My Perfect Grandma

For as long as I can remember, my grandmother has talked about death.  Not just any death, though, her death.  Whenever someone died, she would say that she wished it were her.  When my grandpa died, she talked about how happy she was for him.  She even wanted to have a little party to celebrate his "graduation".  She looked forward to the day that she would leave this earth, because, as she always said, "There's work to do!".  Yesterday, she finally got her wish.  While her passing wasn't really a shock to anyone - she was getting to that age where her body was slowly rebelling - it was very sudden.  She had been doing really well as of late, or so it seemed.  And then she was just gone.

I've been hit with waves of different emotions over the past 18 hours or so.  To be honest, my relationship with my grandma was kind of strained.  Events during the past few years had kind of put a damper on what used to be a fun, normal grandmother/granddaughter bond.  Because of that, I probably didn't make the effort that I should have to stay close to her, although I did try to visit off and on. 

When mom called and told me that grandma had died, after the initial shock, I felt incredible relief and joy.  Then came immediate guilt for feeling that joy.  Why was I happy?  What was wrong with me?  And then I realized that my happiness was not because she died, but because she could now live.  She has been plagued her whole life with physical and emotional and mental obstacles.  She had a pretty tough life.  And now, all those things that were holding her back are gone.  I just keep thinking of that scripture in Moroni, "Come unto Christ and be perfected in him.."(Moroni 10:32), and I firmly believe that Grandma is with Christ and she is perfect.  All those maladies that she had to deal with in her physical body have been removed.  Her spirit and her mind are healed.

Of course, as I was reading today, Grandma was forefront on my mind.  As I read about Christ's visit to the Nephites after his ascension into heaven, I couldn't help but think of Grandma and her reunion with Him.

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified would come into the world.

And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. (3 Nephi 11:10-11)  

The Atonement of Jesus Christ was not just about our sins.  It was about all the hardships that we would face.  It was about my grandma's fibromyalgia and sciatica and all those other things that she dealt with on a daily basis.  He loved her (and all of us) so much that He died so that she could live again in a perfect state - free of pain and mental anguish.  Because of Him, I will see her again.  My perfect Grandma.  There are not words to express my deep, eternal gratitude for this knowledge.

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 11

Oceans Apart

©Darrell Wyatt

The internet is truly an amazing thing.  With just a few clicks of my mouse, I can know everything newsworthy that is happening anywhere around the world.  I can check to see what the temperature is in Chicago or Tokyo or Moscow.  I can look up the menu for a restaurant in Hong Kong.  I can even look up traffic reports in Sydney, Australia.  It's really quite unbelievable, the information that I have, right at my fingertips.

I love to look at the statistical reports on my blog.  There's a whole bunch of information about which posts have been read during any given period of time and by how many people, what internet platform each reader is using, and whether any comments have been posted.  My favorite statistic to look at, though, is the audience stat.  It tells me what country each reader is from.  Including the United States, people from ten different countries on four different continents have read various posts that I've written.  People from places like Canada and Russia and Brazil are reading about my thoughts and experiences.  This is a little bit mind-blowing to me.  People halfway across the world are interested in what is going on thousands of miles and oceans away.

I've always been very grateful to have the Book of Mormon, but today, as I was reading, I realized just how grateful I really am.  I am reading of the time period during and just following the crucifixion of Christ.  Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied of the signs that would be given at the time of Christ's death, and these signs were coming to pass.

...there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land.

And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder.

And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land.(3 Nephi 8:5-7)

Cities were swallowed up into the ocean or burned or buried.  People were taken away in whirlwinds.  The earth quaked and divided.  All of this destruction lasted about three hours, and then there was complete darkness - just as Samuel the Lamanite had foretold.  The darkness lasted for three days, during which the people mourned the loss of their brethren and also mourned the fact that they had not repented earlier.  They didn't believe that the signs would ever come.  They had lost any belief that they once had in Christ, but now that the prophesies were being fulfilled, they knew that they had been wrong.

I decided to do a side by side comparison between the Book of Mormon and the Bible.  I wanted to see what was happening on the other side of the world - in Jerusalem, where Christ was crucified - during this exact time in the Book of Mormon.  What a wonderful experience this was for me!  Of course I've read both the biblical account and the Book of Mormon account of the crucifixion of Christ before, but I have never read them together.  I learned that much the same thing was happening in Jerusalem as it was on this continent.

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, (Matthew 27:51-52)

I also learned that the people in Jerusalem were having the same type of reaction as the Nephites were.

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.(Matthew 27:54)

Just like the Nephites, these people realized that they had been wrong in disbelieving the prophesies they had been given about Christ being the Messiah - the Savior of the World.  Only after his death did both groups of people believe.

If it weren't for the Book of Mormon, I would only have an account of events that happened to the people that were with Christ on that great and terrible day.  There would be no way for me to know what was happening to the people halfway around the world.  The Nephites were as effected by the crucifixion of Christ as those people that were with Him in Golgotha.  Christ died for their sins, also - not just for those who were on the same continent.  How grateful I am for this record and for the opportunity that I have to read about one of the most important events in the history of the world from the perspective of a group of people half a world away.  It truly is another witness of Jesus Christ.

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 8

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 9

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 10

The Storm Before the Calm

©Darrell Wyatt

I've tried.  I've really tried.  But no matter what I do, Sunday and I just do not get along.  Not only do we not get along, I'm pretty sure Sunday hates me.  With a burning passion.

I had a perfectly nice, relaxing weekend.  I spent lots of time with my family, doing lots of fun things.  I went to bed reasonably happy last night.  And then I woke up, and it was Sunday.  And it was all downhill from there.  My poor kids couldn't find their clothes fast enough or do their hair nicely enough or talk softly enough or breathe the right way.  When we got to Sacrament Meeting, I actually said to my husband, "Why do we even bother to bring our kids to church?  We should just come by ourselves."  I can't believe I said that.  But what's worse is that I really meant it.  And it was only the opening song.  Sunday hates me.

