LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We tend to judge others to be raising their children with excessive leniency – while – we just exercise wise restraint – because we believe in the law of consequences!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We tend to judge others as being lazy – and – unproductive – while – we just spend the proper amount of energy – commiserate with the compensation we receive!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We tend to judge others to be fat – or – obese – while we examine ourselves – and – say we have put on a few pounds!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Our lack of having a clear understanding – of why our neighbors – make the choices they do – provides us all with ample opportunity – to practice patience – and – tolerance!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Is pointing out – the micromanaging propensities of another – an act of micromanaging??

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Since we are all imperfect beings – with imperfect understanding – it is no wonder – why we will not always share the same views – or – opinions!!

HOMECOMING

The scene has been portrayed by artists, poets have written countless verses about it, congregations and choirs proclaim it in songs and it has been testified of by prophets, yet, for most mortals the events which follow quickly upon our passing from this current phase of existence into the next, remains a thing hoped for, held in our hearts by faith, but not known.

The Scene

Husbands and wives envision it as an affirmation of everlasting vows, accompanied by one of eternity’s most loving embraces.

Families have confidence that invitations have been sent out and accepted by all who are found on the branches of ancestral trees.

The lonely and troubled who have walked solitary paths during mortality envision long desired, outstretched loving arms of care enfolding them.

The multitudes who have perished because of mankind having set their greedy hearts on war and contention, picture a peaceful, serene gathering where hate no longer rules.

The humble and rich are overwhelmed by surprise at vistas which contain neither shacks nor mansions, but abodes ample for their needs.

The honored and mighty of the earth, suddenly are overwhelmed at finding themselves in an attitude of bowing and kneeling before the King of Kings and are humbled by the complete absence of others giving abeyance to them.

The unknowable number of those whose earthly sojourn was but a few minutes, hours or days are filled with unspeakable joy that their absence from their heavenly abode was so brief.

A strong probability exists that the variety of the scenes, of imagined returnings from our time as strangers in a strange land back to our home, are just like the children of Abraham, as numerous as the stars in the heavens.

I seldom read chapter 27 of the Book of Alma in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ without having my own faith-based, hoped for reunion press upon my ponderings. The scenes which I have just described come and go during those pondering moments, but there is one scene which seems to always bring down the curtain upon my thoughts which were stimulated by these final words of Ammon.

In this scene the Giver of all Gifts, our very Father in Heaven bestows a temporary blessings of His Omnipresence upon whoever is making the passage of laying their mortal body aside and entering into Eternal Life. With that glorious gift the totality of one’s existence is at once accessible to their present conscience-ness.

They are at once with those who they discussed Heavenly Father’s Plan with during the Premortal part of their eternal journey.

They are at once with those who were influential in their conversion to Heavenly Father’s Plan.

They are at once with those who prayed with them as they departed their Heavenly Home and journeyed unto the strange land.

They were with the loving parents who nurtured and cherished them.

The veil of forgetfulness was removed and remembrance of every friend and loved one they had interacted with during mortality was within the blessing of God’s gift.

Every tutor and mentor along with their instruction and inspiration came into the vision and renewed the warmness felt at the first hearing.

Momentarily an awareness was allowed which included all who you never suspected to have appreciated your attempts to serve during mortality.

The nearest and dearest were not only part of the vision, but somehow in that blessed moment it was as if they had actually become part of your very existence.

There is an all consuming feeling that you and your one and only, have become in all ways one.

Just as the magnificent moment feels like you are about to be consumed by it’s very light, the Mercy of our Heavenly Father removes the gift and replaces it with the understanding that through your continued progression in the just entered into phase of your eternal existence the day may come when you will have progressed to that level where the Gift of Omnipresence as well as all the gifts of Eternal Lives could be Everlastingly received.

I am going to end this Thought by including a few verses for the afore mentioned chapter and I invite you to allow the spirit to carry your ponderings into thinking about your own foreordained reunion.

Alma 27

7 And Ammon said: I will go and inquire of the Lord, and if he say unto us, go down unto our brethren, will ye go?

8 And the king said unto him: Yea, if the Lord saith unto us go, we will go down unto our brethren, and we will be their slaves until we repair unto them the many murders and sins which we have committed against them.

