3 Nephi 4 Their Hearts Were Swollen With Joy

As the chapter heading says: “praise the Lord for [our] victories.”   With the Gadianton Robbers defeated, things are looking up.  The people “…rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May…God…protect this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of their God for protection.  They broke into song, “praising God for the great thing[s] which he had done for them….Yea, they did cry:  Hosanna to the Most High God….And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them…and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered….

3 Nephi 3 Put Up Their Prayers Unto the Lord

The few righteous Nephites and Lamanites combined together and pooled their resources.  They banned together in their faith as well. “And they did fortify themselves against their enemies; and they did dwell in one land, and in one body, and they did repent of all their sins; and they did put up their prayers unto the Lord their God, that he would deliver them in the time that their enemies should come down against them to battle.”  As a family, we are not able to unite together in physical proximity, but we can knit our hearts together, pray for each other, counsel together in wisdom and in peace.

3 Nephi 2 Began to Forget

“The people began to forget…”  This is a haunting phrase that tells the sad tale of the Nephite and Lamanite families who had forgotten the signs and warnings given by their prophets.  Please, Lord, please don’t let me forget.

3 Nephi 1 A New Star: Christ is Born

The five years have passed and Jesus will be born in the morning.  But the believers are getting persecuted and Nephi begs the Lord in prayer for help.  His words are miraculous in their content and logistics: for Jesus’ the babe is yet to be born, but his words are being given to Nephi thousands of miles away in America by the Holy Ghost.  “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouths of my holy prophets.”

Then, as prophesied by Samuel, there was a day and a night and a day with no darkness.

A new star appeared in the heavens.

Dear Family,

I believe in the Star.  I believe in the shepherds.  I believe in the wise men.  I believe in The Babe Born of Mary in Bethlehem.  Let us increase our faith.  Let us be of good cheer!  Fear not! 

Helaman 16 Christ is Coming

Samuel preaches from the wall and the Nephite arrows and stones cannot hit him, even from point blank range.  Three groups emerge: the first group are those converted by his preaching; the second group are those who didn’t believe at first but were converted when they saw that they couldn’t harm him; the third group are those who despite the truth of Samuel’s message, and despite the fact that he can’t be harmed, they harden their hearts and remain non-believers.

As the signs of Christ’s second coming are beginning to be fulfilled I hope I can be one to believe from start to finish.  I want to be counted among the believers.  I want to be excited for Christ’s coming.  I want to prepare myself and my family. 

Helaman 15 Children of Lehi Arise in These Days

Samuel the Lamanite prophet tells of the latter times—our day—when the Children of Lehi who dwell in this land, will believe in the Redeemer!  The Children of Lehi, “Lamanites” no more, the curse of rebellion gone, rise up and believe. 

Samuel is the name of my little brother who someday I will have the privilege of standing beside.  Perhaps we will go among our brothers, the Children of Lehi, and preach the Gospel of Christ.  Had he remained here in mortality, he would be fifty-six years old. 

Helaman 14 Christ Will Be Born in Five Years

Jesus is coming in 5 years!  That is what Samuel prophesied.  A new star will appear.  Wonders will be shown in the heavens. There will be a day and a night and a day without darkness.

He also prophesied of Jesus’ death.  There will be three days of complete darkness.  There will be earthquakes, thundering and lightning; all of the solid earth will be broken up; there will be great tempests; valleys will become mountains and mountains will be made low; many persons will rise from the grave.

He tells them that they have the freedom to choose good or evil, life or death.

The year is 6 B.C. 

Helaman 14 Samuel the Lamanite On the Wall

Samuel the Lamanite stands on the city wall at Zarahemla and calls the Nephites to repentance but they will not repent.  He tells them that as a consequence of their hard hearts, “…your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head.  O ye people of the land, that ye would hear my words! And I pray that the anger of the Lord be turned away from you, and that ye would repent and be saved.”  Evidently, one can be sealed up to destruction by disobedience and rebellion in the same way one can be sealed up to eternal life and happiness by obedience, repentance, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Helaman 12 Unstable and Foolish

Mormon tells us that in the very hour that the Lord blesses us the most, that we have a tendency to forget him and be prideful.  This happens, he says, because “of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.”  The Lord’s voice is emphasized.  When he speaks—it happens.  May we acknowledge God in all of our accomplishments, in our prosperity, in our good health, in our happiness.  As we ask, seek, and knock, may we always return thanks. 

Helaman 11 They Did Not Mend Their Ways

The Lord gave Nephi the keys of the sealing power: to be able to seal on earth things pertaining to God’s will.  Nephi asked God to bring a famine upon the land so that the people, who had become wicked again, would not die by the sword.  The famine came and the people repented.  Then the rains came as Nephi unsealed the heavens.  The people rejoiced but could not maintain their penitence very long.  They did not mend their ways despite all they had witnessed in terms of the miraculous sealing priesthood powers of their prophet. 

Helaman 10 Unwearyingness

The Lord spoke these words to Nephi: “Blessed art thou Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast no sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.  And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever….”  Ponder the meaning of the word unwearyingness.  It brings to mind an undeviating course of righteous thoughts and works.  It means I don’t murmur about my duties.  It means I look forward with joy to each day with its many nuances and specifics.  Small and simple things to do are my song and my happiness.  Many smiles and words of encouragement are upon my lips. 

Helaman 9 The Prophet Receives Revelation

I believe that Nephi was a prophet.  Through revelation he determined the facts of a murder case.  Some of the people were converted by observing this experience.  I believe Thomas S. Monson is a prophet today.  Through the Holy Spirit he has discerned time and time again the needs of individuals who needed his help and blessing.  I believe every story he has told about receiving directions from God to bless others.

