Does "Love at Home" Always Mean "Peace at Home"?

In the hymn "Love at Home," there are some lines that are questionable: "Peace and plenty here abide..." "Roses bloom beneath our feet..." "Making life a bliss complete..." But life is rarely that simple. But maybe there's a reason it's hard to keep "bliss complete."

A comedian's bit once included the joke, "Being a parent is easy, as long as you don't care how your kids turn out." But when you do care, things get tough. You have the responsibility to help your kids become good people (as much as you can--they have their own agency). But underlying that responsibility should be love. Then, after the conflicts and the hard conversations, you can return to a place where "roses bloom beneath your feet."

My Three Wishes

Like most adults, the day had come when I felt incapacitated by my to-do list. I had homework, housework, a puppy to manage, and a husband to bond with and I didn't know where to start. I ended up breaking down in the shower, and as I talked to myself, I came up with my three wishes. They weren't general helps, like more patience or more time; I wanted someone to walk Zoe, to make dinner, and to wash the mountain of dishes. Everything else, I felt I could manage. If Zoe wasn't jumping on me, I could study better. If the mountain of dishes wasn't judging me, I could clean the rest of the apartment in peace, etc. If only someone could come and magically grant my wishes. 

My wishes were granted, but it wasn't magic. I messaged my husband, letting him know that I couldn't make dinner, so he could decide if he wanted to get something or make something. He came home and cooked! Wish number one. I found an assignment that involved watching a documentary and watched that as I washed the dishes. Wish number two. The next day, I decided that it was important to take time for Zoe, so I took her on a walk. Wish number three! When I realized that I had granted my own wishes (with help from my husband), it was so empowering. I had managed to grant not only those wishes but finish my other responsibilities as well. It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes, by Phillip Brooks:
“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle."

In Numbers 14, Moses and the children of Israel finally have the Promised Land within their reach. But then the spies that Moses sent to scout for the fruits of the land come back with bad news--the land is already populated by giant, strong men. The spies and many of the people lose faith in the power of God and despair. "Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!" (vs. 2). How incredible that these people, having seen all they have seen of God's power, would give up on Him. The Lord says, "how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?" (vs. 11) Joshua and Caleb try to reassure them and reanimate their faith: "The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land..." (vs. 7-9)

Sometimes life is overwhelming. Our Promised Land might look beautiful, but it requires faith and work to get there. Are we willing to trust in the Lord? Are we willing to look past the challenges and into the beauty that we're fighting for?

There is a second part to the story from Numbers 14. After being told that they wouldn't be able to enter the Promised Land, a group of people decided not to wait. They decided to go in their own strength to take the land. Moses warned them that they were going against the word of God and wouldn't have Him with them. But they went anyway and were killed.  

At the time when I made my three wishes, I was preparing for a book discussion on "The Tao of Pooh," which discusses Taoism and finding peace according to Winnie the Pooh. One of my favorite parts tells a fable of a river that is so wild and fast and full of rocks, that anyone who entered the river died. But one day, a boy saw an old man in the water, bobbing up and down. The boy called for help, but the old man emerged unscathed. When asked how he did it, the old man replied that he had learned long ago to go with the flow of the river, to submit to its superior power. 

We might become impatient as we are working towards our blessings. At those times, we should remember to seek the will of God. He has the power to help us, but we need to trust in His plan and His timing. 

Let Brotherly Love Continue (Heb 13:1)

In the last half of Genesis, we find a couple of stories about brothers: Jacob and Esau and the sons of Israel. 

In Genesis 35, Esau and Jacob are meeting. If I remember correctly, it's the first time they're meeting since Jacob took the birthright, and Jacob is nervous about the meeting. Within my family, there are some brothers who haven't spoken with each other for some time because of past conflicts. When they get together, those conflicts bubble up and create contention. 

But thankfully, this wasn't the case here. They both show love, forgiveness, and generosity. And here is an image of their meeting. Having this attitude in our own lives can help us spread this same joy. 

"The greatest missionary tool we have is that of demonstrating friendliness, brotherly kindness, harmony, love, and peace in our homes and in all our Church meetings. If we follow the example of Jesus Christ and become true peacemakers, that flood of love will cover the earth as with a blanket" ("Blessed are the Peacemakers"; Burton, 1974).

Then we have the sons of Israel. Joseph was the favored son and was blessed with visions of greatness. As a result, "his brethren envied him" (Genesis 37:11). 

