121. Unto the Hills 122. Let Us Go into the House of the Lord 123. Unto Thee Lift I Up Mine Eyes 124. If It Had Not Been the Lord 125. As the Mountains 126. Turn Again Our Captivity 127. Children Are an Heritage 128. A Happy Household 129. Many a Time 130. De Profundis
Absalom
The name Absalom means "father of peace." King David's son did not live up to the name, but in spite of the anguish he caused, David loved him deeply. Alma demonstrated similar love for Corianton. Good parents love their children even when their children make mistakes and even when those mistakes harm the parents.
Degrees of Difficulty: Controlling What We Can
God taught Joseph Smith that He judges us according to "the desire of [our] hearts." He is perfectly aware of the unique "degree of difficulty" we individually face, and He factors that in to His assessment of us. We should therefore focus our efforts on what we can control and leave the rest to Him.
“Take Especial Care of Your Family”
God told Brigham Young to “take especial care of your family.” That counsel still stands today. President Dallin H. Oaks recently reminded us that family work, recreation, and learning are sacred priorities. When we turn off distractions, we will find sufficient time to fulfill our family responsibilities.
Why Celestial Is Better
God honors our agency, and He finds joy in blessing us. He will ultimately give us the glory which we have chosen—celestial, terrestrial, or telestial—and He is willing to help us channel our agency in a way that maximizes our ultimate happiness and freedom.
Samuel the Lamanite on the Burden of Freedom
Samuel the Lamanite concisely synthesized the teachings of prior Book of Mormon prophets into a sobering statement about agency: You own your choices and their consequences, including the choice to repent.
Corianton and Korihor
Corianton's doubts, which his father Alma helped him overcome, are closely related to the teachings of Korihor, who had been popular not long before. Cultural messaging affects us all, but grounding ourselves in truth helps us make wiser decisions.
The Plan of Salvation
God has a fabulous plan for us. Book of Mormon prophets call it by various titles, including the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation. As Patrick Kearon observed, these titles remind us that God intends to save us.
All Scripture Is Profitable
Why do you study the scriptures? Paul told Timothy that scriptures are profitable for doctrine, for correction, and to for instruction. We should study with an open mind, eager to learn what God would have us do and what adjustments we need to make.
The Gall of Bitterness
Peter told Simon that he was in the "gall of bitterness." Gall is bile. It is a bitter substance which our bodies use for digestion. Alma taught that Jesus can help us overcome spiritual bitterness. When we recognize our need and ask for help, He is there