Scripture Sunday

I'm shamelessly following Allyson's example, and I'm going to try a new thing: Every Sunday, I'll post a scripture or spiritual quote and talk briefly about it, in order to enhance the spirit of my Sabbath day.

One of my long-time favorite scriptures is found in the Book of Mormon. Helaman 5:12 reads:

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

I think one of the bigger reasons that I was originally so drawn to this scripture is the visual imagery involved. I have a really easy time envisioning hanging onto a rock for dear life in the middle of a terrible storm. And my mind also has a very easy time translating that literal storm into a spiritual storm, and the literal rock to the Rock of Jesus Christ.

But more than that, I love the promises contained in this verse.

Elder Richard G. Scott said:

“I testify that you will remove barriers to happiness and find greater peace as you make your first allegiance your membership in the Church of Jesus Christ, and His teachings the foundation of your life. Where family or national traditions or customs conflict with the teachings of God, set them aside. Where traditions and customs are in harmony with His teachings, they should be cherished and followed to preserve your culture and heritage. There is one heritage that you need never change. It is that heritage that comes from your being a daughter or son of Father in Heaven” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 114; or Ensign, May 1998, 87).

I very much have faith in the promise given in Helaman 5:12, that if you build your spiritual foundation on Christ's teachings, Satan will have no power to drag you down, and you cannot fall. I do have a testimony of it as well - when I have been faithful in following the Lord's commandments, I am happy and can find peace in even the most tumultuous of times that I experience.

True Story

Just earlier this evening, our family was sitting in the living room, with only the natural light outside lighting the room. I wasn't paying attention to the outdoors, but suddenly I was aware that the room seemed too dark.

"Wow," I said. "It's really getting dark in here."

"Is there a thunderstorm coming, or something?"

Just then, I crane my neck to look outside at the darkening scene.
And not two seconds after my question, a loud rumble of thunder answered my question in the affirmative.


"Now how's that for timing??" Jesse grins at me.

Yup, I must be turning clairvoyant or something.

S-t-r-e-t-c-h!

You should always stretch your muscles before and after exercising. Anyone with even a middle school physical education knows that, right? You definitely should. Always.

Not that I learned the hard way, or anything. Oh no, I wasn't the one who agreed go on a 4-mile walk with steep inclines with a 16-pound infant strapped to my back, who went straight to the shower after getting home, didn't stretch for more than 2 seconds, and then woke up this morning with calves as stiff as a board, practically causing herself to fall out of bed, and who was hardly able to walk all day long.

Nope, wasn't me! And you can't prove that it was.

Unless, maybe, you're my husband, who has heard me complaining all day long.