Friday, January 31, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Why do – conversations about health problems – always seem to turn into contests of – can you top this??
Thursday, January 30, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
In the lives of the elderly – there are probably more times than not – when involuntary napping is one of life’s greatest blessings!!
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
If you often find yourself yearning – for the way fashions were in the good old days – be patient – someone will make a brilliant discovery – and – those things of the good old days – will repeat within just a few short years!!
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
The frequency with which the inhabitants of the world – change their fashions is probably a strong manifestation – of the insecurity they have in their current way of life!!
Monday, January 27, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We often become so comfortable with our level of knowledge – and – understanding – that added insights – and – revelations can become disturbances – and thereby – become difficult to add to the tenets of our lives!!
Sunday, January 26, 2020
AN ANTI - ANTI WORLD
While I was rereading the account of Korihor in chapter 31 of the Book of Alma in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ, many of the self-talks I have had during my life came rushing back into my mind, about how some people would rather spend their lives saying and doing all they can to destroy the lives and beliefs of others rather than being advocates of building and strengthening.
This choice of a mission of life becomes even murkier to me when the antagonists are converted and committed to the destruction of another’s chosen path.
Korihor was completely dedicated to the convincing of the members of Christ’s Church that no one could know of things to come; therefore, there was no such thing as the spirit of prophecy, therefore, there was no Christ nor an Atonement. He also taught that the teachings of Alma about the Fall of Adam and Eve were not true, that there were no consequences for one’s choices and that when one died, that was the end of their existence.
Besides preaching against the beliefs of the Church of Christ, Korihor also used the argumentative methodology of demeaning, distracting and diverting, which is usually employed by those who wish to destroy rather than build. He claimed Alma had a frenzied mind (a rather unique way to say you believe someone is crazy), that Alma was just a blind follower of the traditions of his fathers and was unable to prosper according to his own genius.
Korihor’s teachings were readily accepted by those who wanted to managed their own lives without any restraints nor laws, believing that whatever a person did was OK. It should come as no surprise that those who chose to follow him set their hearts on wickedness rather than goodness, whoredoms rather than virtue and control rather than cooperation.
It was also interesting that Korihor’s truth was relative and, therefore, he did not feel bound by absolute truth, because whatever shifting thoughts he believed were his truth.
Korihor was referred to as an Anti-Christ because he aimed his destructive preaching at the beliefs of Christ’s Church, but I really believe his selfish makeup would have pushed him to be ‘Anti’ anything which put restriction on him or his choices.
In my mind one of the blessings of having been born always seeing the glass half full, is that even when mulling over a negative account such as the one of Korihor, it isn’t long before the light at the end of the tunnel is seen and leads me to a brighter view.
The Anti – Anti World which lies in my soul
I have chosen to begin this section of this Sabbath Day’s Thought with Sports for two reasons; first, in the eternal scope of life it isn’t really all that important and second, I think in that arena I am able to lay a proper foundation about the world I would love to have lived in, which I would love to be living in and the one I hope to live in eternally.
In what undoubtedly is the last quarter of my mortal life the only sporting events which I will sit and watch in their entirety are golf and volleyball.
I am pretty sure that the reason these two sports continue to hold my short term attention for a longer period of time is that the majority of time I played them, it was in a self policed environment. I am not sure I would have retained the same attitude if I had played in more structured games. In golf, although I often played with optional rules I was the official who called my own penalties. Likewise, in volleyball in our casual games we called our own net violations and carries.
Although I played a lot of organized games with balls, my favorite game with a baseball was over the line, a game where a single or any other hit was determined by an uncaught ball going beyond a certain line. Never any arguments about being safe of out. My favorite basketball games were pick up games in the driveway shooting at a lopsided hoop hooked to the garage. If we kept score or not it didn’t really matter.
When I was Stake President one of the things I tried to initiate was open cultural hall night’s to replace the inter-ward competition. I only got as far as eliminating paid referees, but I considered it a start in the right direction.
It is kind of like having to explain a joke, but I suspect there are many who just shrugged their shoulders and said what was that all about. Well, I dream of a world where the rules are known and lived without any outside influence having to enforce them, a world where cooperation replaces competition, a world where calmness replaces anger and a world where integrity is unwavering.
Do what is right!
The next area I want to spend some time talking about is Religion, because I believe it has not only been a major contributor to the making of a better world, but also has caused a great deal of harm and suffering to mankind.
In response to a newspaper editor’s query about the fundamental beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote what have become The Articles of Faith and are found in the canonized scripture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints called the Pearl of Great Price. The eleventh of those thirteen articles states the following.
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
What a different history would have been written if our ancestors would have believed and adhered to these words. What a different world we would live in if the current religions which exist in the world today would believe and adhere to these words. There is no doubt that the promised millennial peace can only happen if those who live during that period believe and adhere to such words.
