Standing Together in Troubled Times

3 Nephi 2–4

As I read 3 Nephi 3 this morning, a note I wrote in December 2021 still rang loudly in my mind. Much has changed since then. Covid has largely faded into history, though reminders of that season still linger. It was a very dark and frustrating period in the world, yet it taught many lessons — some spiritual, some societal, and some deeply personal.

One thought especially stayed with me:

It boggles my mind that one group of people feels the right to overpower another because of differences in philosophies, beliefs, and traditions. Why does this keep happening?

The answer, both then and now, feels painfully clear. Mormon shows us repeatedly in the Book of Mormon that contention does not begin with policies or movements — it begins when Satan stirs up the hearts of men against each other.

We see it everywhere in our modern world. Division has become almost a defining characteristic of our time. People choose sides quickly. Labels replace understanding. Fear replaces reason. Voices grow louder, harsher, and less willing to listen.

And perhaps most concerning is how easily people can be persuaded by ideas that pull them away from truth — sometimes ideas so disconnected from reality that they would have seemed unimaginable only a few years ago. Confusion spreads rapidly, and many sincere people become spiritually blinded.

The adversary has not changed his strategy. He still divides, confuses, and agitates.

Which is exactly why 3 Nephi 3 feels so modern.

Giddianhi’s Bold Demand

Giddianhi, leader of the Gadianton robbers, sends a letter to Lachoneus demanding surrender. His message is bold, manipulative, and threatening:

Give us your lands and possessions, and we will spare your lives.

It is intimidation disguised as reason. Compliance in exchange for safety.

The world today often feels similar — turmoil, danger, and uncertainty pressing in from many directions. Safety we once assumed can feel fragile. Evil works quietly and openly at the same time.

So what does Lachoneus do?

Not panic.
Not retaliate in anger.
Not surrender.

He gathers the people.

The Lord’s Pattern of Protection

Lachoneus responds with inspired leadership:

• Gathers people, flocks and herds
• Fortifications are built.
• Armies are organized.
• Guards are stationed.
• Most importantly — he preaches repentance.

Their protection begins spiritually before it becomes physical.

Gidgiddoni is described as having the spirit of revelation and prophecy, is appointed to lead the armies. In other words, a prophet-leader guides the people. That detail feels significant. When danger increases, the Lord increases revelation. Hmmm, or do we listen more intently to revelation that has been? 

I sometimes pause at the numbers mentioned — tens of thousands gathered together. And that count included only the men. Imagine the women, children, and livestock all assembling in faith, united in purpose:

“…they gathered themselves together, to defend themselves against their enemies.” (3 Nephi 3:22)

Unity became their strength.

Liken It unto Our Day

How are the Lord’s people gathered today?

We may live across nations and continents, but spiritually we are gathered in remarkable ways:

• We listen to the same living prophet throughout the world.
• We gather weekly to renew sacred covenants.
• We study the same scriptures and lessons.
• We receive unified counsel through our prophet and apostles at General Conference.

I find myself genuinely excited for conference because it feels like a modern gathering — a worldwide moment of alignment and direction.

Verse 25 describes it beautifully:

They did dwell in one land, and in one body… and they did repent of all their sins.

One body. One people. One purpose.

Isn’t that the Lord’s goal for us today?

Our Weapons of War

Gidgiddoni counseled the people to make weapons of war. That phrase made me stop and think.

What are our weapons?

Our weapons are truth.

• Truth that God is our loving Heavenly Father.
• Truth that He knows His children individually.
• Truth that repentance brings protection and peace.
• Truth that unity in Christ is stronger than division in the world.
• When the people repented and stood united, the Lord delivered them from their enemies.

The promise has not changed.

If we gather spiritually, follow prophetic counsel, repent sincerely, and stand together as one body in Christ, the Lord will also deliver us — whatever form our modern “Gadianton robbers” may take.

Closing Thought

The lesson of 3 Nephi 3–4 is not merely about ancient warfare. It is about spiritual survival in a divided world. When confusion grows louder, the Lord’s answer is still the same:

Gather.
Repent.
Unite.
Trust prophetic guidance.

And let truth be your defense.

 

The Rising Generation — Then and Now

As I read the closing chapters of Helaman and moved into 3 Nephi 1 this morning, I came across a note I had written on December 14, 2021:

I’m beginning to understand—or at least see—why some did not believe. They were so hardened in their hearts that reason wasn’t even available to their minds. They had to be right, and it didn’t matter to them.

