"... the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land..." (Ether 6:5)

There is an incredible analogy in Ether chapter 6. As I read it I felt like it was describing 2018 for me. This has been my experience, using the words from Ether:

"...they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind" (Ether 6:6). 

Being buried in the "depths of the sea" over and over, I am impressed by what was pushing them forward in their journey. It was the wind! "The wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind" (Ether 6:8). Even when we feel as though we are drowning, or that perhaps we are constantly being hit with "mountain waves", God has a plan and is "blowing" us forward, towards the "promised land". I know it is sometimes through our trials in which we are blown forward. I'll be honest, knowing this, doesn't make it any easier. Wind, fierce wind, is hard to be in and can cause horrendous damage.

Nevertheless, as I was "...driven forth; ...no monster of the sea could could break [me], neither whale that could mar [me]; and [I] did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water" (Ether 6:10). God does and will continue to give me, and you, light even when we may feel as though we are "under the water". I love the phrase, "no monster could break them" (Ether 6:10). There were moments when I was not sure I could handle another "drop" on top of what I was already experiencing. But then, after changing my prayers from the demand, "...take away this cup from me" to "nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt" (Mark 14:36; see also Matt 26:39, 42), I would be given (and continue to be given) the strength needed to go forward another day, and sometimes another moment. 

As I was buried in a sea of challenges, which I felt on all sides, I prayed more, prayed differently, and expressed gratitude over and over to my Father in Heaven just as the people of the brother of Jared did. "And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord" (Ether 6:9). When I was "encompassed about by many waters [I] did cry unto the Lord, and He did bring [me] forth again upon the top of the waters" (Ether 6:7). As I expressed gratitude for the blessings that He was constantly giving me rather than focusing on troubles that surround me I became more aware of just how much He was truly there with me.

One analogy which took on a new insight for me was the phrase "tight like unto a dish". The verse reads: "...when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and He did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters" (Ether 6:7). Being "tight like unto a dish" is being sealed, safe and secure. No contents fall out of a tightly sealed jar. I have pondered about being "tight" and I realize that my conversations with God through my prayers and scripture study, and keeping my covenants were symbolic of being "tight". We sometimes, in describing a relationship, use the phrase "we are tight". I want to be "tight" with God. So tight, that when I am "buried in the deep" water there will be no water, nor trial, nor flooding- that could hurt me spiritually.

I want you to know that I know God truly cares about what happens and is happening to us. He loves us so very much! He is aware of us and He is the "wind" which is pushing us, and guiding us towards the promised land- to be with Him again. That's what good parents do for us, they love us and guide us, and help us whether we are below or above the water. This I testify.

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious" (D&C 78:19)

Day #30

I am grateful for this scripture that teaches me about gratitude and the blessings that are given to those who express such:

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; 

and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, 

even an hundred fold, yea, more."

(D&C 78:19)

I love this scripture! As I have been practicing being thankful for all that I have been given, including the struggles and challenges, I have had an increase of the Spirit in my life and I have been so much happier! I wish I could express what it has been like as I have consciously tried to receive "all things with thankfulness" and the change that has come to my heart.

God promises that the "earth shall be added unto [us]" as we receive all that He wants to bless us with. This past month this phrase has been going through my head, "...all these things shall give thee experience" (D&C 122:7). I had to ask, "Experience in what?" I can honestly say I have had more experience in patience, in being diligent, in trusting in God and His power- and so many more things. The rest of that verse says, "...and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7).

I testify, from my own experience, that God blesses us as we receive "all things with thankfulness" (D&C 78:19). I encourage you to give it a try, be open to all that God has for you and receive it with a thankful heart. As you do, there will come into your life a joy and peace that is more than the world can offer, "yea, more". (D&C 78:19) This I testify. 

This morning the sunrise was incredible! He has so much for us to receive.

When we receive all things with thankfulness more joy and peace comes. "Yea, more".

