Salt Lake city temple renovation update and October General Conference 2020 Preparation

 

Here is the latest information regarding the Salt Lake temple's renovation.  Almost a year since it officially closed for work on the foundation to withstand a large earthquake, on December 29th, 2019, much has been done on the grounds at Temple Square. Early last year, I traveled to Memphis to tour the newly renovated temple in Bartlett.

 The original temple was built as a smaller scale. This was how the church was  able to build multiple temples across the globe or the US during President Hinckley's time as the president of the church.  As I toured with my family the halls and the rooms, I recognized the floor plan being the same as the Nashville temple. It was mostly an architectural face-life, but it was an incredible site for sure.  My 3 children were otherwise restless that day having been couped up in the car for the 4 hour trip, and were hard to keep reverent throughout the building.  I was praying the entire time that they would be peaceful and lose the compulsion to bounce of the walls while in the temple. I also said a prayer for patience for my kids in the moment and that we'd as a family enjoy this experience.  When we arrived at the Celestial room the group leader taking us through, invited all to take a seat and a moment to ponder the special spirit within the room and the building.  My kids who at the start were loud and jumpy were now quiet and still.  It was an absolute miracle and a sign that even the littlest can recognize the majesty and incredible nature of God.  My wife and I couldn't stop talking about it on the way home and as we related this experience to family. Now the reason for the renovation was due to mold forming in the air gap of the shell of the building. The climate in Tennessee is much more humid and because of different weather and practices in commercial construction from the eastern portion of the country to the west, it created the perfect environment for mold to form.  This was said to be the cause for a few other temple renovations in the southeast.  

I love the Nashville Tennessee Temple.  I have truly missed attending there with the closure due to the pandemic restrictions.  I was hopeful that it would be renovated as well since we enjoy the same climate as does Memphis, but nothing has been stated regarding any modification needed on the structure or vapor barriers within the construction.  That temple is where my wife and I were sealed. I received my endowments there prior to my mission, and I have enjoyed doing my ancestors' work there over the last several years. Perhaps I am like Alma in that I sin in my wish(Alma 29:3)... in wanting a similar look for the Nashville Temple as that which we saw in the Memphis temple. I am anxious for the day the restrictions are lifted and Nashville temple enters phases 3 and 4 and begin again to operate fully.

 Elder Gary E. Stevenson spoke in last conference on the foundation renovation being completed for the Salt Lake temple in April 2020 General Conference. There were some great concepts key to an effective self-evaluation he likened to this construction work being undertaken right now.

A Good Foundation Against the Time to Come, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, April 2020

He said:

"An introspective look may reveal that we too and our families could benefit from our doing some needed maintenance and renovation work, even a seismic upgrade! We might start such a process by asking:

“What does my foundation look like?”

“What comprises the thick-walled, stable, strong cornerstones that are part of my personal foundation, upon which my testimony rests?”

“What are the foundational elements of my spiritual and emotional character that will allow me and my family to remain steadfast and immovable, even to withstand the earthshaking and tumultuous seismic events that will surely take place in our lives?”

These events, similar to an earthquake, are often difficult to predict and come in various levels of intensity—wrestling with questions or doubt, facing affliction or adversity, working through personal offenses with Church leaders, members, doctrine, or policy. The best defense against these lies in our spiritual foundation."

What are you doing to prepare for General Conference this time? Maybe a better question that will help us to prepare for general conference, What are you doing to prepare yourself and your family for the second coming of the Savior?

I look forward to what will be spoken, taught, and testified this coming weekend.

Captain Moroni, War Strategy, and the Battle with Sin

                  

 I hope this can help everyone and those who can't seem to find use in the war chapters of the book of Mormon.  Growing up in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hearing from members and also having wondered myself, I use to have a hard time going through these war chapters.  I may have gone through phases. First, Not really understanding the conflict. Second, thinking of these chapters in terms of an action packed war movie similar to Braveheart, etc.  Third, I recognized  Captain Moroni as a heroic military leader for the Nephites. Forth, having gone through my own struggles and after serving a 2 year mission seeing personal application of these chapters in my own life. Fifth, looking for strategy Captain Moroni and his Nephite armies utilized and specific detail in the plans used to combat the Lamanites and Nephite dissenters and applying those same plans and effective strategies in my daily life.  Over the last few years I have come to appreciate these chapters, but as of the last month and a half it occurred to me that there is more to these accounts of war than aspiring to live up to Alma 48:17.  My emphasis this go-around was realizing Captain Moroni's passion for "Covenants." There are many layers of meaning to the scriptures, and there's no telling what you or I will pick up on next time. It got me thinking, "Do I really understand the covenants I have made." On the surface the answer is, "Yes!" However, the scriptures point to accessing power through covenants. I don't want to be like the Lamanites who had the baptism by fire of the Holy Ghost and knew it not. Captain Moroni was very aware. He was a strong and a mighty man, but he wasn't perfect.  If he can recognize the power and influence in his life of covenants, then you and I have that same opportunity. 