Helaman 8 Many Evidences of Christ

Nephi bears witness of Christ.  He bears witness of the prophets of God.  He warns those who reject the prophets and the many evidences of Christ. He warns those who have “rebelled against your holy God.”  He testifies that we “should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit…that [we] might live, even unto that life which is eternal.”  I add my witness that God lives and loves us.  To the extent that we find ourselves rebelling against that which is holy, I pray that we can repent and humble ourselves. May our hearts receive correction from the Spirit with gladness and contrition.

Helaman 7 Except Ye Repent

When we hear a lesson on repentance we have a tendency to think of someone else who needs to repent.  When I read about Nephi mourning over the wickedness of his people saying to them three times, “Except ye repent…thou shalt be utterly destroyed,” I have a tendency to look at others in my life who could benefit from his words.  But what I need to do is look for the need to repent in my life and bring my will into greater consistency with the Lord’s will. 

Helaman 6 Go Figure

In the sixty-second year of the reign of the judges, we have the Lamanites being more righteous than the Nephites.  The Lamanites began coming into Nephite lands and preaching the gospel with power and authority.  All of the people began to be righteous and as a result they became prosperous and rich.  It was an unprecedented period of peace between the two nations.  But by the sixty-eighth year the Nephites had fallen into the ways of the Gadianton robbers and murderers, while the Lamanites had remained righteous, preaching the word of God to the Gadiantons and completely destroying their society.  Only six years and the Nephites had completely fallen!  This teaches me how critical it is to stay faithful day to day because if we turn from God it only takes a short time before we can completely lose his Spirit in our lives.  Who could have predicted that the Lamanites would be the more righteous group of people?  This shows that God is not a racist.  He favors those who love him and keep his commandments not based on their race but on their hearts.  He loves to bless us.  That is his nature.   

Helaman 5 The Rock of Christ

Mormon records the words of Helaman to his sons Nephi and Lehi.  They used these words as they departed on their mission.  Helaman said, “Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God…remember, remember, my sons…that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world….And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.”  Helaman said that if Christ and his words are remembered deep down in one’s soul that Satan could have no power.  Lehi and Nephi took this message first to the Nephites, going city to city.  Then they went to the Lamanites converting thousands.  Eventually they travelled deep into the land of the Lamanites and were put into prison. Yet, the prison became a temple.  Mormon records, “And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if by fire, even insomuch that they durst not lay their hands upon them for fear lest they should be burned.”  Of course the Lamanites who witnessed this were struck with amazement.  A voice was heard by the observers.  It was a still small voice telling them to repent. Darkness overshadowed them. The faces of Nephi and Lehi shone in the darkness.  A Nephite dissenter, Aminadab, who was among the on-lookers, was asked what to do by the Lamanites.  He said, “You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ….”  Then the darkness dispersed and everyone was encircled by fire, but it didn’t harm them.  The Holy Ghost came and entered their hearts.  They heard the voice of the Father say, “Peace, peace be unto you because of your faith in my Well Beloved….”  Angels then came down out of heaven and ministered to them.  There were three hundred Lamanites there and they immediately went and spread the word about their experiences to all of the rest of the Lamanites.  Upon hearing about these things most of the Lamanites were converted!  What a turn of events!  There were now more righteous Lamanites than there were righteous Nephites.  

It’s easy to see that God blesses faithful missionaries who preach repentance through Jesus Christ.  What’s beyond me is how he knows when and to whom to provide the types of miracles that he did for the Lamanites at this time.  They certainly didn’t deserve it because of recent righteous behavior.  Yet, those fortunate three hundred who were there at the prison were, through God’s grace, given access to sacred and life changing experiences.  Certainly, thousands of faithful prayers had been uttered on their behalf down through time, starting with Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Mosiah, King Benjamin, and many others.  The arithmetic of grace is not something I can understand.  But I know that God knows what he is doing.  He loves us and will bless us in his own time and in his own way.  I love him!  I am grateful for him.  I am grateful for my loving wife and children. I love them!  I am grateful for my grandchildren.  I love them!  

Helaman 4 Now is the Time to Repent

The Nephites became weak because of their iniquities and unbelief.  They saw that if they didn’t repent they would be destroyed by their enemies.  If I don’t repent every day, Satan has power over me.  I become weak.  I don’t prosper.  I must eliminate hypocrisy from my life.  I must be honest with myself and not rationalize.  Then the Spirit can abide with me in great measure.  I will know the Lord’s will and I will do it.

Helaman 3 Wax Stronger

Mormon tells us that many people began moving and settling to the north.  They used cement to build since the timber was scarce.  They were careful to let the few trees grow up.  Helaman’s sons, Nephi and Lehi “…began to grow up unto the Lord.”  The Gadianton’s continued in secret.  The church prospered and there were thousands of converts.  “Thus we may see,” says Mormon, “that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name. Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God…they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.”

Helaman 2 Gadianton

Helaman is elected to be chief judge.  Gadianton is elected to be chief robber.  Kishkumen is foiled in his attempt to assassinate Helaman by one of Helaman’s faithful servants who turns the tables and assassinates Kishkumen instead.  Gadianton skips town with his band of bad guys.  Mormon foreshadows the destruction of the Nephites, saying that in the coming record we will see how Gadianton’s influence has a profoundly destructive effect upon the people. 

Helaman 1 Look to God and Live

I remember a little story from when I was a boy:  Once there was a father and a young son who were both very hungry.  They came upon an apple orchard that was surrounded by a high fence.  The signs on the fence warned people to “stay out.”  The father looked all around and finding no one guarding the fence said to his son, “Boy, come near and I will boost you up so that you can make it over the fence and get us some apples to eat.”  The obedient son placed is foot in his father’s hands and being lifted up was able to see a fine orchard of trees full of apples.  The father continued to look nervously around.  He looked to the right; he looked to the left.  Relieved, he told his son to jump down into the orchard.  However, the son, who saw his father looking to the right and to the left, was pricked in his conscience and said to his father, “But father, you forgot to look up.”

