Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 13:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 13:1-3
"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

I remember I used to love reading stories of people's dreams, especially if they appeared to be prophetic. Now I don't. I have experienced a drastic change, and I think that a good thing.

Day 3801

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 10:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 10:2

"For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd."

The other day I can't recall what I was listening to, but the person was talking about dreams, and I didn't agree that all dreams come from God. That you have to be just as careful to not be deceived by a dream, for it can come from the wrong source. This was my chance to study that thought further and find scriptures about it.

"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."

(Jeremiah 23:32)

"For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed."

(Jeremiah 29:8)

The other area we have to be careful is listening to the dreams of others. It's important to know who the shepherd is over the flock.

“As I say, it never ceases to amaze me how gullible some of our Church members are in broadcasting these sensational stories, or dreams, or visions, some alleged to have been given to Church leaders, past or present, supposedly from one person’s private diary, without first verifying the report with proper Church authorities.

“If our people want to be safely guided during these troublous times of deceit and false rumors, they must follow their leaders and seek for the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord in order to avoid falling prey to clever manipulators who, with cunning sophistry, seek to draw attention and gain a following to serve their own notions and sometimes sinister motives.” (Harold B. Lee, Oct 1972 General Conference)

“When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions or any extraordinary gift or inspiration conveys something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear. Also they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come, by revelation, through the head. All faithful members are entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for themselves, their families, and for those over whom they are appointed and ordained to preside. But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. In secular as well as spiritual affairs, Saints may receive Divine guidance and revelation affecting themselves, but this does not convey authority to direct others, and is not to be accepted when contrary to Church covenants, doctrine or discipline, or to known facts, proven truths, or good common sense. No person has the right to induce his fellow members of the Church to engage in speculations or take stock in ventures of any kind on the specious claim of Divine revelation or vision or dream, especially when it is in opposition to the voice of recognized authority, local or general. The Lord’s Church ‘is a house of order.’ It is not governed by individual gifts or manifestations, but by the order and power of the Holy Priesthood as sustained by the voice and vote of the Church in its appointed conferences."

(First Presidency Letter [Pres. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose] "A Warning Voice", 1913)

(Harold B. Lee, "To the Defenders of the Faith," April 1970 General Conference.)

There is a lot more on this subject, but I will let it suffice for tonight.

Day 3080

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 23: 25, 27

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 23: 25, 27

"I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal."

This made me reflect on dreams. My feelings on them have changed over the years. I used to be so consumed by reading other people's dreams. I think its that part of spiritual immaturity that makes you want to feed your soul with the sensational. Now if you tell me you had a dream I don't become very fascinated by it. It's your dream, not mine. I don't have any desire to know what other people are dreaming. In fact I've seen how people have gone off the deep end reading other people's dreams. I just don't want to go there, unless you really are THE prophet.

That said, I haven't dreamed in a while and the other night I had one. I know it had symbolism and I have pondered on it since. I prayed about it and was told to write it down in my journal. Then I would watch and see if it happened. This would help me understand personal revelation better. I have to say it was far more exciting to write this dream down for my own personal use, then it has ever been sharing it with someone else.

I know there was a conference talk about being careful about reading other people's dreams. It was either President Oaks or President Ballard that gave the talk, but I am not sure if I am recalling it correctly. I don't think this is the one but I liked this quote from this particular talk just the same.

"Many members of the Church have had visions or other inspirations to inform them about how things operate or are organized in the spirit world, but these personal spiritual experiences are not to be understood or taught as the official doctrine of the Church. And, of course, there is abundant speculation by members and others in published sources like books on near-death experiences.

We can all wonder privately about circumstances in the spirit world or even discuss these or other unanswered questions in family or other intimate settings. But let us not teach or use as official doctrine what does not meet the standards of official doctrine. To do so does not further the work of the Lord and may even discourage individuals from seeking their own comfort or edification through the personal revelation the Lord’s plan provides for each of us. Excessive reliance on personal teachings or speculations may even draw us aside from concentrating on learning and efforts that will further our understanding and help us go forward on the covenant path. "

(Dallin H. Oaks, Trust in the Lord, Oct 2019, General Conference)

Day 2927

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 18:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 18:34
"And it came to pass that Alma and the people of the Lord were apprised of the coming of the king's army; therefore they took their tents and their families and departed into the wilderness."