Sadly, I find many within the confines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who either do not believe the words found in the eleventh article of faith or in spite of believing they fail to adhere to the precepts found therein. I am sure this is one of those ‘cleaning of the inner vessel’ things which must take place before the Savior can take His place as the Millennial King.
Let us speak no ill!
Although I seldom find pleasure in writing about them, I feel a need to write something about Governments and Politics. I find that most of my thoughts and discussions about these groups end by sadly uttering ‘pox on all their houses’. The only enjoyment I have in this arena is when I am writing my tongue in cheek Non Political Party Party Posts (N3P).
I have previously written about my journey through the changes in political rhetoric during my life. However, I can’t resist adding a few additional points.
There is little doubt that if we were to cast a net to gather those in our world who are currently the leaders of the ‘Anti’ philosophy, our most fruitful catch would happen if we were to cast our net where those in government and politics reside.
I believe our world wouldn’t be in such constant turmoil if there were some way to confine the epidemic spreading of the ‘Anti’ philosophy emanating from the houses and thrones of governments, but sadly, their influence is so powerful that few citizens are able to withstand being infected by the tsunami of negativism.
From my experience on Face Book the counsel of the Apostles and Prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be civil in our conversations, seems to have been mostly unable to stay the tide of the ‘Anti’ political bickering of many of the members.
A little child shall lead them!
In spite of it being caught in a downward spiral of dysfunction I feel I would be amiss if I did not spend a few lines talking about the Family.
Until and unless we eliminate ‘Anti’ philosophical, speaking and acting from the basic unit of humanity there is little hope of our reversing the trend of ‘finding a better way’ which the world constantly uses in its effort to destroy this foundational unit with ‘Anti’ family verbiage.
I feel the solution resides in the family itself.
Belittling banter between family members will never co-exist with the goal of having a heavenly home.
Backbiting and gossip about family members will never strengthen the walls of our refuge from the ravaging wolves of the world.
The ‘Anti’ verbiage against the family will not destroy this God appointed unit, but ‘Anti’ expressions within the walls of home will cause it to fall.
I am a child of God!
In conclusion I add the word of Alma as an antidote to the rapidly consuming disease of ‘Anti’ we find in the world today.
And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God. (Alma 31: 5)
Speak no evil!
I have no ability to change the world that was. I have no ability to change the world that will be. Therefore, let me attempt to change the world a little today by living my life free of being ‘Anti’.
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❣️
This choice of a mission of life becomes even murkier to me when the antagonists are converted and committed to the destruction of another’s chosen path.
Korihor was completely dedicated to the convincing of the members of Christ’s Church that no one could know of things to come; therefore, there was no such thing as the spirit of prophecy, therefore, there was no Christ nor an Atonement. He also taught that the teachings of Alma about the Fall of Adam and Eve were not true, that there were no consequences for one’s choices and that when one died, that was the end of their existence.
Besides preaching against the beliefs of the Church of Christ, Korihor also used the argumentative methodology of demeaning, distracting and diverting, which is usually employed by those who wish to destroy rather than build. He claimed Alma had a frenzied mind (a rather unique way to say you believe someone is crazy), that Alma was just a blind follower of the traditions of his fathers and was unable to prosper according to his own genius.
Korihor’s teachings were readily accepted by those who wanted to managed their own lives without any restraints nor laws, believing that whatever a person did was OK. It should come as no surprise that those who chose to follow him set their hearts on wickedness rather than goodness, whoredoms rather than virtue and control rather than cooperation.
It was also interesting that Korihor’s truth was relative and, therefore, he did not feel bound by absolute truth, because whatever shifting thoughts he believed were his truth.
Korihor was referred to as an Anti-Christ because he aimed his destructive preaching at the beliefs of Christ’s Church, but I really believe his selfish makeup would have pushed him to be ‘Anti’ anything which put restriction on him or his choices.
In my mind one of the blessings of having been born always seeing the glass half full, is that even when mulling over a negative account such as the one of Korihor, it isn’t long before the light at the end of the tunnel is seen and leads me to a brighter view.
The Anti – Anti World which lies in my soul
I have chosen to begin this section of this Sabbath Day’s Thought with Sports for two reasons; first, in the eternal scope of life it isn’t really all that important and second, I think in that arena I am able to lay a proper foundation about the world I would love to have lived in, which I would love to be living in and the one I hope to live in eternally.
In what undoubtedly is the last quarter of my mortal life the only sporting events which I will sit and watch in their entirety are golf and volleyball.
I am pretty sure that the reason these two sports continue to hold my short term attention for a longer period of time is that the majority of time I played them, it was in a self policed environment. I am not sure I would have retained the same attitude if I had played in more structured games. In golf, although I often played with optional rules I was the official who called my own penalties. Likewise, in volleyball in our casual games we called our own net violations and carries.
Although I played a lot of organized games with balls, my favorite game with a baseball was over the line, a game where a single or any other hit was determined by an uncaught ball going beyond a certain line. Never any arguments about being safe of out. My favorite basketball games were pick up games in the driveway shooting at a lopsided hoop hooked to the garage. If we kept score or not it didn’t really matter.
