Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

I am often told that my church, which I believe receives direction from God, asks a lot from its members. For example, we are asked to pay ten percent of our income as tithing. We are asked to attend three hours of church each Sunday. We are asked to not go shopping on Sundays. We are asked to not consume alcohol, coffee, tea, or tobacco. Some things may even seem very trivial. For example, we have been instructed to refrain from getting tatoos and excessive earings (women may have one pair; men none).

While these may seem trivial with apparently no logic or reason to the commandments, an example from exodus illustrates why the lord may ask such trivial things. The isrealites had just left Egypt only to discover that they have no food. They complain to moses who in turn complains to the lord. The lord responds with the following:

Exodus 16 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
When some of the people fail to follow the the commandment and gather more food than their family can eat, they discover that the food spoils and gets worms. This wasn't stated in the commandment. He does not tell them that if they gather more than they are told to that it will spoil. They are only told what to do not why.

So it is with us. Most of these commandments come with blessings, but most do not explain the consequence or the reason associated with not keeping the commandment. Some members have tried applying their own reason. That's why you have some members who say caffeine is against the word of wisdom-coffee and tea both have caffeine so caffeine must be harmful. But that is not the lord has said. What the lord says is do this so that I can see if you will walk in my laws or not. He didn't tell Abraham that he wouldn't make him sacrifice his son until after he knew that Abraham would keep his commandments to the end no matter how hard or how trivial.




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Doors Unopened

Standing in a room full of doors
Each one changing my direction
There is no returning once entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

A friend visited me in my room full of doors
We once stood in this room together
He told me of exciting things beyond the door
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

Then another friend appeared
He told me of exciting things beyond his door
There is no returning once entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

I yearned to follow them both
Into their doors of adventure, weath, fame
There is no returning once entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

Years have passed in my room full of doors
I see my friends no more beyond their doors
There is no returning once entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

Standing in a room full of doors
Each one changing my direction
There is no returning once not entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

Mark of the beast

Just been reading revelations. I've heard a lot of speculations about the following verse "no man might buy or sell save he that had the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name...which is 666"

I've heard assumptions like a barcode that is to be implanted in your forehead. I want to add my own theory tonight. I think the number is your credit score.

If you don't have any credit you literally can't buy or sell anything these days. Although the number is figurative, isn't an ok score 600 at least based off of some indexes. As for the forehead thing, what happens when you get in debt, have crappy credit, or have no credit especially in a down economy? You constantly worry about how you are going to provide for yourself and (supposing you haven't succomed to the selfishness of our nation) your family. That number is burned into your forehead as you contemplate how to improve the score or how to keep the score up.



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The parable of the Hammer and the Pencil

It's not a poem, but I just thought of a short little parable that can go with Romans 9:20 (there's a counterpart in Isaiah, but I didn't look it up).

There once was a carpenter that was building a house. He loved his hammer. It was strong, durable, and helped him in so many ways. One day, the hammer was heard to boast, "I am the practically the only tool the carpenter needs. All those other tools are nothing compared to me. Although, I wish some of those tools would help out a little. I have to do all of the work. "

Suddenly the builder placed the hammer back in the toolbox. "What are you doing?" the hammer cried out. "We're not done with this house yet. You can't put me away.

"I am giving you a rest," the carpenter said compassionately, "I need a different tool. Now let me consider for a moment." At that, the carpenter closed the toolbox.

"But I'm the only tool capable of doing all the jobs. Why did he put me away." The hammer continued to moan to himself.

While the hammer was moaning to himself, he didn't notice a tiny pencil was also moaning to herself quietly. "I'm so useless. Why does the carpenter even keep me in this toolbox with so many wonderful tools. There's the saw, with his giant teeth for cutting. There's that new electric drill, with all of that power. Even the nails, which are smaller, are useful when used together. And of course there's the hammer; he can do anything."

With a flash of light, the toolbox lid flung open. "Let me see, where are you?" the carpenter said as he searched inside the toolbox. "Ah, there you are," he said as he pulled out the tiny pencil.