This verse has the footnote that explains who apprised Alma of the king's army coming.

"Now Alma, having been warned of the Lord that the armies of king Noah would come upon them, and having made it known to his people, therefore they gathered together their flocks, and took of their grain, and departed into the wilderness before the armies of king Noah."
(Mosiah 23:1)

It reminds of how Joseph was warned in a dream to take the young child, Jesus and his mother and flee into Egypt. When Herod slew all the children in Bethlehem Jesus was not there. I thought about how important it is to live close to the spirit and the power of personal revelation. When we listen and obey the saints of God are one step ahead of those that wish to destroy us. Later in the case of Alma's people being captured their burdens were made light because of their faith in Christ. Later they were saved in a miraculous way.

Day 1847

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 7:26

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 7:26
"And it came to pass that I, Jacob, began to be old; and the record of this people being kept on the other plates of Nephi, wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, which caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days."

The part "and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream", stood out to me. I was just talking with my son about this during family scriptures. He mentioned that this whole situation the world is in, and our being sick with it and the Lord's hand in preparing how to treat us, all seems like we are in some dream. It reminded me of my near-death experience and the bishopric coming to give me a blessing. In it I was told "It would all appear as if it were a dream." How those words gave me so much comfort and peace. I wanted what I had been through to appear as if it were a dream. Now Jacob says this same thing. I told my son maybe it seems like a dream because we do not have fear as the world has fear. We have seen the hand of the Lord in so many ways. Not sure what the connection is, but there is something in having life seem like a dream. All I know is I prefer it this way.

Here is a scripture I will ponder on further.

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"
(Acts 2:17; also see Joel 2:28)

Day 1825

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 8:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 8:7-8
"And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.
And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies."

What this verse makes me ponder on is that I can see an angel or messenger from God and listen and follow him and still feel I am in a dreary waste. The condition does not change until I discover my need for a deeper relationship with the Lord. That is who the messengers of God are pointing the way to. I need to be in a partnership with the Lord, and come to understand my need for his tender mercies. In the story of Lehi's family I see this in the actions of Laman and Lemuel verses Nephi and Sam. They all see an angel yet it is only Nephi that works to build that relationship with the Lord.



Day 1771

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 19:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 19:7
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."

I sat and reflected on a dream I had about 30 years ago. I remember traveling down the streets of Salt Lake City and I was trying to find where the wedding feast was. As I walked I dragged this big garbage can with wheels around with me. It wasn't a dirty can full of garbage it was one I had seen people use to put their 72 hr kits in. Everywhere I went I pulled this garbage can around with me and I would not let it go. Some places I could not enter because I would have needed to leave my garbage can outside. Finally I found the wedding feast and I was invited in, of course that is where the dream ended.

After 30 years I finally realize what the garbage can was that I held onto so dearly. It was a symbol of my preparation to be worthy to enter into the marriage of the Lamb. It must go with me everywhere and always be by my side. As I look at my life 30 years later I had to smile, because I'm holder tighter to the garbage can now more than ever. Seems the theme of preparation is a big one for me today. This is what I recorded after my morning scripture reading.

"Interesting scripture study this morning. Reading Doctrine & Covenants 101:23 "And prepare for the revelation which is to come, when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together."

I'm seeing it with new eyes after the changes made last January to the temple endowment. I understood that scripture so differently before. Now I see it as a symbol and sign of what we are preparing for, the second coming of the Lord. Now I need to prepare for the revelation to come. Makes me even more curious about what we will hear in April conference."

Day 1759

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:3

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:3
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:"

This is reminding me of something I noticed this morning while reading the Book of Mormon. It is in 1 Nephi 8 during Lehi's dream. He was wandering for many hours in darkness and then prays to the Lord for mercy. In verse 9 it says:

"And it came to pass AFTER I prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field."

The word AFTER is what stood out to me. Lehi could not see this large and spacious field that led to the tree of life, until after he prayed. Meaning it was there, he just couldn't see it.

So then I looked at what Laman and Lemuel were doing in verse 18.

"And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of the fruit."