At that particular time, the world felt heavy with signs. Calamities seemed constant. I remember looking at the American Red Cross disaster list and feeling stunned at how many places were suffering at once. Tornadoes tore through the Midwest, destroying thousands of homes across hundreds of miles—events that felt unusual and sobering.

I wrote then that my patriarchal blessing promised I would see the Lord’s hand in the workings of the world. And I believed I was seeing it. I wasn’t afraid for myself, but I felt concern for those I love.

Are we ready for this? I asked.

Fast forward to 2026.

So I ask again: Have we seen more signs?

Wickedness certainly hasn’t diminished. Confusion seems to multiply. Ideas once considered fringe are now embraced openly. There are sincere movements insisting the earth is flat or that the moon landing never happened—that the entire world has been deceived by an enormous conspiracy using computer generated devices. Years ago, I dismissed such thinking as isolated or influenced by poor judgment. Today, it is widespread enough to give pause.

And suddenly, the scriptures feel less distant.

When people in the Book of Mormon rejected signs and miracles, it wasn’t because evidence was lacking. It was because hearts were hardened. Belief was no longer a matter of truth—it was a matter of will.

Then I reached 3 Nephi 1:30, and one phrase stopped me cold: 

"And thus were the Laminates afflicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the rising generation. 

This generation struggled to believe in Christ’s birth and future Resurrection—even though their parents had lived through undeniable signs. They had witnessed the night without darkness, the fulfilled prophecies, the terror before the sign came, and the overwhelming relief and joy when it did. They had first-hand experience!

Which raises a sobering question.

What happened between the miracle and the children?

Did the parents tell the stories?
Did they describe where they were when the night stayed light? How they felt?
Did they speak of their fear when believers faced execution if the sign failed? 
Did they share their testimony of the joy they felt when prophecy was fulfilled?

Or did life simply move on?

I do not judge them—but I wonder. Why? Because I see something similar today.

Many in the generation raising our grandchildren are not teaching spiritual things. In some homes, reminders of Jesus exist largely because grandparents place them there. Prayer feels unfamiliar—yet when small children are taught to fold their arms, bless the food, or pray at bedtime, they accept it eagerly. Little hands learn quickly what their spirits already recognize.

So how will this story end?

Will these children grow into a generation that rejects truth and causes greater turmoil? Or will they become a generation hungry for something missing—ready to seek truth when they are old enough to ask deeper questions?

Only time will tell.

But 3 Nephi quietly teaches something powerful: miracles alone do not preserve faith. Testimony must be taught, spoken, remembered, and lived within the walls of a home.

Perhaps the real question is not whether signs are being given.

Perhaps the question is whether we are telling the stories.

“And thus the time passed away unto the coming of Christ.”

And thus our time passes as well—one conversation, one prayer, one testimony at a time.

When a House Becomes Desolate - Helaman 14-16

Samuel mentions that if they don't repent their houses will become desolate. This begs the question: What does a desolate house look like? The most humble home can be a castle when there are family members within its walls who love each other and work together in righteousness. So maybe that’s the bigger emphasis when Samual tells them if they don’t repent, their home will be desolate. Helaman 15:1

Have we any idea how blessed we are as Samuel says in v10? Because of our firmness in our faith once we come to the realization of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are blessed by the Lord, our minds are enlightened and our days are prolonged. Why are they prolonged? For one, we’re healthier. Another, because we’re happy, our minds are healthier. When we’re healthy, we see the blessings the Lord has given us and we desire to show our gratitude by serving Him, our Savior Jesus Christ.

I get confused if I look at some scriptures too long. In v17 it says if they don’t repent, the Lord will utterly destroy them. What does that mean – especially given the fact that many of the Nephites were born after their parents had gone astray. What about them? We know the atonement is for all of God’s children — all people ever born on this earth. When I start spinning on this thought, I have to exercise faith that somehow this is all going to work out. This earth life is a school for us to learn how to become like our Heavenly Father and be worthy of the blessings He has promised. Yes, it can confuse you if your lens isn’t set right.

The Book of Helaman ends on a very sad note: V23, “ Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people upon all the face of the land.” Miraculous things are happening that had been prophesied and they attributed to the cunning devices of “evil” ones. Really? And this is what our modern prophets have told us would happen in our day — that we can read the Book of Helaman and expect to see similar things happening in our day. This is sobering.