From this story, I learned that no matter if the coast seems clear, that I can’t hide my sins from the Lord.  He is always there.  He sees me.  He is not waiting there trying to catch me doing wrong. No, he wants me to do what is right.  He rejoices in my good choices and sorrows when I try to hide my sins.  “Wickedness never was happiness.”  When we try to hide from the Lord, the Spirit is grieved and we lose that vital contact that is so necessary as we navigate through our days.  Repentance is so necessary every day of our lives. We must have the Spirit to guide us.

As we start our journey through the book of Helaman we begin with a tragedy.  There is an election held and Pahoran is voted in as chief judge.  His brother Paanchi and his followers won’t accept the results and try to mount an insurrection.  Yet, the law prevails and Paanchi is brought to justice for trying to destroy the liberty of the people.  Tragically, his followers can’t abide the judgment of their candidate and create a secret plot to kill Pahoran.  “Secret combinations” are entered into.  The chief judge is murdered by Kishkumen and the Gadianton Robbers are born.  The object of secret combinations is to get gain, power, and control of the government through any means, including murder. 

Because of the attention being paid to these problems in the government, the Lamanites, led by Coriantumr, a Nephite dissenter came to battle against the Nephites and took control of the city of Zarahemla, the Nephite capital.  However, he was overzealous in his attempt to conquer the Nephites and was defeated by Moronihah, son of Moroni.  An interesting point is that the defeated Lamanite army is allowed to return to their homeland.  The Nephite leaders have no desire for power over the Lamanites; they don’t want to profit from war; they only seek for the peace and freedom of their loved ones. 

Alma 63 Farewell Chief Captain Moroni

I give honor to the great chief captain, Moroni!  At the close of the book of Alma, Moroni, and Shiblon pass away and Corianton leaves on a ship.  Hagoth, an “exceedingly curious” man built ships and sailed into the “west sea.”  Many Polynesians claim Hagoth as their distant ancestor, the man responsible for bringing their branch of the House of Israel to the islands of the South Pacific.  Helaman, the son of Helaman takes charge of the sacred records.  Moronihah, son of Moroni, takes over the army.

Alma 62 A Shout Out To Veterans

We love Teancum because of his courage and his loyalty to the cause of freedom.  He kills Ammoron with a javelin the same way he killed Amalickiah, thus being the one responsible for taking out the two main kings of his enemies.  He, like so many of his fellow soldiers, lost his life in the service of his country.  May we be ever grateful for those valiant servicemen who have fought so bravely for our safety and freedom.  The great general, Helaman, survives as a soldier returning to his home and serving in the work of the Lord until his death.

Alma 61 Fear Not

When Jon didn’t get hired as a teacher for CES I was not just disappointed in the decision, I was ticked.  I felt robbed.  I felt helpless.  I wrote two letters: one to Jon’s supervisor and one to the man in Salt Lake who was part of the problem, as I saw it.  I stewed and fussed and then I stewed some more.  However, Jon’s reaction was completely different.  I’m sure he was disappointed, but he didn’t seem angry like me.  “I trust the process Dad,” he said.  “They got it right.”  His faith in the people he had worked with and in the decision process was amazing.  His faith in God was amazing.  His words softened my heart and I began to repent.  I saw the Lord’s hand in it.  I wrote letters of apology commending my colleagues for their “Pahoran-like” reaction to my letters.  They were great.  They understood my disappointment and prayed for Jon’s success.  As Jon has gone forward, it is easy to see that the path he is now on is better than the CES path.  His talents and interests are blossoming.

May we go forth united and full of faith that the Lord will direct our paths and save our nation.  May the Lord bless our president.  Let us do as Chief Judge Pahoran said, “…fear not, for God will deliver [us], yea, and also all those who stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free.”

Alma 60 Be Up and Doing

Moroni (without the use of cell phones) is not able to understand why Chief Judge Pahoran and the government are not sending supplies and soldiers to help sustain the Nephite armies.  Without proper information in hand, Moroni threatens to come to Zarahemla and take what he needs using military force.  He does give them an out:  if they will repent and join his force for liberty, then he will not come against them.  What is the truth about what our government is going to do going forth now that the election is complete? I will pray for our new president and the government.  But I want to know the truth.  I don’t want spin.  Give me the plan.

Alma 59 Setting Aside Doubt, Anger

With the loss of another city (Nephihah) to the Lamanites, Moroni has a rare moment of doubt.  He doubts his peoples’ faithfulness and he doubts his government’s leaders.  His chief captains also began to doubt.  Like Moroni, there is a lot for us to be concerned about, nevertheless, this is a time in our history where we must set aside our anger and doubt.  We must pray for (really, out loud, in church, and in our homes) for God to help our president and our government.  We must not murmur.  Let us be a voice of hope and faith. This does not mean that we compromise our principles.  Truth is truth.  But some truths are more important than others.  Let us find a better road.  Let us soften our hearts and walk in the shoes of others before we resort to sarcasm and cynicism. Think of Elder Oak’s advice about good, better, best.  Look beyond our own littleness of mind to a better way.  

Alma 58 We Do Not Desire to Murmur

Here are some inspired words from this chapter:

“Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands our enemies.”

“…the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.”

“…we did take courage…”

“…we do not desire to murmur.”

“…stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free…”

“…remember the Lord their God from day to day…”

“…may the Lord our God, who has redeemed us and made us free, keep you continually in his presence…”  

Alma 57 Their Minds Are Firm

Helaman continues to extol the virtues of the stripling warriors: “…they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea and even according to their faith it was done unto them….”  None of them were killed in battle although all were injured, I assume some severely.  Helaman ascribes their preservation “to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power.  Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually.”   