There's just something that happens when I'm trying so hard to make sure that we're all doing the right thing.  I know that it's the adversary, trying to get his foot in the door, making it difficult for us to make the right choices.  It seems like on Sunday, he not only gets his foot in, he pitches a tent.

...and all this iniquity had come upon the people because they did yield themselves unto the power of Satan. (3 Nephi 7:5)

As much as I'd like to blame my relationship with Sunday on Satan, I really can't.  I'm not a horribly crabby monster of a mom on Sundays because Satan makes me.  I'm a horribly crabby monster of a mom on Sundays because I let him have power over me.  I have the power to stop it.  I could say that all of this happens because by Sunday I'm so completely exhausted that I don't have the energy to keep my guard up, but that's not really it.  Satan does know when we're doing things that please our Father in Heaven, and he will do everything he can to stop us.  The sad part is that he knows how much power that I, as a mother, possess.  He doesn't even have to work on my children - he just gives me a little nudge and I do all his dirty work for him.

So, now that I'm aware of what I'm doing, and more importantly what Satan is doing, I will resolve that today be my last battle with Sunday.  What happened today will just be thought of as the storm before the calm.  That's what Sundays should be - calm and peaceful and reverent.  And so, with a little more effort and a lot of prayer, that's just what they are going to become.

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 7

Drive Safely

©Darrell Wyatt

When I was younger and just about ready to get my driving permit, my dad decided to let me drive the block home from a friends house with him.  I had never been in the driver's seat before, and I was a little nervous.  I started out fine, albeit very slowly.  I headed down the street and promptly ran the first stop sign.  I was afraid if I stopped, I wouldn't be able to get started again since the car had a manual transmission.  At the turn, I thought that I was doing fine.  I began to turn the wheel and accelerate.  The problem was, I didn't turn the wheel nearly hard enough and headed across the road and straight for a barn.  Luckily, because I was going so slowly, the car rolled to a stop on its own before I could do any damage to the barn or the car.  My dad handled the whole thing in stride.  He knew that it wasn't really my fault, since I had never driven before.  He did drive the rest of the way home, though.

Looking back, I think I know what happened.  I had watched my parents drive many times.  I sort of knew, from watching them, how to drive.  Turn the wheel when necessary, apply the brakes to slow down, use the lever to turn on the blinkers.  But I didn't know how hard to turn the wheel or what pressure was necessary to speed up or slow down.

This morning, I read of the Nephites' descent from "great order in the land" to "a state of awful wickedness".  They had defeated the Gadianton robbers and lived in peace for a few years.  They began to prosper exceedingly in all things - crops, riches, clothing.  They were very blessed. 

And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances of learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches. (3 Nephi 6:12)

 

They began to split up into classes and the more wealthy people would persecute the poorer among them.  Some would fight back, while others remained humble.  "And thus there became a great inequality in the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up."(3 Nephi 6:14)

Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this - Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world.

And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity...(3 Nephi 6:15-16)

These were the same people who had seen the signs of Christ's birth.  They continued to receive signs and wonders from heaven, and just a few years prior, "there was not a living soul among [them] who did doubt in the least" all the things that had been prophesied.  The very same people who were now committing all manner of sin and iniquity.

Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully rebel against God. (3 Nephi 6:18)

Willful rebellion.  I really hadn't thought of that before.  It's like my driving experience.  Because I hadn't been given the proper instruction, I couldn't be held accountable for my driving errors.  However, now that I have been through a driving course and learned all the proper techniques and driving rules, anytime that I run a stop sign or exceed the speed limit amounts to willful rebellion.  If I break the rules, I do not do it ignorantly.  I know the rules.

The same is true in other aspects of my life.  I have the knowledge and light of the gospel.  I know why I'm here and where I'm headed and what's expected of me.  If I neglect to make the right choices, I am willfully rebelling against God.  That's pretty powerful. 

I watch my kids, and the rate that they learn, and I can correlate my first driving experience with their little lives.  My younger children are learning the basic rules - no stealing, no lying, love one another, while my older kids are gradually gaining the knowledge that they need to really be able to follow all these rules.  They are learning the reasons behind the commandments.  They are learning, in depth, the consequences that come from breaking the commandments. 

Just as I watched my parents drive and relied on their knowledge that first time I got behind the wheel, my kids are relying on my knowledge of the gospel until they can have a firm grasp of the gospel principles on their own.  Their simple testimonies are grounded in the testimonies that my husband and I have.  Some of their sins are in ignorance.  They don't have the knowledge yet to make all the right decisions all the time.  They have to lean on us, as parents, to guide them through until they do have the knowledge of their own.  My example to them is vital.  I cannot let them ever see me in willful rebellion - even if they don't understand what that means.  I must be steadfast in keeping the commandments at all times, and continue helping them build their own knowledge.  Eventually, they're going to have to take the wheel on their own.  I can only work and hope that I've given them the knowledge and skill to drive safely.

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 6

When He Comes Again

As far back as I can remember, I have learned about the Second Coming of Christ.  Everything I have been taught in church, from nursery to primary to Young Women's and now as an adult, has been in preparation for His coming.  I remember when I was younger, I would sometimes wonder if He would come during the next year or two.  And then I read a story about a pioneer girl who felt the same way, some hundred years before I was even born. 

I was thinking about this as I read this morning.  The beginning of the Book of Mormon took place more than six hundred years before Christ's birth.  In about 560 B.C., Jacob said:

Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him. (2 Nephi 11:4)

There was no way for any of them to know how long it would be until Christ was born.  For all they knew, he would come within their lifetimes.  But he did not.  He came nearly six hundred years later.