AI

When a House Becomes Desolate

Helaman 13–16

I finished the book of Helaman today and found myself in awe at how closely our own day mirrors this period in the Book of Mormon.

Samuel the Lamanite that their homes will become desolate if they don’t repent. This gave me pause to consider what a desolate house looks like. At first glance, we might picture poverty or abandonment. But perhaps Samuel meant something deeper. The humblest home can feel like a castle when love lives inside its walls—when family members strive to love one another and work together in righteousness. Isn’t love one of the first things we teach our children?

So maybe the warning was never about buildings at all. Maybe a house becomes desolate when righteousness leaves it.

In Helaman 15:1, Samuel calls the people to repentance, reminding them of what they are in danger of losing. It makes me wonder: do we truly understand how blessed we are? Verse 10 teaches that when people come to a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and remain firm in faith, they are blessed—their minds are enlightened and their days are prolonged.

Why prolonged? Perhaps in more ways than one. Living gospel principles often leads to healthier choices and greater peace of mind. Happiness blesses both body and spirit. And when we recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives, gratitude naturally follows. Gratitude leads to service, and service draws us closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Some verses can feel difficult if we linger on them too long. In verse 17, Samuel warns that if the people do not repent, the Lord will utterly destroy them. That raises hard questions. Many Nephites were born after their parents had gone astray—what about them?

When my thoughts begin to spin, I return to what I know: The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for all of God’s children—everyone who has ever lived on this earth. Somehow, perfectly and mercifully, the Lord accounts for every soul. This life is a school where we learn to become like our Heavenly Father and prepare for the blessings He has promised. When my understanding feels limited, I turn to faith and it steadies me. Sometimes the problem is not the scripture, but the lens through which I am looking.

The Book of Helaman ends on a sobering note:

“Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people upon all the face of the land” (Helaman 16:23).

Miracles were happening—fulfillments of prophecy unfolding before their eyes—yet many dismissed them as tricks or the work of evil men. It is startling to read… and even more sobering to recognize how familiar it feels.

Modern prophets have warned that our day would resemble these times. As we read Helaman, we are not just studying history—we are being prepared to recognize our own moment in the story.

That realization leaves me with this thought: The question is no longer what happened to them, but what will happen to us?

 

Helaman 13 — Where Are My Treasures?

Samuel the Lamanite stands on the wall preaching truth to people who do not want to hear it. He is bold and direct — and completely unwelcome. Why? Because the people are prideful.

Pride rarely rejects truth politely; it rejects the messenger.

Samuel declares:

“Thus saith the Lord, blessed are they who will repent and turn unto me, but wo unto him that repenteth not.” (v.11)

The message is simple: repentance brings blessing, and refusal brings loss. The people just don’t believe it applies to them.

---

The Power of the Righteous — Samuel teaches that the great city of Zarahemla has not yet been destroyed because of the righteous who still live there. I hold tightly to that thought. In a world that often feels loud and drifting, faithful disciples may seem small — but righteousness preserves more than we can see. Quiet faithfulness matters to the Lord.

---

Hiding Up Treasures to the Lord

Verse 18 made me pause again, just as it did when I read it in September 2024: — “Whoso shall hide up treasures in the earth shall find them again no more… save he be a righteous man and shall hide it up unto the Lord.”

How do we hide treasures unto the Lord? Slow down and chew on this question. The answer is clear: family.

We hide treasures to the Lord when we keep sacred covenants and strive to bind our families to Him. Bringing our children and grandchildren back into Heavenly Father’s presence is the greatest treasure we could ever secure.

Many parents today feel heartache as loved ones choose the the attraction of the “great and spacious building,” drawn by voices that promise much but stand on no foundation. Still, eternal families remain the Lord’s treasure.

---

What We Treasure

In verse 21, Samuel warns those who do not set their hearts upon “them” will be cursed.

Who are them?

The scriptures and the words of prophets and apostles — ancient and modern.

We treasure them by remembering them, burying them deep in our hearts so they can be drawn upon at any moment to strengthen ourselves or bless another.

It makes me ask: Where are my treasures?

·      My children.

·      The words of prophets old and new.

---

When Pride Takes Root

When pride fills the heart, there is little room left for truth. Pride leads to boasting, envy, strife, and every manner of iniquity. These attitudes eventually bring spiritual loss.

We cast out prophets not only by rejecting them openly, but by quietly choosing not to listen. Prophets speak for the Lord. They see dangers we cannot yet see.