Alma 56 We Do Not Doubt Our Mothers Knew It

The stripling warriors!  Two thousand young men of great faith who had been taught by their mothers not to doubt, likewise, I was taught by my mother, Beverlee Bee Brown Stone, not to doubt that God lives and Jesus is our Saviour!  Mothers, it seems, have the ability to get to our hearts.  They teach us to believe.  With their tenderness they teach us to trust.  I love my dear mother.  I honor her.  I thank her for staying strong in the faith of Christ.  I honor her for enduring to the end through a severe health trial at the end of her days on Earth.   

Alma 55 Why Go to War?

Since Ammoron will not withdraw his forces, Moroni refuses to exchange prisoners.  Through strategy, Moroni is able to recapture the city of Gid.  Even with this defeat, Ammoron is not ready to withdraw.  Like a large in-grown hair, he continues to fester in a place that does not belong to him or his people.  Why do men go to war? Go home Ammoron.  

Alma 54 Ammoron the Moron

When Ammoron writes to Moroni requesting the exchange of prisoners, Moroni takes heart, hoping that Ammoron will also be willing to withdraw his forces into their own lands. Yet, Moroni’s language is sharp and forthright!  He calls Ammoron a “child of hell.”  He sets the conditions as follows: withdraw your soldiers from the cities they have captured and return all of your armies to your own country; return a father, mother, and their children in exchange for one Lamanite prisoner.  Ammoron will not be dictated to.  He brushes off Moroni’s demands and sends back a few of his own.  He accepts the conditions of the actual prisoner exchange but refuses to withdraw.  This is a classic good vs. evil showdown.  Moroni is a type of Christ, decrying hypocrisy and evil intensions, standing firm in the faith. He knows that Ammoron will not accept his conditions because they are righteous.  Ammoron is a type of Satan, denying his guilt, bragging about his power and influence, and refusing to accept righteous intensions or plans of fairness and good. A line is drawn in the sand.

Alma 53 True At All Times

Mormon described the young men who were the sons of the Anti-Nephi-Lehites as follows: “And they were all young men, and they were exceeding valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.  Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.  And now it came to pass that Helaman did march at the head of his two thousand stripling soldiers….” Since their parents had taken an oath not to take up arms, these young men rose up and took their place.  I am struck by the fact that they were, “true at all times.”  What a superb attribute to possess: always true to one’s conscience: never being hypocritical: keeping the commandments of God with all one’s heart because of a love of God.

Some Other Way

The Nephites found themselves in “dangerous circumstances” as Ammoron took his brother, Amalickiah’s place and continued to harass the Nephites at every opportunity.  Moroni commanded Teancum to try to take the city of Mulek back by “stratagem or some other way.”  But when Teancum approached Mulek, he could see there was no way to penetrate the Lamanites fortifications (which, ironically, had been put in place by the Nephites).  With a brilliant strategy, the Nephite captains draw the Lamanite armies out of Mulek, surround them and defeat them.  Their ability to counsel together and work on a flexible plan has application in our lives.  As we face dangerous circumstances in our day we must council together and invite the Lord’s Spirit to direct our decisions. We must also be willing to adopt “plan B” when the difficulties we face are entrenched, long-term, unresponsive to quick fixes, or don’t fit a typical pattern.  “But if not” is another way of saying “plan B.”  When we want a certain answer to our prayers, we must also be willing to go another way if that is the Lord’s will.  

Alma 51 A Plea for Unity

 

The happy times among the Nephites were interrupted by a group of people who wanted to change the law to have a king rather than a chief judge rule the people.  The people voted to keep the country self-governed.  The “kingmen” as they called themselves refused to defend their country.  In their weakened state, the Nephites were invaded by the Lamanites and many cities were captured.  The “freemen” headed by Moroni were determined to reclaim their cities.  One brave warrior, Teancum, was able to kill the king of the Lamanites, Amalickiah, by sneaking into his tent and driving a javelin through his heart. 

When we argue among ourselves, we become vulnerable to our adversaries.  Unity is a precious state of being for families, communities, states, and nations.  We can see in our country a growing divide between those who want to redistribute the wealth and those who want to allow for free enterprise.  At their extremes, both of these ways of thinking are destructive.  Surely, there must be a balance of government run programs and the need for free markets to determine our courses.  There must be a willingness to listen, communicate freely, look diligently for best practices, and strive for unity.  Certainly, we need women and men of courage and skill to represent us in our political systems.

Please God, let us be united in our families.  Let us talk to each other in loving and kind tones.  If we feel our needs are not getting met, we must look within ourselves (and to God) for more strength while communicating our needs in a gentle tone of encouragement not demands.  When something our spouse is doing bugs us, we must first remove the beam from our own eye before we criticize the speck in their eye.  The best way to change others is to change ourselves.  The excuse, “That’s the way I am,” just does not cut it.  We have the power to change.  The 3^rd Article of Faith states: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be changed (saved) by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”  I make a plea for unity in our family.  Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

Alma 50 Never Stop Making Preparations

Yesterday, Monday, October 29^th, a devastating hurricane named “Sandy” came on shore near New York City.  The storm surge was 13 feet, far above anything the city had ever experienced before.  The New York University Hospital’s back-up generator failed.  Twenty babies in ICU, many on respirators, had to be evacuated along with all the other patients in the hospital.  Each baby was cradled in the arms of a doctor while a nurse administered air through a mechanical device.  They walked each baby down nine flights of stairs to awaiting vehicles and accompanied them to other hospitals.  This is only one story of many that we will hear about the heroism of the people affected by this storm. 