"What are you doing?" the pencil nervously asked. "I can't help you. I'm not good at anything."

"Oh, yes you are. Just watch." At that the carpenter pulled out the measuring tape and closed.

"Hey, what about me," the hammer said as the lid closed. But the carpenter didn't respond.

The carpenter set a board on top of a pile of wood. Then, he extended the measuring tape, which seemed to wink knowingly at the pencil. "Yes, I think that will be perfect," the carpenter said. And he used the pencil to draw a line on the board.

Roamsn 9:20 "Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, 'why has thou made me thus?"

Fathers from the Scriptures

As I think about Father's Day, I'm reminded of the all of the great fathers that are found in the scriptures. I was actually thinking about creating a longer blog on this, but then I heard an ad for a book called, "Men of Influence." I haven't read it, but it sounded like the author stole my idea. I might still write something more-in-depth though. Here are some of my favorite Fathers in the scriptures and what I learn from them:

Abraham: Trust your children to the Lord
Isaac: Find out the hearts of your children from your wife.
Jacob: Leave your In-laws for your family's sake. Don't pick favorites. Give your children and grandchildren blessings.
Saul: Look to the example of your righteous children and listen to them.

Lehi: Take your family where the Lord wants you to take them despite the family protests. Counsel each child according to their needs with love. At first they were subtle reminders. On his death bed it was, "Awake from the sleep of hell. Rise up and be men."
Nephi: Father of a nation-weeps for his people. Does our current father of the nation do that (I doubt it, maybe if his ratings go down).
Jacob: Teach your children in their youth and it will come back to them at unexpected times.
Benjamin: Teach and testify of the scriptures. Teach service by example.
Mosiah: Let your children go and they will be protected.
Alma the Elder: Pray and fast for your children. Teach your children despite their unwillingness.
Alma the younger: Take your children with you on mission (church duties) when appropriate. Counsel with them indivually based on their needs. Testify and tell them of your spiritual experiences.
Helaman I: Adopts 2,000 sons that he leads into war. Asks them for their advice before he proceeds.
Helaman II: Honor your name (surname, given name, or Christ's name). Remember what your ancestors went through and taught.
Mormon: Write to your children. Keep a record for your children. Correct incorrect doctrine or traditions even if it's not the popular thing to do. Another father of the nation who cares deeply about his people.

Well these are a few of my favorite father and son relationships in the scriptures. Unfortunately, I can't think of many examples from the Bible. It seems like of the Old Testament is about bad father examples. What are some of your favorite father examples from the scriptures? If you can't think of anyone from the scriptures, what are some prominent father figures that teach great lessons found in literature (or I'll even go with movies)? For example, one of my favorites is Atticus from "To Kill a Mocking Bird." Another is Jean Valjean from "Les Miserables."

Such as I Have Give I Thee

During this precarious economic time, money is an endangered species, perhaps extinct for some. I've read Acts 3 several times. Catie loves to sing the song, "Peter and John went to pray . . . Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee. . . And he went walking and leaping and praising God." Anyway it's something along those lines. I've always focused on what Peter and John gave the beggar.

Today, my focus is more on what Peter and John gave. I know I've walked into temple square, especially during Christmas time, with my head down hoping that I won't be asked for any spare change. Most of the time when I've been asked, I reply that I don't have anything. A few times I've given a nickle or quarter or whatever is in my pocket. How does that compare with what this beggar received from Peter and John. Not only does he now have a chance to make an honest living, but he enters the temple and receives the warmth it offers him.

Catie told me the other day that one of the things she hates most is when she has the means to help someone, but she can't help them because they won't accept it. She proceeded to explain that she feels bad when she sees someone in trouble, but she doesn't have the means to help, but not as bad as when she has the means and they won't accept help. After reflecting on this scripture, I wonder how often we really don't have the means to help people. Obviously, we don't have the monetary means to help. As I explained in an earlier post, we've gotten ourselves in a bit of a financial bind by trying to help when we didn't have the means. But, can we still give such as we have?