President Trump sends a Proclamation to the Nation

                                                       

The definition of the word "Proclamation" is: a public or official announcement, especially one dealing with a matter of great importance.

   Today everyone around the country remembers the tragic events that unfolded on the morning of September 11th, 2001.  I happened to be in my first period class with a teacher who was a member of the church.  Her husband was a pilot at the time and had been flying.  She was extremely worried and concerned as the principle addressed everyone over the intercom unexpectedly, instructing each classroom to turn on their tv's. As I watched smoke rising from a tower on the morning news in New York City, I had no idea the seriousness.  All I knew was that it had been announced that a plane had crashed into one of the towers.  We spent the entire class time watching the news coverage. Algebra took a back seat to this trauma we were witnessing in real time.  When the bell rang at the end of class, my teacher had asked me and a few others in the class who were members to stay with her while she prayed.  I was quite young and not really understanding what had happened.  We had all seen the 2nd tower fall to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris that created a thick dark haze that floated in the air.  People continued to speculate and rumors spread quickly.....

    19 years later and questions have been answered. Wars have been fought. Lives have been lost. Families have been rocked and shaken since that day. But we were all united as we came together as a Nation Under God. Today the country is divided and contention abounds. 

    Yesterday President Trump released for today a Proclamation to the Nation to declare today as Patriot Day.....

In 2001, our Nation, united under God, made an unbreakable promise never to forget the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who were senselessly killed on September 11. On this sacred day — Patriot Day — we solemnly honor that commitment. As the bells toll, we call by name those who perished in the terrorist attacks in New York, New York; Arlington, Virginia; and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In cities and towns across our great country, we stand in solidarity to remember the victims and mourn their stolen hopes and dreams.

On a day that began as ordinary as any other, terrorists carrying out a sadistic plan murdered thousands of our fellow compatriots. With shock and disbelief, we watched our first responders, encumbered by heavy equipment and hindered by debris and smoke, rush with conviction and courage into the void to rescue those in despair. With pride and sorrow, we felt the tremendous bravery of those aboard Flight 93, who summoned the courage to charge the terrorists in a counterattack that saved countless American lives. As the day closed, America steadied its resolve to hold accountable those who had attacked us and to ensure it would never happen again.

The courage, heroism, and resilience Americans displayed on 9/11, and in its aftermath, are perpetual testaments to the spirit of our country. While our Nation was anguished by this attack, the grit displayed that day — the very essence of America — was a reminder that our citizens have never failed to rise to the occasion. Heroes sprang into action in the face of great peril to help save their fellow Americans. Many laid down their lives. As we reflect on the events of that September morning, let us recommit to embrace the stalwart bravery displayed and reaffirm our dedication to defending liberty from all who wish to deny it.

To fulfill our collective promise never to forget, we impart the memory of that fateful day to our children and grandchildren. The smoke that rose from the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania field carried away the souls of innocent Americans. As we recall the images of our American Flag raised from the ashes of Ground Zero and the Pentagon, we are reminded that good triumphs over evil. We recommit ourselves to fortifying our cherished American values so that future generations will know in their souls that the United States is the land of the free and the home of the brave.

This Patriot Day, we commemorate the lives of those who perished on September 11, 2001, we pray for the families who carry on their legacies, and we honor the unmatched bravery of our Nation’s first responders. We also commend those who, in the days and years following the attack, answered the call to serve our country and continue to risk their lives in defense of the matchless blessings of freedom.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2020, as Patriot Day. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day in honor of the innocent people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States and its Territories and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of the innocent people we lost that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor those victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

We also received a proclamation this year in April from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declaring the reality of the Restoration and inviting all to participate in its continuation in these later days.................................................................................