It made me wonder if Lehi called and they didn't even see him? The point I felt this morning and again tonight is we don't see things as the really are unless we are spiritually prepared to see them. The meaning of spiritual things are lost to those that reject them. What would my eyes see if I was spiritually prepared to see them? Reminds me of the words of Elisha, once again it was prayer that opened the spiritual eyes.

"And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
(2 Kings 6:15-17)

Day 1655

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 2:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 2:17
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"

I sat and pondered on what would be in these dreams, visions and prophesies? If it is particular to the last days then I would think it would be a way to prepare people for the Savior's second coming, and the events that lead up to it. I thought about how Lehi being warned in similar manner was told to leave Jerusalem with his family before its destruction. It is similar to recent stories, particularly out of Iran, that claim that Jesus has been appearing to Muslims in dreams and visions saying "Come to Me". Leading them to the Christian faith." The righteous will be prepared for what comes ahead no matter where they are. There is comforting in knowing that prophesy, visions and dreams will direct us in our lives for what is to come.

Day 1593

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 22:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 22:14
"For many are called, but few are chosen."

When I read this verse it reminded me of a dream I had many, many years ago. I stopped my reading and tried to find my record of it. I knew I had written is somewhere. I searched my Personal Historian database (where I am compiling my journals and personal history), but couldn't find it. However, I was amazed how many times I recorded a dream in there. I had forgotten most, but interestingly this dream that has stayed with me over the years was not there. Over the years I will remember it at the most random moments. It's like my brain wants to make sure I don't forget it.

I found the dream among my other records and added it to my Personal Historian. It really, really, really needed to be put there. This dream has been so important to me. I will share it only if those reading this put themselves in my place in the dream. 

"I dreamed I was in the temple. It was a temple I do not ever remember being in before, only in my dreams. I was walking along with a crowd of people. I didn't seem to notice if I knew anyone there. I believe I was on my way to an endowment room.

A small elderly man slowly walked over to us. He motioned to me and whispered; "Excuse me Sister could you come with me for a minute?" I agreed and followed him. He hadn't called me by name so I felt no reason to believe he had singled me out. I thought possibly they needed another sister for a sealing. 

We rode on the elevator going up. I don't know which floor we arrived at. There was a waiting area, like you find outside of sealing rooms, with at least three doors coming off of it. A small crowd of people sat on chairs, couches, or stood off to a side. It was very quiet. Several people whispered quietly to each other. As I stood waiting I saw a man come out of a room. I didn't pay attention to which one. I was attracted to him and wondered at him. He seemed lost and just stood off to a side. 

The elderly man quietly came to my side, he whispered to me, "You are to chose which one of these doors you would like to go in." This statement rather surprised me. I looked around and saw no one paying any attention to me. I stood off to a side and wondered which of the three doors in front of me I should go in. I asked myself, "Am I on Let's Make a Deal?" I knew that wasn't it. The thought entered my mind. The Savior is behind one of these doors. I wondered which one to choose. I don't know which one I did choose. I walked to a door, opened it and went in for a period of time. In the next part of my dream I came out of the door. I looked around, I didn't know what to do.

The thought came to me. I had been told to not tell anyone what had happened. I moved to the side of the room. Trying to gather my thoughts, to know what to do now. I watched the elderly man as he quietly went about this same process with other people. I saw people choosing doors and coming out of doors and seem lost as they came out. It was a very busy scene, when you realized what was taking place. The thing was no one could speak of what was behind those doors. I felt very humble, small and quiet inside. I felt a deeper sense of the spirit with me from this experience.

I was just standing there thinking, when a group of people came to me. I recognized them, all people I had admired or been in some way involved with them in church callings. I recognized a former bishop. He was a bishop who was very prideful in nature. If I had to pick someone in my life who was prideful and ruled unrighteous dominion, I would pick him. 

He was leading this group of people. He much too loudly asks of me; "Where have you been? We've been hunting for you. What is this place? I've never been up in this floor of the temple. What have you been doing here?" I was very quiet and lost as to what to say. As he spoke I sadly realized they were so full of themselves they missed completely that something of a sacred nature was occurring right beside them.

I told them; "Well they needed a sister and I came to help. I can leave now." The group of us left, they were very much enjoying any attention someone paid to them. I walked thinking of this scene.