One example Catie gave of someone she couldn't help is a car that is broken down. She is not a mechanic and usually, they already have a cell phone out. However, is there something that she could give? Perhaps some encouragement through some friendly conversation while they wait for some additional help? What about those beggars in front of temple square? We could follow the example of Peter and John and bring them into the temple (figuratively speaking); however, if they are sitting outside temple square I'm guessing that they already know about the church. Again, we may not be able to give them money, but is there something we can give that will lighten their load. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly conversation to let people know they are important if that's all we have.

I know this is something I need to work on, but these are my thoughts on the phrase, "Such as I have give I thee."

As a side note, it's interesting that just two chapters later, Luke tells us of Ananias and Sapphira who sell their land to give the money to the church, but keep a portion of the money for themselves. When Peter questions them about it, they lie and then lie dead. This makes an interesting juxtaposition when you consider Peter and John who give such as they have to a lame beggar, but these people who attempt to serve the All-powerful God can only give a portion of what they have.

He Took the Time

I'm not sure where these will end up. I started with the phrase Behold the Lamb of God. As I began a poem (you see, I didn't get very far) another thought struck me of someone in the Nephite crowd. Someone that was in the back of the line patiently waiting his chance to meet the Savior. Then, he looks up and sees a crowd of over 1500 people. He would have been in despair to realize he was in the back. But, the Savior took the time for everyone in that crowd. Just as he traveled many inconvenient and out-of-way courses just to help one individual. I decided to pursue a poem along these lines. So far, I only have two choppy verses and a chorus (any help or critique would be great. As I've said before, my rhythm is horrible).

Behold the Lamb of God

Earthquakes and darkness covered the Earth
Behold the Lamb of God


He Took the Time
As he called us forward, I noticed that I was at the end of the line.
1500 hundred people were in front of me pressing their way to the Savior.
As the day began to wane, I felt that I had lost my chance.
Then, I saw the nail prints in his hands.
He took the time.

He took the time to rescue me from darkness
He too the time to feed the hungry
He took the time to provide living water
He took the time to heal those who were sick
He took the time to bless my sweet child
He took the time to save me.

I sat at my father's well, drinking the bitter water
Contemplating my unrighteous dilemma
Suddenly he appeared asking for a drink of water
I left my water pot in exchange for his living cup
He took the time.

He took the time to rescue me from darkness
He too the time to feed the hungry
He took the time to provide living water
He took the time to heal those who were sick
He took the time to bless my sweet child
He took the time to save me.

As I wrote this, I realized something amazing. In John Chapter 4, Jesus comes to the woman at the well. He has nothing to draw with. In other words, he has no cup. He promises the sinful woman living water. Then, she leaves her water pot after she confesses her sin. Often, Jesus refers to His suffering for us as drinking out of a bitter cup. We give him our cups or water pots in exchange for his living cup of water. He then drinks from our bitter cups, so that we can receive His cup.

That Prophet

While I was on my mission teaching about Joseph Smith, I was often told that the prophets ended with Jesus Christ and the apostles. However, one my favorite scriptures that I believe shows that the Jews didn't believe this would be the case is in John chapter 1. In this chapter, the priests and Levites, the religious leaders and experts in the scriptures, were questioning John. They ask him three questions 1. Art thou the Chirst? No 2. Art thou Elias? No (however, the Joseph Smith translation says that he says yes to this question) 3. Art thou that prophet? No.

So is THAT prophet? It's not the Christ because John already said no to that question. It's not the Elias before Christ because that is John. It's definitely a prophet who is foretold to come after Christ. While this doesn't prove that Joseph Smith was that prophet nor that he was a prophet, it does show that Jews, John, whom Jesus calls the greatest prophet, don't hesitate to suggest that there is another prophet. The only way to find out if this is Joseph Smith is to try the fruit (read the Book of Mormon and pray), but I still like the added testimony found in John 1:21.

