Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 23:26-27, 32

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 23:26-27, 32
"How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;
Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten my name from Baal.
Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord."

This made me think of people that have been publishing their dreams and have lead members astray. The people then go into a panic and sell what they have and buy preparedness items based on the dream of another person. It is unwise and foolish and not how the Lord works. I am so grateful I was told by the spirit years ago to study the scriptures and not other people's words about the scriptures. I have also stayed away from discussions on the last days. I have every confidence that following the living prophet of the Lord, and with the holy scriptures as my guide, I will be directed by the spirit on what is needful, when it is needful, and not be led astray.

Day 1343

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 22:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 22:21
"I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice."

I thought about prosperity and how much harder it is to desire the Lord with it. Money can be just as big of a trial, if not more so, than poverty. Not just money but  anytime things are going well. It is easy to forget the Lord and where our blessings come from, when we appear to be doing well on your own. We begin to feel we don't need God. I think that is one of the reasons I am grateful for the trials I have had. For it is through my trials that I have learned to depend on and trust the Lord. It really is the greatest test when we turn to him in our prosperity. 

Day 1342

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 21:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 21:1-2
"The word which came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseaiah the priest, saying,
Inquire, I pray thee, of the Lord for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the Lord will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.

Interesting how earlier they didn't want to listen to the Lord. Now that king Nebuchadrezzar is coming against them they want to hear the council of the Lord. At least they are pretending well by trying to flatter Him. The Lord knows their hearts and it will not go well for them.

This made me think of something I recently read in the Church News "The 'powerful witness of the Savior' that Elder Cook gave Church members in Europe", 19 Nov 2018

"He spoke about some of the history of the areas. However, a common theme to the members was that those who follow the new prophetic home-centered teaching will be blessed. He prophesied that 20 years from now those families that have listened to the prophet will weather the coming storms.”

In 20 years will members run to hear the prophet's council after ignoring or mocking it all that time, just to be given safety from the storms? If history repeats itself they will left as virgins without oil in their lamps, unprepared for when the bridegroom comes, and no time left to prepare.

Day 1341

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 20:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 20:1-2
"Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the Lord, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.
Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the Lord."

While growing up I often visited Fort William Henry, where battles took place during the French and Indian Wars. On the grounds were stocks that people could try out and take the obligatory photograph of themselves. I remember how fun it was to be in the stocks at first. But left for any length of time my back would start to ache from hunching over. My legs and feet would hurt from standing in one place. It was impossible to scratch my nose with my fingers being cruelly separated by the stocks. The confinement and inability to freely move would make me want out pretty quickly. This verse made me picture Jeremiah being in those stocks. Then I pondered on how today we do the same thing to prophets by putting them in stocks. Not literally, but figuratively when we hedge up their way, and by not sustaining them. It even gets more vile when their council and words are taken to the public arena and openly ridiculed and mocked. After Jeremiah was placed in the stocks he prophesies about what would happen to Pashur and Judah, none of which was good. It is never wise to go counter to the words of a prophet and to mock what they say.

Day 1340

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 19:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 19:5
"They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind:"

This is so horrific, to think of people burning their children in a fire as an offering to Baal. Yes, there are a lot of sick people out there but as a people we don't accept people burning their children. So how could I liken this to something people do find acceptable today?  Immediately I thought of parents with bowed heads worshiping over their cell phones and tablets, totally ignoring their children. Yes, we have idols in our day and we sacrifice our children to them. That I am sure does not please God, for we are teaching our children to worship them too.

Day 1339

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 18:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 18:1-2
"The  word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,
Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words."

After being obedient to what Jeremiah had been told, he went to the the potter's house and observed. He watched one vessel become marred in the potter's hand and then the potter made another and it was good. Then the Lord spoke to Jeremiah again. I pondered on how important it is to be obedient to what I am first told, even if it makes no sense. Seriously going to a potter's house is not typically where someone would think to hear the word of the Lord. Yet as we come to know the voice of the Lord and how he teaches, we understand how he uses things we are familiar with for instruction.

Day 1338

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 17:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 17:22-23
"Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.
But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction."

Today is Saturday, and Saturday is a special day. Once again I find myself singing the Primary song while involved in preparations. This has been ingrained in me since my childhood from goodly parents.