When I awoke, I had the impression this was the scripture, "Many are called but few are chosen." It is a scripture I had known previously and had wondered about. But I now pondered it's meaning anew. I realized - everyone was called, all of us as members of the church. In the temple anyone could be chosen, but we were the one's to choose. It was really our choice if we were "chosen".

How pride and honors of men can in reality keep us from being "chosen". It's us who unlocks, or turns the knob on the door we chose to enter. It's having the Holy Spirit as our guide that makes us know which way to go. We stop ourselves. The Savior is waiting, always, for us to come to him. We are the ones to choose, in this sense we are thus chosen.

I have a new understanding and appreciation of these scriptures from the
Doctrine and Covenants.."
D&C 95:5 - "But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have
been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen."
D&C 105:35 - "There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing; and let those be chosen that are worthy."
D&C 121:34, 35, 40 - "Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen, Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men... Hence many are called, but few are chosen."

After having re-read this powerful dream, it would appear the I have more thinking to do on how it applies to me today. I'm not the same person, as when I had this dream. The issue of pride though is always there.

St. George Temple, Celestial Room rendering

Day 1526

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 12:10, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 12:10, 13
"I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.
And by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved."

It has been a wonderful week listening to the words of the prophet and the apostles, which are also prophets, seers and revelators. The Lord prepared his people in the past by prophets. He is doing it again by prophets.

I loved this quote by President Nelson at the Rome Italy temple.
"This is a hinge point in the history of the church. Things are going to move forward at an accelerated pace, of which this is a part. We think the Church is an old Church, It's 189 years old. But it's only the beginning. Just project out what the next future will be and the Church is going to have an unprecedented future, unparalleled; we're just building up to what's ahead now.

As President Nelson mentioned during a recent visit to South America:
"We're witnesses to a process of restoration. If you think the Church has been fully restored, you're just seeing the beginning. There is much more to come...wait till next year. And then the next year. Eat your vitamin pills. Get your rest. It's going to be exciting."

Over and over again in this past general conference I heard reference that we were preparing for the second coming of the Lord. While we prepare for what is ahead is it any more important that we have a prophet then it was for the children of Israel to have a prophet that led them out of Egypt? Is it any different than Joseph being warned by an angel in a dream to flee and then to come out of Egypt to preserved Jesus as a child? This is part of the similitudes that Hosea mentions.

What I want to also reference is this beautiful testimony Sister Wendy Nelson recently give. Baring her personal witness that her husband Russell M. Nelson is the prophet of God. She said, "I can say that I am a witness by being present and I am a witness by being absent, that the Lord indeed instructs His prophet." Sister Nelson's testimony of what happened for two hours one night tells me the prophet is following the Lord's detailed plans right now.

"Two hours later, my husband emerged from our bedroom, and said, 'Wendy, you won't believe what has been happening for two hours. The Lord has given me detailed instructions about a process I am to follow."

I believe the Lord is at the head of this His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he speaks to his living prophet.


Day 1449

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:8
"For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed."

I had to ponder on the idea of someone causing a false dream to come to them. How does that happen? What came to mind is someone listening to a false prophet and then dwelling upon the idea that you dream about it. I know I've had dreams surely inspired by a movie or book that I read.

So then my question is "How do I know if the dream is false or not?"  First, I thought that I should pray to receive the interpretation of it. If it is of God I should be given the meaning. I have prayed for the interpretation of dreams and received it. I always find it interesting that much of what I dreamed about was symbolic. I wouldn't have understood it by looking at it on the surface.

But, it troubled me to just leave it at that. What was Jeremiah trying to warn me of? Then I saw it, these were dreams that had meaning for all of Israel. Jeremiah was the prophet and God would be speaking to him, not the others. The realm of stewardship belonged to the prophet Jeremiah in this matter. I will never have a dream that has meaning for others outside of my stewardship. The ordained prophet of God is the only one authorized to receive revelation for the whole of the church. 
"And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments;
And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me.
For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed."
(Doctrine and Covenants 43:5-7)

The dreams and revelations of the prophet of God are the only ones I should be paying attention to. Maybe that's why I have lost all curiosity in reading what other people have been dreaming. Before I started reading scriptures every day, I was really fascinated by them.

Day 1349

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: Psalms 69:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 69:4
"They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away."

I happened to stumble upon this dream by Joseph Smith and this verse made me ponder on it.