11 And it came to pass that Ammon went and inquired of the Lord…

14 And they gathered together all their people, yea, all the people of the Lord, and did gather together all their flocks and herds, and departed out of the land, and came into the wilderness which divided the land of Nephi from the land of Zarahemla, and came over near the borders of the land.

16 And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.

17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.

18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.

20 And now it came to pass that Alma conducted his brethren back to the land of Zarahemla; even to his own house. And they went and told the chief judge all the things that had happened unto them in the land of Nephi, among their brethren, the Lamanites.

21 And it came to pass that the chief judge sent a proclamation throughout all the land, desiring the voice of the people concerning the admitting their brethren, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.

22 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came, saying: Behold, we will give up the land of Jershon, which is on the east by the sea, which joins the land Bountiful, which is on the south of the land Bountiful; and this land Jershon is the land which we will give unto our brethren for an inheritance.

26 And it came to pass that it did cause great joy among them. And they went down into the land of Jershon, and took possession of the land of Jershon; and they were called by the Nephites the people of Ammon; therefore they were distinguished by that name ever after.

27 And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.

30 And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord.

If you have had a problem correlating the Nephites giving the Anti-Nephi-Lehies the lands of Jershon with our returning to our Heavenly abode, let me indicated a few markers.

They went forth according to the Lord’s plan.

All former interactions were forgotten.

The word joy is used to describe every interactive reunion.

They were of one belief.

They were full of zeal towards all.

They were full of zeal towards God.

They were honest and upright.

They were firm in their faith of Christ, forever more.

They were a beloved people.

They were a people highly favored of the Lord.

I pray the Lord’s blessings will attend us all and bring us joyously to that wonderful bright day of Homecoming.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

I think it should be required – when referencing a scripture during a lesson – that it be identified in its historical context – before it is used to support a modern position on a principle!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

There are no other doctrines which helps us understand – the universal kinship of the earth’s inhabitants – than those which enlighten us about our shared premortal – and – our post-mortal stages of existence – and – the oneness of our
Eternal Parentage!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

In the end – the thing we ultimately will be most grateful for – will be the completeness of the mercy – and – grace of our loving Heavenly Father!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Although we may have hands laid upon our heads – and – have the Gift of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us – the constancy of His presence – and – influence in our lives will always be conditional – upon us remaining as faithful as we were on the day we received the Gift!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The ordinance of baptism – most often seems – more like a conception – than a rebirth!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

A sure sign – of the sincerity of our repentance might be – that we see our personal characteristics – coming to be more in line with those of our Heavenly Parents!

HOLY CALLING FROM GOD

I had read only a few words of Ammon in chapter 26 of the Book of Alma, where he is rejoicing to his brothers about the miraculous mission they had been part of in bringing so many of their Lamanite cousin’s unto the Lord, when my mind flashed back to Alma’s words in chapter 13 of his book.

And again, my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the time when the Lord God gave these commandments unto his children; and I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people. And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such. And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren.

Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren; thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the atonement of the Only Begotten Son, who was prepared—And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest—This high priesthood being after the order of his Son, which order was from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things—Now they were ordained after this manner—being called with a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking upon them the high priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and high priesthood, is without beginning or end—Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen. (Alma 13: 1-9)

These verses give us a rare and unique glimpse of our progression during our premortal estate, when the children of our Heavenly Parents, such as those like the Alma’s, Ammon’s and all those who would become the mighty ones of God’s army, progressed to the point of being ordained to the Holy Priesthood and foreordained to bless the posterity of God during mortality.

It then takes only a brief moment before one begins to wonder about that veiled part of their own eternal progression and whether they likewise had been ordained because of their personal progress and the foreknowledge of God to teach His commandments unto His children.

Now that I have passed through so many doors
Now that there seem to be so few doors left unopened
I have to ask – is what I am becoming
What I was meant to be?

A quick perusal of Ammon’s joyful account of his mission among the Lamanites found in chapter 26 of the Book of Alma, gives a wonderful list of performances which can be useful in evaluating one’s own fulfillment of Heavenly ordained commissions.

Have I been an instrument in the hands of God to bring thousands into the fold of God?

Have I mightily thrust in my sickle all the day long bringing sheaves into the garners of the Lord?