When I was Stake President one of the things I tried to initiate was open cultural hall night’s to replace the inter-ward competition. I only got as far as eliminating paid referees, but I considered it a start in the right direction.
It is kind of like having to explain a joke, but I suspect there are many who just shrugged their shoulders and said what was that all about. Well, I dream of a world where the rules are known and lived without any outside influence having to enforce them, a world where cooperation replaces competition, a world where calmness replaces anger and a world where integrity is unwavering.
Do what is right!
The next area I want to spend some time talking about is Religion, because I believe it has not only been a major contributor to the making of a better world, but also has caused a great deal of harm and suffering to mankind.
In response to a newspaper editor’s query about the fundamental beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote what have become The Articles of Faith and are found in the canonized scripture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints called the Pearl of Great Price. The eleventh of those thirteen articles states the following.
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
What a different history would have been written if our ancestors would have believed and adhered to these words. What a different world we would live in if the current religions which exist in the world today would believe and adhere to these words. There is no doubt that the promised millennial peace can only happen if those who live during that period believe and adhere to such words.
Sadly, I find many within the confines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who either do not believe the words found in the eleventh article of faith or in spite of believing they fail to adhere to the precepts found therein. I am sure this is one of those ‘cleaning of the inner vessel’ things which must take place before the Savior can take His place as the Millennial King.
Let us speak no ill!
Although I seldom find pleasure in writing about them, I feel a need to write something about Governments and Politics. I find that most of my thoughts and discussions about these groups end by sadly uttering ‘pox on all their houses’. The only enjoyment I have in this arena is when I am writing my tongue in cheek Non Political Party Party Posts (N3P).
I have previously written about my journey through the changes in political rhetoric during my life. However, I can’t resist adding a few additional points.
There is little doubt that if we were to cast a net to gather those in our world who are currently the leaders of the ‘Anti’ philosophy, our most fruitful catch would happen if we were to cast our net where those in government and politics reside.
I believe our world wouldn’t be in such constant turmoil if there were some way to confine the epidemic spreading of the ‘Anti’ philosophy emanating from the houses and thrones of governments, but sadly, their influence is so powerful that few citizens are able to withstand being infected by the tsunami of negativism.
From my experience on Face Book the counsel of the Apostles and Prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be civil in our conversations, seems to have been mostly unable to stay the tide of the ‘Anti’ political bickering of many of the members.
A little child shall lead them!
In spite of it being caught in a downward spiral of dysfunction I feel I would be amiss if I did not spend a few lines talking about the Family.
Until and unless we eliminate ‘Anti’ philosophical, speaking and acting from the basic unit of humanity there is little hope of our reversing the trend of ‘finding a better way’ which the world constantly uses in its effort to destroy this foundational unit with ‘Anti’ family verbiage.
I feel the solution resides in the family itself.
Belittling banter between family members will never co-exist with the goal of having a heavenly home.
Backbiting and gossip about family members will never strengthen the walls of our refuge from the ravaging wolves of the world.
The ‘Anti’ verbiage against the family will not destroy this God appointed unit, but ‘Anti’ expressions within the walls of home will cause it to fall.
I am a child of God!
In conclusion I add the word of Alma as an antidote to the rapidly consuming disease of ‘Anti’ we find in the world today.
And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God. (Alma 31: 5)
Speak no evil!
I have no ability to change the world that was. I have no ability to change the world that will be. Therefore, let me attempt to change the world a little today by living my life free of being ‘Anti’.
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❣️
Saturday, January 25, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We must be careful – that we don’t allow the comfort of our daily routine – to minimize our efforts – our attempts to maximize our productivity!!
Friday, January 24, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We must be careful – that we don’t allow the comfort of our daily routine – to minimize in our minds – the importance of maximizing relationships!!
Thursday, January 23, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
It seems – no matter how strong our belief in life after death may be – there will always be moments when our greatest desire – will be to cling to mortality!!
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
A person will only be listen to a speaker – for a brief moment of time – if they are unable to connect the meaning of the speakers words!!
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Some of us are prone when speaking of ideas which we don’t really understand – that if we express our thoughts in a complicated enough way – people will believe we are intelligent – and – that they will think we know what we are talking about!!
Monday, January 20, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We may all grow out of the thumb sucking stage – but none the less – we should continue to seek – and – find ways to ease – the feeling which accompany stress – or – being in uncomfortable situations!!
Sunday, January 19, 2020
WITH THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL 3
The following two verses from Alma 29, The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ, should serve as a reminder of the Thoughts which we have been pondering during the previous two Sabbath Days, but if you need a greater jolt a quick review of those Thoughts should fill that void.
6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?