Saturday is a special day.
It's the day we get ready for Sunday:
We clean the house, and we shop at the store,
So we won't have to work until Monday.
We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes,
And we call it our get-the-work-done day.
Then we trim our nails, and we shampoo our hair,
So we can be ready for Sunday!

I found a quote I was looking for with scripture references on why I honor the Sabbath Day on Sunday, the first day of the week and not on the last.

"Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognize Sunday as the Sabbath in commemoration of the fact that Christ came forth from the grave on Sunday, and the Apostles commenced meeting thereafter on the first day of the week."
(Earl C. Tingey, April 1996 General Conference talk "The Sabbath Day and Sunday Shopping")
(see John 20:1-6, Luke 24:1, Mark 16:1, Matt 28:1, Acts 20:7)

Of the many things I love about the Sabbath it is what I will learn this day that excites me the most. Be it at church worshiping with my brothers and sisters, or home personally studying the scriptures or with my family, the spirit seems the strongest on this day to give me instruction. This is a tender mercy of the Lord to open my eyes and ears especially on His Holy Day. I totally get it when the Lord says that to not honor the Sabbath day you will not hear or receive instruction. I think that is the little sign God gives back to me if I am honoring His day or not.

Day 1337

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 16:14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 16:14-15
"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
But, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers."

I have always been fascinated with these verses and the gathering of Israel. President Russell M. Nelson's words in his April 2018 General Conference talk "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives" only made me wonder more.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory."

Moses and the parting of the red sea was a pretty amazing miracle. Jeremiah's prophesy, and President Nelson's words means even greater things are to come. One thing is for sure I live in exciting times.

Day 1336

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 15:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 15:16
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts."

On this Thanksgiving day I have to say I am so very grateful for the scriptures, and words of the living prophet. What a source of strength and peace they have been to me. Especially as they have recently calmed my troubled heart. I have a whole new appreciation for them. The application of the advice given has truly brought joy and amazement to me. In this I rejoice.

Day 1335

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 14:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 14:3
"And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads."

I thought of living water, which is Jesus Christ himself. I can't send someone else in search of this water for me. The relationship with the Savior must be one on one. If not then my vessel will be empty when I need Him the most. I cannot live on borrowed light.

Day 1334

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 13:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 13:16
"Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness."

Mourning is a terrible thing, especially when you are alone and unable to attend a funeral. My heart is filled with unreasonableness and I just cannot steady it. Truly my feet stumble and I don't want to go down the paths that fills me with anger. If it was not for my God I could find no solace. For truly that is when I find a brightness of hope. I know I am loved. How many times have I stumbled and yet he picks me back up, wraps his loving arms around me and comforts me. Only then can I find peace. I have learned a new depth to my prayers that only could be taught through such grief. How wise the counsel of the Lord. For not only will he lift my burden and carry me too, he tells me something else to try that brings comfort even if for a brief moment. I know the timing in all this is the Lord's. Things are as they should be. He has a better plan for me. He always has a better plan. This moment of enduring is drawing me closer to Him.

Day 1333

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 12:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 12:17
"But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the Lord."

This verse helped me understand something tonight I have been trying so hard to figure out. My heart was so broken until I realized why. I was disobedient to the errand the Lord had me on. For some reason I sought the permission of another to do it, and followed their counsel instead of the Lord's. Why did I even do that? What was I thinking that I needed their permission? I shouldn't have shared anything with them and just moved as directed by the Lord. This was in the realm of my responsibility, not theirs. I tried then to have another do my errand before it was to late, and that doesn't work either. When the Lord gives you an assignment you do it. I didn't, and it broke my heart. I will never, never do that again. The pain is to much to bare. I love the Lord and my actions didn't display that. The Lord has told me he made it right. They know all now. Yet it's hard to be consoled. Being plucked up and destroyed are pretty good words right now.

Day 1332

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 11:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 11:12
"Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble."

As I pondered on this I thought of some ways I see people going after other gods. One thing I realized is that we don't always see how we have gotten off course. It's so easy to be deceived. In fact it's really easy to get involved in priestcraft, when packaged just right it becomes acceptable. The other way is to say this is my churchy self and this is my world self. When they don't fit as a whole it's the wrong course. Over time when the crisis comes we look to the other god, not knowing we have been seeking the wrong one. Then we wonder why God didn't save us or answer our prayers. The difference is there is no peace, even when the answer is no or just wait. How do I prevent this? I think the answer is spending more time reading and pondering the word of God, than man's interpretation of it. Especially if those individuals are profiting financially in any way.

