Judas came to Christ with “a band of men and officers . . . with lanterns and torches and weapons” (John 18:). Jesus boldly stepped forward, identifying himself as the Jesus of Nazareth they sought. Concerned for his apostles, he challenged the mob: If therefore ye seek me, let these go their way. Peter, who had recently declared himself ready to follow the Savior to His death, rushed forward with his sword, “smote the high priest’s servant [Malchus], and cut off his right ear”... Read more
“Girls, let’s try something different,” the activity days leader suggested to her 9-11-year-olds. Gossip-giggling sessions are what girls that age just do. “Let’s try nice gossip. Choose the nicest things we know about people and gossip about those.” The girls’ gossip was louder and more giggly than ever. After leaving the room briefly, they came back shrieking with laughter. “We’ve been nice gossiping about you!” The leader almost cried at the funny/affectionate comments. Positive acceptance with mutual respect is how... Read more
As a newly minted first grader, I soon learned that in Virginia schools we had to stand each morning and repeat the Lord’s Prayer (yes, really!), along with other day starters. In a home without religion, the “big words” I learned did not include “hallowed” or “trespasses,” and I didn’t understand which “kingdom” was involved. I did not totally understand what we were saying or why we were saying it. To finish was my intent—real or otherwise. As an... Read more
Elder Gerrit W. Gong introduced the term “covenant belonging,” meaning “to belong with God and to walk with each other on His covenant path.” He explained that when we step out of our “worldly self,” “we find and become our best eternal self—free, alive, real—and define our most important relationships.”1 Is this group exclusive, expensive, or difficult to join? Using Paul’s words, “God forbid!” The Savior welcomes all with His infinite love. As we follow and love Him, we... Read more
When I was called as a mission president to Chile, I was thrilled because I had served my mission in Chile as a young man, though not in that particular mission. When I learned that my former mission was also getting a new president, I started to complain, “Why didn’t they send me back to my own mission? Couldn’t they see on the papers that I had served there?” Then I got rebuked in a big way. I felt like the... Read more
Abraham and his nephew Lot, with households and possessions, left Egypt for God’s promised land. They separated, as both needed extensive lands. Abraham let Lot choose. Attracted by abundant water and closeness to worldly Sodom, Lot pitched his tent facing Sodom. Abraham opened his tent toward the altar he built to sacrifice to God. Facing God or facing worldliness determined the earthly and eternal lives of these men—as it does for all. Facing God on the Land Lot built his... Read more
As we walked out of the arena after an amazing victory, everyone felt the excitement and satisfaction of hard-won accomplishment. My daughter’s high school wrestling team had just emerged from a year’s incredible effort as the Girls State Champions for the first time in school history! In that golden moment, they proved the power of working together to win; many challenges, including gospel living, require the same relationship. Working Together With Dedication Every time I was around my daughter’s team... Read more
“I feel it rolling in . . . It feels black as night/stealing all the light.” These words begin my song “Keep Going.” I know what the rolling feels like—and the darkness. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder. These are familiar words in my immediate and extended family. I don’t know a family within our family that hasn’t been affected by mental health challenges. But we know that God’s light can bring us out of darkness when we trust Him, share our... Read more
Mary came to Jesus during a meal and anointed His head with spikenard, a “very precious” ointment. Judas called this wasteful. Jesus corrected him: “She hath wrought a good work on me. She hath done what she could.” Mary was anointing Him for burial. She could not stop a single whiplash. But she did what she could, and He accepted her offering with gratitude. Many who loved Him did what they could, showing love and support in meaningful small ways... Read more
Concluding the Sermon on the Mount, after warning about “corrupt” trees, Christ explained, “Many will say to me . . . hath we not . . . in thy name . . . done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you” (Matthew (7:22-23). His followers knew of His teachings and His miracles. But the Savior wanted more. Reflecting on His teachings and His prophets’ testimonies, we realize that many who have followed Christ (then... Read more
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