Joy and Peace in Christ

"I am also a man of faith, and I know we can be strengthened and lifted as we call upon God and His Son, Jesus Christ the Master Healer.  I invite you to join with me in worldwide fast for all whose health permits to pray for relief from the physical, emotional, and economic effects of this global pandemic." When I saw President Nelson's video, I knew about the worldwide fast and had already resolved to participate, but I wanted to know exactly what President Nelson was asking us to fast for.  I fixed on the word "relief".  What does "relief" really mean? Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary says " removal or lightening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing".   This made me think of Alma's people, when they are oppressed and in bondage to the Lamanites and the priests of King Noah. Mosiah 24:10 says " And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God."  Verses 13-15 con...

We love stories. We are a story-telling people. We tell them, we collect them, we make them up, we write them down. We tell about people, places, events; past, present and future. We use series to teach, to entertain, to make a point. I want to tell you about one of my favorite stories, one I know to be true. It is a story about a man, a son, a brother, who paid the ultimate price in order to give the ultimate gift. He didn't have to, and at one point, He didn't want to. He gave his whole self, everything he had. To us. For us. He loves us. He is our Savior. He is your Savior. He is mine. He is our older brother, and this is His church, restored by His prophet. I know these things are true, and I say then in His name, Jesus Christ. Amen.