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Day 2

Today's reading assignment was Helaman 5 and 1 Nephi 15:34. The quote was by Stephen Covey,"Character is the ability to carry out a decision after the emotion of making the decision is past. Integrity is keeping the promises we make to ourself."

Helaman talked about why he named his children Nephi and Lehi. We discussed with our children why each of them got the name they did. I think names are important. I am glad our kids have righteous namesakes. 

In verse 12 Healman teaches his sons and us, "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts int he whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."  There you have it. 

I loved that in verse 18 that Nephi and Lehi were called to preach to the Lamanites and they had the authority do do so and they were given what they should say. I, very often, want to have what I am going to say all planned out. This is not necessarily the Lord's way. We are to prepare, that's for sure, but He will guide our words in the manner in which they need to come out. 

Throughout the remainder of this chapter a very spiritual, very significant and miraculous event took place. The brothers were cast into prison, but were encircled about by fire and spoke with angels. The witness experienced darkness and earthquakes. The Spirits of God the Father and the Son were manifest to them. Angels were seen and ministered. I was left almost breathless as I read this account this morning. I don't know why I hadn't pondered it before. It was a rare and sacred moment in the history of the world. I cannot really fathom the power that was there even though the voices heard were quiet and spoke of peace.

The fighting between the nations stopped and for a time, because of faith in Christ, there is peace and prosperity. Of course, as usual, it doesn't last, but I'm sure it was heaven on earth while it did. 

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