Today, I read of the Nephites who lived during the years of Christ's life.  They knew that he was born because of the signs they were given, but he had not yet come to see them as it had been prophesied that he would.

And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken; for they knew that it must needs be that they must be fulfilled. (3 Nephi 5:1)

They knew, because of the signs that they had already received, that He would come to them.  They didn't know whether it would be that year or the next or a hundred years later, but they knew they would get to see him.

Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night. (3 Nephi 5:3)

They chose to live in a manner that no matter when he came, whether it be then or sometime in the future, they would be ready.  What a lesson this is to me.  I may or may not be here for the Second Coming, but I need to live as if he were coming tomorrow.  I need to "serve God with all diligence day and night" so that when he does come again, I will be ready.

The song "When He Comes Again" has been running through my mind as I've been typing.  It is one of my very favorite songs that I learned when I was as young as my youngest child.  I'm grateful to my dad for letting me use his wonderful photos along with these lyrics:

I wonder when he comes again,

Will herald angels sing?

©Darrell Wyatt

Will the earth be white with drifted snow?

©Darrell Wyatt

Or will the world know spring?

©Darrell Wyatt

I wonder if one star will shine

far brighter than the rest;

©Darrell Wyatt

Will daylight stay the whole night through?

©Darrell Wyatt

Will songbirds leave their nests?

©Darrell Wyatt

I'm sure he'll call his little ones

to gather round his knee,

because he said in days gone by,

"Suffer them to come to me."

©Darrell Wyatt

I wonder when he comes again,

Will I be ready there

©Darrell Wyatt

To look upon his loving face

and join with him in prayer?

©Darrell Wyatt

Each day I'll try to do his will

and let my light so shine

©Darrell Wyatt

That others seeing me may seek

for greater light divine.

©Darrell Wyatt

Then when that blessed day is here,

He'll love me and he'll say,

"You've served me well my little child,

Come into my arms to stay."

©Darrell Wyatt

Words and music: Mirla Greenwood Thayne, 1907–1997
© 1952 by Mirla Greenwood Thayne, Provo, Utah. Renewed 1980. Used by permission. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 5 

Be Prepared

©Darrell Wyatt

I'm so grateful this morning for my home.  The wind is howling loudly against my windows, and it is bitter cold outside.  A blizzard is predicted for this afternoon, and the schools are letting out early in preparation.  The schools here never let out for snow, so this impending storm must be pretty harsh.  I hesitated to take time to write, because I keep getting the feeling that I need to prepare, but I also know that I wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything until I've written.

I'm glad the schools are letting out early.  Whenever there is some sort of storm or disaster or emergency, I'm always so glad to have my family around me.  There's just something about being together that makes me feel safe.

When the Gadianton Robbers threatened to come against the Nephites, Lachoneus wisely gathered his people and provisions together in the heart of their land, in the city of Zarahemla.  They brought everything with them - animals, storage, any supplies that they would need - and they left the rest of the land desolate.  This proved to be a good way to keep the robbers away from them, as they couldn't get close enough without having to go back to their camps for more supplies.

Therefore, there was no chance for the robbers to plunder and to obtain food, save it were to come up in open battle against the Nephites; and the Nephites being in one body, and having so great a number, and having reserved for themselves provisions, and horses and cattle, and flocks of every kind, that they might subsist for the space of seven years...(3 Nephi 4:4)

So the robbers, because the only method they knew to obtain anything was to "plunder and rob and murder", decided that they would go to war.  They marched against the Nephites, whom they discovered to have fallen to the earth at their appearance.  This made the robbers happy, because they were sure that the Nephites had fallen to the ground in fear.  

But in this thing they were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection; therefore, when the armies of Giddianhi did rush upon them they were prepared to meet them; yea, in the strength of the Lord the did receive them. (3 Nephi 4:10)

Things like this impending blizzard always bring to my mind thoughts of inadequacy.  We are told over and over to be prepared for an emergency.  To have our food storage and our emergency essentials ready.  Because I am not prepared, I will spend the day rushing around gathering things I might need if the power goes out.  

The need for adequate emergency storage is obvious, but the battle between the Gadianton robbers and the Nephites reminded me of another type of preparation that is essential in an emergency.  I need to make sure that my family and I are also spiritually prepared.  No matter the storm or disaster, if we are prepared spiritually, we will be "prepared to meet them".  We will have the strength of the Lord to make it through any trial, but we must do our part.  All the things that we learn from our inspired leaders are as important as any canned food in my basement storage.  Do I have an adequate store of scripture reading, church-going, prayer?  It's as vital to periodically take stock of our spiritual storage as it is our food storage.  If we are prepared, we need not fear.

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 4

It's Not You, It's Me

©Darrell Wyatt

I live across the valley from the Wellsville Mountains.  During the winter time, I can see them from some of the windows in my house.  They are breathtaking.  According to many sources, these mountains are considered to be the steepest mountain range in the world.  I don't quite understand how the measurements work, but it has something to do with the width of the base compared to the height.  Small, but mighty.

I mention the Wellsvilles, because the story that I read today is probably one of the lesser known stories in the Book of Mormon, but it is the one that has had the largest impact on my life.  It, like the mountains, is small but mighty.  I know I've said this a few times, but today's chapter really is one of my very favorites.  In fact, I knew that it was coming today, and I could hardly sleep last night.  I kept waking up, thinking of what I could say to convey the emotion that this chapter brought to the surface the first time I really read it.  I hope that I am able to do it justice.