7 Why should I desire that I were an angel, that I could speak unto all the ends of the earth?
I have entered the two preceding verses hoping they will serve as a quick reminder of our discussion on Alma’s counsel about being content with the work we have been called to do, President Benson’s admonition to seek our Father’s appointed commission which we were to fulfill during mortality, Elder Maxwell’s counsel about seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we pray in order that our prayers lead to life everlasting, and that Agency is variable according to the knowledge with which we have been blessed.
8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.
While teaching Institute of Religion classes on the subject of World Religions, a privilege I had numerous times during my teaching career, I was often struck with several puzzling dilemmas.
Why, when there are there so many tenets held in common among the religions of the world do the adherents within religious groups concentrate on the seeming differences found in their texts?
Why, when most religions teach of a singular just and loving deity, does the name by which that God was known in their native tongue seem to translate in their minds as a being completely different than the one worshiped by their neighbors?
Why, if there is but one source of truth were there any variances at all in the principles, doctrines and tenets of the world’s religions?
The beautiful verse quoted above has often put my mind at ease because it addresses the truth that there is but one Universal God of all mankind regardless of what name He is referred to by.
It explains why there would be doctrinal differences because in the wisdom of the Omniscient One he both gives and withholds truth based on the readiness of each group of His children to receive.
Sadly history reveals to us, when adherents within a religious sect seal the heavens and freeze the instructions of Deus to them, men seem to have the propensity to fill that void by adding their own precepts to the dogmas of their religions.
While reading this verse, I also receive a powerful addition to the strength of my testimony concerning the necessity of continual revelation. Since our lives are not stuck in a moment of time when one of Allah’s servants was living in such a way to receive the word of God and was inspired to write it down, it does not mean the changes which His children would encounter should not be accompanied by additional revealed instruction.
9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
As Alma seems to come to the end of his ‘psalm like’ expressions of his desire to be ‘like an angel’ who could speak with the ‘trump of God’, he bestows beautiful counsel upon those who would receive in any degree a commission to be an instrument in the hands of God. I invite you to spend some moments pondering what Alma says about finding glory in being an instrument of God in bringing souls to repentance. I would also draw your attention, to the additional understanding he highlights concerning a few important principles.
The original meaning for the principle of repentance is to ‘prepare to meet God’ which indeed includes the forsaking of the things of the world which contaminate our souls and paying proper penitence, but importantly also includes beginning and continuing the process of putting on the attributes, characteristic and perfections of our Heavenly Parents.
While he uses the word glory in this passage, it takes only a brief moment of pondering to realize he has given us greater understanding to the principle of humility. The telestial mortal man is driven with the desire for honor and praise and in this quest often tries to convince himself and others that he is all superior. In this insightful verse Alma reminds us that all glory which is to be given in the work of God is to be given to Him whose work it is. Therein rests the very key to the meaning of humility for a disciple, in that we forever in all things recognize our ‘relative nothingness’ relationship to our Heavenly Parents.
We are also reminded in these verses of the marvelous gift which comes to a commissioned messenger of God. That being the emotion of JOY, which has been revealed to us to be that soul drenching feeling which comes to one when the gulf between themselves and God narrows a bit and they, at least momentarily, feel the showering of his love upon them.
10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.
13 Yea, and that same God did establish his church among them; yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full.
14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.
15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!
16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy. Amen.
Sadly, the callings and commissions which we receive in life at times bring with them feelings of heaviness and remind us all too powerfully of our own weaknesses. In all sincerity I add my desire that on those days when clouds begin to obscure our vision and we seem to be losing strength, rereading this marvelous chapter of Alma will be uplifting and sustaining and will give us the will to go forth in the work of the Lord.
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❣️
6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?
7 Why should I desire that I were an angel, that I could speak unto all the ends of the earth?
I have entered the two preceding verses hoping they will serve as a quick reminder of our discussion on Alma’s counsel about being content with the work we have been called to do, President Benson’s admonition to seek our Father’s appointed commission which we were to fulfill during mortality, Elder Maxwell’s counsel about seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we pray in order that our prayers lead to life everlasting, and that Agency is variable according to the knowledge with which we have been blessed.
8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.
While teaching Institute of Religion classes on the subject of World Religions, a privilege I had numerous times during my teaching career, I was often struck with several puzzling dilemmas.
Why, when there are there so many tenets held in common among the religions of the world do the adherents within religious groups concentrate on the seeming differences found in their texts?
Why, when most religions teach of a singular just and loving deity, does the name by which that God was known in their native tongue seem to translate in their minds as a being completely different than the one worshiped by their neighbors?
Why, if there is but one source of truth were there any variances at all in the principles, doctrines and tenets of the world’s religions?
The beautiful verse quoted above has often put my mind at ease because it addresses the truth that there is but one Universal God of all mankind regardless of what name He is referred to by.
It explains why there would be doctrinal differences because in the wisdom of the Omniscient One he both gives and withholds truth based on the readiness of each group of His children to receive.
