Remember and Nourish Them

©Darrell Wyatt

We had the opportunity yesterday to attend Sacrament Meeting in a ward we attended six years ago.  One of my husband's former deacons was giving his missionary farewell talk, and he had asked us to come.  He did such a fantastic job.  He spoke eloquently and from the heart, and it was incredible to see this young man, whom we had known as a thirteen year old boy, have such a strong testimony of the gospel.  He was taller and his voice was a little deeper, but he still had that mischievous, playful look in his eyes that we remembered. 

Every time we go to a missionary's farewell or homecoming, I am in awe of the maturity and dedication that these young men and women have toward spreading the gospel.  I look at my own kids, and other kids in the neighborhood, who are not much younger than these missionaries.  Many of them struggle with their testimonies, as I'm sure nearly every teenager does.  Some of them bounce back and forth between inactivity and activity, while some relish every opportunity to attend a church function.  I sometimes wonder if we, as adult members of the church, are doing everything we can to ensure that the youth feel welcome and loved as members of our ward families.

And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. (Moroni 6:4)

We focus so much, in the church, on retaining new converts.  We strive to make them feel welcome.  We try to remember them and make sure that they are comfortable and involved.  When I read this verse, I didn't think of new converts - even though I'm sure that's what Moroni was speaking of.  I thought of my almost seventeen year old daughter and some of her friends, who are trying to figure out who they are and where they belong.  I think that sometimes I am so focused on people outside of my home that I forget to look inside.  I forget that my kids' testimonies need to also be "nourished by the good word of God".  They need my help to stay "in the right way", as do all of our youth.

There is a period of time, right around sixteen or seventeen, where I've noticed that kids really have a tough time knowing what their place is within the gospel.  I'm not a child psychologist by any means, but I have been that age myself, and I've been around enough kids to be able to see a little bit of wavering.  I think that these kids are just going through so very much.  They'll soon be done with school, out of the Mutual program, and there is kind of a feeling of being in "limbo".  They're not quite ready, in most cases, to assume all the responsibilities of being an adult, but when it comes to attending church, they move from their youth classes into the adult ones literally overnight.

I wrote of my experience with Relief Society, and I am so grateful that the women back then took me under their wings and made it good experience.  I know that it doesn't always happen that way.  Unfortunately, I must admit that I have probably not done my part as well as I could have when it comes to making young women feel welcome when they first move up into this inspired organization.

It is tragic to see any member of the church fall away into inactivity, but that tragedy is magnified when the loss could have been avoided.  If the other youth are anything like my daughter, and I'm convinced that they are, a simple hug or compliment can make all the difference in the decision to want to attend their church activities.  I love the youth of the church.  In them, I see so much promise and hope for the future.  We cannot afford to fail them.  We must do all that is within our power to make sure that not even one falls through the cracks.  We must, as Moroni said, remember and nourish them.

Click here to read what I read today: Moroni 6 

Always Be With Them

©Darrell Wyatt

I think one of the hardest things that I deal with as a mom is to see my kids unhappy.  I'm not talking about the unhappiness that comes from not getting everything they want or the unhappiness that comes from their favorite TV show being canceled.  I'm talking about real, true unhappiness.  My oldest daughter is going through that a little bit right now, trying to decide whether or not to keep some of her 'friends' in her life.  It has literally made her sick.  I remember the emotions that come along with these teenage 'life or death' decisions like it was yesterday.  We get through them, but when we're in the moment, it just seems like the world is crashing down around us.  I wouldn't go back to being a teenager for anything. 

It's not easy, as a mom, to watch my kids struggle.  If I could, I would just cushion them from all the hard things that come with growing up, but I can't.  I can guide them through these struggles.  I can help them back up when they fall.  I cannot take their sorrows away.  There is really only one thing that I can do - just be there.  Be there when they need to talk.  Be there when they need to cry.  Just be with them.

Sometimes I forget that my Heavenly Father feels the same way about all of his children.  He doesn't want to see us struggle, and he can't take those struggles away.  He guides us along, catches us when we fall, and most importantly, He has provided a way, through the Atonement, for us to always have the Spirit with us.

Every Sunday, as we renew our covenants with Him, we promise to take upon ourselves the name of Christ.  To always remember Him.  To keep His commandments.  And then, we are promised, if we keep those covenants, that His spirit will always be with us.  Always.  Not just on Sundays.  Not just while we're in church meetings.  Not just during Family Home Evening or scripture study or while we are praying.  Always.