As in many of the Book of Mormon periods of time, this particular one was riddled with contention between the good guys and the evil guys.  As usual, the good guys were those who believed in Christ and lived righteous, God-fearing lives.  However, the bad guys had changed.  They were called the Gadianton Robbers.  The epitome of evil. They had their own secret society which, for the most part, stayed in mountains, separated from the Nephites.  They had spies that would infiltrate regular society and secret signs that they would use to be able to tell who else among the people were aligned with them.  They would murder and steal, and it was nearly impossible to catch them because they were so secretive.  True evil in action.

In today's chapter, the governor of the land, Lachoneus, received a letter from the leader of the Gadianton Robbers.  I don't usually like to quote such a large chunk of the chapters I read, but there's no way I can do this justice by paraphrasing it.  The letter said:

Lachoneus, most noble and chief governor of the land, behold, I write this epistle unto you, and do give unto you exceedingly great praise because of your firmness, and also the firmness of your people, in maintaining that which ye suppose to be your right and liberty; yea, ye do stand well, as if ye were supported by the hand of a god, in the defence of your liberty, and your property, and your country, or that which ye do call so.   And it seemeth a pity unto me, most noble Lachoneus, that ye should be so foolish and vain as to suppose that ye can stand against so many brave men who are at my command, who do now at this time stand in their arms, and do await with great anxiety for the word—Go down upon the Nephites and destroy them.  And I, knowing of their unconquerable spirit, having proved them in the field of battle, and knowing of their everlasting hatred towards you because of the many wrongs which ye have done unto them, therefore if they should come down against you they would visit you with utter destruction.

Therefore I have written this epistle, sealing it with mine own hand, feeling for your welfare, because of your firmness in that which ye believe to be right, and your noble spirit in the field of battle.  Therefore I write unto you, desiring that ye would yield up unto this my people, your cities, your lands, and your possessions, rather than that they should visit you with the sword and that destruction should come upon you.  Or in other words, yield yourselves up unto us, and unite with us and become acquainted with our secret works, and become our brethren that ye may be like unto us—not our slaves, but our brethren and partners of all our substance.  And behold, I swear unto you, if ye will do this, with an oath, ye shall not be destroyed; but if ye will not do this, I swear unto you with an oath, that on the morrow month I will command that my armies shall come down against you, and they shall not stay their hand and shall spare not, but shall slay you, and shall let fall the sword upon you even until ye shall become extinct.

And behold, I am Giddianhi; and I am the governor of this the secret society of Gadianton; which society and the works thereof I know to be good; and they are of ancient date and they have been handed down unto us.  And I write this epistle unto you, Lachoneus, and I hope that ye will deliver up your lands and your possessions, without the shedding of blood, that this my people may recover their rights and government, who have dissented away from you because of your wickedness in retaining from them their rights of government, and except ye do this, I will avenge their wrongs. 

I am Giddianhi. 

(3 Nephi 3:2-10)

When I first read this letter, I was amazed at the manipulative, conniving wording that Giddianhi chose.  He started out by flattering Lachoneus - telling him what a noble and courageous person he was.  Inviting Lachoneus to bring his people to join with the Gadianton Robbers.  Pretending to be looking after his welfare.  Quite an evil mastermind.

As much as I was drawn into the story by this letter, it is Lachoneus' reaction that is the lesson.

Now behold, this Lachoneus, the governor, was a just man, and could not be frightened by the demands and the threatenings of a robber; therefore he did not hearken to the epistle of Giddianhi, the governor of the robbers, but he did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them. (3 Nephi 3:12)

Lachoneus told his people to pray.  Not surprising, since that would be the reaction of any just and righteous leader.  The surprise, and truly life-changing example to me, was what he asked them to pray for.  He did not ask his people to pray that the Gadianton Robbers would not come against them.  He did not ask them to pray to be spared from fighting.  He asked them to pray that they would be prepared when the Robbers did come against them.  

How often have I prayed that I will be spared the pain or discomfort of something that I know is inevitable?  How often have I prayed, when in the midst of conflict, that the other person's heart would be softened or their feelings toward me changed?  Instead, I should have been praying that I would be changed.  That I would be able to bear the pain or discomfort.  That my heart would be softened.

There will be times that conflict or pain or loneliness or heartbreak is inevitable.  There's nothing we can do to change that.  There will be people who are angry with us, whether we feel that the anger is justified or not.  It's part of this life's growing experiences.  To ask Heavenly Father to take all that away from us is reneging on our part of His plan.  We knew that this life would be a test - a challenge that would help us grow.  Asking for no trials would be like asking God for the answers to the test.  It might make getting to the end easier, but we would learn nothing.  We should only ask, as Lachoneus did, that God will give us the strength to make it through.

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 3

Astonishing

I think the thing I love most about kids is their sense of wonder.  Everything is exciting.  Everything is beautiful.  Everything is a blessing.  If we go for a walk, they have to stop and smell the roses.  And look at the rocks.  And throw a few sticks.  And pet a few dogs.  And chase a few cats.  We don't get anywhere quickly.  I used to get annoyed by it, but then I started to realize what I've been missing out on.  There are wondrous things all around me, if I stop to take notice.

Kids can even turn chores into playtime.  Take the other day.  I've been putting off and putting off raking the leaves in our yard.  I really don't like that job.  We have a decent size yard with five maple trees and two apple trees.  Our neighbor has some aspens that border our yard, so we get to rake those tiny, super annoying leaves, as well.  It's just a lot of work, and I really don't enjoy work.  A few days ago, however, I'd figured that we had put it off long enough.  There was snow in the forecast, and leaves and snow don't go very well together.  So I gathered the kids, who were very whiny at first, but actually started right in.  The work went relatively fast with all of us helping, but they just weren't listening to how I wanted them to do it.  I wanted the leaves to end up in the garden area, but the kids just kept raking them into this huge pile that was nowhere near the garden.  They wanted to jump in them.  "It's just going to make it harder to get that big pile to the garden!", I kept saying, but they didn't care.  "What's the point in raking leaves if you can't jump in them?"  I was slightly annoyed.  I didn't want them to jump in the leaves.  I wanted to get this dumb job over with.  So we finished everything but the big pile.  They begged me to take pictures of them playing in the leaves, which I didn't feel in the mood to do.  Finally, they talked me into it.

