I Need My Sundays

Sunday is my day to unwind and recharge, both physically and spiritually. I need both. A Sunday that is relaxing and spiritually uplifting helps to make even the most hectic week that follows seem to go better. 

Sundays that are frenetic or lack spiritual quality....well... the days that follow are more likely to feel like a tangle of driftwood.

Hope your Sunday was relaxed and peaceful.

When the Shadows Fall

There's something about shadows, often associated with the departing sun, impending darkness, mystery and things to be feared. But where there are shadows, there must, by definition, also be light. So I say, let the shadows fall.

Let us shine the light on those we love that their shadows may remain in our hearts when they depart. Let us remember their kind deeds and their warm smiles. Let the shadows fall.

In memory of DF, who left this earthly realm this morning after spending his life quietly doing good and leaving his shadow on those who walked anywhere near him. May he rest in peace.

Psalms 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

At Peace with the World

Excerpts from a talk given by Joseph B. Wirthlin in 1991:

While we yearn for peace, we live in a world burdened with hunger, pain, anguish, loneliness, sickness, and sorrow...

The value of peace within our hearts cannot be measured. When we are at peace, we can be free of worry and fear, knowing that with the Lord’s help, we can do all that is expected or required of us. We can approach every day, every task, and every challenge with assurance and confidence in the outcome. We have freedom of thought and action, freedom to be happy...Few, if any, blessings from God are more valuable to our spiritual health than the reward of peace within. In modern-day revelation the Savior said, “But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.” (D&C 59:23.)

Despite dismal conditions in the world and the personal challenges that come into every life, peace within can be a reality. We can be calm and serene regardless of the swirling turmoil all about us. Attaining harmony within ourselves depends upon our relationship with our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and our willingness to emulate him by living the principles he has given us. He has extended to us an invitation: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28–30.)

The phrase “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), that the Savior uttered when he calmed the storm-tossed sea, can have the same calming influence upon us when we are buffeted by life’s storms. During the Passover feast, the Savior taught his disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27.) Referring to the teachings he had given to his disciples, Jesus said: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33.)

In his epistle to the Romans, Paul gave us one key to finding the peace promised by the Lord. Paul taught, “To be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:6.)