Peace Through the Scriptures

I was reading 4th Nephi today and I am really looking forward to the peace that we will have after the Savior comes again.

After the Savior was resurrected He visited the Nephites and established His church among them. The people repented of their sins, were baptized and received the Holy Ghost and they began to live the law of consecration. There were no poor or rich among them; they all took care of each other because of the love that they had for Heavenly Father and the Savior.

In verses 15-17 "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.
There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God."

I cross referenced one and found:
John 17: 20-21
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

These people were living the way that the Savior wants us to live, the way that He prayed to Heavenly Father that we would live. I like to apply the scriptures to myself... so I know that this applies to me also.

Websters definition of strife: Heated often violent conflict: bitter dissension: A struggle between rivals, CONTENTION.

I didn't really know what strife meant so I looked it up, now I don't think that we have heated, violent conflict in our family but sometimes I think I get somewhat contentious. I wonder how close we could get in our own family or home to the way that the people were living after the Savior visited them. If I were able to think of my family members more than myself and really took care of their needs, if I learned to bite my tongue instead of giving a unkind retort, or if I chose not to take offense during frustrating or trying times in our family how much closer would we be? Right now I am not very close to what I think would be perfect but after reading this today, I think that I have some good ideas on how I could help my family get there. Then we will have peace, if not in the world then in our own home.

I really like the picture that I found to go with this post. I hadn't ever seen it before. I know that the family looks kind of old fashioned, I think that I am an old fashioned kind of gal (although I can't really see myself in a dress everyday :)). The family looks happy and content and the Savior is right there with them. That is what I want for my family, for the Savior to be near us and for us to be happy. I am learning to be an optimist, I believe that we can have this even with all of the horrible things that are happening in the world today.

The Times We Live In

I was reading in the scriptures last week and a few things really stood out to me because of things that are going on in the world today.

3 Nephi 29:2 "And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel. "

I cross referenced delays and found in Matthew 24:24 "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. "

Here I cross referenced elect, in D&C 29:7 "And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts; "

I went back to the references for delays and found in Matthew 24:48-51 "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
and D&C 45:26
"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. "

Some people may be laboring on the earth under the impression that the Lord is delaying His coming, I know that this is not true. I believe that the signs spoken of in the scriptures are happening all around us. There will be those that claim to be the Lord's elect that will be deceived in the last days. I am trying my hardest not to be one of them. I was reading the blog of a very good friend and I know that she is seeing the signs all around as well. I feel so inspired by her testimony and strength. I know that she will be a rallying point for all of those around her. I pray that I may be as brave and bold as she is.

Sometimes I Wish That I Didn't Have to Have Trials

Last Friday Bob had a second interview with a company and I was so excited because that was the first time he had gotten to that step in the process. I felt really good and hopeful, they gave him a lot of really good feedback. Bob, however didn't feel as sure about it. He said that he didn't have a good read on the interviewers. It sounded like they needed to fill the position right away and Bob said that he could start the next day. Last night he was really bummed out, he didn't hear back from that company and this is really challenging to his self esteem.

After talking about it at dinner I was feeling really bummed out too. I was just sure that this was the one that would be different and that things were looking up for us. We cleared the dishes and came down stairs to do our family scripture study and read:

Alma 9: 9-10 "Do ye not remember that our father, Lehi, was brought out of Jerusalem by the hand of God? Do ye not remember that they were all led by him through the wilderness? And have ye forgotten so soon how many times he delivered our fathers out of the hands of their enemies, and preserved them from being destroyed, even by the hands of their own brethren?"

I am so glad that we read this chapter. Heavenly Father has been merciful to us, we made it safely from Vancouver to here and we were able to find a home to live in even though Bob did not have a job. Our resources have been stretching and we have been able to eat and have heat and electricity. Bob has been able to have job contacts and while the right job hasn't come along yet I know that one will. If He can deliver the Nephites from people that want to kill them, He can surely provide for our needs. I am so grateful for the scriptures that give me these reminders when I am feeling down. After our scripture study I felt better, I know that all things are in the Lord's hands and all things will be done according to His will. I will be able to survive this trial with His help.