Have I brought forth sheaves which can withstand storms and winds and remain strong?

Have I refrained from boasting in my own strength?

Do I understand that with the aid of God, I can do all things which He asks of me?

Is my heart filled with joy because I rejoice in my God?

Do I praise and glory in the Lord forever?

Do I understand the impossibility of giving too much glory, praise and power to God?

Do I understand the extent of God’s mercy and long-suffering toward the children of men?

Do I understand the blessings which come from repentance?

Do I understand the blessings which come from continuous prayer?

Do I understand the blessings which come from doing good works?

Do I understand the blessings of knowing the mysteries of God which come to those who are faithful?

Do I believe that God is mindful of every people?

Do I believe that God’s bowels of mercy are over all the earth?

Do I believe that God has all power, all wisdom, all understanding and that He comprehendeth all things?

Although relatively few of our Heavenly Parents’ children have been foreordained to fulfill such marvelous works as did Alma and Ammon and all the mighty and great who lead God’s army, we also understand the importance the Lord has placed on the widow’s mite.

We are reminded of the marvelous blessings which are promised to those who labor all their days and bring but a single sheave unto the garners of the Lord.

We are reminded that the contribution of even those mighty and great ones will be but a pittance when compared to the mission and Atonement of the Lord Jesus the Christ.

We are reminded that in the Lord’s work faithfulness is never measured by the number of sheaves brought to the garners of the Lord, but by the effort which was expended during their harvest.

We are reminded that there is no such thing as a minor Holy Calling from God.

When I have passed through that last mortal door
When I once again abide in a more familiar home
Will I then wonder if I became
All I was sent to become?


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It only takes – a brief perusal of the diversities of the tests – and – experiences humanity passes through – to appreciate the magnitude of the intelligence of God!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

I gain a greater conviction – with each year I am blessed – to observe the comings – and – goings of humans – that our Loving Heavenly Father – has designed the tests of our mortal span – individually – so that we each have the opportunity – to maximize our potential!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

I may be wrong – but – it seems to be taking fewer years – for those of the older generation – to be viewed by the new generations as dinosaurs – and – for them to have their worth become extinct!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

I know I am from the old school – but – the propensity to read talks from the pulpit – stimulates a desire for the good old days – when speakers had a few notes – which they used – to lead them through their remarks!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Although – technological advances have aided us in many ways – and – provided us with added comforts – and – advantages – I question – whether making it easier to prepare to read a talk in Church meetings – will in the end be counted as one of them!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It is difficult to understand – why there are those – who even when talking about the most positive of principles – present them in a negative way??

LET YOUR HEARTS BE CALM

I haven’t been able to identify what was so different about this week; nations still threaten and war against nations, populations still suffer because of selfish leaders, men and women still lie and murder to get gain, people are still getting married or living together until it is no longer self- satisfying, the perfecting of character assassination skills continues, leaving one with the feeling of living in a world which is in a rapidly accelerating downward spiral which can only end in destruction, but for some reason it has caused me to have an increase of anxiety about what future we are heading towards.

During those hours when I have had my brow in my hands, wrung those hands, stared out the window without really seeing through the pain of glass or just sitting in a chair in a state of concerned numbness, I have pondered about what advice the well meaning, but totally wrong friends of Job would have pontificated had they been made aware of my thoughts.

I am pretty sure an escape to a very isolated and lonely spot would have been suggested.

Someone surely would have suggested that a moratorium on all forms of news media, including print, audio, electronic or just back fence gossip would solve the problem.

There is no doubt that the suggestion to do some pulling up on my bootstraps would have been proffered.

I am pretty sure if I had been younger one of these well meaning acquaintances would have told me to get in the fray and try to make a difference.

Since the increasing rotations of the sphere spiraling out of control seems to have reached a condition of perpetual motion, I am pretty certain that said friends of Job will continue to come up with ways to bury ones head so deeply in the sand that the noise of the world’s commotion will be stifled, but the looming death, devastation and destruction will continue to become more eminent.