All of us face different family circumstances and home situations.  All of us need strength in dealing with them.  This strength comes from faith in the Savior's love and in the power of his atonement.  If we trustingly put our hand in the Savior's, we can claim the promise of the sacramental prayer to always have his Spirit with us.  All problems are manageable with that strength, and all other problems are secondary in urgency to maintaining a strong spiritual life. (Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov. 1993)

Sister Okazaki's wise counsel to maintain a strong spiritual life will not only help my daughter get through the struggles that she is going through right now, but it will help me, as her mom, stay close to the spirit and know the things that the Lord would have me say to her.  I'm about as imperfect a parent as there is.  I make mistakes and say and do the wrong things.  I have good intentions, of course, but there are times that I definitely can make a situation worse than it needs to be.  If I can just keep the three promises that I make every Sunday during the Sacrament - to take upon myself the name of Christ, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments - the Lord will bless me with His spirit always.  Always!  What a huge blessing this is to me and to my family.  If He is with me always, I will be able to perform my duties as a parent with Him by my side.  How could I ever go wrong?

Click here to read what I read today: Moroni 4

Click here to read what I read today: Moroni 5

Called and Qualified

As I was watching the young priesthood holders administer the Sacrament on Sunday, I was overcome with the spirit.  We have very reverent young men in our ward, and it is evident that they understand and respect this sacred ordinance. 

In just a few days, my middle son will be ordained a deacon and will be standing alongside these fantastic young men, as a witness and holder of the Aaronic Priesthood.  My older son also holds the Aaronic Priesthood, but, as with everything we experience with him, it is different.  There is not really an understanding of the importance and responsibility that comes with holding the keys to the priesthood.  As such, there is usually at least a little bit (or a lot) of murmuring when he has to do something that he doesn't really feel like doing, like passing the Sacrament or collecting Fast Offerings.  With my younger son, however, I can already see that he is taking his new station very seriously.  He understands that he is growing in the gospel.  He knows the power that will be bestowed upon him, and he doesn't take it lightly.

From a mother's point of view, this is a very tender and emotional experience.  I have watched as my son's best friends pass the Sacrament for the first time.  I have seen a definite change in their countenances, as they perform one of the most sacred ordinances in the gospel.  They are growing up.  And it happens so very fast!

As my sons accept and perform this humble duty, as their mother, I also take on a new responsibility.  I must do all that is within my power to help them honor their priesthood callings. 

The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. (Thomas S. Monson, April 2006 General Conference)

Although the ordinances performed in the church by worthy priesthood holders are of the utmost importance, they are far from the only responsibilities that come with this sacred calling.  It is my job, as the mother of two (and someday, three) worthy priesthood holders, to ensure that my boys are equipped with the knowledge and understanding they need to truly magnify their priesthood.  I cannot teach them how to perform the ordinances, but I can be a shining example of lifting and serving others.  I can provide them with the opportunities to, as President Monson said, "bless the lives of others".  My calling as a mother and wife goes hand in hand with the priesthood.  It is of equal, if not greater, importance in the sight of the Lord.  If I magnify my sacred calling, it will make it much easier for them to magnify theirs.

Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified.  When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass his purposes. (Thomas S. Monson, April 2006 General Conference)

My responsibility is to teach all of my children of faith and service.  By doing so, I am preparing them to execute their adult responsibilities to the fullest and with honor.  Sometimes this seems like an insurmountable task, one that I get overwhelmed with at times.  But, to quote President Monson again, from that same conference talk, "whom God calls, God qualifies."  And I have been called of God to raise this next generation of priesthood holders.  With his grace and love, I will be qualified.

Click here to read what I read today: Moroni 2

Click here to read what I read today: Moroni 3

Our Sacred Priesthood Trust, Monson April 2006

Only Love

©Darrell Wyatt

Maybe it's because I love to write, but I'm such a sucker for good, emotional written words.  And today's reading, although very short, was nothing if not good and full of emotion.  The thing that surprised me though, is the emotion that I felt.  In the times that I've read this chapter before, I found it to be somewhat depressing and sad.  This time, though, I felt completely the opposite.  I felt only love.

Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of abridging the account of the people of Jared, I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished; and I make not myself known to the Lamanites lest they should destroy me.

For behold, their wars are exceedingly fierce among themselves; and because of their hatred they put to death every Nephite that will not deny the Christ.

And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life.

Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord.  (Moroni 1:1-4)

That's it.  That's the entire chapter.  In fact, most of the chapters in Moroni are just a few verses.  At first, I thought I would just combine quite a few of them into one post, but as I read, I discovered that in each of these very short chapters, there is an abundance of knowledge and instruction to be gleaned.

For example, in just these four short verses, I learned much about the character of Moroni.  He had believed that he would have been killed before he finished abridging the records of the Jaredites, yet he continued his abridgment.  Much like his father, Mormon, he could have spent his last days peacefully resting from his labors, but because he fully magnified his calling from the Lord, he did not.  I could just feel the kind of pleasant surprise that Moroni felt, that he was still alive to continue writing.

He also knew that he could still be killed at any moment because of his deep love for and belief in Jesus Christ, yet he plainly stated that he would never deny those beliefs.  He would rather stay in hiding for the remainder of his days.  What incredible bravery and integrity.