---

When Treasures Become Slippery

Verse 33 touched me deeply: “O that we had remembered the Lord our God in the day that he gave us our riches… then they would not have become slippery.”

The only true treasure I possess is my family. We began securing that treasure when we created an eternal family in the temple through sacred covenants with each other and with the Lord. Nothing can change those promises except my own disobedience.

My children still have their agency. They will choose their paths.

But they are still mine — eternally connected through covenant love and the promises of God.

And that is treasure worth hiding up unto the Lord.

In the end, the only treasures worth keeping are the ones we carry into eternity.

Sometimes Grief Prays Out Loud

I’ve been a little absent these past few days. We were watching a two-year-old grandson, and anyone who has spent time with a two-year-old knows they require your full and constant attention. It was four sweet, exhausting days. We learned it really takes two grandparents to equal enough manpower to get the job done. In our efforts to set an example, this little guy became quite accustomed to folding his arms before eating, carefully mimicking Grandpa’s words, and finishing with a very enthusiastic “amen.” Nighttime prayers quickly became expected too — possibly a very effective delay tactic — but expected nonetheless. Even at two years old, he knew prayer was what we do.

That experience stayed with me as I read  Helaman chapter 7.

Nephi’s prayer on the “garden tower” generated some questions. Why would anyone go to a garden tower to pray out loud? My own vocal prayers, when private, are just that: private and whispered. Prayer feels sacred and secluded to me.

But looking closer, Nephi is praying in his own garden tower — a private place that just happens to sit along the roadway of a busy city. He has returned from a devastating experience trying to help people recognize their own wickedness to the point they repent. He is heavy with sorrow. He looks back on the history of his people and mourns that he could not have lived in earlier, more righteous times. I get it!

It is easy for me to look backward and imagine another generation had it better. I sometimes think longingly of the pioneers — no cell phones, no televisions, no constant noise from the world. Their greatest challenge seemed simply staying alive. Well… perhaps I don’t really want all of it. Some parts sound like adventure until I remember the losses, hardships, and endurance required — far more than my current self would likely manage well.

Maybe this is simply human nature.

Did Nephi really believe earlier generations had it easy? Hardly. His own family history proves otherwise. A note I wrote to myself in a previous study: Don’t lament another people’s time. We all have trials.

Back to Nephi.

Nephi’s prayer is filled with grief. As a parent, I recognize that kind of prayer. Parents often pray alone — pouring out worries they would never voice publicly. Yet sometimes children quietly witness those sacred moments. And those glimpses teach more than formal lessons ever could.

Nephi’s prayer seems to work the same way:

·       unintended witness

·       authentic devotion

·       teaching through sincerity rather than presentation

The people were not meant to hear a sermon. They overheard a soul.

There is a gentle irony in this chapter. The very people who would not even consider listening to a prophet, stopped walking because they overheard a prayer.

Sometimes hearts open not when someone talks to us, but when we see how they talk to God.

I have vivid memories of hearing my dad pray in the mornings before breakfast. His prayers were long — surely heartfelt. I remember hearing him express gratitude for “the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ upon the earth.” How I wish now that I had paid closer attention, that I had listened more carefully to what mattered so deeply to him. Hindsight has a way of sharpening appreciation.

In a way, I was doing exactly what Nephi was doing — looking backward and wishing I had understood more in another time.

Nephi lamented the past. I sometimes do the same. But perhaps the lesson is this: every generation is given its own moment to believe, to struggle, and to pray.

And sometimes, when sorrow is deep enough or love strong enough, prayer refuses to stay silent.

Sometimes grief prays out loud. 

Strengthened in the Wait — Alma 57–59

The hand of the Lord is all over Alma 57–59.

The Nephites were being blessed in battle even while suffering from a lack of government support. What made the difference was what they were fighting for: their families, their rightful lands, and their freedom to worship God. Despite horrific circumstances, they fought as valiant warriors—and the Lord preserved them exactly as He promised.

Not one of the young stripling warriors was lost, though many were wounded. The Lord sustained them.

It isn’t hard to see a parallel today. Many of our youth are also engaged in a battle—not with swords, but with faith. Those who are righteous and understand they have a mission to fulfill are being watched over by the Lord. I believe that just as surely as He preserved those young warriors, He is preserving faithful youth now.

These chapters feel like a call to see.

Do I see the miracles happening today?

Yes—but only when I look for them.