Sadly history reveals to us, when adherents within a religious sect seal the heavens and freeze the instructions of Deus to them, men seem to have the propensity to fill that void by adding their own precepts to the dogmas of their religions.
While reading this verse, I also receive a powerful addition to the strength of my testimony concerning the necessity of continual revelation. Since our lives are not stuck in a moment of time when one of Allah’s servants was living in such a way to receive the word of God and was inspired to write it down, it does not mean the changes which His children would encounter should not be accompanied by additional revealed instruction.
9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
As Alma seems to come to the end of his ‘psalm like’ expressions of his desire to be ‘like an angel’ who could speak with the ‘trump of God’, he bestows beautiful counsel upon those who would receive in any degree a commission to be an instrument in the hands of God. I invite you to spend some moments pondering what Alma says about finding glory in being an instrument of God in bringing souls to repentance. I would also draw your attention, to the additional understanding he highlights concerning a few important principles.
The original meaning for the principle of repentance is to ‘prepare to meet God’ which indeed includes the forsaking of the things of the world which contaminate our souls and paying proper penitence, but importantly also includes beginning and continuing the process of putting on the attributes, characteristic and perfections of our Heavenly Parents.
While he uses the word glory in this passage, it takes only a brief moment of pondering to realize he has given us greater understanding to the principle of humility. The telestial mortal man is driven with the desire for honor and praise and in this quest often tries to convince himself and others that he is all superior. In this insightful verse Alma reminds us that all glory which is to be given in the work of God is to be given to Him whose work it is. Therein rests the very key to the meaning of humility for a disciple, in that we forever in all things recognize our ‘relative nothingness’ relationship to our Heavenly Parents.
We are also reminded in these verses of the marvelous gift which comes to a commissioned messenger of God. That being the emotion of JOY, which has been revealed to us to be that soul drenching feeling which comes to one when the gulf between themselves and God narrows a bit and they, at least momentarily, feel the showering of his love upon them.
10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.
13 Yea, and that same God did establish his church among them; yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full.
14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.
15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!
16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy. Amen.
Sadly, the callings and commissions which we receive in life at times bring with them feelings of heaviness and remind us all too powerfully of our own weaknesses. In all sincerity I add my desire that on those days when clouds begin to obscure our vision and we seem to be losing strength, rereading this marvelous chapter of Alma will be uplifting and sustaining and will give us the will to go forth in the work of the Lord.
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❣️
Saturday, January 18, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
There are moments when the sincerity of our words falls short – because – we say what is expected of us – and – not necessarily that which we feel – or – believe!!
Friday, January 17, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Even during the time of life when years seem to go by faster than a speeding bullet – there are hours – and – days when time seems to be moving at a snail’s pace!!
Thursday, January 16, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
One of the great blessings which comes with aging – is how relatively unimportant – so many of life’s issues become!!
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Our reaction to the sacrifices we make – may be one of the most significant indicators – of the degree of our progress!!
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
When an excessive amount of sacrifice – is required to fulfill an assignment – it often leads to joy – but – can also result in an excess of murmuring!!
Monday, January 13, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
I have often wondered – if the amount of sacrifice – required to fulfill an assignment – determines the magnitude of the blessing??
Sunday, January 12, 2020
WITH THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL 2
If you didn’t read last week’s Thought for a Sabbath Day or if you have forgotten why I am spending another week using chapter 29 of Alma, in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ as my source of inspiration for my Thoughts, I would encourage you to review or read for the first time last week’s edition of my Thoughts.
Kathleen so kindly remarked when she was doing the editing of last week’s Thought, that there was no way I was going to get through this chapter in two weeks. Therefore, as I continue I will just say that we will be using this chapter as the inspiration for Thoughts for Sabbath Days until we are no longer using it.
3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
I suspect few if any of us has added this to the list of ways in which we can sin. In fact, I believe most of us would have placed Alma’s, ‘desire to speak with the voice of an angel’ on the list of righteous desires.
As I age, my view of the marvelous miracle of our brain and its abilities continues to add to its mysteriousness. For instance, as I was writing the previous sentence a statement by Ezra Taft Benson pushed forward from a buried cell and was carried by my neurons into my consciousness. ‘The most important thing we can learn during mortality is what we were sent to do.’
I don’t know if there was an actual laying on of hands formalizing what we were commissioned by our Heavenly Father to accomplish during our earthly mission, but I suspect inspired Patriarchal Blessings by the Lord’s earthly ordained Patriarchs may at least give us a glimpse into what was contained in that Father of Father’s blessing.
As I remember the context of President’s Benson’s talk, he didn’t put the responsibility of discovering the content of that pre mortal existence blessing in the hands of the ordained Patriarchs, but indicated it was a very individual responsibility.
Therefore, if callings in the Lord’s Kingdom are preordained and meant to be our personal contribution to the furthering of His work on the earth I believe Alma also knew that we were being righteous when we were operating within the bounds of our own callings and going outside of those parameters could cause us to sin.