But the thing that struck me the most about Moroni in reading these verses, was his love for those whom he believed would eventually cause his death, the Lamanites.  He calls them his brethren.  He says that he will continue to write, as long as he is alive, that perhaps his words "may be of worth" to these Lamanites someday.  There is no bitterness or animosity towards this group of people who were literally making his life miserable.  Only love.  As it was with most of the Book of Mormon authors, it was Moroni's wish that someday these wicked Lamanites would turn to God in repentance.  He had hope that his record would, "in some future day", play a role in their conversion.

People always talk about Christlike or unconditional love, but it is rarely manifested so purely as it was in this chapter.  I am in awe of Moroni's capacity to fully love those people who caused him to fear daily for his life.  If I can take this lesson to heart and love with only one tenth of the love he showed, I would be a much better person.

Click here to read what I read today: Moroni 1

BEEP BEEP BEEP

©Darrell Wyatt

I can't have the alarm clock on my side of the bed.  We've tried putting it over there, but I simply do not hear it.  Only when I feel my husband kicking me or actually climbing over me to turn it off, do I wake up.  So, it stays on his side of the bed.  I'm not exactly sure why I don't hear it, but I do have a couple of theories.  Perhaps it's because I love my sleep, and I'm not quite ready to give it up yet.  I know that it's not because I'm a heavy sleeper, because there are many times I wake up in the night because of noises much more quiet than the alarm clock.  Perhaps it's because we've had this same alarm clock for the majority of our eighteen year marriage, and I've just become accustomed to the "BEEP BEEP BEEP" sound and learned to tune it out.  I have a feeling it's probably a little of all the above.

In today's reading, I finished the account of the Jaredite people.  They started as such a righteous and God-fearing people.  The Brother of Jared, who led them to the promised land, was even so obedient and righteous that he was able to see the Lord's finger and then His entire spirit body.  Christ walked and talked with the Jaredite people from within a cloud as they were making their long journey.  He was always with them, until generations later, when they gradually became so wicked that He had to withdraw his Spirit from them.

But behold, the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them, and Satan had full power over the hearts of the people; for they were given up unto the hardness of their hearts, and the blindness of their minds that they might be destroyed;...(Ether 15:19)

Ether had warned them many times that if they did not repent, they would be destroyed.  He sounded the alarm, and the Jaredite people did not hear it.  Even when literally millions upon millions of their people had been killed, they did not hear it.  The Lord simply asked them to repent and turn to Him.  That's all they had to do.  And they would not do it.  Even when all were dead, except for 59 men - 32 on one side and 27 on the other - who were still warring with each other, they would not give up their wickedness.

And it came to pass that they ate and slept, and prepared for death on the morrow.  And they were large and mighty men as to the strength of men. (Ether 15:26)

On the morrow, they did die, all of them.  Except for Ether, the Jaredite nation was now extinct.  The really, really sad part of this story is that extinction could have been avoided.  The Lord sent prophet after prophet to declare repentance to the people.  He sounded the alarm.  And whether the people were just enjoying their actions and were not ready yet to give them up, or whether they had become used to the prophets preaching and tuned them out, they just didn't hear that alarm.

Because we have a living prophet today, we are constantly and consistently receiving revelation from the Lord that applies to us, in our day.  Are we listening?  Or have we become so accustomed to the sound of the prophets voice that we occasionally tune it out?

The gap between what is popular and what is righteous is widening...Revelations from the prophets of God are not like offerings at the cafeteria, some to be selected and others disregarded. (James E. Faust, Conference Report, Oct 2003)

The Lord has provided us with a living prophet.  A kind of alarm that sounds to let us know that we need to wake up and get back on the path.  Are we hitting the snooze button until eventually we just don't hear that alarm? Or are we jumping up the very first time we hear it?  I pray that I will always be able to do the latter.

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 14

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 15

Freaky

To use the words of my teenagers, my kids are freaks.  Just ask them. They don't have cell phones.  They don't have iPods (not that I would object, they just don't have them).  With the exception of the oldest two, they do not have Facebook pages. They don't do sleepovers.  They have chores and curfews and bedtimes.  They are not normal.  Poor things.

Do I sometimes wish that they had everything they wanted?  Of course I do!  Would it be easier most times if I could just pick up the phone and call or text my kids to see how they are or tell them that it's time to come home?  Absolutely!  But easier isn't always better.  And normal definitely isn't always better.

Now I'm not saying that giving a kid a cell phone is inherently a bad idea, because it isn't.  Giving a kid a cell phone with no boundaries is not only a bad idea, it's a terrible one.  The same principle applies to iPods and Facebook pages and even car keys.  And if those boundaries can't be followed, the privilege is removed.  It doesn't seem that difficult to me, but then again I'm finding out that I may be somewhat of a freak myself when it comes to parenting.  I guess freaky parents raise freaky kids.  I just happen to believe that it's my job to keep my kids moving in the right direction - towards eternal life with their Father in Heaven.  After my own salvation, theirs is the very most important.  It is the main purpose I'm here. 

