48- (1-8/24)

 48- (1-8/24) Lean  in


Hello Family,


I’m excited to study the Book of Mormon more in depth this year in Come Follow Me. As I was studying this week the scripture in 2 Nephi came to mind, … Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do (2Nephi 32:3)


This week comes with a lot of new and unknown for us. Miles is essentially starting in a new area with the realignment of boundaries. Sadie and Emma are both starting new jobs. A new semester is beginning for all of you. There is just lots of unknown that can bring a bit of anxiety and stress. It is comforting to me to know that we each know how to lean on our faith for peace and direction. That as we go to the scriptures in a meaningful way we we can leave feeling a greater measure of peace and direction forward.


Sister Wright from the Primary General Presidency gave a great talk this past conference about leaning on this preparation of faith. She talked about the 10 virgins, and those five that were prepared because of a life lived in faith and obedience. That when the unknowns come, they knew how to draw on their stored oil for peace, comfort, confidence, and direction. 


Even though Sister Wright’s personal experience is more extreme than our current unknowns, the principle is the same.


Here is her experience she shared of knowing “Everything is going to be OK.”


“I have learned from personal experience that spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord is not only essential but the only way to find true peace and happiness.

It was a crisp fall day when I first heard the words “You have cancer.” My husband and I were stunned! As we drove home in silence, processing the news, my heart turned to our three sons.

In my mind I asked Heavenly Father, “Am I going to die?”

The Holy Ghost whispered, “Everything is going to be OK.”

Then I asked, “Am I going to live?”

Again, the answer came: “Everything is going to be OK.”

I was confused. Why did I receive the exact same answer whether I lived or died?

Then suddenly every fiber of my being filled with absolute peace as I was reminded: We did not need to hurry home and teach our children how to pray. They knew how to receive answers and comfort from prayer. We did not need to hurry home and teach them about the scriptures or words of living prophets. Those words were already a familiar source of strength and understanding. We did not need to hurry home and teach them about repentance, the Resurrection, the Restoration, the plan of salvation, eternal families, or the very doctrine of Jesus Christ.

In that moment every family home evening lesson, scripture study session, prayer of faith offered, blessing given, testimony shared, covenant made and kept, house of the Lord attended, and Sabbath day observed mattered—oh, how it mattered! It was too late to put oil in our lamps. We needed every single drop, and we needed it right now!

Because of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, if I died, my family would be comforted, strengthened, and one day restored. If I lived, I would have access to the greatest power on this earth to help succor, sustain, and heal me. In the end, because of Jesus Christ, everything can be OK.

We learn from a careful study of the Doctrine and Covenants what “OK” looks like:

“And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

“For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.”

Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to “abide the day.”


Make Him the center of our day. As we do, all the new and unknown, the stress and anxiousness we feel will be placed in it’s proper perspective, “everything will be ok.”


Mama and I love you, and are praying for you in all the things you are involved. Have a wonderful week, start strong, and keep what is most important right in front of you.


Love,


Dad

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