We have been cautioned about finding fault with our leaders. I suspect that caution would include and, if we are not careful, move us into the area of sin if we think we could do a better job in certain callings.
Hence, in order to avoid having our wishes to have a more ‘powerful’ or ‘important’ voice in the kingdom, we would do well to be content with the things the Lord has allotted unto us. I would add that we would also do well to follow Alma’s example and go forth with all our might, mind and strength to amplify the stewardships which have been place upon us. For when all is said and done, slothfulness causes us to move toward sinning.
4 I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.
One of the great joys of my career of being a full time teacher in the Seminaries and Institutes programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that I had the privilege of using the words from various books by Elder Neal A. Maxwell as the teaching source for my classes during many semesters.
One of the many wonderful things I remember from those classes was a principle Elder Maxwell taught about prayer. His counsel was that it would be wise to ponder what we were going to pray about before we pray, wait for inspiration from the Holy Spirit as confirmation whether to pray about what we had been thinking about and then proceed to pray about what had been confirmed to us by the Holy Spirt.
As we read this previous verse we should begin to understand the wisdom of Elder Maxwell’s teaching. Alma indicated the Lord will grant unto men the desires of their hearts along with the consequences of those desires.
If Alma is correct the Lord may grant us the desires of our hearts as a means of teaching us a consequential lesson just as well as giving us a blessed emphasis for our progression.
This statement of Alma about the Lord granting us the wishes of our hearts, regardless of whether the granting of those wishes will lead a person towards death and destruction or towards life and salvation may be the ultimate statement on the importance of how we use the law of Agency.
As I ponder the ramifications which Alma teaches about the granting of our wishes either leading us toward good or evil consequences, it becomes even of greater importance to entertain Elder Maxwell’s counsel on seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as a prelude to our petitioning the Lord about fulfilling the desires of our hearts.
5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.
I feel a need to examine this verse phrase by phrase.
I know that good and evil have come before all men
In my opinion it cannot be more clearly stated. All who reach the age of accountability will be faced with the trial of choosing between the forces of good and the forces of evil.
We will come across the principle later and discuss it in greater detail, but for now it is important to note why I have pointed to our age and accountability. The Lord had revealed that little children, (for most of us that begins about the age of eight) are in a state of innocence and will not be held accountable for their choices and any evil they may do is covered by the Atonement of the Savior.
he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless
With this phrase Alma adds another group besides the innocent. Those who are ignorant, whose choices are covered by the Atonement of the Savior and for which the children of God will not be held accountable.
he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience
For those of us who fall under the full weight of the consequences of our decisions, we would be wise to petition the aid of the Holy Spirit to guide us toward good and away from evil so that we might have life rather than death and joy rather than remorse. Alma gives added emphasis to this principle as he includes the prayers we use to express the desires of our hearts.
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❣️
Kathleen so kindly remarked when she was doing the editing of last week’s Thought, that there was no way I was going to get through this chapter in two weeks. Therefore, as I continue I will just say that we will be using this chapter as the inspiration for Thoughts for Sabbath Days until we are no longer using it.
3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
I suspect few if any of us has added this to the list of ways in which we can sin. In fact, I believe most of us would have placed Alma’s, ‘desire to speak with the voice of an angel’ on the list of righteous desires.
As I age, my view of the marvelous miracle of our brain and its abilities continues to add to its mysteriousness. For instance, as I was writing the previous sentence a statement by Ezra Taft Benson pushed forward from a buried cell and was carried by my neurons into my consciousness. ‘The most important thing we can learn during mortality is what we were sent to do.’
I don’t know if there was an actual laying on of hands formalizing what we were commissioned by our Heavenly Father to accomplish during our earthly mission, but I suspect inspired Patriarchal Blessings by the Lord’s earthly ordained Patriarchs may at least give us a glimpse into what was contained in that Father of Father’s blessing.
As I remember the context of President’s Benson’s talk, he didn’t put the responsibility of discovering the content of that pre mortal existence blessing in the hands of the ordained Patriarchs, but indicated it was a very individual responsibility.
Therefore, if callings in the Lord’s Kingdom are preordained and meant to be our personal contribution to the furthering of His work on the earth I believe Alma also knew that we were being righteous when we were operating within the bounds of our own callings and going outside of those parameters could cause us to sin.
We have been cautioned about finding fault with our leaders. I suspect that caution would include and, if we are not careful, move us into the area of sin if we think we could do a better job in certain callings.
Hence, in order to avoid having our wishes to have a more ‘powerful’ or ‘important’ voice in the kingdom, we would do well to be content with the things the Lord has allotted unto us. I would add that we would also do well to follow Alma’s example and go forth with all our might, mind and strength to amplify the stewardships which have been place upon us. For when all is said and done, slothfulness causes us to move toward sinning.
4 I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.
One of the great joys of my career of being a full time teacher in the Seminaries and Institutes programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that I had the privilege of using the words from various books by Elder Neal A. Maxwell as the teaching source for my classes during many semesters.
