What a blessing!

Alma 50

Moroni, a prophet, proceeds to set in order protection for the people of Nephi.  They built places of protection and fortified them.  He was all about defense.  In v19 we have another “. . .and thus we see. . .” verse.  Those who kept the commandments were prospered in the land; those who did not were cut off from the presence of the Lord.   This seems to be the theme of the Book of Mormon.

What is to be taken from this chapter?  It is obvious to me the Lord has a plan and he executes that plan through his prophets.  Today’s prophet is Thomas S. Monson.  I love this man.  He is so inspiring to listen to and I want to do whatever it is he asks.  His messages are messages of hope and we are commissioned to protect our own homes and families just as Moroni protected his people.  We are to set up defense against the adversary.  How are we to do that?  This month’s message from Pres. Monson [Ensign January 2012] can be boiled down in three words: Attitude, Belief, and Courage. 

I must remember that I am one who is diligent in keeping the commandments.  Do I make mistakes?  Of course!  But the goal is to repent and continue moving forward with an Attitude of confidence that I can do this – aka Belief.  With these two items of “defense”, I can grow in my Courage to get the job done knowing that whatever it is I am asked to do by the Lord, I can accomplish it.  What a great message for the beginning of a new year.  Our nation is faced with many challenges, but we can take comfort in the fact that the Lord is at the helm and if we will be do as Pres. Monson has asked, we too will be blessed and we can say as was said in verse 23 “. . . there never was a happier time among the people. . .”  I find great joy and happiness in the things in my life, yet there is turmoil all around – even in my own family.  What a blessing!