In Alma 50, Mormon tells us that “Moroni did not stop making preparations for war….”  He prepared strongholds “against the coming of their enemies….”  As the result of his fortifications, his people were kept safe and became stronger and more confident.  Mormon states, “…thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified….”

Even though the University Hospital had put in place a back-up plan, we learned that the plan did not include contingencies that were sufficient for the severity of the storm.  Dear family, we need to make a plan with adequate contingencies for the coming days.  Let us begin today to prepare ourselves and our homes with needed supplies and fortifications both spiritual and temporal.  We must do as Moroni and “not stop making preparations.”

 The resulting joy experienced by the people of his time is described by Mormon: “But behold there never was a happier time among the people….”

Alma 49 Surviving in Enemy Territory

Besides being a great offensive strategist, Chief Captain Moroni developed his defenses with equal skill.    As war with Amalickiah continued, he rebuilt weakened cities and threw up earthen mounds to surround his forts.  He stayed one step ahead of the enemy.  Elder Packer has recently given us council regarding how to survive in enemy territory.  Foremost is prayer.  Repentance must be frequent.  The Holy Ghost must be our constant companion.

 In my recent visit to South Carolina, a new convert in Michelle’s ward said that she was most grateful for her “Holy Companion” that she said “walks with me everywhere I go.”  I was very touched by her sweet southern accent as she said the words.  The Holy Ghost touched my heart and testified that He is indeed our “Holy Companion” and like all good companions he loves us, cares for us, ministers to our needs, provides advice and counsel, warns us, testifies of truth, and redirects our paths when we stray from the truth.  Elder Packer said, “Discovering how the Holy Ghost operates in your life is the quest of a lifetime.  Once you have made that discovery for yourself, you can live in enemy territory and not be deceived or destroyed.  No member of this Church—and that means each of you—will ever make a serious mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Holy Ghost.” (Religious Educator, vol. 13, #3, 2112, pp. 1-11)

Alma 48 God Bless America

“If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.”  Yesterday, I voted early.  I felt a good feeling inside.  I voted for a man (for the office of president) that I believe will be the best man for our country.  I happen to believe that both men are basically good, family men.  May God bless our country.  Please, God, guide us in this critical moment to elect the right man for the job. 

Alma 47 Plan of Happiness

Amalickiah is a type of Satan.  Satan had the same plan in the pre-mortal world.  He wanted to de-throne our Heavenly Father.  He wanted to remove moral agency.  He did not want to make us do good.  He wanted to remove our power to act for ourselves by making us slaves to our appetites and passions.  The war in heaven continues here.  Satan would have us become his subjects by becoming addicted to sex, drugs, porn, and aspirations for power, riches, and going against the Father’s plan of moral agency.  Satan’s plan is a plan of misery.  Our Father’s plan is a plan of happiness.

Alma 46 Come Join the Band of Christians

Chief Captain, Moroni, “…prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land.”  His remarkable passion for peace drove his every action.  He creates the Title of Liberty, the symbol of family, freedom, religion.  He calls upon his people to enter a covenant “…that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.”  The people come forward and tear a piece of their clothing and cast it at the feet of Moroni.  They promise before God and Moroni that rather than break this covenant, they would have God rend them in pieces as they had done to their garments.  Note that “…those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ.”  With this army of Christians, Moroni is able to recover many of Amalickiah’s dissenters.  These dissenters were deserters of their faith in Christ and their covenants with him.  May we firmly believe that our souls have truly been redeemed by Christ, thus living our lives in happiness, always seeking for our peace and the peace of others, wherever they live. 

Alma 45 Believest Thou in Jesus Christ?

Alma’s parting words to his son Helaman are put in the form of two questions: “Believest thou in Jesus Christ, who shall come? And, “Will ye keep my commandments?”  When Helaman answered “yes” to both questions, the old patriarch, Alma, must have smiled and even winked at his son who had heard this promise so many times: “Blessed art thou; and the Lord shall prosper thee in this land!” Even so, the warmth of this exchange with his son was tinged with sadness, for Alma also prophesied of the Nephites extinction at a time four hundred years following the Savior’s visit to America. After leaving a priesthood blessing upon the church members (and I’m sure upon his family members), Alma simply departs, never to be heard from again.  Mormon tells us that Alma was “…buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses.”  What do translated beings do?  I don’t know.  Enoch, Moses, Alma, John, the Three Nephites.  They continue to minister to this Earth.  They preach the gospel to the Twelve Tribes of Israel.  They restore keys.

For my children, “Do you believe in Jesus Christ; will you keep his commandments?” If so, the Lord will bless you with joy and rejoicing all of your days.

Alma 44 Defenders of Freedom

The Lamanites were surrounded and fearful for their lives.  Moroni saw their terror and commanded his armies to stop the shedding of blood.  “We do not desire to be men of blood.”  Moroni’s words echo down in time to us.  As Americans, we do not desire to be a people of blood.  Nevertheless, if basic freedom is threatened in our world, we are morally obligated to stop it, even if the battle carries us beyond our borders.  God bless our service men and women, and may our cause always be just.

 

Alma 43 Inspired By a Better Cause

Chief Captain Moroni!  Twenty-five years old and appointed to lead the whole Nephite army, what a valiant and powerful man he was.  His cause: his people’s homes, liberties, wives, children, and their rites of worship and their church.  He and his soldiers were inspired by a better cause.  Yet, in the heat of battle, with the fierceness and anger of the Lamanites confronting them, there was a moment when “they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts—yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea their freedom from bondage.”  The Nephite armies took courage crying with one voice to their God.  “…they began to stand against the Lamanites with power.”

Today, we have President Thomas S. Monson to lead us in that same cause.  We are in a battle against the forces of evil.  Let us stand with courage.  Let us unite our prayers, especially when we feel our spirits shrinking because of fear.  Face the future with optimism.  Work through trials with patience.