Josh's Writing

I've started writing articles for ehow.com. Most of the articles are tutorials. You can check them out at http://www.ehow.com/members/ds_joshua25797.html. I will occasionally post links to the articles as well.

My Precious

So I lost my wedding ring about a week ago. I seriously felt like Gallum from Lord of the Rings. One minute I was playing with my ring (I have a habit of pulling it off and putting it back on to make sure my fingers aren't too fat or something). Then, I went to lunch, ate my lunch, returned the leftovers to the fridge and went to the restroom. I'll admit that I was getting a little tired this afternoon, which was part of the reason I went to the restroom--to wake myself up a little bit more. As I was walking back to my desk, I started to play with my ring again. That's when I noticed that there was no ring. Apparently, it had decided it was done with me and slipped off my finger.

I was frantic. I searched everywhere in the restroom. I even took the sink apart (which, by the way, the pipes haven't been cleaned in a really long time), even though there was no way it could fall down the drain. All week, I prayed that I would find my ring. I was sure that it was hopeless. During this time, I also read the parable of the lost coin and the parable of the unjust judge. I think it was on Tuesday when I said something like this, "Heavenly Father, I recently read the parable of the unjust judge when Christ says that even the judge gave into this request because of the many petitions. I know this is just a ring, but it's very important to me. Please help me find it."

On Wed., my boss came back from vacation. I casually mentioned that I had lost my ring and he suggested that I send around an email. I hadn't done this because there are only three people who regularly use the building where I lost it.

Early the next day, my manager peaks his head in my office and says, "I found something you might be interested in. It's on the fridge." He had found my ring inside the fridge. To this day, I can't tell you what happened, but I have my ring back, and I didn't have to bite off a finger and fall into lava to get it back either. Prayer does work, even if it's for something petty like a ring, sometimes we just have to persistent (even a whole weeks worth). Now if only I could find my driver's license. It never leaves my wallet, but when I went to pull it out the other day it gone. Oh well, I'm not so attached to that and it's only like $20 to replace.

Various Thoughts on Value and Money

I couldn't think of poems for the following study sessions, but here are some thoughts that I might use some day if something comes.

More Value than Many Sparrows
Ye are of more value than many sparrows. I like this phrase and could see it working. Perhaps, I will incorporate something from Moses 1, where Moses speaks with God who says three times, "Moses, my son." Then, Satan comes and immediately says, "Moses, thou son of man." Satan attempts to destroy our self worth, but God always wants us to understand that we are of more value than many sparrows, which if even one of the sparrows fall, he notices. How much more will he notice when we, who are his sons or daughters, fall?

A man's life consisteth not of the abundance of things
A man's life consisteth not of the abundance of things. This is in Luke 12. I have recently been faced with a monetary and family dilemma. We lent almost our entire savings to my sister-in-law so that she wouldn't be stuck in a high-interest debt when she got married. She promised that she would make the payments us, but she wouldn't have to pay interest. We then let her rent our place when she got married. They moved out after three months because they had racked up so much debt again that they couldn't afford the rent. She promised to pay us the rent she owed. We have yet to see any of this money. When we ask her and her husband to help with the house in the slightest amount, they literally throw a tantrum and refuse to help. In addition, they are draining my in-laws of the little money they have. They refuse to eat anything that they dislike, which turns out to be anything that is not a name brand or fast food.

The point of this story is that I have been debating about sending them a long, angry letter telling them that I want the money back now. After she got yelled at when she asked for some help, Catie gave me permission to send them a bill for the damage that was done to our house within three months (red paint was spilled on our kitchen floor, their dog peed everywhere on our carpet, and Catie spent the first two weeks moving their stuff and cleaning the place before she could even start working on repairs). However, after reading this verse, I'm not sure that I can send them a letter like I was planning. I'm not going to clear the debt because they need to learn how to manage their finances in a responsible way, but I will give myself some time to cool down before I actually send them a letter. The abundance of things don't matter.