There is an intense war being waged against believers in Jesus Christ. Satan’s influence has taken hold of many good people, and it is frightening to witness. Yet miracles are everywhere. We must pray for eyes to see them. President Nelson has counseled us to recognize God’s hand in our lives. Am I truly doing that?

In my own family, I see miracles. I see a daughter finding her way back onto the covenant path. I also see the very real temptations that pull at her, reminding me that spiritual battles are real and they are ongoing. I feel that our youngest grandbaby is being protected. I pray constantly that his parents will be drawn toward goodness and surrounded by caring ministers. This is my hope.

I look at the children being born today and feel they come with remarkable spiritual capacity—prepared for the challenges of this time. They are here to stand against the growing darkness in the world.

The war isn’t distant; it is in our neighborhoods and sometimes even within our congregations. The adversary works wherever he can. Yet even this reminds me that the battlefield is spiritual, and the need for faithful disciples has never been greater.

Through it all, I see the Lord’s hand in my own life. For reasons I don’t fully understand, He continues to bless me beyond measure. My prayer is simply that I will be healthy enough to stay in the fight. Aging brings challenges. I sometimes worry—but I trust that the Lord has a plan. For now, I do what I can to lift and help others.

I pray to see His miracles—both in the world and in my own small sphere.

There truly is a just God, and those who do not doubt “shall be preserved by his marvelous power” (Alma 57:26).

One phrase especially stayed with me in these chapters: “We should wait.” (Alma 58:3)

Waiting has never been my forte.  I want things to happen quickly, clearly, and on my timetable. But perhaps waiting is where some of our greatest lessons are learned. In waiting, we plead more earnestly with the Lord. In waiting, we mature. In waiting, we begin to trust that He sees the whole picture when we see only a moment.

Maybe waiting allows us to recognize God’s hand in the details we would otherwise miss - unless we don't.

Many grow weary of waiting and begin to blame the Lord for their suffering. That is a trap we must avoid.

While they waited, Helaman and his warriors “did pour out [their] souls in prayer to God” for strength and deliverance. And in that waiting, the Lord visited them with assurance. He spoke peace to their souls, increased their faith, and filled them with hope and courage. Remembering the blessings they had already received strengthened their determination to defend their families, their liberty, and their faith.

Waiting did not weaken them—it prepared them.

Perhaps it does the same for us. 

Alma 53-56 - Preparation Is Key

In Alma 56:11, we read that those who died fighting for their country “left this life happy.” That has always made me pause. How could that be?

Perhaps because they knew where they were going — straight into the arms of the Savior who gave them life. Perhaps because they believed their sacrifice helped protect the people they loved from bondage. There is peace in knowing you stood for something eternal. Perhaps because they were prepared. 

So I ask myself: If I were serving a mission in a far-away country and lost my life because of my beliefs, would I be happy?

I would be heartbroken to leave my family. But I think I would also feel joy — joy that I was engaged in the Lord’s work when it happened, and that my work would continue on the other side. After all, the Father has declared, “This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” If that is the work, then there is no better place to be.

Over and over, prophets have warned us to prepare. As I read these war chapters in Alma, I can’t help but ask: Have we prepared enough?

Temporally, Clyde reassures me that we’ve done what we can. There is food storage. There are supplies. There are even guns and ammunition. But I sometimes wonder — is that the preparation the Lord is most concerned about? Warfare has never been His design. If this is ultimately His battle, where do the guns fit in?

The spiritual preparation, though — that is non-negotiable.

When I begin my day with scripture and prayer, I feel aligned. When I don’t, I notice. Things feel off. I am reminded that the Lord is mindful of me — personally mindful. There are moments when I think, half joking but half serious, “I just might be His favorite child.” He watches. He guides. I often see it more clearly in hindsight.

In Helaman’s letter to Moroni, he attributes their success to preparation (Alma 56:20). Preparation brought protection. Preparation brought joy. And yes, preparation brought survival.

That word feels strong — survival — but we are in a war, even if it doesn’t always look like one. War doesn’t always bring guns into play. We are at war with the adversary!

I think about the temptations that could pull my family away. It’s easy to look at someone else’s trial and say, “That would never happen to me,” especially if it’s not a temptation we personally struggle with. But the real question is: What tempts me? What could cause me to forget my covenants?

Worldly trinkets? Not so much anymore. Age has taken care of some of that. Misusing my time? That might be closer to the mark. The point is this: we have to look inward. And if we can’t see our weaknesses clearly, we should do exactly what prophets and apostles counsel — ask Heavenly Father to show us what we need to change to become more like the Savior.