And here we have a contrasting example of brotherly love. Standing up to the others, Reuben encourages them not to kill Joseph. '"Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him,"' he said, 'so that (Reuben) might (save Joseph) out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again' (Genesis 37:22). Unfortunately, Reuben leaves Joseph with the others, and Joseph is sold into slavery. 

While this results in the salvation of Egypt and the House of Israel, the progress made in Egypt could have been made in their homeland. 

"We need to be reminded that contention is a striving against one another, especially in controversy or argument. It is to struggle, fight, battle, quarrel, or dispute. Contention never was and never will be an ally of progress" ("No Time for Contention"; Ashton, 1978).

While we should avoid contention, there is another enemy to progress and brotherly love: neglect. "Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him" (Genesis 40:23). We might decide that in order to avoid contention, we need to just leave the offending party alone. But that doesn't lead to progress either. Joseph was sitting in prison and Egypt was headed for disaster. 

Thankfully, Joseph was remembered, and everyone was saved! And then we have these touching scriptures describing their reunions: "And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there" (Genesis 43:30). "And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him." (Genesis 45:14-15).

If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them

One of the basic principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that there are commandments. God has given us instructions for how to return to Him. When I was younger, I wrote this story as a parable of sorts about what commandments are for me:

I had grown, and now there was a mountain. My days of innocence had gone, and now I needed to go home-- the top of the mountain.

I wasn't completely certain why this  mountain was mine; after all, there were countless others to choose from. As I scanned my surroundings, I noticed that though the mountains were different, they all ended in the clouds.

Behind the clouds was light.

I looked to my side, to my friend who was going to climb this mountain with me. Her mouth hung open as she stared up at it.

"How will we ever make it?" she asked me. I pointed to the trail, "We just need to follow The Way."

Before we knew it we were climbing. The Way was steep and hard. Rocks moved and turned under our feet, creating bruises. Occasionally, we found water and food left for us. There were also signs and notes of encouragement left on the trees and always counsel never to leave The Way.

In time, we came to an overlook: a place in the shade with a seat, where we could see how far we had come, and look up to our goal. 

Then we started moving again. For a while, my friend and I were both optimistic. We both felt energized after the overlook. But when we came to the next deposit of refreshments, my friend refused to join me.

"I can wait," she said, "I'm still pumped from the overlook."

"Okay," I said. Worried for her, I ate thoughtfully.

As we continued, the trail grew harder. My friend insisted on only taking sporadic meals, and soon her strength started to diminish.

I helped her through the tough spots and she said she'd eat and drink more, but every time we came to some, she'd just nibble and sip.

She began to be despondent, and frustrated.

"Why is the path so hard?" she'd ask me, "Why must we only go 'The Way'?"

"The Way takes us home," I'd answer, surprised at her questions. "It's the only  Way."

"Well, what about that  path, over there?" with the arm I wasn't supporting, she pointed off into the trees where the ground seemed more level and where a crooked path wound its way.

Just then, we came to another overlook.

"C'mon," I tugged her over to the bench, "Let's rest, and get our bearings."

Once again, we sat on a bench, and I enjoyed the view. But my friend was jittery and anxious to explore the crooked path. When we stood again, she went straight into the trees and onto the path. She gasped, "You've got  to come and see this!"

I hesitated as I reached the edge of The Way.

"What about food?" I asked. "We'll starve."

"There's food here, too!" my friend yelled, "And this path takes the easy way up the mountain."

I couldn't let her go off by herself. Maybe I could go to convince her to come back and climb The Way with me.

Just then, a breeze blew a letter up to my feet.

No matter how hard it gets, no matter how long it takes, follow The Way. I have gone off onto crooked paths, but they only lead to danger. There is  a road back to The Way, but it is hard. Trust me, The Way is the only Way.

Hailey.

I didn't know Hailey. All I knew was that my friend was in trouble. I had to save her.

"Wait up!" I called, but she was already out of earshot. Following, I left The Way.

As I ran through the trees, I tripped on unseen roots and stones. Soon, I came to a fork in the middle of the road. Which way had my friend gone?

I shouted her name, but she didn't answer. Fatigued, I looked around for the food she'd mentioned. Finding some, I ate it-- it disappeared in my mouth like a breath. What had I done?

Then I saw a fork in the path. By one of the entrances was another note.