Day 1331

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 10:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 10:19
"Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it."

I always marvel how when I read the scriptures there is something there for me that day. It's like my life experiences build up to what I will read. Though I think that seriously is why things are often repeated in the scriptures. This verse actually made me smile. For today my father has died, and our family reverently mourns his passing. Once again my experience fits what I read in the scriptures. The Lord always prepares the way. What tender mercies the scriptures are to me.

(Pauline & Philip Harris)

Day 1330

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 9:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 9:24
"But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."

Pretty serious things are in this chapter of what will happen to people that turn from the Lord. This verse was the bright light in the midst of them. What I pondered on is that that taking glory does not mean to become prideful in righteousness. It is truly to glory in knowing who the Lord is, and understanding why things are the way they are around us. As the world darkens the Lord's people will see his marvelous guiding light and protection in their lives. They will feel and know His abiding love. 

Day 1329

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 8:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 8:2
"And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth."

One thing I have seen this time reading the Old Testament is that when the people start to practice sorcery, witchcraft, worshiping the stars and the moon, trees and in groves, they are ripe for destruction. That is why I grow concerned the more I see people leave God and worship the earth and nature. They even begin to put the earth above the value of human life. The thing is I don't even think they realize they are worshiping it. They are just following a movement or cause, yet they do not speak of the God that created the earth, or worship him. To them He is not real, he is a fable that does not exist, and to be mocked. They see no evidence of Him, even though his very creations speak of Him. Truly they love God's creation more than Him.

Day 1328

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 7:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 7:23
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you."

What a beautiful promise "that it may be well unto you." That does not mean that I have no worries or troubles. It means in the end it all works for my good. It made me ponder on how as a parent I could be standing right next to my child watching them, yet they can still fall down and hurt themselves. Injury, trials and pain are all part of life. Yet the promise I have is like what I did with my children. When they were hurt I comforted them, at times I even picked them up and carried them. The Lord does the very same thing. The promise is he never leaves me alone.

Day 1327

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 6:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 6:16
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."

One thing for sure is the world as a whole is not at peace. My nation isn't at peace. The name calling and accusations are beyond belief. One thing that is sure is we need the old paths and good ways where people talked and where not offended at the least of things. But mainly its the faith of our fathers and the wisdom that comes from it. When there is a life of good morals, and brotherly love and kindness, and above all faith in God there is rest for the soul and peace.  The further we turn away from the Lord the more we fall into darkness and misery as a people. Now more than anything the gospel of Jesus Christ would heal people.

Day 1326

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 5:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 5:3
"O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return."

This made me think of a video I saw the other day. Basically, it was the first time after a devastating event that I heard a person say with so much anger "Don't say I'm in your thoughts and prayers." It offended them, the very suggestion that such a thing would help them. To them those words had no meaning. Then I saw that same day the news media mocking people that say they are praying for anyone. I was just dumbstruck that people were so spiritually debased now to be offended by prayer. The very thing they need they are angry and mock now. It was really chilling to me, more so than the terrible event they had been through.

Day 1325

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 4:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 4:22
"For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge."

New word that I had to look up. I had no idea what sottish meant. This is what I found.

Sottish = drunk, foolish, stupid, senseless, without knowledge, dumb, thick, unwise.
Urban Dictionary
1. Lowered to a stupid, silly, foolish, and childish level by some kind of drink.  Can also signify contempt.
2. Stupified or intoxicated by something false and dangerous to the point where they put themselves in grave danger.
3. Someone who drinks like a fish
The preacher and his congregation were made sottish with all of the false doctrines in the Christian church today.
That sottish man is really tempting fate with trying to wake up that fire-breathing dragon.

It seems that some outside means or influence is causing them to be sottish. I found it really interesting the sentence example of false doctrine. As I pondered on I first thought how they had no knowledge of doing good. I made me think of how important it is to have home-centered gospel learning. This is a role of a parent to raise a child in the path he should go. Then after all we can do it is up to the individual to develop a person relationship with the Lord. For the root of the issue if the person does not really know the Lord.

Day 1324

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 3:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 3:3
"Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed."

Last night I saw a comment on a post about the fires in California. They asked "What is causing all of these fires?" I replied "It's dry as a tinder box in the west. Terrible drought for a long time. The smallest of things can set off a fire."