"...whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world..." (Ether 12:4)

Day #21

I am so grateful for this scripture because of the many principles of truth it teaches about life and making it better.

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

When we believe and have faith in God, we can be certain that we will have a better world and a better life. Not because we have more stuff or have more money, but our life is better because our faith leads us to "do good continually" (Moroni 7:13).

I love that faith anchors me in a God who is unchanging (see Mormon 9:9). So, when "I ask in faith, nothing wavering" (James 1:6), He won't give me a world without suffering, but will give me the strength to do all (Philippians 4:13) that I need to do so that I have a better world.

"...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass..." (Alma 37:6)

Day #20

I am so grateful for this scripture because I sometimes try and do just a little too much or think I am not doing enough... Here's the scripture:

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (Alma 37:6)

I love how Alma begins by saying one might think he is sharing foolishness. Sometimes I catch myself thinking that my small effort is foolish, or won't make a "big" difference, so I hold back. I'm working on doing it anyway.

In our society of "more is better" I sometimes get tripped up thinking I am not doing enough as I take care of our family and myself. This scripture helps me remember that every effort counts. It's not about how much I can or can't do. But rather, it's about doing the small things that "bring about great things." (1 Nephi 16:29)

I have a couple of  small seeds that I keep to remind me that God starts a tree from a small seed. We have a lot of "seeds" to plant as we go about doing the "small and simple things". Perhaps if we plant enough seeds we will "confound the wise".

"...In everything give thanks." (D&C 98:1)

Day #18

I am so grateful for this scripture. The truth of it has changed my life so that it is filled with joy in every situation.

"Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; 

yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks." 

(D&C 98:1)

When I give thanks "in everything" life becomes more beautiful. It changes my perspective and I see the beauty of God's creations, I see the talents of others and how they bless my life. I experience more fully the taste of food, the smells that entice me to partake of the goodness that God gives me. I hear more fully the word of God and the good news of the gospel. Giving thanks has increased the joy in my life. Truly, God is pouring out His blessings in every moment of our lives. I invite you to give thanks and experience His love for yourself.

It is in giving thanks in all things that I have come to understand this doctrine: "...men are that they might have joy". (2 Nephi 2:25) It is true. Gratitude or giving thanks "in everything", will change your life. This I testify.

Day #17

I am so grateful for this scripture that invites us to learn of Jesus Christ. This scripture has been one of my favorites for a long time. I love learning.

"Learn of me, and listen to my words; 

walk in the meekness of my Spirit, 

and you shall have peace in me" 

(D&C 19:23).

Learning for me is fun. I love reading new things and then doing them so that I really learn and know the information and how to apply it. This is how we also learn of Christ. We need to read His words in the scriptures and read what prophets have taught and testified about Christ. We then get to "do" it by walking the walk (see 1 John 2:26; 2 Nephi 31:12-13) and not just talking the talk.

Christ wants us to learn all about Him, His ways, His behavior, His actions. As we do this we "shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ", and "grace and peace" shall be "multiplied" (2 Peter 1:8 (2-9)). That's exactly what He promises- "you shall have peace in Me" (D&C 19:23). 

That's pretty awesome stuff to learn! 

Original artwork by J. Kirk Richards

Original artwork by J. Kirk Richards

Original artwork by J. Kirk Richards

"...peace be unto thy soul..." (D&C 121:7)

Day #9

Today has gone so differently than I had planned, this is like most days actually. And this scripture just feels right for today.

"My [daughter], peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment" (D&C 121:7).

These words sooth my soul when I am afflicted with pain, whether that pain be physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental. The Lord truly loves each of us tenderly and sweetly. And as a parent, I want to say these exact words to my own children as they endure suffering. The greatest relief comes from having peace, even the peace of God, so that we may endure all that is for our experience and in the big picture, for our good.