You've made a mistake, friend. But I've prepared this path for you. You've made it harder than it could have been, but you can still get back home. This Way will lead you home.

Love, Your Brother.

I went. This Way was  hard, but there were real food and water here and hope! Looking at the thick foliage around me, I knew that this Way had been forged with a  great sacrifice.

At last, I reached The Way again-- right where I had left it. I still had scars from my time off the path, but the wounds were healed. I went out to the overlook where I'd last seen my friend. I looked up the Mountain to where Home was and felt a renewed vigor and dedication to get there.

I started climbing once more. Although it was still difficult, I had faith that I was heading Home.

Occasionally, I could see the crooked path; but I also saw pits, cliffs, ledges, and dead ends. I hoped and prayed that my friend would make it back.

As I was resting at another overlook, I heard someone running up behind me. I turned and cried for joy! There was my friend! Out of breath and scarred but happy and strong. I asked her what had happened.

"After I left The Way, I followed the crooked path to a river. I ate a lot of the food, but it was never enough. The crooked path led through a river, and there was no other way for me to go. I decided I could swim it. I never even got half-way. 

"The river pulled me farther and farther down; I struggled for breath! …" my friend shook her head as she stared at the ground. I put my arms around her and listened.

"I knew I would be taken all the way back down the Mountain. I didn't want that. I wanted to go Home again. I had forgotten that. But once I remembered and desired it again, the oddest thing happened. Someone gave me strength. I used it and swam as swiftly as I could for the bank. 

"When I finally got out, I was stained a muddy brown. I found another path, but it seemed different from the crooked paths. Following it, I came to a pond, with a sign that said "Malada." There was some strong soap next to it. I knew what to do. I took the soap, and washed up!"

I looked into my friend's eyes: sparkling, looking up at the Mountain.

"It felt so good to be clean again," she breathed softly.

"How did you catch up with me so quickly?" I asked her.

"I ran. I ran all The Way. I ate the food, drank the water, and stopped at every overlook I could," she stood, "And now I'm ready to begin again. Shall we go?"

So we did. We got up and climbed the Mountain.

 Through writing this story, I learned that commandments are instructions for the best path back to God and all His promises. Some of those promises are true joy, peace, being with your family forever, and in some cases "the windows of heaven will be opened." Who doesn't want happiness?

Nephi, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, was commanded to build a boat. When his brothers mocked him, Nephi responded: "If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them." He believed he could do anything, as long as it was the will of God. I was thinking about this phrase, and wondered, "If God had commanded me to do all things, would I do them?" If He told me to study calculus, would I? If He told me I couldn't have children, would I still trust Him? If He told me to sell everything and move to Africa, would I? If He told me to study my scriptures every day before studying, would I?
I have faith in God, I know He can do anything and that through His power I can too. But would I?

I hope that I would. I know I don't a lot. But thankfully, God doesn't ask us to be perfect. He doesn't ask us to jump from the foot of the mountain to the top of it. He just asks us to keep climbing, keep progressing.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." "(He) is the way, the truth, and the life."

Seeds of Faith

In the Book of Mormon, a prophet named Alma teaches about faith using the symbolism of a seed. When we receive the word of God, we should plant it in our hearts and nourish it (learn it, understand it, and act on it). When we do this, when we "nourish the tree ... it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.
"And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, ... by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst."

As I was discussing this the other day, I thought about different seeds  I have planted (literally, in actual dirt). Growing up, we had a garden and I learned that it was very easy to grow tomatoes and pumpkins. You just need to give them dirt, keep them warm and watered, and then harvest what grows.
At one point I decided I wanted to grow an apple tree from seed. Now that is a much more complicated process. From what I remember, you need to first get the seeds from a couple of different apples, put them in a moist paper towel, and keep them in the fridge until they start to sprout. Then you put them in a planter and need to give them a certain amount of water and sunlight. At that point my seeds died so I never learned what happens next, but I think you see my point.

Certain principles and truths are easier to accept and have faith in than others. For me, it was easy to accept the Book of Mormon as the word of God. When I read it I felt the Spirit, it makes me want to be a better person. So it must be of God.
Other things--like if Joseph Smith was  prophet, why bad things happen to good people, etc-- were more difficult for me to learn and I needed to put time, thought, study, and prayer into discovering whether or not they were true.