Though I really know the cause of the drought, it's us as a nation. We are no longer ashamed of breaking God's commandments. In fact lifestyles of choice are worn as badges of honor and celebrated in the streets. Oh, there are good people and they do love God. But we are starting to be out numbered and persecuted for our beliefs. I have always thought droughts are the perfect acts of God to make people turn to the heavens. The answer to the resulting famine and fire is rain, which must come from above. How many times do I hear people say they are praying for rain when there are times like this. Even Nephi prayed for the heavens to be sealed so people would turn once more to God.

"O Lord, do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed by the sword; but O Lord, rather let there be a famine in the land, to stir them up in remembrance of the Lord their God, and perhaps they will repent and turn unto thee."
(Helaman 11:4)

I do pray for rain. But, the greater prayer is that people will turn back to God.

Day 1323

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 2:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 2:15
"The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant."

This verse made me desire to record my thoughts today on the Paradise Camp Fire in California. The entire city of Paradise burned to the ground and is no more. Literally the city is burned without inhabitant. How many helicopters roared as young lions above it while it burned? The whole thing makes me weep, but I know that this is a voice of warning to the people. Fires, floods, earthquakes, and whirlwinds are all the hand of God preparing and warning us to turn to Him, before it is to late. Some even listened.

This story was reported in The Church News today.
"Bishop Robert Harrison was commuting from his Paradise, California, home Thursday morning when a spiritual urge he couldn’t ignore hit hard.
“I had several promptings to turn around; turn around and go back,” he said Friday.
The wildfire that would eventually consume much of Paradise, destroy two of Bishop Harrison’s homes and incinerate the Latter-day Saint meetinghouse he loved seemed far off at that initial moment of inspiration.
But the winds were blowing, flames were moving, “and I knew I had to get my family out of there.”
He also sent out mass texts to the members issuing a similar plea to leave Paradise immediately."

It is a comfort that even though we maybe asked to pass through the fire, there will be a voice of warning to tell us when to flee.

"And this was their faith, that by so doing God would prosper them in the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land; yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war, according to their danger;" (Alma 48:15)

Grateful for a good bishop that heeded that voice and saved his family and all those that listened to him. Homes can be rebuilt, but lives cannot be replaced.

It really brings to home the words of President Russell M. Nelson, "But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. 

on Thursday, November 8, 2018. Photo: San Francisco Chronicle

Day 1322

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 1:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

I just love this verse for it speaks of a pre-existence. That God knew me before I was born. My life has a purpose, just like everyone that comes to earth. Some like Jeremiah are foreordained to be prophets. I have seen over the years how each prophet has been given a special mission for his time. I have often thought of how God knows each of his children. Just like I knew the combinations of certain children playing with mine would lead to mischief. God knows how given their free agency that the combination of certain children on the earth together will cause specific events to take place. I think the people on the earth today and the combination of them together, is leading up to the second coming of the Lord. I just have to make sure I am playing with the right children.

Day 1321

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 66:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 66:3
"He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not."

I had to ponder on this a while. I think what it means is that the wicked can delude themselves into thinking if they do what appears righteous it will make them so, even if they continue to sin. Instead it will be counted against them. The Lord knows if we listened to his voice or not. He knows when we have our own agenda.

Day 1320

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 65:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 65:24
"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

I remember thinking "Why do I pray for something if it is the Father's will to do it or not?" The thought all but made me want to cease praying, for what was the purpose? What I ask for and what happens doesn't really seem to matter. Then I happened to read in the Book of Mormon how Nephi was given the sealing power.

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou has done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
(Helaman 10:4-5)

As I pondered on this I realized Nephi was given the sealing power because he would not ask for anything that was contrary to the will of the Father. Now I could see why I pray. So I will learn to ask for that which is according to the will of the Father. The Holy Spirit will guide me in what I will ask. The more I pray the more I learn to know what is according to the Father's will. I become one in purpose. It has allowed me to accept his will as I pray for it. Even when that means people are not healed when I wish with all my heart they would be. As I read this verse in Isaiah I see after the second coming I will be in such tune with the Spirit that I ask as it is being given to me. That is because all I want is the Father's will.

Day 1319

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 64:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 64:4
"For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him."