Helaman said they kept spies “out round about” to detect the enemy. How do we do that spiritually? My first answer is simple: follow the prophet. He sees around corners. It also helps to stay aware — to look at current events through a spiritual lens and recognize the adversary’s tactics.

One verse always stops me: “They had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47).

Did I teach my children that clearly? Did they know my faith?

Some of my children struggle. Some have stepped away entirely. That is a tender place in my heart. But I remain anchored. My faith in my Savior and in Heavenly Father keeps me steady. If I sound overzealous in my journal at times, it is because I hope they will someday say, “Mom knew.” I want them to know I believed — and that letting God prevail brings strength and courage. — yes, and even peace.

The stripling warriors were protected. Many were wounded, but not one was lost. What a beautiful testament to faith and preparation. There were miracles woven all through that conflict.

So what do I learn from these chapters?

Preparation is everything. Not just food storage or supplies — but daily, spiritual readiness. A real relationship with Heavenly Father. Worthiness to have the Holy Ghost as a guide.

Conflicts will come. That’s part of mortality. Sometimes the hardest ones involve people we love deeply. But we must remember: the true battle is with the adversary. He does not care what tactic he uses — distraction, discouragement, doubt. He only cares about our destruction.

Which is why preparation — especially spiritual preparation — is key to our joy and our survival.

Lessons on War — Finding Jesus in the Battle

I’m trying hard—really hard—to see Jesus in these war chapters.

Something Dr. Michael Cottle said on a podcast this morning struck me. I searched it and here are his words: God doesn’t just use one way to teach us about Jesus Christ. He is so intent on saving us. He is in relentless pursuit of us, maximizing every opportunity to save all of His children.”  That thought fit beautifully into my reading Alma 51–53 this morning.

At first glance, these chapters feel political. Divisive. Unsettling. There are serious factions—King-men and Freemen. Guess who the good guys are?

To their credit, they settled their dispute by voting. What a novel idea. Even so, contention simmered beneath the surface. Amalickiah still burned with hatred toward Moroni—remember, he had sworn to drink his blood. Personal vendettas mixed with political ambition. It was volatile.

Contention and dissension were destroying the people. That’s what snagged me in chapter 51. Moroni decided to put an end to it. The vote gave him authority to act against those who sought to overthrow the freedom of the people. It turned bloody—four thousand dissenters were slain, leaders imprisoned because there wasn’t time for trials, and the rest compelled to defend their country under the Title of Liberty.

It’s sobering. I shudder to imagine how something like that would unfold in our day.

So where is Jesus in all of this?

I found Him in Moroni’s restraint.

Again and again, before battle, Moroni gave his enemies a choice. Lay down your weapons. Make a covenant. Live in peace. He did not delight in bloodshed. He sought freedom and protection—not revenge. If people were slain, it was because they chose to continue fighting.

Isn’t that like the Savior?

Jesus offers choice. He invites. He pleads. He provides every opportunity to change. He does not force. If we suffer spiritual destruction, it is because we refuse His invitation.

I also saw Jesus in a surprising parenting principle tucked into chapter 53. Moroni put the Lamanite prisoners to work—building up the walls around Bountiful, burying the dead, strengthening defenses. Idleness breeds trouble; purpose builds stability.

I learned that lesson in my own home. If my children wanted freedom to play, they quickly learned the rule: don’t fight. Otherwise, they were washing walls, light switches, and baseboards. Busy hands left little room for contention. It works.

The bigger principle? Harmony protects us from the enemy.

And who is our real enemy? Not political opponents. Not neighbors. The true enemy is Satan. When unity breaks down—whether in a nation or in a family—we become vulnerable. When we are divided, it becomes every man for himself. We all know how that ends.

Then come Helaman’s stripling warriors.

These young men chose a prophet to lead them. They trusted in God. They believed the teachings of their mothers. Scripture describes them as young, valiant, courageous, strong, active, true, trustworthy, and sober. What a list. What a goal.

Do I see Jesus here? Absolutely.

When children are taught who He is and how to follow Him, they become spiritually fortified. When families are united in righteousness, they are protected. When we choose faithful leaders and stand for liberty—not just political liberty, but spiritual liberty—we invite Christ into the fight.

These war chapters are not just about swords and bloodshed. They are about agency. Unity. Leadership. Work. Faith. Protection.

And through it all, a Savior who is in relentless pursuit of His people—even in the middle of war.