We actually had a really good time after this, taking silly pictures and serious pictures and pictures in between.  Had I stuck to my boring guns, I would've missed out on a really fantastic time with my kids, and more especially, seeing my oldest daughter laugh and smile.  It was a fabulous time.

It was nine years after Christ's birth, in today's chapter, and the Nephites had been continually receiving Heavenly signs.  They had become so used to them, however, that they stopped noticing.

...and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished...insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds...(3 Nephi 2:1)

I've always liked that phrase:  less and less astonished.  I can relate it to myself way more than I want to admit.  As I have aged, I have truly become less and less astonished at the wonders around me.  I live in a beautiful place.  For work, my husband trains people from all over the country.  They come here, and he teaches them how to run their businesses.  During the evenings, he and his team are responsible for entertaining these franchise owners, and they will take them to dinner or hiking or up the canyon on ATVs.  He hears comments all the time about how lucky we are to live where we do.  A lot of these people live in very large cities and very rarely get to see wildlife or build a campfire.  I have deer that sleep outside my bedroom window, and I just get irritated by them.

...and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again...(3 Nephi 2:2)

Complacency is another of Satan's tools.  He wants us to forget all the signs and wonders that God gives us on a daily basis to remind us of His constant presence in our lives.  If Satan can get us to be "less and less astonished", it will be easier for him to get control of our hearts.

The word "astonish" is used almost fifty times in the Book of Mormon, in its various forms.  This tells me that Heavenly Father wants us to be astonished.  He hopes that we will never become complacent.  We need to not ever forget everything that He has given us and done for us.  We need to be astonished even by the little things like leaves to rake and mountains to climb and rocks to throw.  Just another way that my kids can be an example for me.

See what I mean?  They were even astonished by the leaf blower...

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 2

False Hope?

Let me preface this post by saying that I have an unequivocal belief in Jesus Christ.  I know that he is my Savior and that because of his atonement for all of my sins, I will someday be able to return to live with him and my Father in Heaven.  I know that his entire life was spent in the service of God and man.  He is the Messiah.  I know that he will someday return again, in all his glory, to the earth.  I don't know whether I will be alive when that happens, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that he is coming again.

But what if all of that turned out to be wrong?  What if everything that I've learned over the course of my life is a lie?  What if Christianity is just some elaborate scheme perpetrated by evil masterminds, designed to dupe us all?  Then what?

©Darrell Wyatt

When Samuel the Lamanite prophesied that Jesus Christ would be born in five years' time, and signs and wonders began appearing just as he and ancient prophets had foretold, people began to be excited.  They had waited so very long for this day.  Some of them had grown up in the belief that Christ would come, and some were very newly converted.  But there were still those who did not believe and continued to persecute the believers.

And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying:  Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been in vain. (3 Nephi 1:6)

I took particular interest in the choice of wording here:  "your joy and your faith...hath been in vain".  Was it in vain?  This is what made me think of the questions I posed earlier - what if none of it were real?  What if it turned out for these people that Jesus Christ never was born that night so long ago?  Were they any worse off for the faith and joy that they felt?  Were they a ruined people because they had spent all those years hoping for something that never happened?  I don't think so.

I hear the term "false hope" quite often.  I'm not convinced there is such a thing.  To me, any hope in something good - whether it is feasible or not - is good hope.  The believers in the time of Samuel the Lamanite were better people because of their faith and hope.  They did not have contention amongst themselves.  They served each other willingly.  They were just good people.

Thankfully for me, their hope and faith was not unfounded.  Christ was born that night, and the believers on this continent were given a witness of the event, fulfilling all the prophesies that they had grown up hearing.  The believers were so filled with joy at his coming and the non-believers so filled with fear at the realization that they had been wrongly persecuting their brethren, that "all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south...fell to the earth (3 Nephi 1:17)".  They saw the same sign of his birth that people across the world saw - a new star in the sky.

Just as the Nephites and Lamanites received signs of Christ's birth, we are receiving signs today of His coming.  Prophesies are being fulfilled.  Some people, just as they did back then, are becoming converted to His gospel because of the signs.  Others talk about coincidences and say that it's reasonable that ancient prophets could have guessed that these things might happen.  Some people persecute believers because of their beliefs. 

I know, with every fiber of my being, that Christ will come again.  I know that he will say again something similar to that which he said to Nephi:

Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand...and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. (3 Nephi 1:13)

I am a better person because of my faith in and love for Jesus Christ.  I will continue to serve others and to love my neighbor and do all the things that will bring me closer to Him.  I "look forward with steadfastness" to that day when I will see Him again.  Until then, I will lift up my head and be of good cheer, for I know that my faith is strong and my hope real.

Click here to read what I read today: 3 Nephi 1

It's No Coincidence

Quite a few years ago, I had a friend who was trying to make some tough decisions.  One of them was whether or not to take her kids out of public school and enroll them in a new charter school in town.  She said that she prayed about it, but didn't receive an answer.  This particular school was only accepting new students via a lottery pick - it was very tough to get in.  She decided, even though she hadn't received her answer, that she would attend the lottery pick.  Her children were the first names drawn in the lottery.  She told me that she still had a decision to make, because she hadn't received an answer to her prayer.  Another decision she was trying to make was whether or not to have another baby.  Again, she prayed and told me that she hadn't received an answer.  She said that she would continue trying not to get pregnant until she had a firm answer one way or another.  A couple weeks later, she called to tell me that she was expecting.  In the same phone conversation, she told me that she was worried about the pregnancy because she still hadn't received an answer from Heavenly Father about whether or not it was time to have another baby.  I was completely dumbfounded.  To me, the answers to both of her prayers had been revealed in a very real and tangible manner.  But to her, because she hadn't been answered in the way she thought prayers should be answered, she thought that both the lottery drawing and the pregnancy were just coincidences.