In anticipation of writing this Thought I started reading in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ and was immediately struck with the realization that things have not changed during the last 2,100 years. Men have yet to come close to following the admonition of Paul the ancient Apostle: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

And so the apostles and prophets bring us back to what should occupy our minds, time, and actions. Not the terrors which have and will endlessly roam the earth, but on those characteristics, attributes and perfections which will inch us towards becoming faithful sons and daughters of our Eternally loving, Merciful and Just Heavenly Father. In fact Paul in that same epistle to the Philippians had preceded his list of things we should set our minds and hearts upon with the following promise: Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (fears) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 4-7)

We turn back to Him who has called us friends and are forcefully reminded that the solution to living in a telestial world and not filling one’s mind with the carnal, sensual and evil which have always and will always exist in such an abode, is to set one’s mind upon things which are virtuous and praise worthy. Doing so with such diligence and abundance that little time is left for dwelling upon grosser ideas and problems.

We read in chapter 26: 14-16 of the Book of Alma that as Ammon, his brethren and the Anti-Nephi-Lehi converts were fleeing through forests from the Lamanite armies, towards unknown, but hoped for safety, Ammon counsels them to put their minds upon the following thoughts rather than the conflicts and dangers of the world.

Be righteous.

Walk in the ways of the Lord.

Observe to keep His statutes and commandments.

Look forward to the coming of Christ.

Keep the outward performances of the gospel.

Strengthen your faith in Christ.

Retain a hope through faith unto eternal salvation.

Rely on the spirit of prophecy.

As one who has been blessed to spend the majority of his days trying to learn, understand and find the way of the gospel plan, I should have learned long ago that there is plenty and more to learn, think about and strive to inculcate into one’s life, that there is no real need to allow the troubles of this telestial world to become a peace destroying annoyance.

I conclude with the counsel and promise found in Doctrine and Covenants 121: 44-46 which if followed will easily occupy my thoughts for more than a lifetime.

That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

And my heart shall be calm.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It is possible – when we are trying to justify our position on a subject – facts may become skewed!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Coming into contact – with a person who has emerged themselves – deeply into a hobby – or – interest – can end with both positive – and – negative results!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Following the loosely strung points – some speakers are trying to connect – at time is more difficult – than struggling through a massive corn maize!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

: There are times – when speakers take such a long journey – before they arrive at a point – that many of the listeners have tuned out – because they were lost along the way.

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

There are those – who view most of their life’s events – as trials – while interestingly – others view similar events – as opportunities for growth!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Those things – which distract us during Church meetings – are usually on the opposite end of the spectrum – from that which the speaker – has prepared – and – is presenting!!

I WILL MAKE WAR NO MORE, FOREVER

Although it is correct and popular to say such things as ‘We only have one life to live,’ or ‘You only live once,’ as I review my life I find that during my personal ‘only once’ span of mortality I have lived in a constant blur of changing eras.

There was an era of a second war to end all wars and a subsequent short period of peace and recovery needed to prepare for the next conflict. It is interesting that my most vivid memories of that era of my life was watching newsreels about the war and pounding tin cans flat for the war effort.

There was an era of innocence which included a bout with rheumatic fever and frolicking in parks.

There was an era which, when it was going on, was referred to as the fabulous days, but later a television show popularized the name happy days and thus it will always be referred as.

There were eras which shifted in and out during all the eras which were referred to as high fashion days or big or whatever hair days.

There is an era of technology which changes so rapidly that the whole world is in a continual hurry to keep up, but always seems to be one gadget behind.

I don’t know how it happened, but even though we had had two World Wars and from them learned of the tremendous loss which comes from warring, during my life there was an era of the Korean Conflict, an era of the Vietnam War, the Cold War era and an ongoing era of Peace Keeping Operations which resemble wars in every sense of the word.

As I was rereading chapter 24 of Alma in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ, the thought came vividly into my mind, that during my life I have lived in a country which loves peace, but seems to be constantly at war. I am reminded of Red Rider movies from the long ago era of television, where Red Rider, just before wiping out half the population of a county, would proclaim ‘I’m a peaceable man’.

As I evaluate the effect war has had on me during my life there is little doubt that what was going on during the Vietnam war caused me greater trauma than any other bloodletting between nations. I had friends who lost their lives. I had friends who escaped the war by going to Canada. I had friends who were staunchly patriotic. I had friends who joined the anti-war movement. Although I was never what one would call an activist I was somewhat of a mixture between being a patriot and an anti-war advocate. Since I was still a member of the Army Reserves being patriotic had to be part of me, but there were also many tugs which drew me away from worshiping war. As I have been blessed with a prolongation of my days I have definitely seen the viewpoint of being anti-war become a more prevalent philosophical position of my life.