There Arose a Mighty Famine After. . .
After reading the story of the prodigal son, I noticed that when he wasted his father's inheritance it says, "There was a mighty famine in the land." I found this interesting because of the times that we are living in. There's a mighty famine in our land after we have wasted so much money during the prosperous 90's and 2000's. From this, I wrote some of the other mighty famines:
There arose a mighty famine after the prodigal son wasted his money
There arose a mighty famine after Israel's sons wasted Joseph
There arose a mighty famine after the world wasted the prophets and apostles

But One thing is Needful

I'm not so excited about the way this one turned out at all. Just after reading the story of the Good Samaritan, I read the story of Martha who was troubled about many things. I began thinking of all the ways I am troubled about things that are not needful, so I created a poem in the form of a list.

Job, school, money, taxes
Soccer, play, movies, meeting
War, earthquakes, street violence,
Clean, company, dinner
Thou art troubled about many things
But one thing is needful

Passed By

As I was reading the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, I was struck by the phrase "he passed by on the other side." I know this is a classic story, and there are probably a billion stories and poems based off this, but I felt that I should try my hand at it. I was trying to come up with a poem for the Levite and the Priest who passed by the man, something like:

A certain man was cold and hungry
I was in a hurry
He looked anxiously at me
But still I passed by

Nothing could come to me the night I was studying this. I will probably come back to it because I like that concept and I think I just wrote something I can work with. This is what I wrote the night I studied this. I haven't been able to post it because it was finals week for my wife.

Cold and wet, stuck on the freeway side
Left without a spare
Everyone was in a hurry
But I was being passed by

Lost in the midst of a crowd
Looking for my way home
Everyone was in a hurry
But I was being passed by

Hungry and tired, without a penny
Couldn't find shelter
Everyone was in a hurry
But I was being passed by

Out of luck and in despair
His kind eyes looked at me
He was in a hurry
But I was not passed by

I am the secretary in my church's young men's group. About two weeks ago, during a combined (young men and young women) youth activity, they conducted a scavenger hunt. I drove four young men that were anxious to win the activity. Being the competitive person that I am, I wanted to help them win. It started out as a normal scavenger hunt. We went to a grocery store and found the price for honey and butter. Supposedly a girl from our church dropped something (at least she was supposed to), but I didn't even see it. Then, we went to a movie theater to write down the times and prices of all of the PG movies. There was a lady there with her hood up. That was when I got a little suspicious. One of the young men recognized her, so asked her if she needed help. She said that her husband was coming. We completely skipped one store because we could answer it ourselves. Later we found that there was another lady needed help when she knocked over a display, but we weren't there because we were in a hurry to win. I noticed as we were driving back to the church a man on the side of the road changing his tire. This wasn't actually part of the activity, but still I didn't stop because I wanted these young men to win.

When we got back to the church, we were the first ones there. We had to wait about ten minutes before another group even showed up. As the leader of the activity brought in all of the people that needed help, I began to realize that we were not the winners at all. Because we were in such a hurry, passing by people who needed help we were actually losing the activity. So it is with our lives. As we get caught up in winning all of our activities--improving our employment status, succeeding in school, increasing our standard of living--we tend to pass by those in need, and by so doing we lose the true activity.

Scripture Study Poems

I was driving home from Brigham early Sunday morning listening to some LDS church songs when the thought struck me that this might be a good way to improve my scripture study. I don't consider myself a great poet, but I thought that it might be beneficial to try to create a poem as I am reading my scriptures. Then, today, the thought struck me that I could post what I'm working on along with some of my other random thoughts on my blog. Just be aware that these poems are not going to be finished, nor will they most likely be magnificent pieces of work.

However, if you have any brilliant ideas or critiques of my poetry, feel free to make comments. Like I said, I'm not a great poet. The best poetry I came up with in high school was "I want to be a hermit, just like the muppet kermit." My creative writing teacher copied Vicini from "The Princess Bride" and said, "Stop this rhyming now, I mean it."