I know that as we seek to grow our faith in the word of God, we will be able to begin to taste the blessings He promises us. We will be "filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst." We will be able to "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..." (Ether 12:4). Sometimes it will be a quick witness and sometimes it will take more effort, but it will always be worth the price.

Is Salvation Free?

This was an interesting question in my class. It took some thought, but I think I understand it better now. I thought I'd share for any who were curious or confused.

What does Lehi mean when he says that “salvation is free” (2 Nephi 2:4)?

When Lehi says "free," I don't think he means it comes without a price. I think he means that "unto every one of us is given grace" (Eph 4:7). A lot of modern Christian churches teach that grace comes without a price, that it only takes an acceptance of Christ and then we're good. But in Ether 12, we learn at least one thing is necessary for us to receive this grace: "and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me;..."

In Alma 5, it says "Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;" Yet Alma also asks "now I ask of you on what conditions are they saved?" So we can drink of it freely as we are meeting the conditions of repentance. Some things he mentions are belief in the prophets, faith in Christ's atonement, works of righteousness, being "stripped of pride," etc.

Now, I don't believe that we have to be perfect to partake of Christ's atonement, but we do need to be making an effort. His grace isn't an opportunity for a free ride into the Celestial Kingdom, but it is an enabling power that can help us as we try to get there.

The Book of Mormon; a divine testimony of Jesus Christ

Hello! Sorry it's been a while. School can be pretty overwhelming :). Thankfully, one of my classes now encourages posting on my blog, so I can remember to do it more often.

Today I'd like to share my thoughts on something very sacred and very important to me.
In my darkest times, times when I've felt lonely, scared, stressed out, or just plain sad, the Book of Mormon has been a light that I have been able to turn to. It's helped to bring me closer to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

This book of scripture was written by ancient prophets in America who knew and testified of Jesus Christ. It was translated by Joseph Smith (a modern day prophet) through divine guidance. (If you haven't come into contact with this book before, here are links to the introduction and a place where you can request a physical copy).

Another modern day prophet said this about the importance of the Book of Mormon to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: How important is the Book of Mormon? ... Just as the arch crumbles if the keystone is removed, so does all the Church stand or fall with the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The enemies of the Church understand this clearly. This is why they go to such great lengths to try to disprove the Book of Mormon, for if it can be discredited, the Prophet Joseph Smith goes with it.

Like Pres. Ezra Taft Benson says, there have been many attempts to discredit the Book of Mormon and many articles by church members who have supported it with logical arguments and historical evidence*. While I love reading those articles and learning from their insights, I don't have the scholarly experience necessary to write something like that. Thankfully, I don't need to.

I have read and still read the Book of Mormon. I have come to know my Savior through the verses and have also come to better understand the Holy Bible.
One of my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon is Alma 33. A missionary-- Amulek-- is using the example of Moses and the Brass Serpent to testify of Christ.

19 Behold, [the Son of God] was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.21 O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly...?

 Christ really is the one to turn to for healing. He loves us and wants to help us with our daily challenges. One way to come to Him, to "behold (him) quickly," is by reading the Book of Mormon.

I know that the Book of Mormon was brought to me by the power of God. He inspired ancient prophets to write it, prepared Joseph Smith to receive it, gave him the tools to translate it, and guided missionaries who taught my ancestors about it. He also blessed me with a love for it, with a desire to read it, so that I already know that it's His word to me.

Earlier I mentioned that the Book of Mormon has helped me through some tough times. One of those times was when I was preparing to be a missionary myself. I left home, traveled to Argentina, and was with a group of other young adults who were preparing. I was homesick and trying to learn Spanish. One day, I zoned out the teacher and just opened up the Book of Mormon I was holding. I was praying to know that God still loved me and was there to help me through this. The scripture I read said, "Behold, I know my sheep, and they are numbered." As I read it, I felt like the person who had written it had reached through time and seen where I was at and had put those words on the page for me.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and I know that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (Joseph Smith, Introduction). Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ saw our difficult times and gave us an added help to get through them. If we read the Book of Mormon, we'll be able to feel Their presence in our lives through the Spirit and will be able to return to Them in the end.

*(For example: "Profile of a Prophet" Hugh B Brown (a lawyer)
                     "Book of Mormon and DNA Studies"
                     Hugh Nibley (a professor) also wrote books and articles about the Book of Mormon)

Why I Need God in My Life

Yesterday, in a regional church meeting (Stake Conference), someone who recently got baptized shared a bit of his "conversion story" (why he decided to join the Church). He talked about how he really didn't have any huge challenges in his life, so he didn't see why he needed God or religion. But he received an answer to his prayers and decided to be baptized. Since then, he said, only good things have come into his life.