Alma 42 The Joy of Repentance

Corianton’s conscience has awakened.  He fears for his soul because of his sinful behavior while serving his mission.  His loving father takes the opportunity to explain to him that:  “Now, how could a man repent except he should sin?  How could he sin if there was no law:  How could there be a law save there was a punishment?  Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man….And also if there was no law given against sin men would be afraid to sin.”  Corianton’s conscience (the Holy Ghost) has awakened him to repentance.  Now Alma can talk to him about mercy:  “Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day shall be restored unto him according to his deeds….O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more.  Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.”  Then Alma does what we may consider surprising:  He sends Corianton back out on his mission knowing that Corianton’s heart has changed and the direction of his life is on track.  Listen to his tender voice:  And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people.  And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them.  And may God grant unto you according to my words. Amen.”

We all sin.  Our Holy Companion, the Holy Ghost, causes us to awaken to our sins.  We sorrow for our sins and turn back to God with full intent to redirect our thoughts and behavior.  The Savior’s Atonement covers our sins.  He remembers them no more.  We proceed, with determination to keep the Lord’s commandments, and walk according to his will.  Peace comes into our hearts.  The plan of redemption has full efficacy in our lives.

Alma 41 Wickedness Never Was Happiness

“Wickedness never was happiness.”  There it is, plain and simple.  Dependable, faithful, always the case; believe it, live it, and be happy; risk another offense against God and be miserable.  Sin brings pain and sorrow; faith, love, and goodness bring joy and peace.

Alma 40 All of Us Will Be Taken Home To God

Corianton has come home from his mission to meet with his father.  Having disqualified himself from the ministry due to his misconduct, we would suppose that he would have at least a couple of questions: (1) How will my father (and mother) react to my breaking the commandments and mission rules?; and (2) Is there any possible way that I can be forgiven and return to the mission field?  However, Alma discerns that Corianton has even more basic questions that are troubling him: First, he notes that his son doesn’t understand why knowing about the coming of Christ is important.  Second, he sees that Corianton is worried about the resurrection of the dead and also what happens between the time one dies and the time one is resurrected.

Evidently, Corianton couldn’t see why it was necessary to know 73 years ahead of time that Christ was coming.  Alma tells his son that the message of salvation, and Christ taking away the sins of the world was the reason he was called on a mission in the first place, the message being as important now as it would be when the Savior would come to Earth.  (Alma 39:14-19)  One can picture a loving father explaining the need for his son to apply the atoning sacrifice of the Savior in his own life.

Next, Alma explains to his son about the Spirit World: the place the spirits of the dead live until the time of the resurrection.  He explains that the spirits of the righteous are “received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.”   Alma goes on to explain to his son the wicked go to what we call today “spirit prison,” where they are in a “state of misery,” until they can take the necessary steps of repentance.

 Especially important in this explanation is Alma’s stunning revelation that, “…it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.”  Everyone who lives on this planet, from the Creation to the Second Coming, will have the opportunity to see God again.  This is according the Atonement of Christ.  A free gift he gives us all.  Yet, it will be great for the righteous and terrible for the wicked.

The heart of the matter is this:  Did Jesus rise from the dead?  If he did, and I add my testimony that he did rise as the scriptures testify, then he lives today and everything he said is true.  He forgave Corianton, and does forgive me and you, and remembers our sins no more when we repent.

 

Alma 39 Following Counsel

Corianton is commanded by his father, Alma, “to take upon you to counsel with your elder brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy youth, and ye stand in need to be nourished by your brothers.  And give heed to their counsel.”  I pass this along to Emily, Eric, and Nick.  This is also great counsel with regards to the words recently spoken in General Conference.

Alma 38 Bridal All Your Passions

Shiblon, the steady and faithful one, the middle child, the good example; every family hopefully has a Shiblon or two.  Nevertheless, Shiblon received strict warnings from his father, Alma:  “See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.  Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridal all your passions, that ye may be filled with love (not lust); see that ye refrain from idleness.  Smart, handsome, physically imposing, and passionate, Shiblon could have easily become prideful.  Alma saw in his son the need for temperance, humility, and restraint.  He was pleased with the good example he had set for his younger brother, Corianton, and admonished him to continue to keep the commandments and endure to the end.

Alma 37 Look to God and Live

Loving father, Alma, pours out his soul to his son Helaman, pleading with him to “look to God and live.”  He explains that the Liahona worked by faith in leading Lehi’s family in the wilderness.  But at times, they were slothful and didn’t look for direction from the Lord.  As a result, they didn’t travel a straight road to the promised land.  Alma pleads with Helaman to “…remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.  Yea, and cry unto God for all they support; yea, let all they doings be unto the Lord.”  There is a clear warning about slothfulness and its negative effects.

 To combat the tendency we all have to be slothful and procrastinate our duty, Alma admonishes us to follow the words of Christ.  If we will follow the words of Christ, He will “…carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.“

I am impressed by the strictness of this parent, even to a very faithful son.  His warnings are very serious:  “And now behold, I tell you by the spirit of prophesy, that if ye transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things (scriptures and plates) which are sacred shall be taken away from you by the power of God, and ye shall be delivered up unto Satan, that he may sift you as chaff before the wind.”

When we feel pain and guilt for our slothfulness, let us take that pain and use it to motivate us to correct our path.  Satan wants us to use these feelings of remorse as proof of our worthlessness.  Christ has already forgiven us.  The Atonement is in place.  Our conscience, the Holy Spirit, the Light of Christ, will lead us to do good and to feel good.  We must “look to God and live.”