In my reading this morning, I learned more about the prophet Ether.  Times were pretty bad when he was alive.  In fact, "there were none of the fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins" (Ether 13:17).  There was a lot of wickedness.  So much so that Ether went and hid in a cave during the day and went out only at night when he felt he would be protected from those who were seeking to take his life because of his beliefs.

©Darrell Wyatt

I've often joked that I wish I could hide my kids away from the world, that they would be shielded not only from the evils of the world, but from the pains that inevitably come during adolescence.  It's a tough place, this world.  Unfortunately, I cannot hide them "in the cavity of a rock", as Ether hid himself.  I can, however, provide a safe haven - a place where they can feel as if the world cannot touch them.  It is not only my duty as a mother, it is my calling and my responsibility.  One that I'm afraid I have shirked to some extent, and one that I must magnify if I want my kids to have any chance of making it through these difficult years.

I love my little freaks, and I hope that someday they will understand that my strict, freaky parenting style is just one way I can show that love. 

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 13

Hope and Change

There has been a lot of talk in these last few years about hope.  So much so, that I almost cringe whenever I hear the word.  It's on bumper stickers and billboards and t-shirts.  It's been on campaign signs and in headlines.  There was a time, in the not so distant past, where it seemed I couldn't go an hour without hearing the word hope.

The kind of "in" thing has been to put the two words, "hope" and "change" together.  I've just found this so frustrating.  How can things change if I only hope they'll change?  Don't I have to put forth some sort of effort in order to bring about real and lasting change?  I learned today, while reading, that hope really is an action verb. 

Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.  (Ether 12:4)

Real hope, true hope, comes from a foundation of faith.  A faith in the only One who has the power to effect real, positive change in our lives.  Faith leads to hope.  Hope leads to steadfastness and good works.  Steadfastness and good works lead us to glorifying God, which adds to our faith.  It is one eternal round.

©Darrell Wyatt

This is the Lovejoy fountain in Portland, OR.  Ever since the first time I saw this photograph, I have been taken with it.  The way the water flows over and around each of the sculptures is mesmerizing to me.  The fountain would likely be beautiful without one or more of the formations, but it would be much different.  Each pile of stones is placed in a way that the flow of the water will change as it hits it.  I can't help but liken these three rock sculptures to faith, hope and charity.  We are as the water, moving through our daily lives toward some distant destination.  As we let ourselves become impacted by faith and then hope and then charity, we cannot help but feel a change.  We are changed. 

Hope, true hope, is not a bumper sticker.  It is not a campaign slogan.  It is not a catchphrase.  True hope is a catalyst for real change.  As Moroni said, true hope is "an anchor to the souls of men".

Some may find true hope to be elusive.  To them, I say, in the words of Moroni:

And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen. (Ether 12:41)

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 11

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 12

Footsteps

©Darrell Wyatt

I read a quote this week that really got me thinking.  It was by James Baldwin, an American author, and he said, "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them".  So very, very true.

As we sit as a family and read scriptures each night, my kids all want a marking pencil in their hands.  They watch me intently to see which passages I am going to highlight, and they will not continue reading until they have highlighted all the same verses that they saw me mark.  It is times like this that I don't mind the six little copycats that follow me around the house.  On the other hand, every time that I watch my oldest daughter send her younger brothers and sisters down to her room to fetch something or speak to them in a less than kind voice, I am reminded that these kids aren't just picking up my good habits.  They're picking up on everything that I do and say and storing it in their sweet little heads for use at an appropriate (or inappropriate, as the case may be) time.

Now the people of Akish were desirous for gain, even as Akish was desirous for power...(Ether 9:11)

If there is a recurring theme in today's chapters, it's that wickedness begets wickedness and righteousness begets righteousness.  There was a lot of kingdom overthrowing going on in these chapters.  Sons removing their fathers from the throne, brothers fighting to restore their fathers.  The kingdom was most always passed down to a righteous son who would be overthrown or killed by a wicked family member.  When a righteous ruler would take the throne again, there was usually peace for few years before the cycle started again, because the new king would "fill the steps of his father"(Ether 9:15, 23).

As I am raising my kids, as much as I try to make the right decisions, I will make mistakes.  I will leave footsteps for them to follow in that may not be exactly what they should be.  I can only hope that they can look past the imperfect steps and choose to follow in the righteous ones.  I just need to make sure that the good footsteps far outnumber the faulty ones.

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 9 

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 10 

We CAN Do Hard Things!

©Darrell Wyatt

Thanks to my fabulous mother-in-law, all of my kids have their own set of scriptures now.  This seemed like a great reason to get back to our nightly family scripture reading routine.  We read the Book of Mormon as a family a few years ago, and it was very challenging.  Four of the kids were under eight years old, which posed some interesting struggles.  It was really tough to get them all to sit still and read when it was their turn.  Three of the kids weren't really reading well yet, and so we would whisper in their little ears and they would repeat the verse out loud.  Sometimes the chapter seemed to drag on forever.