He is there. He always has been. He always is.

Fortifying the Soul - Thoughts from Alma 48-50

Chapter 49 Verses 11–15 give us Moroni’s character, and verses 18–19 show that his brothers were laboring for the same cause. What kind of men were they?

·       Strong

·       Of perfect understanding

·       Did not delight in bloodshed

·       Rejoiced in agency, liberty, and the freedom of their country

·       Thankful to God

·       Labored for the welfare of others

·       Firm in the faith of Christ

Do you want to know what a man of God looks like? A real man? Study Moroni.

Moroni rebuilt the city of Ammonihah and fortified the surrounding cities. That thought stopped me: What does one do to rebuild themselves?

I have some experience with that.

You shield yourself. You establish borders.

How? It’s a process much like Moroni’s.

We surround ourselves with good people who have the same goals — to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. Place reminders of the Savior inside the borders of your home. Read scriptures and keep them where they can be seen as a reminder. Have pictures of temples and Jesus Christ within sight.

Pray—a lot.
Be diligent in keeping the commandments.
Follow the prophet.
Serve — Help to build the kingdom of GodI tried to become a Zion person

Become a Zion person.

That’s how you rebuild. That’s how you fortify.

What would I teach my children today? I would teach how deeply they are loved by Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ who have paid a tremendous price for you. The Father watched His Son suffer for every person on this earth—for every imperfection of every kind. You were worth that. A topic for another day is that he suffered for this world as well. It too will be cleansed when Jesus returns. 

Jesus loved His Father and loved us enough to make that sacrifice. Did it hurt? Of course it did—more than we can comprehend. When I feel pain, I sometimes think of Him experiencing that same pain for millions upon millions. I’m just one person. Imagine it.

In these chapters, the Lamanites prepare for war. They believe “might makes right”. They copy the Nephites’ armor—breastplates, helmets, thick clothing—and think they are ready. Their goal? To slay and massacre.

I marvel at that. Why the desire to harm? They did not understand who they were, and they did not understand their enemy. What did the Nephites want? Peace in the land—the kind of peace that comes from righteous living. They wanted the agency to worship. They wanted safety for themselves and their families. 

Moroni had prepared his people. Their borders were secure. They gathered within their walls. Every city was fortified. When the Lamanites saw this, they were astonished. They thought they were ready. They were not.

What is the war we are waging today?

It is the same war against agency that began before this world. Now it shows itself in moral decay and opposition to righteousness—to those simply trying to live like Jesus Christ.

The Nephites were “shielded by their shields, and their breastplates, and their head-plates,” and though they were wounded, their wounds were not deadly. There is a lesson there. When we are fortified spiritually, we may still be wounded—but we are not destroyed.

What do we learn?

Peace comes from obedience—from heed and diligence to the word of God. We have prophets today to guide us so we can withstand the battle being waged against truth and righteousness. We must give heed to their counsel. There is no other way.

And after the Nephites’ victory, what did they do?

They were thankful.

Are we?

Armor of God - Clothed for Battle

In the Book of Alma, chapter 44, we step into the middle of war. Zarahemnah is at the mercy of Moroni. He has been captured, yet Moroni does not kill him. That has always intrigued me.

For all their wickedness, the Lamanites were at least honest enough to admit they would not keep a covenant of peace. They knew themselves. They did not pretend integrity they did not possess. I sometimes wonder if leaders today would do the same — or if many would say whatever was necessary to save themselves and then do as they please. Sadly, I suspect too often it is the latter.

The Nephites, meanwhile, were protected. They wore breastplates, arm-shields, head-shields, thick clothing. They were prepared. I have often wondered where Moroni got the idea. I have no doubt he asked the Lord: How do I protect my people from the blows that bring death?

I have experienced something similar in my own life. When faced with a task I could not mentally picture — especially in the messy world of alternative medical care — I prayed and asked Heavenly Father to show me what to do. I sat still. As I prayed, the solution formed clearly in my mind. I could see it. It was brilliant in its simplicity, and it worked perfectly. That experience taught me that heaven will instruct us in very practical ways when we ask.

In Alma 44:18, the Lamanites’ “naked skins and their bare heads were exposed to the sharp swords of the Nephites.” They were uncovered. Vulnerable. They saw their danger — yet spiritually, they still did not fully grasp it.