We solemnly proclaim that God loves His children in every nation of the world. God the Father has given us the divine birth, the incomparable life, and the infinite atoning sacrifice of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. By the power of the Father, Jesus rose again and gained the victory over death. He is our Savior, our Exemplar, and our Redeemer.

Two hundred years ago, on a beautiful spring morning in 1820, young Joseph Smith, seeking to know which church to join, went into the woods to pray near his home in upstate New York, USA. He had questions regarding the salvation of his soul and trusted that God would direct him.

In humility, we declare that in answer to his prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph and inaugurated the “restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21) as foretold in the Bible. In this vision, he learned that following the death of the original Apostles, Christ’s New Testament Church was lost from the earth. Joseph would be instrumental in its return.

We affirm that under the direction of the Father and the Son, heavenly messengers came to instruct Joseph and re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ. The resurrected John the Baptist restored the authority to baptize by immersion for the remission of sins. Three of the original twelve Apostles—Peter, James, and John—restored the apostleship and keys of priesthood authority. Others came as well, including Elijah, who restored the authority to join families together forever in eternal relationships that transcend death.

We further witness that Joseph Smith was given the gift and power of God to translate an ancient record: the Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Pages of this sacred text include an account of the personal ministry of Jesus Christ among people in the Western Hemisphere soon after His Resurrection. It teaches of life’s purpose and explains the doctrine of Christ, which is central to that purpose. As a companion scripture to the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies that all human beings are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven, that He has a divine plan for our lives, and that His Son, Jesus Christ, speaks today as well as in days of old.

We declare that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized on April 6, 1830, is Christ’s New Testament Church restored. This Church is anchored in the perfect life of its chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and in His infinite Atonement and literal Resurrection. Jesus Christ has once again called Apostles and has given them priesthood authority. He invites all of us to come unto Him and His Church, to receive the Holy Ghost, the ordinances of salvation, and to gain enduring joy.

Two hundred years have now elapsed since this Restoration was initiated by God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Millions throughout the world have embraced a knowledge of these prophesied events.

We gladly declare that the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation. The earth will never again be the same, as God will “gather together in one all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).

With reverence and gratitude, we as His Apostles invite all to know—as we do—that the heavens are open. We affirm that God is making known His will for His beloved sons and daughters. We testify that those who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration and act in faith will be blessed to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

___________________________________________________________________________________

   So we have received these 2 proclamations of very important matters in the year 2020.  The Book of Mormon mentions the word "Proclamation" 17 times and this form of declaration was utilized by both prophets and political leaders just as it has been used today.  When the Family Proclamation was introduced in 1995 it wasn't anything new or profound.  

       Only 25 years later we see the depth of such simple declaration on the family, with same-sex marriage become legal a few years back.  The definition of marriage and family roles being erased and distorted from what God intended has caused many of us to appreciate the foresight given to our prophets and leaders.  That makes me wonder how long before the Restoration becomes even more controversial than it already is to the world.  

      We have been encouraged to study these documents individually and with our families, to establish a foundation for our testimonies as we seek understanding and a testimony through personal revelation.  The book of Mormon shows us how proclamations were given to unite a people.  If these documents can unite a people, it is my hope that they can lead us to the Savior as we continue to prepare for His return in the not too distant future.

Book of Mormon at the Opryland Hotel (Marriott?)

  Our family recently had a stay-cation experience at the Opryland hotel in Nashville.  It was a great stay over night after spending the day at the adjacent water park, SoundWaves.  The kids had fun and I was reminded I'm not as young as I once was. My muscles ached in ways I thought not yet possible.  When we retired to our room for the night, my oldest son found a copy of the Book of Mormon in the night stand next to a bed in the room.  He was quite excited seeing familiar literature in an unfamiliar location such as this resort hotel.  I told him this was typical of Marriott hotels but was not aware this particular resort was under the ownership of their franchise.

                                                                     

    Come to find out, Marriott purchased Gaylord Opryland Resort and their other hotel locations throughout the country back in 2012.

https://www.hotelnewsnow.com/articles/15417/Marriott-acquires-Gaylord-brand-for-$210m

They have been supplying this marvelous work and a wonder in the rooms by the Grand Ole' Opry for almost 7 years now.  

