Have you ever had 'one of those days'? Days when everything seems to be breaking down, days when the doctor appointment doesn't go as planned, and days when the world is in chaos and hope seems like a lost daydream from a forgotten era. On those days, I often feel as if I'm drowning in the sea, barely able to bring myself up to the surface for a moment's break. I don't like those days.
Those are the days when I feel buried beneath the weight of it all, gasping for breath.
But, when those days come, I have a plan. My plan is simply this: To remember I am not alone.
When I remember I am not alone in my struggles, and not alone on my journey in the depths of the sea, it places in my heart a Seed of Peace. This seed brings a calm assurance that order can grow from out of the chaos, and happiness can exist and outweigh despair.
Sometimes what we need in life is a light-- a light that shines so bright it pushes the darkness away from us. But where do we find that light? And how do we make sure it is a light that can 'push the darkness away from us'?
In today's modern world we have tons of science and tech-- we have electricity to light our homes, and we have the internet to light up our intellect and curiosity. But what can light up our insides? Which of those things can reach into our very core, our souls, and bring such an overwhelming feeling of light into us?
"And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man...that we may have light while we cross the sea." Ether 3:4
The answer is God.
There are many times when life is going to be difficult. There are going to be times in our lives when we fear the uncertain future--the sinking of ships, the bombs of the unkind, the accidents that scare and scar. Those are the times when we are tossed in the sea, when our fears generate a power that intimate our souls.
Where can we turn? Where do we go?
The answer is God.
God can bring peace and healing to our souls. God can give light to the dark places in the world. When we invite God into our lives, we fill up with light. And light loves to travel-- so much so, that when we feel ourselves filling up with light, we share it. We reach out in kindness, we forgive, we help, we aid, we know...... We know how much of a difference it can make, and so we want to share-- because light is love.
God's love.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Saturday, March 12, 2016
What's In A Name?
Seventeen years ago (and two days to be exact) I was laying in a hospital room wondering: what were we going to name our son? My husband and I had gone back and forth over a hundred names, and nothing seemed to fit. We had had late night and early morning discussions, and still seemed unable to come to some sort of an agreement.
I imagine that those who understand the power that comes with a name, understand the dilemma-- whatever you choose, it will have a lasting impression-- hopefully for the good. It needs to be just right-- and if more than one person is in charge of the naming..... well, things can get pretty interesting.
A long time ago a group of people had a naming problem. For them, it wasn't a child they were naming, it was a church. A church based on the teachings of Christ, one that was founded on His gospel, and they wanted to give it just the right name.
But what do you name a church? Like a child, a church is a living entity-- not as an individual, but as a collective of living souls, so it too has life and meaning. A church name needs to communicate to the non-members and members alike what the beliefs of the members are. It needs to convey a sense of purpose.
In 3 Nephi 27:6-8 it reads, 'And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.
Therefore, whatsoever ye shall to, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.
And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are build upon my gospel.'
Names are important things. They can convey meaning and purpose and identity all in a few, short syllables. It is important to know the purpose and the identity of individuals by name-- just a 'Hey, you!' won't do, and for churches, 'That nice place' won't do either.
As for my son, just shortly after he was born I knew what his name was. I felt at peace at once, and knew that this was going to work. For the people naming their church, they soon had it resolved-- after all, it was Christ's church, and now they knew what to do.
I imagine that those who understand the power that comes with a name, understand the dilemma-- whatever you choose, it will have a lasting impression-- hopefully for the good. It needs to be just right-- and if more than one person is in charge of the naming..... well, things can get pretty interesting.
A long time ago a group of people had a naming problem. For them, it wasn't a child they were naming, it was a church. A church based on the teachings of Christ, one that was founded on His gospel, and they wanted to give it just the right name.
But what do you name a church? Like a child, a church is a living entity-- not as an individual, but as a collective of living souls, so it too has life and meaning. A church name needs to communicate to the non-members and members alike what the beliefs of the members are. It needs to convey a sense of purpose.
In 3 Nephi 27:6-8 it reads, 'And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.
Therefore, whatsoever ye shall to, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.
And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are build upon my gospel.'
Names are important things. They can convey meaning and purpose and identity all in a few, short syllables. It is important to know the purpose and the identity of individuals by name-- just a 'Hey, you!' won't do, and for churches, 'That nice place' won't do either.
As for my son, just shortly after he was born I knew what his name was. I felt at peace at once, and knew that this was going to work. For the people naming their church, they soon had it resolved-- after all, it was Christ's church, and now they knew what to do.
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