So, now that the kids are older and they are all proficient readers, this nightly reading stuff should be a cinch, right?  Um, no.  There are unique challenges to every age, I'm discovering.  The older kids are off doing what pre-teens and teens do best - running between sports practices and friends' houses.  The younger kids are just running.  Everywhere.  When we do finally manage to reel everyone in, my autistic son is usually angry because his nightly routine has been ruined.  We try to make scripture reading at the same time every night, but it rarely happens the way we want it to, leaving my son's perfectly scheduled night in shambles.

So why do we do it?  First, because we've been instructed to.  We've been told time after time of the blessings that we'll receive from family scripture study.  Elder Howard W. Hunter said, “Families are greatly blessed when wise fathers and mothers bring their children about them, read from the pages of the scriptural library together, and then discuss freely the beautiful stories and thoughts according to the understanding of all.” (Ensign, Nov. 1979, p. 64.)   We frequently stop during our reading to discuss a certain story or verse and how it applies to our personal lives.  There is no better feeling that a parent can get than the feeling that comes when a teenage daughter volunteers her experiences, unprompted.  Or when a son remembers something that he has learned in primary that is applicable to our discussion.  It really is a feeling unmatched by any other.

The other, and probably more important, reason that we read is for the same reason that the ancient prophets kept the records in the first place:

Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved. (Ether 8:26)

What more, as a mother, could I ever want for my children than for them to be free from Satan's grasp, doing good continually? This is the greatest blessing that comes from teaching them correct principles and taking the time to do the important things - the hard things - like nightly scripture reading.  It definitely makes the chaos worth it.

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 7

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 8

Lifeguard on Duty

I just had a visit from my wonderful visiting teachers. The message this month is entitled "The History and Heritage of the Relief Society" - a great topic.

As we were talking, my mind returned to some of my very first experiences with Relief Society.  I was very young when I got married - just a couple of months out of high school.  I moved away from my family, leaving me without the influence of my mother and sisters.  My mother-in-law had passed away a few months earlier, and so I really did feel alone. I almost felt as if I were drowning.  I had this new life, and I was the one in charge of running my household.  It was very daunting. 

I was, at first, a little hesitant to attend my Relief Society meetings.  After all, everyone seemed so much older than me.  It didn't take long, however, until I was fully immersed in all that is the Relief Society - visiting teaching, charity, cooking classes, organizational classes, and of course crafting.  Before I knew it, I was fitting right in.  Although nothing can replace the comfort and closeness of a mother/daughter relationship, I found that I had many surrogate mothers.  The Relief Society was an invaluable asset to the beginning of my new married life.

When Relief Society functions in an inspired way, it lifts women up...into a way of living that prepares them for the blessings of eternal life. (Sister Julie B. Beck)

If I had felt as though I were drowning during those first few months, the Relief Society was definitely one of the life preservers that Heavenly Father threw my way.  I'm grateful that I grabbed on with both hands and allowed that incredible organization to take hold in my life.

©Darrell Wyatt

There have been, since then, so many different times that I have felt that same sense - that I was drowning.  Whether it's been bringing children into the world or facing financial or health difficulties, sometimes life can get can get very overwhelming.

...therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. (Ether 6:7)

There has never been a time when I have felt overwhelmed and remembered to turn to the Lord, that he did not comfort me.  He hasn't always taken the troubles away from me, but he has always brought me back to the surface where I could breathe again.  I am so incredibly blessed to constantly feel of His love for me.

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 6 

Me and the Boys

Paul told the Corinthians that "in the mouth of two or more witnesses shall every word be established"(2 Corinthians 13:1).  Moroni wrote to the future translator of the plates with the same command:

And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record - and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day. (Ether 5:4)

©Darrell Wyatt

We know now that those three witnesses were Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, all of whom went into the woods and fervently prayed, along with Joseph Smith, that the promise that they had translated would be fulfilled and that they would be able to view the plates.

And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true.  And it is marvelous in our eyes. (The Testimony of Three Witnesses, Intro. to the Book of Mormon)

There were also eight other witnesses that, although not in the presence of an angel of God, were able to see and touch the plates.  These men also bore witness as to the authenticity of the plates that Joseph Smith translated from.  "And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing witness."(The Testimony of Eight Witnesses, Intro. to the Book of Mormon)

There is some comfort, as a reader of the Book of Mormon, to know that there were a dozen people in these latter days that were able to actually see and authenticate the origin of the book.  However, the real witness comes in the form of personal revelation.

Although the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses are in a class by themselves...there are or will be 10,000 times 10,000 other witnesses to testify with equal surety of the truth of the Book of Mormon.  Every person who will abide the law entitling him to know of the truth of this Nephite record shall gain personal revelation from the Holy Ghost of its divinity, thus becoming a personal witness of its truth. (Mormon Doctrine, McConkie p.843)

I am honored and humbled to join the company of these men and lend my personal witness to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.  I know it to be true with every fiber of my being.  I have, on many occasions, felt the spirit that can only come from reading a work of truth, written by divine inspiration.  I have been blessed with the desire to continue to learn and grow from these truths.  I know that it is another witness of Jesus Christ, and I am so grateful to have it continually bless my life.