©Darrell Wyatt

Samuel the Lamanite prophesied to the Nephites about the coming of Christ.  He said that in five years time, there would be many signs given prior to and during His birth, so that the Nephites would know that the Messiah had finally come.  Well, these signs started happening just as Samuel had prophesied.

And angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto them glad tidings of great joy; thus in this year the scriptures began to be fulfilled.(Helaman 16:14)

But the people still did not believe.  They hardened their hearts, saying:

Some things they may have guessed right, among so many; but behold, we know that all these great and marvelous works cannot come to pass, of which has been spoken.(Helaman 16:16)

All the signs that they had been shown thus far were coincidences, they thought.  Of course the prophets of old could've guessed that a few of these things might happen, they said.  Because they didn't receive the signs in the manner that they expected, just like my friend, they didn't believe that they could be coming from Heavenly Father.

I have never been one to believe in coincidences.  I don't believe in luck.  Sometimes, when something great happens to someone, the natural thing to say is "You're so lucky!", but I always stop myself and change it to "You're so blessed!"  It just makes more sense to me that way.  I truly believe that Heavenly Father has his hand in every aspect of my life - that he cares about everything I care about.  I've always said that everything happens for a reason, and I really do believe that.  To me it is not just a cliche. 

Having said that, I know that I have most likely discounted answers to prayers because I was unsure if that's what I was really getting.  Answers to my prayers rarely come in such an obvious manner as they did for my friend.  Sometimes I doubt the answers that I get, thinking that I may be getting a certain feeling just because that's the answer that I was hoping for.  In those times, I've learned how important it is to continue praying for clarification.   I've become a little better at trusting each answer and knowing that Heavenly Father knows me and knows what is best for me.  I think doubt is a very powerful tool that Satan uses to confuse us and lead us astray.  For this reason, it is so very important to keep an open dialogue with God.  The more time I spend talking to my Heavenly Father, the less room there will be for those doubts to creep in.  I feel so blessed to know that He is there, listening always to even my most trivial concerns.

Click here to read what I read today: Helaman 16

It's Becoming Clearer and Clearer

There's a fine line, I think, between parenting and over-parenting.  I don't know that I've really discovered where that line is yet, but I do think I'm getting better at seeing the line between parenting and under-parenting.  There are just so many different forms of "acceptable" parenting today.  To spank or not to spank.  Is grounding ok?  Are chores fine?  It can be pretty confusing. 

There's one thing that I wish I would have discovered when my children were much younger and I hadn't had time to totally mess them up, and that's that the scriptures are perhaps one of the greatest parenting resources around.  As I've been writing, I've noticed the amazing example that my Heavenly Father is when it comes to parenting, and this has been such a blessing to me.

Something that I've really struggled with as my children get older is when to let them go.  At what age to say, "Well, I've given them all the knowledge that they need, and it's up to them to make their own choices."  I never really thought that I was a control freak, but these teenage years have really brought that out in me, and I've had such an inner battle about when to let go.

And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free. (Helaman 14:30)

From that verse, it would appear that there is a time that I should just leave it up to my kids to be responsible for their actions, once they've received the knowledge that they should have.  They have their own free agency, and if I've given them the tools that they need, then they will just have to make their own choices and suffer the consequences.  This didn't help clear my mind at all when it comes to letting go.  How will I know when they're ready?  Does my job as a mother just magically end when I feel that I've taught them all the essential skills to make it on their own?

I kept reading, and I'm so glad that I did.

...yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened them because he loveth them. (Helaman 15:3)

Samuel was talking of the Nephites, to whom the Lord had imparted the most knowledge and the most trust.  They were going astray, and Samuel had been sent to preach repentance to them.  The Lord did not say, "Well, I've given them all the knowledge that they need, and it's up to them to make their own choices" and then turn his back on them.  No.  He gave them that knowledge, taught them how to live, and when they were living incorrectly he chastised them and tried to help them correct their courses.  Whether they listened and repented was still their choice.  He didn't take away that agency, his purpose was to enhance it by reminding them of the consequences. 

When my children were younger, and I could see that they were headed out into the street or toward some other danger, I didn't say "Well, I've given them all the knowledge that they need, and it's up to them to make their own choices" and just hope that they wouldn't get hit by a car or fall in the river.  I stopped them.  So why am I struggling now, as they get older, to lead them the same way?  They are still wandering into danger.  Just a different kind.  No matter what the world is telling me about letting them "be themselves", it is still my responsibility to lead and direct them.  Things are becoming clearer and clearer in my mind, thanks to the incredible example of my Father in Heaven.  I am not nagging when I'm redirecting them.  I am not over-parenting.  I chasten them because I love them. 