                                                        

            I was grateful to have it within reach, since we were out of our home and I was off my morning routine.  I like to get up extra early to study the scriptures and a general conference talk, before the kids awaken and I have to get out to work for the day.  That is my time to connect with Heavenly Father through prayer and pondering what I'm reading.  It gives me peace of mind, and clarity through life's challenges.  I can learn how to apply gospel principles from examples I find in the scriptures, and I can learn more about the Savior as I dive in deep digging for those mysteries of God that can help keep me and my family safe from the influence of the world. 

   So, why does the Marriott hotel require books of Mormon in most of their hotel rooms across the world?

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and returned missionary, I am excited to see this book in a hotel room I had not expected would carry it.  It takes me back to when I was in high school and would drop pass along cards in my fellow students' lockers with contact information for the ward missionaries and information to get access to free copies of the book of Mormon.  I was anxious to plant seeds that had opportunities to grow into sincere investigations into the restored gospel.  I also had no hesitation in inviting friends to my ward's sacrament meeting on Sundays and stake and ward youth activities during the week, as a teenager.  

                                                            

            Is the Marriott Corporation using this as a tool for missionary work? Maybe, but I have not heard of or seen any converts who joined as a result of a small blue book they found in a dresser drawer of their hotel room. That does not mean I hasn't and/or won't happen.

  In a statement given to the Associated Press, they were quoted as saying -

There are many guests who are not digitally connected who appreciate having one or both of these books available.  It's a tradition appreciated by many, objected to by few. -

This gives guests options if they are in search of answers to life's questions, seeking peace, or are curious about the book.

The book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, has 3 major purposes for the reader:

1 - to show what great things the Lord has done for His children.

2 - to give to know of the Lord's covenants with his people.

3 - to convince the reader that Jesus is the Christ.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/bofm-title?lang=eng

     If you happen to visit any one of the Marriott hotels around the country or the world in your next trip away from home, check your drawer and see if you have the book. Crack it open, read from it's pages, and see if you don't feel the voice of the Savior speaking to your heart and your mind truths that shine a light on your purpose in life, or on the direction God wills you to go , moving forward.

Accessing Priesthood Power

Here is a great video I came across that deals with accessing the power of the priesthood. When I was serving as EQP several years ago, I tried to put emphasis on this in my discussions with the quorum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWWUb03ck1Q

Power is given by the Lord to His servants.  We must exercise righteously an effort worthy of such a gift to be able to serve effectively.  I often wondered if we could be mentored by HP's in our service in order to discover how to access priesthood power.  I think that will help men function more fully in their responsibilities, but I feel like as good as a mortal mentor is, we really need to seek to be taught by the Savior himself, as President Nelson has stated.

Here are a few extra resources outside of the scriptures and the church handbook to study and ponder in regards to the priesthood:
https://www.amazon.com/Will-Thine-Priesthood-Surrounding-Understanding-ebook/dp/B010OYRDC4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=my+will+or+thine&qid=1595998111&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Powers-Heaven-Grant-Harrison/dp/0910558000/ref=sr_1_2?crid=29MPNS2SJG5BG&dchild=1&keywords=calling+down+the+powers+of+heaven&qid=1595998208&sprefix=calling+on+the+powers+of+heaven%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Melchizedek-Priesthood-Understanding-Doctrine-Principles/dp/1629724459/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?cv_ct_cx=melchizedek+priesthood&dchild=1&keywords=melchizedek+priesthood&pd_rd_i=1629724459&pd_rd_r=a66c5acf-5fff-43e0-8e65-5255cbd55a19&pd_rd_w=IrlT5&pd_rd_wg=0zYdp&pf_rd_p=13bf9bc7-d68d-44c3-9d2e-647020f56802&pf_rd_r=8JYWYDQK1CVFQ5W6NXA4&psc=1&qid=1595998262&sr=1-1-791c2399-d602-4248-afbb-8a79de2d236f

Your Vital Part in the Ongoing Restoration

   I am so grateful for the leaders in the church and their encouragement to us as members as we seek to play a part in the continued unfolding of the Restoration.  President Henry B. Eyring, 2nd Counselor in the First Presidency walked us through his experience prior to this past general conference (April 2020) in preparation for this year's inaugural commemoration of the First Vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to the young boy, Joseph Smith in the sacred grove next to his home in Palmyra, New York.  A video had been released narrowing down the exact date that this magnificent experience came to be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6MsQ6QBMMY
    The invitation from President Russell M. Nelson was to prepare the members for the small part we will play in gathering God's children before the Savior's Second Coming and the building up of Zion.
In his talk in the Saturday morning session he assumed we had asked the question, "In what way is my part vital?" as we prepared by studying the Restoration up to the start of conference in April.

