Sunday, November 23, 2014

there is a God.

The other night I had the opportunity to camp out on the Salt Flats with some friends. I knew it would probably be freezing, but since I had never been out there I didn't want to miss out on a chance to see them.

When we finally reached the flats we drove out a ways and parked the cars to look around. 

We were met with a truly unique and beautiful view.

The flats were covered in a few inches of water in places and the sky was full of stars. Those stars reflected in the water at our feet. It was breath taking. In the morning we were met with equally beautiful spectacles.

I cannot look at those things without thinking that there is a loving God behind them - the author and architect of this universe. To me, the fact that such variety and exquisite beauty exist on this earth and in this universe testifies that God loves us and wants us to find joy in this life.

"All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness there is a Supreme Creator." Alma 30:44




I testify that there is a God, and that he loves us. 


Sunday, November 9, 2014

the gospel is not an umbrella.

Today in a church meeting a leader was speaking on trials and (if I heard it correctly) he said, "The gospel is a not an umbrella - it is a rock." (Elder Scott Runyan I believe).

Often times we think that because of righteous living or because we're a "good person" we should be exempt from the storms of life. Some think if God is benevolent and loving, why would he ever let us go through hell?

Living the gospel does not protect us from storms of life - but it does give us the Rock of our Redeemer to hold onto. We have a solid foundation and we are not swept away by the winds, rains, or floods.

The Lord had big plans for the Jaredites - to bring them to a new, beautiful, promised land. The Lord impelled them through the winds across the ocean, but this didn't exempt them from storms. They were even swallowed up in the depths of the ocean (a natural side affect of the wind on the waters) and had to petition the Lord to bring them back to the surface so they wouldn't suffocate. The Lord always delivered them. And eventually they arrived at the promised land.

The gospel brings us true happiness. It doesn't exempt us from trials - but it does give us strength through Jesus Christ, the Redeemer and Enabler of the world.