Alma 36 Remember Jesus

When Alma recorded his conversion experience as it related to his son, Helaman, he did something quite extraordinary: he wrote it in poetic chiastic form.  It may be the most exquisite internal evidence of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon in existence.  Sorry folks, Joseph Smith did not make this stuff up!  Chiasm aside, the message of redemption is central and powerful.  As Alma explains to Helaman the moment in his life when he was “harrowed up by the memory of his sins, being racked with eternal torment,” in the anguish of a damned soul he “remembered also to have heard my father prophesy…of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.  And as my mind caught a hold of this thought , I cried within my heart:  O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me…when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more….And oh what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!”

I am struck with the enabling and redemptive power of the thought centered on Jesus!  Once remembered, the power of a Christ-centered thought transforms an individual from despair to joy immediately!  Dear God fill my mind with the sweet memory of Jesus.  Please bless me to always remember him!  Please let my children forever know of his mercy and grace.

Alma 35 Disagree without being Disagreeable

Alma and Amulek were successful in bringing the humble and poor Zoramites into the church.  Most of the Zoramites were prideful and full of hate for these converts and cast them out of the land.  The new converts came over to Jershon and were greeted and cared for by the People of Ammon.  However, the Zoramites could not let their more humble people enjoy their new faith and associations.  They join with the Lamanites and start a new war causing the humble Zoramites and the People of Ammon to flee for protection to Melek.  In their place, the armies of the Nephites moved into Jershon. Why do wicked people hate to see other people be happy?  Why do people who leave the church have a hard time leaving the church alone?  What would happen if we decided to agree to disagree?  Wouldn’t it be fun if we stopped putting others down who have different opinions than our own?  Elder Cook has recently said, “We live in a world where there is much turmoil.  Our faith requires that we treat our neighbors with respect.  There are some who feel that venting their personal anger or deeply held opinions is more important than conducting themselves as Jesus Christ lived and taught. It is appropriate to disagree, but it is not appropriate to be disagreeable” (We Follow Jesus Christ,” in Oct New Era p.48).

Alma 34 Contend No More Against the Holy Ghost

Amulek, Alma’s faithful companion stands to be a second witness.  Here are a few of his one-liners:

“Plant the words in your hearts.” “The word is in Christ unto salvation.” “Redemption cometh through the Son of God.” “I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world.” Christ shall make, “an infinite and eternal sacrifice…according to the great plan of the Eternal God.”

Amulek makes it clear that we have no restrictions on where and when we should pray.  He also pleads with us not to procrastinate the day of our repentance because this life is the time to “prepare to meet God.”

Amulek says we have a tendency to “contend against the Holy Ghost.”  This is interesting and insightful to me.  When the Holy Ghost whispers to me, do I push Him away?  Do I say in my heart, “not now,” or worse, “go away.” I hope not.  I want to feel the inspiration, hear it, and do what He says.  Why do I resist doing good?  Why do I fail to raise my hand when volunteers are asked for to do welfare projects?  Why don’t I do the things I know I should to improve the feelings between me and Jean?

Resolve:  Pray always.  Act when prompted by the Holy Ghost.  Don’t procrastinate repentance.

Alma 33 Christ is the Seed, the Tree, the Armor, the Beautiful Garment

Christ is the seed.  Christ is the tree.  Plant Christ in your heart.  Plant the Tree of Life in your life, water it, and nourish it with His words.  Put on the whole armor of God.  Put on Christ.  Put on your beautiful garments.  Put on Christ.  Get Christ down into your spiritual cells, your heart of hearts, your DNA.  Do this through prayer, scripture study, listening for and to His voice.  Act upon his words.  Ask, seek, knock, and He will answer.  Really believe in Him!

Alma 32 Decide to Act and Not Be Acted Upon

Elder Bednar has encouraged us to act and not be acted upon.  If I will act, taking inspiration from the Holy Ghost as my guide I will be happy and productive.  If I will act, taking the words of the scriptures and living prophets as my guide, I will be safe and full of good works.  Christ has provided for me a seed of faith to plant in my heart. My faith in Christ will grow if I learn of him and follow his words.  If there is something that I have stopped doing that I need to start again, then I must act.  If there are things to do that I have yet to begin but are essential for my spiritual growth, I must begin, and act in accordance with the will of my Father in Heaven.

Alma 31 Bring Them Again Unto Thee in Christ

The scene of apostasy among the Zoramites that presented itself to Alma and his fellow missionaries was astonishing and appalling!  The Rameumpton stood in the middle of the synagogue like a high dive into hell.  Parishioners, one by one, ascending and descending the rungs of its ladder, speaking hellish oaths full of blasphemy and devilish pride.  How could they have fallen so far?  The answer is pride!

As Alma prepares to continue his mission to the Zoramites, he lays his hands on each of the missionaries in his group and blesses them.  They are filled with the Holy Ghost.  In his personal prayer on their behalf, Alma pleads with the Lord to “comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also my fellow laborers…Yea, wilt thou comfort their souls in Christ.  Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength, that they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them …wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ…Behold O Lord, their souls are precious….”

 Indeed, Alma’s prayer was answered, for Mormon records, “And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ.  Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith.”

Yet, one of Alma’s sons, exercising his moral agency, chose to break the mission rules.  Even the prayer of faith by Alma, could not keep his son from making some very poor choices.  In chapter 39 of Alma we will see how a faithful father is able to recover his son.

 

Alma 30 I Believe in Christ

I believe in Christ.  I know he lives and loves me and my family.  He performed the Atonement in behalf of the children of God.  I and my family are blessed beyond measure by his love.  My dear wife, Jean, turned 57 years old today.  She is the love of my life.  She is the perfect wife for me and the perfect mother.  She loves us and cares for us.  She possesses the characteristics of Christ: she is full of grace, mercy, love, patience, discernment, healing, peace, kindness, goodness, honesty, forthrightness, hard work, gentleness, and loyalty to God and family.  We cherish her daily presence in our lives.  I pay tribute to my angel wife, Jean.