     President Eyring said he felt changes in his heart, he felt new gratitude, and filled with joy at the prospect of being invited to participate in the celebration of the ongoing Restoration.

Here's the deal.... If you feel like you may have missed out on the opportunity to join with members of the church in studying about the Restoration earlier this year, "let not your heart be troubled"😃 because President Nelson has designated the entire year to celebrate the commencement of the dispensation of the fullness of times.  It makes me curious as to what is in store for the upcoming sessions of General Conference in October 2020.  We already know that it will follow the same format as the one back in April. All sessions will be broadcast from a studio location in Salt Lake city.  What might we anticipate as we continue to prepare for that? One can only speculate at this time as we get closer to that event.  This preparation you realized or will yet realize will be a hinge point in not only the history of the church but also your personal history and spiritual journey as mentioned in President Eyring's talk.

I love President Eyring's optimism in this talk as he tells us, "As part of our preparation for His coming, He will lift each of us so we may rise to spiritual challenges and opportunities unlike any seen in the history of this world."
-Right now we have since seen a shut down of the US economy, civil unrest, protests turned to riots in the streets at the expense of precious lives, families torn apart by political differences and deadly violence. However, having spent the last few months worshiping in a more intimate setting in our individual family's homes, you may have noticed a spiritual strengthening not just personally. You very well may have noticed more unity within your family.
  I can say that the trials my family has experienced since the later part of May have turned to blessings and brought us closer together.  My wife and I have been on the same page in our decision making regarding our finances, which is essential in a marriage.(We are still making plans and preparations for the end of this year as we anticipate what may come our way.) Not to say that life has been stress free, but I have seen God's hand in our family's life and seen his plan for us play out for the better even through the tough trials we've experienced.

President Eyring quoted the prophet Joseph Smith in a declaration he and his counselors made to members of the church in 1840 about the work yet to be done in the last dispensation:

"The work of the Lord in these last days, is one of vast magnitude and almost beyond the comprehension of mortals. Its glories are past description, and its grandeur unsurpassable. It is the theme which has animated the bosom of prophets and righteous men from the creation of the world down through every succeeding generation to the present time; and it is truly the dispensation of the fullness of times, when all things which are in Christ Jesus, whether in heaven or on the earth, shall be gathered together in Him, and when all things shall be restored, as spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world began; for in it will take place the glorious fulfilment of the promises made to the fathers, while the manifestations of the power of the Most High will be great, glorious, and sublime....We feel disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the upbuilding of the Kingdom, and establishing the Priesthood in their fullness and glory.  The work that has to be accomplished in the last days is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, skill, talent, and ability of the Saints, so that it may roll forth with that glory and majesty described by  the prophet [Daniel][see Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45]; and will consequently require the concentration of the Saints, to accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-44?lang=eng

The link has the reference for your convenience and context. As I read through it I was struck by the next paragraphs:

“Dear brethren, feeling desirous to carry out the purposes of God, to which work we have been called; and to be co-workers with Him in this last dispensation; we feel the necessity of having the hearty cooperation of the Saints throughout this land, and upon the islands of the sea. It will be necessary for the Saints to hearken to counsel and turn their attention to the Church, the establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside every selfish principle, everything low and groveling; and stand forward in the cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to whom has been given the pattern and design. …"

Did you catch that detail? We as saints must follow counsel and turn our attention to the Church, establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside our pride and selfishness. Oh, and there's more...

“Here, then, beloved brethren, is a work to engage in worthy of archangels—a work which will cast into the shade the things which have been heretofore accomplished; a work which kings and prophets and righteous men in former ages have sought, expected, and earnestly desired to see, but died without the sight; and well will it be for those who shall aid in carrying into effect the mighty operations of Jehovah.”

This really is a great time to be alive on the earth. Those from long ago have looked with anticipation to our day. The works which we will play a role in carrying forth will make the miracles recounted in scripture look plain in comparison.

We are given some insight as to what to look ahead to that we have revealed to us through scripture thus far:
        ·      Through His Saints, the Lord will offer the gift of His gospel “to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.”