One of the many wonderful things I remember from those classes was a principle Elder Maxwell taught about prayer. His counsel was that it would be wise to ponder what we were going to pray about before we pray, wait for inspiration from the Holy Spirit as confirmation whether to pray about what we had been thinking about and then proceed to pray about what had been confirmed to us by the Holy Spirt.
As we read this previous verse we should begin to understand the wisdom of Elder Maxwell’s teaching. Alma indicated the Lord will grant unto men the desires of their hearts along with the consequences of those desires.
If Alma is correct the Lord may grant us the desires of our hearts as a means of teaching us a consequential lesson just as well as giving us a blessed emphasis for our progression.
This statement of Alma about the Lord granting us the wishes of our hearts, regardless of whether the granting of those wishes will lead a person towards death and destruction or towards life and salvation may be the ultimate statement on the importance of how we use the law of Agency.
As I ponder the ramifications which Alma teaches about the granting of our wishes either leading us toward good or evil consequences, it becomes even of greater importance to entertain Elder Maxwell’s counsel on seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as a prelude to our petitioning the Lord about fulfilling the desires of our hearts.
5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.
I feel a need to examine this verse phrase by phrase.
I know that good and evil have come before all men
In my opinion it cannot be more clearly stated. All who reach the age of accountability will be faced with the trial of choosing between the forces of good and the forces of evil.
We will come across the principle later and discuss it in greater detail, but for now it is important to note why I have pointed to our age and accountability. The Lord had revealed that little children, (for most of us that begins about the age of eight) are in a state of innocence and will not be held accountable for their choices and any evil they may do is covered by the Atonement of the Savior.
he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless
With this phrase Alma adds another group besides the innocent. Those who are ignorant, whose choices are covered by the Atonement of the Savior and for which the children of God will not be held accountable.
he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience
For those of us who fall under the full weight of the consequences of our decisions, we would be wise to petition the aid of the Holy Spirit to guide us toward good and away from evil so that we might have life rather than death and joy rather than remorse. Alma gives added emphasis to this principle as he includes the prayers we use to express the desires of our hearts.
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❣️
Saturday, January 11, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
A glut of information – is not always what is needed – for students to have a meaningful experience!!
Friday, January 10, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
When a teacher asks questions – where the answer is obvious – the responses of the students – will usually – be few – or – shallow!!
Thursday, January 9, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Change does not effect – not – is it handled – in the same way – by any of us!!
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Tears – or – laughter may be major indicators of the effect our thoughts – and – words are having on our neighbors!!
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
The longer I remain in this mortal state – the more clear it becomes to me that none of Heavenly Father’s children – spend the major part of their journey toward Eternal Life – during this mortal span!!
Monday, January 6, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Since repentance – can be summed up by saying it is the preparation we go through – to become eligible to return to live with our Celestial Parents – we will probably not be very far along the path – when our mortal clocks wind down!!
Sunday, January 5, 2020
WITH THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL 1
As I started to write this Thought, I realized my heart was really feeling full. I think that is an expression which we have found convenient to use when we are unable to accurately express the sensations of joy we are feeling. Anyway, I had that wonderfulness come upon me because I would be opening The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ to gain inspiration on what to write about for this Sunday’s Thought. Likewise, it took but a quick glance as I lifted the ribbon to open the text to the next chapter I would be writing about, before I became aware that it was Chapter 29 of Alma, which to me contains some of the most wonderful passages in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The verses in this chapter sing to my soul not only because of the wonderful message they contain, but also because of the beautiful way they are expressed. There is little wonder why the lyricist, Wanda West Palmer, used the words of Alma in this chapter to write a beautiful song.
Oh, That I were an Angel,
Oh, That I were an Angel,
And could have the wish, the wish of my heart
Could have the wish of my heart.
Oh, That I were an Angel,
Oh, That I were an Angel,
And could have the wish of my heart.
That I might go forth and speak
with a trump, the trump of God!
With a voice, a voice to shake the earth!
Shake the earth!
And cry repentance.
Repentance unto every people.
To every people.
Cry repentance unto every people.
Repentance.
Oh, That I were an Angel,
Oh, That I were an Angel,
And could have the wish of my heart,
Could have the wish of my heart.
Oh, That I were an Angel.
Before I even started to write I knew it would take at least two Sundays of my Thoughts for a Sabbath Day to even begin to do justice to the wonderful messages and doctrines contained in this chapter.
We begin our journey through this remarkable chapter by presenting and beginning our discussion on the first nine verses in chapter 29 of Alma. I have chosen to emphasize in bold the words of Alma which I will be using as the springboard for our discussion as I write my Thoughts for the next few weeks.
1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.
3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
4 I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.
5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.
6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?
7 Why should I desire that I were an angel, that I could speak unto all the ends of the earth?
8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.
