Month: October 2017

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: … And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” Revelation 12:9, 11

I know I am not the only one reeling, yet again, as we watch the aftermath unfold of ANOTHER mass shooting. Another senseless tragedy. Another act of evil. These events, now coming so often that we are becoming used to them, still leave me feeling broken and afraid. How do I send my children out into a world where this is happening with such horrifying frequency? What can I do, as just one person in a small city in Utah. How do we stop this from happening again and again and again. More death. More blood. More fear. Where these events should bring us together, they just as often tear us apart as political arguments erupt and blame is thrown around.

Elder Quentin L. Cook has said, “Agency is essential to the plan of happiness. It allows for the love, sacrifice, personal growth and experience necessary for our eternal progression. This agency also allows for all the pain and suffering we experience in mortality, even when caused by things we do not understand and the devastating evil choices of others. The very War in Heaven was waged over our moral agency and is essential to understanding the Savior’s earthly ministry.’

…“We all participated in the councils of heaven that provided for moral agency, knowing that there would be mortal pain and even unspeakable tragedy because of the abuse of agency. We understood that this could leave us angry, bewildered, defenseless, and vulnerable. But we also knew that the Savior’s Atonement would overcome and compensate for all of the unfairness of mortal life and bring us peace.” (“Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness, General Conference, April 2013)

God cannot, and will not ever take away the agency of another. Even if that agency allows an evil person to commit unspeakable, horrific acts of violence on innocent and unsuspecting people. But the way we respond to such acts matters. We cannot argue and fight and blame. We MUST come together. We must carry our Light of Christ into the world and shine it brightly. We have to love harder, serve more and declare Him. Christ is the only way. The Atonement will bring peace to us, to those around us, even in an increasingly evil world. Satan was beaten and cast out once before. We did it then, and we can do it now through the Atonement of Christ and “by the word of [our] testimony.”

Meditation and Journaling Prompt: Pray for peace. Pray for love. Pray for the Spirit to be with you and then go and shine your light today. Make a list of 10 ways you can show the love of Christ to others today – in your home and family, in your community, at the grocery store etc. And pray for Las Vegas and the families who are mourning today.

“But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint;” 2 Nephi 32:9

When I read this scripture today the word “faint” jumped out at me. When someone faints, they suddenly drop out of consciousness. It is jarring and drastic. While I am sure there are people who have stopped praying in that way—praying one day and not the next—there is another definition of the word faint that I think is more applicable.

A faint whisper, a faint chance, a faint hope. To be faint is to be weak, slight, lacking in strength or enthusiasm. It is half-hearted and cowardly.

Are our prayers sometimes faint? Are they half-hearted because we are in a hurry or tired. Perhaps they lack enthusiasm because we don’t really have the faith that we are being heard or that our prayers will be answered. Maybe we think that God has better and more important things to do than listen to our little, seemingly insignificant payers.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Never forget who you are… You are in very deed a child of God… He is your Eternal Father. He loves you. You can go to Him in prayer. He has invited you to do so…What a wonderful thing this is. He is the Greatest of All. He is the Creator and Governor of the universe. And yet He will listen to your prayer.” (Stand True and Faithful,” 93; Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, Ch.6)

Meditation and Journaling Prompt: How are your prayers lately? Are they faint? Are you praying with vigor?

Call to Action: Set aside a time today, outside of your usual prayer routine, to kneel and pray OUT LOUD, fervently, with strength of heart and vigor to your Father in Heaven. If you aren’t sure what to pray about, just speak with Him as if He were your best friend who came to visit.

Mindfulness Tip: Every time you are at a red light today, start counting your breaths. 1 in, 2 out, 3 in, 4 out etc. When you get to 10, start over.