I believe another way of saying this is, "Sunday Will Come" (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin). I take great comfort in these words because the sun will always rise, the clouds will always depart. And in the eternal perspective, life is truly beautiful. This I testify.

The sun never goes away, it's just behind the clouds, which will eventually, and always, clear away.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7)

Day #8

I am so grateful for this scripture! It is one of my absolute favorites. (I know I say that about all the scriptures, but they really are my favorites.) Paul packs a ton of stuff in this little verse.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" 

(2 Timothy 1:7)

Isn't that awesome?!

God does not and will not lead us by fear. He leads, teaches, encourages, and blesses us with love. Never do the prophets testify more powerfully about how God leads us than by love. And when we feel His love, we also feel power and peace. For me, God's power and peace are having a sound mind. I don't need to run around fearing what may or could happen. I don't need to fear the shoulda, woulda, coulda. Those are not having a "sound mind". Nor are they God's love.

Fear makes us do crazy things and react to things rather than responding. Fear causes us to break covenants and can lead us away from truth when we give into it.

But love on the other hand, is "the pure love of Christ" and will never fail us (see Moroni 7:46-47). God gives us His power when we keep our covenants- it is the power of truth, the power of the gospel, the power that comes from faith, the power to endure all things (see Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley). With God, we have nothing to fear, and even better, we have all the love and power we need. This I testify.

"...But ask with a firmness unshaken, ...that ye will serve the true and living God." (Mormon 9:28)

Day #7

Today's scripture: I am so grateful for this scripture because of the direct counsel it gives to us. In this day of "accept everything", "do what you want", and "nothing is wrong", I love that a prophet, so many years ago, would give encouragement to make good choices and to serve only the One True God.

"Be wise in the days of your probation: 

strip yourselves of all uncleanness; 

ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, 

but ask with a firmness unshaken, 

that ye will yield to no temptation, 

but that ye will serve the true and living God." 

(Mormon 9:28)

I am grateful for the counsel to be clean, to strip off all the things that harm or smother the precious spirit within. To strip off the dark or anything that takes me away, in any manner, from our loving Father. I am grateful for the counsel to ask for help so that I won't be tempted above that which I am able to bear. I am grateful for the counsel to serve God.

When I follow the counsel of the prophets of God, even when I don't always understand the "why", I am filled with peace, and with greater strength to do "the harder right instead of the easier wrong" (Pres. Thomas S. Monson).

(link for the video if you need to view it in a different format- video)

"But all things must come to pass in their time" (D&C 63:32)

Day #6

Heavenly Father knows exactly when things need to happen.

I am so grateful for the truth of this short verse. It helps me on those days that feel like hard things will never end. 

"But all things must come to pass in their time" (D&C 64:32).

Isn't that awesome?! We have no need to worry, but we get to practice being patient. God knows exactly the timing of all things. And while we are waiting for His timing, we can be "anxiously engaged" (D&C 58:27) in doing good.

I love that God trusts us to use our time well. And I can trust God that His timing is perfect.

God's timing is always perfect.

"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10; D&C 202:16)

Day #5

Today, I am sharing two scriptures because they have the same statement in both of them that I strive to live by. They have become a part of my meditation and personal scripture study in a whole new way. Let me share them with you.

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

(Psalms 46:10 italics added)

"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God." 

(D&C 101:16 italics added)

In this world that is rarely quiet, and in my mind that sometimes wants to just chatter away endlessly, this positive way of living, by being still, has really influenced my life for the better. When I try and follow this admonition from God, it is then that I can really feel and know what I need to do. It is in the stillness that I am able to receive personal revelation. It is in being still that I am taught the truths about God and His ways.

I can promise that if you follow this admonition, to take time to "be still" every day, even for 10 minutes or less, it will multiply your understanding and love of God and you will receive insight and comfort that you need in your life. This I testify.