I've been thinking lately that when I see prophecy fulfilled or changes taking place it hasn't been what I expected or imagined about those events long ago. I remember reading books on the last days (I don't anymore), I had this picture in my head of how things would take place. I could not in my wildest imagination pictured what I am seeing today. I would have never imagined people with no sense, offended so easily, or being past feeling like they are. I remember thinking about rioting in the streets and not being able to imagine what would ever make people riot. Now, well sadly I can picture the smallest of things making it happen.

I have decided that I will not try to imagine future events. Instead I will read and treasure the scripture up in my mind. Then when the event happens I will know if for what it is. I totally understand how I am unable to perceive what the Lord has waiting for me after his coming. I am ok with that. What I have to keep ahead of me is staying the course and being on His side.

Day 1318

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 63:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 63:13
"That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?"

This chapter speaks of the Saviors second coming and who will endure it. I loved this verse for I think it is the key. I had a dream a couple years ago that answered my question on what broken meant.

"In the middle of the night I was woken up hearing the word "Broken" clearly spoken to my mind. The though immediately came to me that when a horse is broken it becomes tamed. I knew it was an answer to a little gospel question I had pondered off an on. How does one have a broken heart and a contrite spirit? Now I knew that to be broken meant to become tamed. I pictured then a beautiful horse with a rider galloping in unison together. The rider taking the reins was the Savior and he guided that horse where it needed to go. It could even go into battle and avoid all the traps that lay ahead of them.

I understood then that to be tamed meant I let the Savior have control of the reins. That my life would be beautiful no matter what lies ahead of me. He would always be with me. I had much to ponder on how horses are broken, and what better service they can render when they are tamed. It was a beautiful personal parable.

Maybe to others that is such a simple thing, but to me it had deep meaning. My spirit yearned to understand the things of God. I wasn't obsessed over wanting to understand it, I just knew some day when I was ready it would come. God works in his own way. Even if the answer comes in the middle of the night with a single word."

This experience changed me. I have since tried to let the Lord take the reins and I can only say the ride has been amazing. I stand in awe of the Master rider. He knows the way around the dangers and trials I have faced with a percussion and timing beyond my comprehension. Seeing further ahead then I ever thought possible. I will let him remain in control.

In context of the Savior's second coming. I know if I have a broken heart and contrite spirit I will be prepared to meet Him.

Day 1317

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 62:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 62:12
"And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken."

This verse reminded me of an experience I had while listening to 2 Nephi 14:3 (referencing Isaiah 4:3) and was struck on being called holy.

"And it shall come to pass, they that are left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem shall be called holy, every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem - "

If I think of the word "holy" it would fit with being called a saint. As in how people mock saying if you call yourself a saint you would think yourself holier than thou. I think it is part of Isaiah's prophecy that we need to be called Latter-day Saints. Those that won't call themselves that would have left Zion.

This name reference is part of the shifting of the saints. Who will take upon them the name of Christ and be one of his saints, becoming holy. I can understand how serious President Nelson feels about the name of the church and how we refer to ourselves. It will have a strong meaning in the days ahead. For it is exactly what we need to be. I know I took pause the first time I referred to myself as a latter-day saint. I need to raise the bar and actually become one.

Day 1316

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 61:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 61:3
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."

I cannot read the phrase "beauty for ashes" and not think of the devastating fire that destroyed the beloved historic Provo Tabernacle, and how we mourned. Then it raised from the ashes as a magnificent House of the Lord. Truly it was beauty for ashes. I have from that event looked at my trials differently. As painful as they have been I would not change any of it, for the beauty they have added to the fabric of my life. Like the tabernacle that is now a temple, my life has more purpose having lost and been healed. The Lord never takes away without giving more in return. I have been planted in a most beautiful part of his vineyard, for it's exactly where He knows I should be.



Day 1315

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 60:19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 60:19-20
"The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."

I was just randomly thinking the other day about charging batteries wirelessly. What an amazing concept. I wondered what laws of nature are in force to do that? Then I read this and now ponder on how there will be no need for artificial light. In fact not even the sun or the moon is needed for light. For the Lord God will be our light forever. It comes from his divine power, presence and glory. How small man really is yet we think we are learned and powerful. We are just babes in the scheme of the eternities. There are greater powers that man cannot even comprehend. God really is omnipotent, having unlimited power and able to do anything.   

Day 1314