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 5

Click here to read what I read today: Intro to the Book of Mormon

Revelation

©Darrell Wyatt

 And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John be unfolded in the eyes of all the people.  Remember, when ye see these things, ye shall know that the time is at hand that they shall be made manifest in very deed. (Ether 4:16)

I've done a lot of studying this weekend.  I had never read the whole book of Revelation before, just chapters and verses here and there, until this weekend.  The Savior told Moroni that the revelations that he gave to John would be "unfolded in the eyes of all the people".  I felt that I needed to familiarize myself with the revelations if I were to ever know that they were unfolding.  I can't say with any confidence at all that I now feel certain that I will recognize each of the signs of the Apocalypse, but I did learn quite a bit.  I also realize that I've got much more to learn, so I will keep studying.

All of this reading about the things that the Savior revealed to John and to Moroni and to others throughout the scriptures really made me think.  I truly believe that divine revelation is still very much present today.  Having a living prophet is a blessing and evidence of an open connection between God and His people.  However, the real blessing to each of us is that we are promised that we can receive personal revelation according to our faith.

But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record...(Ether 4:11)

Personal revelation comes to me in different ways.  When I prayerfully ask my Father in Heaven, in Jesus' name, for help in raising my children or solving a problem, the revelation can come as a thought in my mind.  I also get promptings from the Spirit that help me to make the right choices.

A few days ago, I was frantically searching my desk drawers for an important piece of paper that I was sure I had just tossed in instead of filing it where it should be.  I haven't found that paper yet, but I did come across my patriarchal blessing.  I was flooded with emotions as I read this wonderful document that detailed revelation given to me directly from God through his servant, Don Marley.  It was just a few days after my seventeenth birthday that I received my blessing.  I remember driving to Brother Marley's house and waiting nervously for him to be ready to give me the blessing.  I was excited, but I also wondered what kinds of things the Lord had in store for me - what path my life would take if I were an obedient daughter of God.  I can still remember his warm hands on my head and power with which he spoke the words.  

Prior to this, it had been a few years since I read my patriarchal blessing, and it was amazing to me how much I had forgotten.  There are things that I was blessed with that have indeed come to fruition, like my temple marriage to a worthy holder of the priesthood and having children.  There are things that I have not yet seen happen, like increasing my education in my chosen field.  There are some things that don't so much reveal a part of my life, but instead direct me in how I should carry myself and commandments to do things like read my scriptures and fast and pray and magnify my callings - especially that of wife and mother.  

Sometimes I get stuck in such a rut, feeling like I do the same thing day after day after day, that I forget that being a wife and mother really is a divine calling.  Reading the words of the Lord - words meant just for me - has reminded me of that fact.  Marriage and motherhood are both callings that need magnified, even more than any of my other callings.  

How grateful I am today for revelation.  I'm grateful for the revelations that God commanded John to record, that we may have a way to see the signs of Jesus Christ's return.  I'm grateful for the revelation that our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, receives on our behalf.  But most of all, today I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who reveals to me the things that He knows I am in need of.

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 4 

Click here to read what I read today: Revelation 

That Ye May Have Light In Your Vessels

©Darrell Wyatt

 
I want to revisit yesterday's chapter just for a moment.  There was so much in it that I knew I wouldn't be able to do it justice with just one post.

The Lord had prepared a promised land for the Jared and his people - "a land choice above all other lands"(Ether 2:7).  The problem was that it was across the ocean from the wilderness in which they had spent the last four years, and they needed a way to get there.

And the Lord said: Go to work and build, after the manner of barges which ye have hitherto built.  And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren...(Ether 2:16)

Go to work.  Could the Lord have provided the way for them?  Absolutely.  But this is, once again, a supreme example of leadership and love.  And it didn't stop there.  The Jaredites built the barges to the specifications given them by the Lord, but there was no way to light them.

And he (the brother of Jared) cried again unto the Lord saying:  O Lord, behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me; and I have prepared the vessels for my people, and behold there is no light in them.  Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?(Ether 2:22)

There is a valuable lesson to be learned in the Lord's answer to the brother of Jared:

And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?(Ether 2:23)

Now, we all know that He could have provided the answer to the brother of Jared.  He could have told him exactly what to do.  He could have just given the light to him, but he did not.  The Lord made the brother of Jared come up with a plan on his own.  He helped him to learn.  He helped him to be self-sufficient.  The brother of Jared did come up with a solution to the problem and, as a result, saw Jesus Christ's spirit body.  What a blessing this was to him.  One that would not have occurred had the Lord simply solved the problem for him.