The mountains are still there in all kinds of weather.
When I am still, and the storms rage, I come to know that God is always there.
The weather changes and things always get better.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you" (John 14:27)

Day #4

This particular scripture frequently goes through my head.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

(John 14:27)

I am always grateful when it starts going through my head because of the comfort and calm that it brings to my heart. "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) is stronger and more powerful than any earthly comforts. When I let God's peace lead me, fear departs, and I have the strength to endure...even if it is just for another moment.

God's peace also helps me increase in faith when I don't always understand the "why" of something- whether it be policy changes, personal challenges, doctrine, or anything that may cause a "why" in my life. God is not a god of confusion or anger. He is a God of peace. And for this I am deeply grateful.

"Quench not the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

Day #2:
I first paid attention to this particular scripture when my children were little. It was easy for them to memorize and taught a principle of the gospel in a very simple manner. At bed time, when it is late and we recite a scripture together, this is frequently chosen: 

"Quench not the Spirit" 

(1 Thessalonians 5:19)

I am grateful for this scripture because I am reminded of the importance of the Spirit and it's power in my life. I want my behavior to enable me to have an abundance of the Spirit- not less. Personal revelation (1 Corinthians 2:10-14), peace, joy (Galatians 5:22), comfort, "brings all things to [my] remembrance" (John 14:26)- these are just a few of the blessings of the Spirit. I want to have it with me always. And so does Heavenly Father (Moroni 4:3). 

(here is a link for the video if it doesn't work: video)

"O be wise; what can I say more?" (Jacob 6:12)

Someone had the great idea to post something they are grateful for until Thanksgiving. I am going to a variation on this. I will post a scripture I am thankful/grateful for everyday until Thanksgiving.

Day #1:
My first scripture is: "O be wise; what can I say more" (Jacob 6:12).

I have always loved this short verse. I am grateful for the simple yet powerful truth it teaches. I have always tried to teach our children to "make good choices", and I feel like this verse says it perfectly. 

I am grateful for the scriptures and the power they bring into my life. #Ilovetoreadthescriptures

"...and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God" (Alma 37:37)

Today, I sit pondering about water. What a gift and blessing water is for us. And it comes right to our house and we can drink it! This is taken for granted, forgetting the process and how many people made it possible for me to have this water run to our home. Just a little perspective on a few of those people. There are the people who originally found the source of the water, and the people who piped the water, and the people who filtered the water, and the people who made the filter. And the people who piped the water to my house (that's a lot of pipe!), and the people who built my house who put in the pipe. And the people who made the faucet and the people who put in the faucet. And to not leave out the people who made all that pipe or even the people who originally invented pipe and therefore made it possible for us to have running water, that I can drink straight from the tap.

There are two quick points from this thought. The first quick point is water and all that it goes through so that we might be able to drink, right from the tap. It's like we are drinking it from the original source. Spiritually speaking, Christ is the original source. When I am really thirsty, I can just go turn on the tap and the water comes out. And Christ is the same way! He said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John 7:37). Let any man, woman or child, come and drink! He has laid the "pipe", He has made the faucet for us to receive the "living water" (see John 4:10). Christ is real. He has the power to do all things, and strengthen us. But first, we must turn on the faucet and drink the water.

The second point: gratitude. As I have pondered all that I have been given, and all that goes into making it possible for me to receive it, I am humbled by all that I have been given! It makes so much sense why we are given this counsel: "...and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God" (Alma 37:37). And another way of saying it: "...always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive" (Alma 7: 23).  Just receiving water alone is a miracle. But I think the miracle is complete when we receive it with a grateful heart.

Drinking clean water, even the Living Water, strengthens me, and blesses my life in ways I have taken for granted. I am coming to find that gratitude is really a way of living. It is a way of being aware of what I have and giving thanks for all things, even being able to drink straight from the tap. When I live in gratitude and give thanks in all things, I am changed, I am happier and I have greater peace. This I testify.

(This short video put things into perspective for me - enjoy! And remember, you are LOVED!)