9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
As I was bolding the principles of these verses, which never fail to strike the most sensitive parts of my soul, it became very apparent to me that I had grossly underestimated the number of Thoughts it would take for me to fulfill my meager attempt to write about what this chapter means to me.
1. O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
1. Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.
At 10:05 am in our home on September 18, 2019 we were able to hear the Lord’s prophet, President Russell M. Nelson speak with the trump of God to the world. His talk originated from the Marriot Center on the campus of Brigham Young University, but as Kathleen and I were preparing to listen to his talk I did a brief search of the ways in which his voice was going out to the world. We discovered it was going to be available to the vast social media outlets of You Tube and Face Book, that it could be watched on the internet web site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and BYU TV. Since we enjoy large screens over smart phone tiny ones or computer monitors, we chose the BYU TV option.
In a completely literal way Alma’s wish was being fulfilled as President Nelson spoke about The Love and Laws of God. I am absolutely certain that Alma in his current post mortal state startled many who surrounded him with a loud and grateful AMEN.
The irony of living in a day when we now enjoy the reality of being able to speak with the tongues of Angels, sounding to the world with the trump which God has provided, is that just as in Alma’s day the inspired words of a prophet of God will only be of value if they are hearkened to.
The marvelous promise of there being no more sorrow upon the earth will never come until or unless we listen to and apply the call to repent and faithfully live our lives in accordance to Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption.
And just like that I have come to the end of my self imposed limitations on the length of my Thoughts for a Sabbath Day and as I suspected, I will be using Alma’s words in this chapter for at least one more Sunday.
(To be Continued)
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❣️
Oh, That I were an Angel,
Oh, That I were an Angel,
And could have the wish, the wish of my heart
Could have the wish of my heart.
Oh, That I were an Angel,
Oh, That I were an Angel,
And could have the wish of my heart.
That I might go forth and speak
with a trump, the trump of God!
With a voice, a voice to shake the earth!
Shake the earth!
And cry repentance.
Repentance unto every people.
To every people.
Cry repentance unto every people.
Repentance.
Oh, That I were an Angel,
Oh, That I were an Angel,
And could have the wish of my heart,
Could have the wish of my heart.
Oh, That I were an Angel.
Before I even started to write I knew it would take at least two Sundays of my Thoughts for a Sabbath Day to even begin to do justice to the wonderful messages and doctrines contained in this chapter.
We begin our journey through this remarkable chapter by presenting and beginning our discussion on the first nine verses in chapter 29 of Alma. I have chosen to emphasize in bold the words of Alma which I will be using as the springboard for our discussion as I write my Thoughts for the next few weeks.
1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.
3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
4 I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.
5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.
6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?
7 Why should I desire that I were an angel, that I could speak unto all the ends of the earth?
8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.
9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
As I was bolding the principles of these verses, which never fail to strike the most sensitive parts of my soul, it became very apparent to me that I had grossly underestimated the number of Thoughts it would take for me to fulfill my meager attempt to write about what this chapter means to me.
1. O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
1. Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.
At 10:05 am in our home on September 18, 2019 we were able to hear the Lord’s prophet, President Russell M. Nelson speak with the trump of God to the world. His talk originated from the Marriot Center on the campus of Brigham Young University, but as Kathleen and I were preparing to listen to his talk I did a brief search of the ways in which his voice was going out to the world. We discovered it was going to be available to the vast social media outlets of You Tube and Face Book, that it could be watched on the internet web site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and BYU TV. Since we enjoy large screens over smart phone tiny ones or computer monitors, we chose the BYU TV option.
In a completely literal way Alma’s wish was being fulfilled as President Nelson spoke about The Love and Laws of God. I am absolutely certain that Alma in his current post mortal state startled many who surrounded him with a loud and grateful AMEN.
The irony of living in a day when we now enjoy the reality of being able to speak with the tongues of Angels, sounding to the world with the trump which God has provided, is that just as in Alma’s day the inspired words of a prophet of God will only be of value if they are hearkened to.
The marvelous promise of there being no more sorrow upon the earth will never come until or unless we listen to and apply the call to repent and faithfully live our lives in accordance to Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption.
And just like that I have come to the end of my self imposed limitations on the length of my Thoughts for a Sabbath Day and as I suspected, I will be using Alma’s words in this chapter for at least one more Sunday.
(To be Continued)
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❣️
Saturday, January 4, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Like so many things – which will remain unfinished – when our mortal time expires – our preparedness to live with God will be one of the chief among them!!
Friday, January 3, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
If God resists commanding us in all things – why would we presume – that He would be involved – in every other aspect of our lives??
Thursday, January 2, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
One of mortalities most treasured experiences – comes when one is blessed with a brief remembrance – of their former understandings – of God’s perfect love – grace – and – mercy!!
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
It has to be a necessary thing – that we are not made aware of the extensive love – mercy – and – grace of God that we knew before mortality – but that – this treasure is secured in the vault of our pre mortal memories!!
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