Our leaders frequently remind us of Paul’s counsel to “put on the whole armour of God.” In Epistle to the Ephesians6:13–17, he describes it:

• Loins girt about with truth
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Feet shod with the gospel of peace
• Shield of faith
• Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit — the word of God
• And praying always

The Nephites’ physical armor preserved their lives. Spiritual armor preserves our souls. Truth, righteousness, faith, the word of God — these are not poetic phrases. They are protection against very real blows.

Then Alma 45 ends quietly and powerfully. Alma departs into the land of Melek, and no one sees him again. It is said he may have been taken by the Lord, as Moses was. I love that this is included.

Alma was once a “little stinker” — a fierce opponent of the Church, actively hindering its growth. And yet look at the end of his story.

Complete forgiveness.
Complete transformation.
Complete trust from the Lord.

That gives me hope. It should give all of us hope.

Thank you, Mormon, for preserving this. And thank you, Moroni, for protecting it so we could read it today.

We Are Not Defined by Our Worst Mistake

I was interrupted more than once in my reading this week, but maybe that made the truths stand out even more. There is so much goodness in these chapters, especially in Alma’s counsel to his sons.

I’ve always loved Corianton—not for his mistake, but for his willingness to change.

One verse that stopped me was Alma 37:36: “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings,” Counseling with the Lord is not a morning-only event. It’s not confined to kneeling by the bed. It’s walking through the day with Him. It’s seeing a sun-kissed mountain and whispering gratitude for eyes to see it. It’s recognizing quiet blessings and giving thanks in real time. Alma speaks of being lifted up “at the last day,” but I would add that focusing on Him lifts an ordinary day into something better right now.

Alma also reminds Helaman of the Liahona—the compass prepared for Lehi’s family in the wilderness. It worked according to their faith and diligence. It has often been compared to the Holy Ghost. The Spirit guides by “small means” to bring about great things (Alma 37:41). The guidance may feel subtle, but it is sure. President Russell M. Nelson has warned that the gift of the Holy Ghost will be essential as we navigate increasing wickedness in the world. Like the Liahona, the Spirit works when we exercise faith and choose to heed it.

Then comes the tender but firm counsel: “See that ye bridle all your passions.” Alma did not say eliminate them. He said bridle them—direct, channel, focus them. As Bruce C. Hafen taught, a bridle is meant to guide the horse, not destroy it. Passion disciplined becomes deeper love. Undisciplined, it can derail even the faithful.

That is where Corianton enters the story.

Alma 39 is direct. Corianton made serious mistakes on his mission. Alma warns him not to deny the Holy Ghost and reminds him that sin cannot be hidden from God. Our actions will stand as witnesses for or against us. He urges Corianton to seek counsel, to avoid pride and the pursuit of riches, and to remember that others are watching.

But what moves me most is this: Corianton listened.

In today’s world, parenting can feel like a losing battle. Children often believe they know enough, that they have it under control. Yet here is a young man who has gone off the rails—and he sits and listens his father’s correction. That humility changed everything.

As I read, I thought about my own parents. Years ago, a therapist counseled me to tell them the hurt I carried from childhood. I do not remember much about that conversation except this: they listened. They acknowledged my feelings. They expressed love. Now that I am older, I see they did the best they knew how while balancing farm life, church service, and raising a family. All five of their children remain covenant keepers. Perfect? No. But that is why we need the Atonement. How gracious the Lord is with imperfect parents—and imperfect children.

Alma 41 contains powerful one-liners:

·       Wickedness never was happiness.

·       We are “our own judges.”

·       What we send out returns to us.

When we step away from God’s commandments, misery follows. Alma describes being in the “gall of bitterness” and “bonds of iniquity”—a state “contrary to the nature of happiness.” Why? Because God’s very work is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. His nature is happiness. Created in His image, that is our eternal nature too. No wonder we feel unsettled when we try to do it our way.

Alma 42 teaches that this life is a probationary time—a time to repent and serve God. Mercy cannot rob justice. The Atonement satisfies both. That doctrine alone answers so many questions about the Plan of Salvation.

My purpose is not to criticize Corianton. I am grateful for him. Because of his mistakes, we have some of the richest doctrinal explanations in scripture. When someone struggles to understand justice, mercy, restoration, or our purpose on earth, this is where I would send them.

And the beautiful ending? Alma tells Corianton not to let these past sins trouble him anymore. He still has work to do. Declare the word. Bring souls unto repentance.

And Corianton did.

That may be the greatest lesson of all. We are not defined by our worst mistake. We are defined by what we choose after it.