"In the evening I attended meeting in the Seventies' Hall. George J. Adams preached and I made some observations afterwards, and related a dream which I had a short time since. I thought I was riding out in my carriage, and my guardian angel was along with me. We went past the Temple and had not gone much further before we espied two large snakes so fast locked together that neither of them had any power. I inquired of my guide what I was to understand by that. He answered, "Those snakes represent Dr. Foster and Chauncey L. Higbee. They are your enemies and desire to destroy you, but you see they are so fast locked together that they have no power to themselves to hurt you. I then thought I was riding up Mulholland street, but my guardian angel was not along with me. On arriving at the prairie, I was overtaken and seized by William and Wilson Law and others, saying, "Ah, ah! we have got you at last! We will secure you and put you in a safe place!" and, without any ceremony dragged me out of my carriage, tied my hands behind me, and threw me into a deep, dry pit, where I remained in a perfectly helpless condition, and they went away. While struggling to get out, I heard Wilson Law screaming for help hard by. I managed to unloose myself so as to make a spring, when I caught hold of some grass which grew at the edge of the pit.

I looked out of the pit and saw Wilson Law at a distance attacked by ferocious wild beasts, and heard him cry out, "Oh Brother Joseph, come and save me!" I replied, "I cannot, for you have put me into this deep pit." On looking out another way, I saw William Law with outstretched tongue, blue in the face, and the green poison forced out of his mouth, caused by the coiling of a large snake around his body. It had also grabbed him by the arm, a little above the elbow, ready to devour him. He cried out in the intensity of his agony. "Oh, Brother Joseph, Brother Joseph, come and save me, or I die!" I also replied to him, "I cannot, William; I would willingly, but you have tied me and put me in this pit, and I am powerless to help you or liberate myself." In short time after my guide came and said aloud, "Joseph, Joseph, what are you doing there?" I replied, "My enemies fell upon me, bound me and threw me in." He then took me by the hand, and drew me out of the pit, set me free, and we went away rejoicing. (June 13, 1844)
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p 368-369)

I pondered on the enemies of righteousness can be mighty, in their own strength. But, I have seen them fight amongst themselves and accomplish nothing.

"But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed."
(Mormon 4:5)

While they are fighting amongst themselves the Lord's work continues to move forth.

"That no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 109:25)

At some point evil will think it has won. Yet on judgment day they will be restored to exactly what they are.

"And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them for evil. Therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame - mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption - raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one on the one hand, the other on the other -
The one raised to happiness according to his desire of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh."
(Alma 41:5)

Day 1122

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 51:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 51:17
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

I looked at my notes from this LDS General Conference. It was Elder Goday that said in the Saturday, 31 Mar 2018 session, "Sacrifice...gives sacred things meaning." 

The sacrifice that God asks is a broken spirit and a contrite heart. I sacrifice any pride or my own will for a humble heart that will serve God. It makes me think of the experience I had a couple years ago.

"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.

Day 1104

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 4:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 4:2
"If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withold himself from speaking?"

I think Eliphaz should have withheld from speaking. Even his dream wasn't something for Job, it was for himself. There was a message just for him in it. He appears to want to cast his sins on Job. Just have to feel so bad for Job that in his state of depression he is given such little comfort. Reminds me of the Savior in Gethsemane.

"And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."
(Luke 22:43)

The Father knows how to send good gifts to his children. That is the example I need to remember when someone is down.



Day 1015

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 41:4-5, 25, 32

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 41:4-5, 25, 32

And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kind did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.

And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.

And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice, it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

I had so many thoughts, and so many verses I marked, in this chapter of 57 verses. So hard to pick just one verse or one theme. I finally settled on what it means to me. For I am told to liken the scriptures to myself.

I have been experiencing a first sleep and second sleep. I know it is of God and not insomnia. What peace I feel when I awake, ponder on the things of God, and then go back to sleep. I saw in Pharaoh the first and second sleep. I have not been awoken by dreams during this time frame, but I feel like I am being prepared for one. I will only have it when I am ready. I thought about my last dream many months ago and what an answer to pray it was. It was not well for a family member, but it settled my heart on the matter and comforted me.

In this chapter I noted that Joseph said Pharaoh's dream being doubled to him twice is because it was established by God and would come about shortly. I also see the pattern of asking if there is more after receiving anything from God. The example being Pharaoh went back to sleep after the first dream. It wasn't until morning when he awoke that his soul was troubled.

