"We through patience and comfort of the scripture might have hope" (Romans 15:4)

#LightTheWorld #Day10

I share my own experience of reading the scriptures. They are the "word of God" (Alma 17:2). They bring comfort to my soul (see Alma 31:31-32). They inspire me to have hope and keep trying- for they were "written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scripture might have hope" (Romans 15:4). The scriptures testify of Christ and of His love for all of us (see Jacob 7:11, 1 Peter 1:11) . The scriptures teach of repentance and the joy and peace that comes as I repent and love God (Repentance). 

Over the years, I have come to truly love the words that are within these precious books of scripture. You can request a free copy of the Bible , and of the Book of Mormon. I know that as you read them, and remember just how merciful God has been to all mankind from the beginning of time, and commit to living the truths that are written in them, you will come to know for yourself the truthfulness of them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of God (see Moroni 10:3-5). You will also come to know Jesus Christ in a way that changes you, and makes you a new person (see Mosiah 5:8-9). 

I hope you are able to enjoy reading the scriptures, "even feasting upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3) as much as I do. For they will change your life in a way that will fill you with peace and love. This I testify.

"...apply the atoning blood of Christ " Mosiah 4:2

So, on my long ride this past weekend I forgot to put sunscreen on my legs. Don't ask me how I forgot my entire legs...but I pretty much did. Since I have been riding there always seems to be some spot or little place that I miss applying sunscreen. I really do not like the pain of sunburn. As I have pondered how to remember or make sure I put it all over I have come up with a few ideas of how this applies to life.

This is really simple. Apply "Son-screen" and you won't get burned. How does one apply "Son-screen" you might ask? We must first view ourselves in our "carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth". This means that we have the honest view of ourselves that we all need help, divine help. We all sin, or "miss spots" and get burned. Therefore, we must ask for help, and seek for forgiveness of our sins just as the people of King Benjamin did. They "cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God..." (Mosiah 4:2). Their desire was to have their hearts purified, and this was done by applying the atoning blood of Christ by having faith in Him, living the gospel, and relying upon grace that changes all of us as we repent and turn to Christ. This is applying "Son-screen".

To "apply the atoning blood of Christ" protects us and keeps us safe from the burns of life. Through applying "Son-screen" we repent of our sins, learn and follow truth, and as the Spirit becomes stronger in our lives through the application of "Son-screen" we are changed, even a "mighty change...that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually" (Mosiah 5:2).

For me, the best and most effective ways of applying "Son-screen" daily is to "search the scriptures" (see John 5:9; Jacob 7:3; Acts 17:11; 3 Nephi 10:14), pray always (see 3 Nephi 18:15; D&C 88:126; Luke 21:36), and to "live the gospel". Pres. Hinckley said, "Live the gospel. That is the greatest challenge we face. It is a simple declaration, but encompassed in those few words is a mandate applicable to each of us. It concerns our home and family life. It concerns our daily work. It concerns our activities and responsibilities as men and women, brothers and sisters, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ...Let us resolve within our hearts to more fully live the gospel" (Live the Gospel).

So, this may be simply said, but it is totally worth the time and effort: apply sunscreen daily. As we apply the "real stuff", the "Son-screen", we will be protected and find comfort in knowing that we won't have to endure the pain that comes from getting burned. And then you can really enjoy the ride!

Here are my legs after my long ride...yup I forgot to apply sunscreen on pretty much all my legs.