I know it is entirely possible and indeed popular to use The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ as text to justify war.

The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ teaches about war being essential for the protection of family and religion.

The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ teaches that since evil exists and their will be those who conspire to destroy others or put them into subjection, it is always essential to be prepared to protect your own lands and freedoms against such people.

However!

In the afore mentioned chapter 24 of Alma the converted Lamanites who had taken upon themselves the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehies in order to repent of their bloodthirsty past, buried their weapons deep in the earth and took an oath never to take up arms again.

The account of Ammon tells of the test of conviction which came upon them shortly after they had buried their weapons of war. The unconverted Lamanites who were mostly made up of groups which had at one time been Nephites, came upon them and true to their oath they bowed down before the invading army and before the Lamanites (previously Nephites) grew tired of slaying them, some 1,005 had perished.

Some important passages from Alma 24.

1 And it came to pass that the Amalekites and the Amulonites and the Lamanites who were in the land of Amulon, and also in the land of Helam, and who were in the land of Jerusalem, and in fine, in all the land round about, who had not been converted and had not taken upon them the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, were stirred up by the Amalekites and by the Amulonites to anger against their brethren.

6 Now there was not one soul among all the people who had been converted unto the Lord that would take up arms against their brethren; nay, they would not even make any preparations for war; yea, and also their king commanded them that they should not.

7 Now, these are the words which he said unto the people concerning the matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our great God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto us to preach unto us, and to convince us of the traditions of our wicked fathers.

10 And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath forgiven us of those our many sins and murders which we have committed, and taken away the guilt from our hearts, through the merits of his Son.

14 And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our souls as well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the plan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations.

15 Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean thereby.

18 And this they did, it being in their view a testimony to God, and also to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of man’s blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands.

20 And it came to pass that their brethren, the Lamanites, made preparations for war, and came up to the land of Nephi for the purpose of destroying the king, and to place another in his stead, and also of destroying the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi out of the land.

21 Now when the people saw that they were coming against them they went out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with the sword.

22 And thus without meeting any resistance, they did slay a thousand and five of them; and we know that they are blessed, for they have gone to dwell with their God.

24 Now when the Lamanites saw this they did forbear from slaying them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen in them for those of their brethren who had fallen under the sword, for they repented of the things which they had done.

25 And it came to pass that they threw down their weapons of war, and they would not take them again, for they were stung for the murders which they had committed; and they came down even as their brethren, relying upon the mercies of those whose arms were lifted to slay them.

26 And it came to pass that the people of God were joined that day by more than the number who had been slain; and those who had been slain were righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt but what they were saved.

27 And there was not a wicked man slain among them; but there were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people.

28 Now the greatest number of those of the Lamanites who slew so many of their brethren were Amalekites and Amulonites, the greatest number of whom were after the order of the Nehors.

To those who believe in the blessings of our next stage of existence the lost of mortal life has little significance when one has an eternal perspective.

I recognize the uniqueness of this story, but it reminds me of when the Lord said it was the Peace Makers who would be blessed.

Although the radical anti-war movement never moved me from my Uniformed patriotism, I was moved by the words of Carl Sandberg from his book The People Yes, ‘Sometime they will give a war and nobody will come.

It is also of note that with all the justifications of war because of protection for family, the end of the wars in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ is the utter death, desolation and destruction of a nation.

It seems that Isaiah foresaw a different ending for the era of the Latter Days when he foretold the following; And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. (Isaiah 2: 2-4)

Just as Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt or Hinmatóowyalahtq̓it, popularly known as Chief Joseph, Young Joseph, or Joseph the Younger the great leader of the of the Wal-lam-wat-kain (Wallowa) band of Nez Perce proclaimed ‘I will make no war, forever’, I pray the day will come when the children of the Universal Heavenly Father will come to be so converted that we will likewise go and make no war, forever.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Being flexible – is only appropriate – if it doesn’t stop us – from developing good habits!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Habits are only helpful – if they don’t prevent us – from being flexible – or – cause us to stagnate!!