Today, I read about the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves and five fishes in Luke Chapter 9. The sentence, "For we are here in a desert place." seemed to stick out to me. I wrote the following, but can't seem to get much farther today.

How shall we feed them?
We have not sufficient food.
For we are here in desert place.
We will perish if we stay..
Give what you have

I want to add something about how God, Christ, Faith. . . will provide the rest. I'm already concerned that "Give what you have" is too cliche ish. I'm also developing a second verse with a reference to possibly to Elijah's servant who sees the angels fighting their battle. Something like:
How shall we fight them?
We have not sufficient stregnth.
For we are here in surrounded place.
Wel will perish if we stay
Give what you have (whatever my chorus ends up being.)

On Monday, I came up with something a little better. I was reading about "Master the Tempest Raging." in Luke 8. It's not great, but I think I like the direction a little more than the one I came up with today.

Tossed on the waves,
I thought I would perish
So I cried unto my Lord
And there was a great calm

Covered in darkness,
Gloomy and threatening
I called for someone near
And there was a great calm

Fighting through the crowd
To touch just his garment
He turned and I saw my Savior
And there was a great calm

21st Century Martin Handcart Company

I just found these photos from Christmas. Catie took these photos from the comfort of our car, which conveniently got stuck in the snow when we slid off the road.

We were traveling to Brigham from Logan to visit our parents on Christmas morning. We decided that because it was snowing it would be safer to avoid the canyon and travel through Honeyville. It was difficult to see, and there were tracks on the left side of the road that looked like the road. I began to drive towards the tracks until I noticed that they were tracks left by a truck that was previously stuck. When I overcorrected our car slid off the right side of the road.

As we were waiting for our family to rescue us, we watched a train of cars get stuck in this location. I got out to help push and others started to join as we pushed each car through Honeyville (except ours of course; it was towed later). We ended up getting a ride from one of these vehicles.

Interestingly, as I drove back to pick up our car, I noticed that there are several drop offs along this road. We were lucky enough to land in a spot that was flat.

Ye Cannot Be Hid

A couple of weeks ago we were asked to speak in our church. Here is my talk entitled "Ye cannot be Hid."

One of Benjamin’s favorite games is hide n’ seek. I’ll have to admit this is one of my favorite games to play with him as well. The only problem is he has a hard time staying hidden. When I go look for him, he will inevitably shout out something like, “Dad I’m in here. You can’t find me.” This little two-year old who is so full of light and energy is like each of us when we receive the gospel. We cannot be hid.

Ye are the Light
On Thursday, we invited the missionaries in for a glass of water. Before they left, they shared Matt 5:14, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven.” As I was reading this yesterday, I realized that it says it gives light to all that are in the house. We must be that light to those little ones within our own home.

Good Examples brought Catie
In addition, we must be that light to our neighbors. Catie has told me several times that part of the reason she accepted the missionary discussions is because of the neighbors she had who were great examples of what members of the church should be. She is always telling me stories about the Andreasens and the Braithwaites helping her family.

Flee Babylon
Catie shared a scripture from Joshua about the Israelites who had escaped physically from Egypt but were having a hard time escaping the culture of Egypt. The Lord has always used various cities, such as Egypt, Sodom and Gomorrah, or Babylon to represent the world and our need to flee from the bondage of sin therein.

Brother of Jared
The brother of Jared’s story is one that has become our family’s theme scripture. It is a story about a group of people fleeing from the city of Babel, the original Babylon. When they come to the Ocean they have no source of light until the Brother of Jared refines some stones and asks the Lord to touch each of the stone so that they can give light. They then put two stones in each vessel and cross the dark, scary waters. Finally, they arrive at the Promised Land.

Here is Moroni’s summary of this account: “Thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness. . . And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mare them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.” I believe that we are those cold, hard stones. Once we are touched by the finger of the Lord, our light shines.