So why do I feel like I need God in my life?
Life can be terrible. There's depression, failure, setbacks, death, illness. If I didn't have hope in a Power that was looking down on me and helping me through those trials, they could be unbearable.
Life can be beautiful. Peaceful sunrises, laughter with friends and family, inspiring music, adorable animals, warmth and comfort, baby's smiles. I have somebody that I can thank for all of those amazing things. And I can take them as a personal message of love meant just for me from my Heavenly Father.
Life can be stressful. College, rent, dreams just out of reach. But I know that I can kneel down and pray, take some quiet time in nature, or sit in the Lord's house to find peace and answers.
Life is full of promise. My belief in God tells me that He has a plan for me and for all of us. There is a way to live that brings us happiness. There is a path back to His realm-- our home.

This path is His Plan of Happiness.

I know that God lives and loves each of us personally. He created a plan and sent a Savior to help us become the best and happiest people that we can be.

Chapstick

It's been a while, but I feel like I'm ready to get back to sharing through this blog. Today will just be a short post, but I hope it helps someone.

This year, our church has started a study program that focuses on learning in the home and then bringing what you learn to church for discussion and group learning. It's been a wonderful experience to really study on my own time and then get perspectives and opinions from others at church.
Here's a link to the manual. We're studying from the New Testament, so it's applicable for other faiths as well (although some resources reference modern-day prophets and the Book of Mormon for further light and truth).

As I was reading in John 2 for this week's lesson, it asked to consider how Jesus Christ uses simple objects to teach lessons. Then it invited the learner to look at common household items and draw their own connections. It just so happened that I had chapstick sitting on my desk in front of me and a few insights immediately leaped to mind...

  Firstly, while chapstick will help if your lips are already dry, it works much better as a preventive measure. We can always repent after we've gone down the road of sin; but if we can catch ourselves as we're starting to eye that thorny path, we're much better off.

Chapstick (at least for me) should be used regularly. I put it on whenever I notice it (I applied it before starting this post). That's how repentance should be. Whenever we think about it, we should repent (something I will do after this post).

Finally, chapstick is sweet, smooth, feels good, and helps keep my lips healthy.
All I have to do is apply it.

"Thy will be done"... "Hagase tu voluntad"

Hello! This is my first blog post since I got back from my mission. Being able to serve in Argentina was one of the greatest experiences of my life!

So today I was reading in Moses 4 about the life before this life when we all lived with our Heavenly Father. In this life, we held a Great Council, where our Father told us that He had a plan, a plan that would give us the chance to be like Him. This plan is known as the Plan of Salvation, the Plan of Redemption, or the Great Plan of Happiness! As it says in Job-- "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy..." (Job 38:7)
But there must be opposition in all things. Lucifer (now called Satan) wanted to change the plan. He wanted to take away our freedom to choose.
He said, "Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor."
Once, someone pointed out the pronouns in this statement: ""Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor." (Moses 4:1)

Thankfully, there was another son, and this is what He said: "Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever." (Moses 4:2)
The second Son, Jesus Christ, was chosen to be our Savior and Redeemer. We keep our freedom to choose but have a chance to repent from the wrong choices we make.
More on that later.

For now, I want to focus on what Christ said, and when He said it. He said, "Father, thy will be done." And He said it during a time when another was seeking for power. Rather than combat Satan's idea with a "bigger" and "better" idea, Christ submitted Himself humbly before the Father.
Then I started thinking about the other times that Christ had spoken that phrase.

He said it again in the middle of His mortal ministry when He was surrounded by followers.
"And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth." (Luke 11:2, emphasis added)

Then, when He was alone, in the height of His suffering, He pleaded: "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
Isn't it amazing that He used the same humble phrase when He was accepting His mission and when He was fulfilling it? He used it when He ascended above all God's children and when He descended below all things. He used it in good times and in bad.

How am I doing? Am I accepting the will of God? Even when it's hard?
In my hardest times, do I humbly recognize that I might be fulfilling my calling?

I love the Lord, and He loves us. As we submit ourselves to the Father, He will strengthen us for our callings and help us to become better.