Click here to read what I read today: Helaman 14

Click here to read what I read today: Helaman 15

The Wall

As I type this morning, I'm anticipating that I'll get a phone call.  I don't want to answer it.  It's not going to be the school, it's not a scary bill collector or an annoying salesman.  It's one of my very best friends.  On any other day of the week, I love to hear from her.  But not Wednesday mornings.  She's going to say, "Are you going to class this morning?"  And since I haven't thought up a good excuse, I'll have to say yes.  What kind of class, you ask, would bring such dislike?  Not a math class or a Spanish class or a cooking class.  An aerobics class.  Yes, I realize that I need aerobics like I need a heartbeat.  I'm out of shape and overweight, so I should jump at the chance (pun intended) to take an aerobics class - especially one as good as this one.  But I can't stand it.  In fact, I can't stand anything that takes me out of my little comfort bubble.  I don't like to be too hot or too cold or too tired or too sore or too embarrassed or too nervous.  I'm kind of a wimp that way.  Once I'm done with whatever has made me uncomfortable, be it exercise or housework or talk in church or anything in between, I feel a great sense of accomplishment.  It's just getting over that wall that's hard for me.

©Darrell Wyatt

And it came to pass that in this year there was on Samuel, a Lamanite, came into the land of Zarahemla, and began to preach unto the people.  And it came to pass that he did preach, many days, repentance unto the people, and they did cast him out, and he was about to return to his own land. (Helaman 13:2)

 
Samuel the Lamanite.  Now there's a guy who knew how to get over a wall - both literally and figuratively.  He was ready to give up and go home.  No one wanted to hear from him.  They "cast him out".  But the Lord was not finished with him yet.  He told Samuel to turn around and go back.  He was to prophesy to the people "whatsoever things should come into his heart".  So, without questioning, Samuel did just that.

And it came to pass that they would not suffer that he should enter into the city; therefore he went and got upon the wall thereof, and stretched forth his hand and cried with a loud voice, and prophesied unto the people whatsoever things the Lord put into his heart. (Helaman 13:4)

I'm sure he was scared.  These people didn't want to hear what he had to say.  But he decided to leave his little comfort bubble and do what he knew was right.  He made the decision to beat that figurative wall before he started up the real wall outside of Zarahemla.  

Life isn't always easy.  It isn't always comfortable.  It's full of aerobics classes and sweat and pain and tears.  It's full of situations that make me want to turn around and go back home.  There are things in life that are easy to climb the wall for - my family, my friends, my church.  I need to make sure that I put myself on that list.  I'm worth climbing a wall or two for, right? 

The phone is ringing...

Click here to read what I read today: Helaman 13

Cleansing Power

If there's one modern appliance that I most definitely could not live without, it's my washing machine.  I am never, and I do mean never, caught up on laundry.  In nearly every room in my house, there are piles of laundry in various stages of completion.  Some are dirty, some are washed but need folded, and some are folded, waiting to be put away.  Laundry everywhere!  I've sometimes thought that disposable clothing would be the way to go.  Wear it once, dirty it up, and throw it out.  What a waste that would be.  Thankfully, I have a great washing machine.  It seems that no matter the amount of dirt or the severity of the stain, my washing machine has a cycle that will take it out.  My favorite cycle is the "sanitize" cycle.  It utilizes the hottest water and the longest washing time possible, removing any germs that otherwise might have lingered on the clothing, causing it to retain odors and stains.  It's a marvelous thing.

Today, as I was loading my washing machine, I was thinking about how the Atonement is very similar to my favorite "sanitize" cycle.  As mortal beings, we are very prone to mistakes.  Nephi put it this way:

O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hears upon the vain things of the world.

Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom's paths! (Helaman 12:5-6)

He then goes on, for many verses, describing the infinite power of God to punish us according to his will.

And if the Lord shall say - Because of thine iniquities thou shalt be cut off my my presence - he will cause that it shall be so.

And wo unto him to whom he shall say this, for it shall be unto him that will do iniquity, and he cannot be saved; therefore, for this cause, that men might be saved, hath repentance been declared.(Helaman 12:21-22)

Just like my laundry, each of us at a different stage in the repentance process.  Some of us are at the beginning, while others are just finishing up.  And just like my laundry, we will never be completely caught up.  There is always something we can improve upon.  Without the Atonement, we may as well be like disposable clothing - tossed away after our first stain.  What a waste that would be!  But because Jesus Christ atoned for our sins - all of them - we can be cleansed over and over through the process of repentance, and come out on the other side perfectly clean.  Now that is a marvelous thing.

©Darrell Wyatt

Click here to read what I read today: Helaman 12

Believe

I love fall.  I love the crisp air.  I love how the colorful fallen leaves crunch under each of my footsteps.  I love the smell that those leaves give off as they decay on my dormant lawn.  I love that it gets dark around dinner time, making my kids more apt to stay inside and read books.  I love the crackling fire in the fireplace and hot chocolate and warm blankets.  I also love that it's the beginning of a magical season.  One where my kids try extra hard to be nice, in the hopes that Santa is watching.  One where neighbors seem extra friendly, and strangers seem to be able to dig inside for a smile to give everyone they encounter.  Everything about this season seems magical.

Last night, my youngest son and I were the only ones upstairs.  The rest of the family was watching football, but my little one and I decided to stay upstairs to enjoy the fire that my husband had built.  I hate wasting a good fire!  As we were sitting, he started peppering me with questions about Santa Claus. "What if Santa starts down the chimney and there's a fire going?" "His suit is fireproof." "What about his beard and nose and ears?" "His skin is fireproof." "How?" "Magic." "Oh." Turns out "Magic" was an acceptable answer for just about all of his questions - "How do all those toys fit in the sleigh?" "What if we didn't have a chimney?" "What if he gets lost?" I could've saved a lot of time if I had just started out with "Magic".

I was thinking this morning about that conversation, and I realized that while each of my children, in time, have questioned their belief in Santa Claus, not one has ever questioned the other, real central being of Christmas - Jesus Christ.  It makes complete sense to them that this beautiful, divine baby would be the reason that we celebrate.  

©Darrell Wyatt

I'm not sure why it's such a natural belief for them.  I'd like to take the credit and say that it's because of the things that my husband and I have taught them, but I don't think that that's it.  Some of it could be attributed to how they've been raised, but I think that most of it is a gift from God.  Some people have the gift to believe, and others do not.