This last conference Elder Christofferson said, “The Lord calls upon us to be beacons of righteousness to guide those who seek the safety and blessings of Zion . . . that the gathering of Zion may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm.” I think that’s interesting when it’s connected to Ether 6:10. I don’t know if Moroni meant this but it fits. He says no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them [semicolon] and they did have light continually. It’s almost as if he is saying that they could not be harmed when they were in the storm-tossed sea because they had light. The light (which for the purpose of this talk is members of the church) protected all who were in the vessel.

On the other hand, Catie and I also know people who will not accept the gospel because they know a member who did not let that light shine as bright as it could have or in the direction is should have.

In addition to hide n' seek, my son loves playing with flashlights. It’s kind of annoying because when I was trying to fix my car, the batteries of the flashlight were dead. One day he discovered that if he shined the light in our eyes we would make a funny face and close our eyes. While this was great fun, his parents soon got tired of the blinding light, so we took the light away. I think that sometimes in our zealousness for the gospel we end up shining that light in our friends’ eyes more than on the path. This is especially dangerous when we don’t light the path in between shining it in their eyes. I think this happens most often when we aren’t genuine in our love or friendship.

Catie mentioned that while she was preparing her talk she came across a story of a family who thought they were being great examples. However, they had neighbors who didn't agree. These neighbors were not members of the church. The family never spoke to their neighbors until one day when the family invited their neighbors over for dinner. They were superficially nice. Then, before the neighbors left, the family invited them to hear the missionaries. Needless to say the neighbor didn't respond well.

Even worse is for a member to shine that light down the wrong path. Remember Christ said the light cannot be hid.

Corianton is me
Alma’s son, Corianton, was one of these types of members on his first mission. However, as I read this scripture, I realized that Alma is not talking to Corianton. He is talking to me in an analogy. I’m not confessing adultery with the harlot Isabel. Many times the scriptures refer to the Israelites as brides who leave their husband, the Lord, to become harlots. This situation is a little in reverse, but it still works. I am the missionary leaving the ministry for the harlot, the world.

“Have ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God? Behold has he not set a good example for thee?” This scripture is talking about Corianton’s brother, Shiblon; however, I changed the he to refer to my older brother Jesus Christ.

He then describes Corianton’s sin involving the harlot. In verse 10, he tells him how to overcome his bad habits. Again, I change the brothers from Helaman and Shiblon to the Savior. “Counsel with your elder Brother in your undertakings; for behold thou are in thy youth, and ye stand in need to be nourished by your Brother. And give heed to his counsel.”

Behold o my son, how great iniquity ye brought the Zoramites (could be your neighbors or even your children); for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words.”

We must be a Zion people
Our examples must be that of a Zion people. Elder Christofferson gave three qualities that we must master to be a Zion people, unity, holiness, and caring for the poor. It is highly important that we have overcome jarrings, contentions, envyings, and strifes. As Christ continued the sermon on the mount, he said “if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come, and offer thy gift.”

The Paper Boy
President Monson told a heart wrenching story a few conferences ago. His paper boy had a difficult time getting the papers on the porches of his customers. Many of the neighbors wanted his wife to sign a petition against this young boy. Gratefully sister Monson did not sign. A few weeks later, this boy committed suicide because others in the neighborhood did sign this petition.

Lustful Desires
The Savior was critical of some of the early saints for their lustful desires. These were people who lived in a non-television, non-film, non-internet, non iPod world. In a world now awash in sexualized images and music, are we free from lustful desires and their attendant evils? Far from pushing the limits of modest dress or indulging in the vicarious immorality of pornography, we are to hunger and thirst after righteousness. To come to Zion, it is not enough for your or me to be somewhat less wicked than others. . . let us once and for all establish our residence in Zion and give up the summer cottage in Babylon.” You’ll recall that Lot’s wife had a hard time leaving that summer cottage in Sodom and Gomorrah. She became salt that had lost its savor.

The Lord has placed each of us in a position to be a light to someone’s vessel. We must counsel with our Elder Brother to determine how we can allow our stones to shine brighter, let the Lord touch those stones, and give heed to his counsel.

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