Alma 29 Oh, I Married an Angel

“Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart….”  Alma wants to do more than he has strength or ability to accomplish.  But then asks himself, “…why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?”  Alma’s is not an unrighteous aspiring to power, fame, or wealth; nevertheless, he recognizes that his desires go beyond what was the Lord’s will is for his life.  Recognizing this, he tones down his desires from mass angelic trumpeting abilities, to becoming “…an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.”  Notice his focus turns to the “one.”  Likewise, our focus should be on the one in our lives; first, to become converted ourselves, and then to look around and lift spouse, family and friends. 

Today is my 36th wedding anniversary.  I have felt incredibly blessed to have found such a wonderful person to spend my life and eternity with.  Jean is at the center of my heart.  I would be nothing without her.  I love her so dearly.  We have wonderful children and grandchildren that make our daily walk all that much sweeter. Also on this day:  Happy birthday Nick!

Alma 28 Incomprehensible Joy

Alma summarizes Ammon and his brethren’s ministry: “…their sorrows, and their afflictions, and their incomprehensible joy….”  There is the contrast of joy and sorrow in their lives.  The same contrast of experiences awaits all of us in this life.  Please know and understand that God has not abandoned you when trials and sadness come.  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on thine own understanding.”  (Proverbs 3:5)  The best times are yet to come.

Alma 27 Come Unto Me

I had forgotten that the People of Ammon (Anti-Nephi-Lehites) had a second episode of being slain by the Lamanites.  They were attacked again by the Lamanites and refused to take up arms.  Ammon asks the Lord what to do and the Lord tells him to get the People of Ammon out of the land and back to Zarahemla.  The Nephites give these refugees a place to live and thrive: Jershon.  They agree to give them protection from the Lamanites.  Among this group would have been King Lamoni and his wife and family, Lamoni’s brother, king over all the people, and all who had been converted unto the Lord!  Come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt 11:28)

Alma 26 Mindfulness

Ammon rejoices in the wonderful successes they have had as missionaries, the changed hearts of thousands of the Lamanites, and being instruments in the hands of the Lord.  He also rejoices that the Lord “snatched” them (Alma, Ammon and their brethren) from their sinful past and pointed them in a new direction.  Finally, he rejoices in the mindfulness of the Lord.  In verse 36, he states that God “…has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel.  Further, he says that “…God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in.”  In the Book of Moroni, Mormon, great general and abridger, says, “My beloved son, Moroni, I rejoice exceedingly that your Lord Jesus Christ hath been mindful of you….”  (Moroni 8:2)

To be “mindful” is to pay attention.  The Lord pays attention to each of us individually.  He challenges us to be mindful of each other and not treat each other as objects.  When we truly pay attention to our children, for example, we listen to them, watch them, pray for them, and love them.  When we are mindful of our spouse, we are in tune with their needs and we put those needs above our own.  When we are mindful we pay attention to our mindsets.  We don’t just walk through our day in mindless activities because we know how.  We don’t multi-task when we are driving because we can.  We don’t treat others as objects because they are just there in the room.  We pay attention.  We don’t space off during conversations because we can.    

When we are mindful we listen to the Holy Ghost.  We pay attention to his promptings and write them down.  We act on personal revelation and don’t procrastinate or resist his voice.

Alma 25 Take the Lord at His Word

We can take the Lord at his word.  Ammon and his brethren were promised by the Lord prior to their missions that he would protect them and give them success.  He preserved their lives and gave them success way beyond what they could have imagined

Alma 24 Repentance and Covenant Making

The Anti-Nephi-Lehites will not take up arms against their brethren; in fact, they bury their weapons of rebellion deep in the earth.  This signified to the Lord that they had repented of their sins.  One thousand and five of them were slaughtered when the Lamanites came upon them in war.  More than a thousand of the Lamanites were so touched in their hearts with guilt that they stopped killing their brethren and laid down their weapons and joined the Anti-Nephi-Lehites.  When we repent we must bury our sins deep in the earth and never dig them up again.  We must take our covenants seriously. In his editing, Mormon adds several "thus we see" notes.  The first is: "...thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin."  This shows how seriously they took their covenants.

Alma 23 Taking Upon Ourselves a New Name

The king of the Lamanites sent out a decree to all his people that they were not to obstruct the work of Ammon and his brethren as they spread the gospel throughout the land.  As a result, thousands of Lamanites were converted to Christ.  They never did fall away!  They changed their name from Lamanites to Anti-Nephi-Lehites.  When we experience a significant change in our lives, we too have a desire for a new name.  This happens at least eigth times in our lives:  Pre-mortal birth, mortal birth, rebirth, priesthood and missions, temple and marriage, parent and grand-parenthood, death, and resurrection.

Alma 22 Is There a God? Inspired Questions

Aaron and his brethren are guided by the Spirit to the palace of the king over all the Lamanites.  He is ready to hear the gospel and asks several inspired questions.

1.       What is this that ye have said concerning the Spirit of the Lord?

2.       What is this that Ammon said—If ye will repent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast off at the last day?

3.       Is that the Great Spirit that brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem?

4.       What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken?

5.       Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day?

6.       O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me? 

This last question has really resonated in my soul.  Many times I have prayed saying similar words.  I have come to know, without any doubt, that he is there; he has manifested himself to me daily in simple and undeniable ways.  His voice is a still, small voice that I have heard many, many times through his Spirit.  And he has taken away my sins.  I long for all of my family to ask the questions above in there own way according to their needs and station in life.  I love you all so much.  (Look at page 100 in the Book of Mormon—easy to remember—verse 26.)