I love the phrasing that is used by Him in this verse: "That ye may have light in your vessels."  There is an almost physical change that comes upon a person who has turned his or her life over to God.  It sounds corny and cliche, but there is an actual glow to one's countenance when they are making the right choices and when they are at peace.  A light in their vessel.

I believe that we have a loving Savior who is ready and waiting to bless us, if we but ask.  Whatever trials or adversities that we are facing in our lives, he wants to help us.  He would say to each of us, "What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessel?"  It is up to us to bring our worries to His feet and then accept that light that He has to offer.

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 2

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 3

Don't Sit on the Fence

This is my favorite sign from the amusement park not too far from where I live.  I'm sure it was meant to be a joke (who would even think about sitting on this fence?), but it really made me think.  Sometimes, even though we know that the consequences of our actions will be unpleasant, we can get caught up in the moment.  Maybe there's something on the other side of that fence that appeals to us, and if we sit on it just for a moment, we'll be closer to whatever that thing may be.  We look past the warning signs in order to satisfy our wants and desires.

I'm also starting to discover that many times there are consequences for inaction, too.  We are given warning signs and instructions, and even though we know that following these signs will make us happier, we, for various reasons, stop following them.  Take me for example.  I know that exercising makes me feel good.  I know that I'll be happier.  But I don't do it.  Some of it is laziness, some is lack of time or motivation.  Whatever it is, though, I've stopped - even though I know that I will be greatly rewarded if I just do it.  The same can be said for eating right and family prayer and Family Home Evening.  All those things that I've been instructed to do and know that I will be rewarded for, but don't consistently do. 

The scriptures are full of examples of this type of behavior - from Eve partaking of the forbidden fruit to Samson being with Delilah to Laman and Lemuel who saw angels and felt the power of God many, many times, yet still chose to be disobedient and wicked and lead their people away from the Lord.  Even the brother of Jared, whom I spoke of yesterday as being "highly favored of the Lord", fell into this trap.

And it came to pass that the Lord commanded them that they should go forth into the wilderness, yea, into that quarter where there never had man been.  And it came to pass that the Lord did go before them, and did talk with them as he stood in a cloud, and gave directions whither they should travel. (Ether 2:5)

Jared, his brother, their families and friends where actually being led through the wilderness by the Lord himself.  They spoke with him.  They knew him.  And then they arrived at a resting place in their journey to their final destination of the Promised Land.  They stayed there for four years.

And it came to pass at the end of four years that the Lord came again unto the brother of Jared, and stood in a cloud and talked with him.  And for the space of three hours did the Lord talk with the brother of Jared and chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord. (Ether 2:14)

The Lord had taken the brother of Jared and his people to safety, where they had forgotten him.  I'm sure that they didn't consciously decide that they didn't need Him anymore.  They just became comfortable.  They were happy.  It's not that they didn't need God anymore - they got complacent.  And He called them on it.

The brother of Jared and his colony of people were sitting on that fence and they didn't even know it.  If it's that easy for someone who has actually been in the presence of God to forget to call on Him, how much easier is it for me, just plain old me, to forget?  Very easy.  I think there are a few areas in my life in which I can definitely say that I'm on the fence.  It's not a pleasant place to be, but I've been there so long that I don't even feel the pokes in the behind anymore.  It's time to jump down and start following the signs to a happier me.

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 2

Pray for Me

I've always been intrigued by the story of the brother of Jared.  I think it's probably because there's just a little bit of mystery surrounding it since we don't learn the actual name of this very important scriptural figure.  The only other reference that I can recall in which the author of a book of scripture withholds someone's name in this manner is when Alma repeatedly refers to "the father of Lamoni" in chapters 18-20.  But even then, Lamoni's father did not play a central role in the record as the brother of Jared does.  I learned through a little bit of research today why this may be the case.  Hugh Nibley says, in his book Lehi in the Desert and the World of the Jaredites, that "it is, of course, because 'he that wrote this' is a direct descendant of Jared, and not of Jared's brother, and is giving the history of his line only".  It does make some sense.

As interesting as I've always found that part of the story, as I was reading this morning, I became very interested in another mystery.

And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him:  Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words. (Ether 1:34)

Why did Jared ask his brother to pray?  Could he not have done it himself?  I have spent hours searching and praying for the answer to this question.  I have quite a few reference books, along with access to unlimited resources on the internet.  Surely someone, somewhere has had this same question.  But I found nothing.  This left me to come to some of my own conclusions.  Maybe the use of the words "large and mighty" in describing the brother of Jared had less to do with his physical stature and more to do with his spirituality.  Perhaps he was some sort of spiritual or religious leader.  It was not uncommon during ancient times for people to go to their Elders or Chief Judges with requests for the Lord.

I know in my heart that Jared didn't ask his brother to pray because he himself was lacking in faith.  He had to have had faith that the Lord would answer his brother's prayer.  I also don't believe that just because Jared asked someone else to pray, he wasn't also praying.  I just don't think that he handed the full responsibility for the deliverance of his family and friends to his brother and then went on his way.