I read this morning of a group of people in which some found it easy to believe in the coming of Christ, and others, no matter the signs, no matter the proof, would not believe.  Nephi was prophesying of His coming and was met by a pretty tough crowd.  He gave them signs that he was telling the truth, which convinced part of the crowd.  The rest of the people gathered would still not believe, choosing to think that there was some conspiracy behind the signs.  Nephi found this to be extremely frustrating.  He talked of Moses and the amazing miracles that he performed through the power of God.

And now behold, if God gave unto this man such power, then why should ye dispute among yourselves, and say that he hath given unto me no power...? 

But, behold, ye not only deny my words, but ye also deny all the words which have been spoken by our fathers, and also the words which were spoken by this man, Moses, who had such great power given unto him, yea, the words which he hath spoken concerning the coming of the Messiah. (Helaman 8:12-13)

Nephi went on to explain that many, many prophets had prophesied the exact same things that he had been prophesying.  ..."Yea, they have testified of the coming of Christ, and have looked forward, and have rejoiced in his day which is to come."(Helaman 8:22) There were still a great many of the people that hardened their hearts and would not believe in the words that Nephi spoke.  Even when they tried to cast him into prison and he was "taken by the spirit and conveyed out of the midst of them", they still doubted.  They watched, as the man who was speaking to them was literally lifted out of their midst by the spirit of God, and they still did not believe.

After reading this, I became even more convinced that the belief that my children share with my husband and I, that Christ is real and his Atonement sure, is a gift.  My children, as they grow older, may start to have doubts.  They may begin to question their testimonies.  It's only natural.  I might even have a conversation with some of them that is similar to the conversation I had with my son about Santa Claus last night.  But I will not have to make up the answers.  Just as all questions about Santa can answered with just one word - "magic", all questions that my children have about who they are and what their place is in this world can also be answered using just a phrase - "Jesus Christ".  He is the reason for not only this holiday season, but for every day we spend on this earth.  Because of Him, we have a purpose.  Because of Him, we have a plan - to return to our Father in Heaven.  This is not just something that I believe.  This is something that I know, beyond a shadow of doubt.

Click here to read what I read today: Helaman 8

Click here to read what I read today: Helaman 9

Click here to read what I read today: Helaman 10

You're Invited...

I'm not much for throwing parties.  They take a lot of time, a lot of money, and then they're over way too quickly.  So I don't bother.  There is one kind of party, though, that I think I have mastered, and that's the pity party.  Pity parties are so easy to plan and execute that I think I could write a whole book on how to throw a successful one.  The supplies are easy - one invitation (for the party thrower, of course), a snuggly blanket, a box of tissues.  All of those supplies are even optional, so there's no real pressure in the planning.  The only essential, non-optional pity party supply is chocolate.  Now, normally I'm not a chocolate lover.  However, chocolate, preferably Dove Chocolate, is a must for any pity party to truly succeed.

©Darrell Wyatt

When I'm in the middle of a really great pity party, I have a tendency to look at the people around me and think about how much better their lives are than mine.  They have perfect families, perfect jobs, perfect bodies, perfectly clean homes, I think to myself.  Of course, none of that is true, but it prolongs the party.

It made me feel better about my pity party throwing tendencies when I read this morning about a prophet in the midst of his own pity party.  Nephi (the son of Helaman, not to be confused with the son of Lehi) had been preaching and preaching to the people in the north lands.  He preached and prophesied "many things unto them; and they did reject all his words insomuch that he could not stay among them, but returned again unto the land of his nativity."(Helaman 7:2-3) This was very hard for Nephi.  His people had, just a few years prior, been in such a state of peace and happiness, and then so quickly turned to iniquities that it made his heart "swollen with sorrow within his breast; and he did exclaim in the agony of his soul:

Oh, that I could have had my days in the days when my father Nephi first came out of the land of Jerusalem, that I could have joyed with him in the promised land; then were his people easy to be entreated, firm to keep the commandments of God, and slow to be led to do iniquity; and they were quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord - 

Yea, if my days could have been in those days, then would my soul have had joy in the righteousness of my brethren. (Helaman 7:6-8)

I read that, and was kind of overcome with surprise.  Was he talking about the same Nephi that I remembered?  The one who was forced from his home in the middle of the night because his father was about to be murdered?  The one who traveled across the wilderness and across the sea, all the while being beaten and tortured and mocked by his own family? And then when they did reach the promise land, he stayed faithful while his own brothers made it their mission to try and destroy his seed off the face of the earth?  That Nephi?  It couldn't be!  But it was.  In the midst of this Nephi's own trials, all he could see were the great things that Nephi of old had experienced.

I learned some neat things from this chapter.  The first thing I learned was that prophets are still men.  They still feel sorrow.  They still feel frustration and agony and fear and self-pity.  They are human.  But the other, and more important thing,  I learned was that in the midst of any pity party, prophet or plain Jane like me, turning to the Lord is the way out.  Nephi climbed to the top of a tower and poured out his soul to the Lord.  He knew, even in this his hardest time, that the Lord was there and would listen to him.  And when he was finished, he arose from his knees with renewed courage to face the obstacles that had been and were still in his way.  He could have skulked off and continued feeling sorry for himself, but he didn't.  With renewed vigor, he began again his preaching of God.

I don't think pity parties are necessarily a bad thing.  If we keep them going for too long, then of course they will have a detrimental effect. But, if we do as Nephi did, and linger in our sorrows only for a short time and then turn our troubles over to the Lord, we can bounce back, just as he did - with renewed strength and dedication to our life's work. 

Chocolate anyone?

Click here to read what I read today: Helaman 7