The other thing I pondered on was Pharaoh receiving the dream and not Joseph who was the dreamer. Pharaoh received a dream for what he had stewardship over. He was over all of Egypt, all the lives of the people depended upon him. I know whatever dream I have that comes it will only be for what I have stewardship over. Which most likely is myself.

I am reminded of Acts 2:17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams."

I believe that all of this is happening, but they are for the individuals, drawing them closer to God and unto Christ. Dreams are only for the stewardship we have over. Things that come for the world at large come from God's chosen prophet. I really have no desire to read other people's dreams. Joseph of Egypt interpreted Pharaoh's dream because he was called to be such a prophet.

Day 616

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 37:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 37:18-19

"And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."

This is the story of Joseph with the coat of many colors. His brothers are jealous of their father's love for him. They cannot even speak peaceably to him. Then when Joseph tells of his dreams, and how they will bow down to him, they hate him all the more. This hatred reaches a point that when they see Joseph coming to them they plot to kill him. In mercy they finally just sell him to passing Midianite merchants.

As I read these verses I was reminded of some "dreamers" I have known in my life, and how I have mocked them. They were so righteous and god-fearing I just wanted to see them teared down. No one can be that good. They were just a little too nutty. When miracles happened to them I was simply jealous. How could they be worthy of such blessings and not I? I have been so ashamed of myself. I have watched these people over the years and all I want to be is like them. Worthy to dust their shoes. They are the salt of the earth and much loved of God. That is why miracles come as answers to their prayers. The problem was never them it was simply me.

Day 612

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 31:11, 24

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 31:11, 24

"And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad."

I just pondered on how marvelous a means of communication God has in sending us dreams. In this chapter the dreams are given to the righteous in a new direction they need to take, and to the wicked to leave those that God is protecting alone. 

I haven't really dreamed in a while. I used to all the time. I'm sure I will when I need to. Things changed instead. It started by being awaken from my sleep hearing a single word spoken to me. Then the interpretation of its meaning is given. Lately I've noticed another new pattern happening. I will just wake up about 3:00-4:00 in the morning and lay there wide awake. Then into my mind I begin pondering on different gospel matters. Connections are made that I had never thought upon before. In fact it is becoming so common I often wonder before falling asleep what I will learn new tonight. As I wake in the middle of the night I ask "What am I ready to learn?"  I will lay there and soon new thoughts come into my mind. Sometimes I just fall back to sleep thinking about these great thoughts I just learned. It is all very peaceful and comforting with no feeling of insomnia or anxiety. In fact the more this is happening the calmer I am becoming.

Interestingly, last night the thought came to me about first sleep and second sleep. Something our ancestors used to do. A full eight hour straight sleep was unheard of as we do today. People would wake up and read or sew, go visit neighbors, do all sorts of things in the middle of the night between these sleeps. This makes me wonder if prophets of old dreamed in their first sleep and then pondered on it during their awake periods that followed. Seems like the perfect time for instruction.

I'm not sure why things are exactly changing for me, but I'm totally ok with it. Especially, if the spirit wants to take the time to instruct me during this period of wakefulness. There is nothing better than falling back to sleep thinking about the Lord.

Day 606

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 20:3, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 20:3, 6

"But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the women which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her."

I just sat and reflected on a few "dreams by night" I have had. I have experienced warnings, instruction, revelation of other's deeds, acknowledgements, and gospel truths brought to light. I do believe that God can speak to his children in dreams. I also believe that dreams need to be interpreted or understood through the Holy Spirit. Prayer is a needed element to have such understanding. To ask another the meaning of a dream, gives up an opportunity to learn how the spirit speaks to me. My council often to others is "Did you pray?"  I have absolute faith that when a dream is given the interpretation is also available if we but ask.

I have seen books and websites that give interpretation of different elements of a dream. I have long realized they are nonsense. For they will take me off on a path that the dream's true message never intended me to go. Often the meaning of the dream is some smaller element, that is understood against those larger symbols, which can appear deceiving. Sometimes God just wants me to turn to him in prayer, to receive the true message. Dreams are special and unique to the individual, and are often meant to be embraced between me and God alone.

Day 595