As I was pondering this subject, a friend updated her status on one of the popular social networking sites.  She asked for all of our prayers as her husband went into surgery for his back.  This made me start thinking about the reasons that we ask people to pray for us.  I know that my friend will be praying for her husband, so why did she feel it necessary to ask for additional prayers?  I had a few ideas of my own, but I did an informal survey of some of my family members to see if they had any thoughts.  I wanted to know what makes them personally ask others to pray in their behalf.  My sister told me that she finds it comforting to know that there are other people out there thinking of her and praying for her.  My brother talked about strength in numbers.  They both had the thought that we're sometimes too busy to be in constant, fervent prayer, and so knowing that there are people praying for us during those times that we can't is also a comfort.

All of those things could have been the reason that Jared asked his brother to pray.  There's really no way of knowing what was in his heart.  I had another thought, though.  Humility.  I think it shows humility to ask someone to pray for us - to ask for help.  Our prayers, just like Jared's, are very often answered through the efforts of those around us.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

Asking someone to pray for us is not a sign of faithlessness or inadequacy.  Contrarily, it is a demonstration of our humble willingness to be the recipient of the greatest form of service imaginable - the unselfish petition to God on behalf of another of his children.  I believe that both the person asking for the prayers and those who perform the act of praying will be greatly blessed.

Click here to read what I read today: Ether 1

Don't Worry, Be Happy

I was blessed, thanks to a gift from my brother, to be able to spend the majority of the past week on vacation with my family near Yellowstone National Park.  This was actually the first real family vacation that we've had with all of our kids.  All of the other vacations that we've taken have been timed to coincide with family visits in order to avoid expensive hotel stays.  This one, though, was just five days of schedule-free, pressure-free fun.

I had some high expectations as I was packing and planning for this trip.  I bought board games and barred the kids from bringing their video gaming system, with the purpose of spending a lot of quality time together.  I planned meals that the kids would like.  We would spend every second together, bonding and laughing and just reveling in our family time.  It didn't take long for my good-intentioned bubble to burst.  The first morning that we were there, we decided to head down to the pool.  Everyone except for my oldest daughter who had developed a "headache".  We left her in the room and went down for an hour or so to swim.  When I came back up to the room, I found her texting her friends - sans headache.  I snatched my phone away from her and angrily told her how disappointed I was that she couldn't even spend a couple of days without choosing her friends over her family.  She stormed to the bedroom and shut the door, where she stayed for most of the day.  As the kids showered and changed after swimming, they kind of separated, and each ended up in front of whichever of the two televisions had a more appealing program on.  So much for unity. 

The weather was cold and windy and snowy, but we barely even noticed.  The kids were content to spend most of the week in the pool.  Even though all of them are pretty good swimmers, I was reluctant at first to just let them go by themselves.  After a couple times sitting by the pool and watching them, I finally realized that by letting them have some time away from me, I would also have some precious quiet time.  I could see the pool house from the balcony off my room, so the kids and I agreed that every hour, on the hour, they would go to the window and wave and I would wave back.  There were a few times that they let the time get away from them and weren't at the window at the appointed hour, so I would just walk down and check to make sure that they were all ok.  And, of course they were.  So much for family time.

It wasn't until the third day that we finally got out the board games and sat around the table and played.  It was so much fun!  Even the grouchy teenagers were smiling and laughing.  At first, I thought that we had finally attained my "family time" goal because the kids were tired or the pool was closed or there was nothing on TV.  Looking back, however, there was a much more simple explanation.  I had finally relaxed my unrealistic expectations and the kids could bear to be around me. 

I'm not sure why I do that - set the bar so impossibly high.  I do it a lot, though.  I want everything to be just right.  "I'll be happy only if the kids are perfectly content to do the things that I want them to."  "I'll be happy when the house is clean." "I'll be happy when I lose weight." "I'll finally be able to be happy when the bills are paid off."  And on and on and on.  There's always a new standard for my happiness which happens to be just beyond my reach.  It seems that I can't be just be happy with whatever my current circumstances may be.

And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still. (Mormon 9:14)

That was a little bit of a wake up call.  If I don't shape up and be happy with who I am and what I have, I'll never get to be happy.  There was no magic "family-time" zone that we passed through on our way to Yellowstone, and there will be no magic "happy" veil that I'll pass through after I die.  If I'm not satisfied with anything here on earth, chances are that nothing will meet my expectations in the after-life either.

I read a quote from President Monson today that I thought would be very fitting for this topic.  He said, "The past is behind - learn from it.  The future is ahead - prepare for it.  The present is here - live it."  If I learned anything from our vacation last week, it's that I'm so busy looking into the future and holding onto the past that I don't live in the now.  And I'm not only robbing my kids of the mom they deserve, I'm robbing myself of the happiness that really is within my reach.  Time for a fresh start!

Click here to read what I read today: Mormon 8

Click here to read what I read today: Mormon 9