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story of Ammon in the Book of Mormon, a little background. Ammon and his brothers, much to the dismay of their friends and families, went on missions to teach the Lamanites - who were pretty stinkin' evil at this point in the BOM. People made fun of them for going and said that there was no way the Lamanites would be converted, but they went anyway. Long story short, they were all captured in the various cities in which they decided to preach. Some were imprisoned and tortured. Some became servants to the Lamanite kings. None of them had it easy, but all of them had their lives spared and ended up converting thousands of Lamanites.

So in Chapter 26, Ammon is rejoicing and talking about their success, when his brother Aaron told him that he shouldn't be so boastful. Ammon tells him that he is not boasting of himself but boasting of God: "in his strength I can do all things". Later he says "Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord?"
In the same chapter in which he's rejoicing in the Lord and feeling blessed, he speaks of their tribulations: "We have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison..." And after all of this, Ammon is still rejoicing and showing gratitude.

The verse that really struck a chord with me is verse 27: "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go...and bear with patience thine afflictions and I will give unto you success."

Without going into too many unnecessary details, let me just say that I have suffered from some pretty deep depression for the last seven years. I have been on anti-deps for more than half of that time. At the beginning of this year, I made some changes (scripture reading being just one) that have helped to begin to pull me from that pit. I have felt so good these past few months that I worry sometimes that I will fall back in and never feel this good again. I can say that I did have some legitimate reasons to be depressed, but I have never "been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon my cheeks; and been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison..." like Ammon and his brothers. And yet, after all they suffered, they rejoiced. What an example to me.

There are days that I feel sorry for myself, and there are days where I can rejoice and thank God for my many many blessings. Today is one of those days.

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Click here to read what I read today: Alma 26