The central symbol in Lehi's dream was "a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy" (1 Nephi 8:10) After eating some of the fruit, his greatest desire after that was to help others experience that same joy, beginning with his own family. When one of Lehi's sons, Nephi, prayed to understand his father's dream, he experienced a... Continue Reading →
How Can I Recognize the Voice of the Lord?
In his first talk as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson pleaded with us to "increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation" ("Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives," General Conference, April 2018). Two years later, he said, "I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes... Continue Reading →
Fruit
In Alma's analogy of the seed, we plant the word of God in our hearts. As it starts to grow, we recognize that it is good, because it begins to enlarge our soul, enlighten our mind, and be delicious to us (Alma 32:28). This is a good sign, but it is not the final goal.... Continue Reading →
“Let Us Nourish It With Great Care” – Alma 32:37
Faith doesn't just happen. It requires positive action. Faith is not the suspension of disbelief. It is the intentional choice to believe. Alma used a number of active verbs to emphasize our role in developing faith. Here are a few examples: "Awake and arouse your faculties" (Alma 32:27). "Exercise a particle of faith" (Alma 32:27).... Continue Reading →
Sometimes… – Alma 32:13
Alma tells a group of poor Zoramites that it's a good thing they are excluded from the synagogues. Why? Because that unfair treatment has made them humble, and humility can prepare us to receive God's mercy (Alma 32:12-13). But Alma adds an important qualifier: "sometimes." Humility, particularly imposed humility, doesn't always lead to mercy and... Continue Reading →
“They Did Humble Themselves” – Mosiah 21:13-14
I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable. —Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead: Diaries and Letters of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 1929-1932 (1973),... Continue Reading →
What Is Wisdom?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob gives us the following counsel: "O be wise; what can I say more?" (Jacob 6:12). Near the end of the book, the prophet Moroni advises us, "Be wise in the days of your probation" (Mormon 9:28). The words "wisdom" and "wise" appear exactly 100... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Hopeful?
Hope is an expectation of a positive outcome. When we have hope, we believe that good things will come. Hope empowers us to persevere when we encounter obstacles and to avoid discouragement. In daily conversation, the word "hope" often conveys substantial uncertainty. "I sure hope that happens" often means "I doubt it will happen, but... Continue Reading →
What’s Wrong with Seeking Signs?
The prophet Zenos foretold a sign which would coincide with the Savior's death hundreds of years later. Some members of the house of Israel, who would be living on "the isles of the sea," would experience three days of darkness (1 Nephi 19:10). Just five years before the Savior's birth, a prophet on the American... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Humble?
It’s hard to feel that you are sufficiently humble. If you did, you might not be. — Henry B. Eyring, "Come Unto Christ," BYU Speeches, 29 Oct 1989 The word "humble" (or "humbled") appears 68 times in the Book of Mormon. About 2/3 of the time (42 occurrences), the word functions as a reflexive verb:... Continue Reading →