•      Technology and miracles will continue to play a part – as will individual “fishers of men” who minister with power and increasing faith.
•      We as a people will become more united amid increasing conflict
•      We will be gathered in the spiritual strength of groups and families filled with gospel light
•      Even an unbelieving world will recognize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and realize the power of God upon it.
•      Faithful and brave disciples will fearlessly, humbly, and openly take upon them the name of Christ in their everyday lives.

What more can we look forward to? Over the short span of President Nelson's time as the prophet of the church, he has given the members of the church invitations and counsel to receive personal revelation to which President Eyring declares will give us the necessary power to participate appropriately in the events to come:

How then can each of us participate in this work of such magnitude and grandeur?

(President Nelson has taught us how to grow in spiritual power.)

1-Take repentance as a joyful opportunity because of our growing faith that Jesus is the Christ

2- Understand and Believe that Heavenly Father hears our every prayer

3- Strive to Obey and Live the commandments

These 3 things allow us to grow in our power to receive continuing revelation.

Remember, Prayer is key. 

 I'll finish with this last quote from President Eyring's talk...

“Our ability to make our VITAL contribution to the wonderful continuing Restoration will increase as we grow in our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and our Heavenly Father as our loving Father. As we pray in faith we become a vital part in the Lord’s work as He prepares the world for His Second Coming.  I pray that we may all find joy in doing the work He invites each of us to perform.”

Check out his talk for yourself and see where it leads you.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/17eyring?lang=eng

People in the Book of Mormon who fled for safety

      In my study of the book of Mormon this year I have been impacted by the patterns I have discovered of various forms and themes.  One of those being a pattern of people fleeing for safety temporally and spiritually.  I first noticed this after reading a message from President Nelson in the April 2020 Ensign.  In his message to members of the church, titled "Future of the Church: Preparing the world for the Savior's second coming", he tells us...
     "The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do.(D&C 86:1-7)  Our safest insurance is to be worthy to attend His holy house.  The greatest gift you could give the Lord is to keep yourself unspotted from the world, worthy to attend His holy house.  His gift to you will be the peace and security of knowing you are worthy to meet Him whenever that time comes."
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/04/the-future-of-the-church-preparing-the-world-for-the-saviors-second-coming?lang=eng

So a separation is coming and the divide will be determined by obedience to the Lord.  This year we have also seen an emphasis on the phrase "Hear Him!", referring to hearing the voice of the Savior in our own personal efforts to receive, as invited by President Nelson recently, personal revelation.  I have got my work cut out for me to hear my Savior.  It was something I had personally embraced several months ago in preparation for General Conference back in April. Now life seems to be coasting a bit in this limbo of the Corona virus pandemic, and distractions and life's stresses abound.

   As I read this paragraph from President Nelson's ensign address, I thought about what I had been reading of Lehi and Nephi being warned of the Lord to flee for the safety of them and their families.
     Here we are months later and I have seen how the Lord continues to separate his people for their protection through out the following chapters of the book of Mormon.  Is this what we are preparing for?  I have heard that there will not be a warning or a "call out" given by the leadership of the church when we are to gather to "Zion" or the New Jerusalem. That may be true to an extent, in that there must be spiritual preparation done on our own part.  I wondered if I were to receive a warning to "flee for safety" with my family, what that process and experience would be like.  That contemplation was met with a bit of anxiety.  Haven't the leaders said as we gather to Zion that the stakes of Zion are where we reside? But yet there will be a gathering in a future day to prepare for the Savior's return to his people at New Jerusalem.

Thanks to a video message I came across a quote from a member out west who shared her study on the prophesied tribulations to come and other latter-day events surrounding the Savior's second coming.

"The Lord has placed the responsibility for directing the work of gathering in the hands of the leaders of the church to whom he will reveal his will where and when such gatherings would take place in the future.  It would be well - before the frightening events concerning the fulfillment of all God's promises and predictions are upon us that the saints in every land prepare themselves and look forward to the instruction that shall come to them from the first presidency of this church as to where they shall be gathered and not be disturbed in their feelings until such instruction is given to them as it is revealed by the Lord to the proper authority."  (In conference report, April 1948, pg. 55)
 The saints must look to the first presidency and gather at whatever time and in whatever manner they prescribe."
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-29-prepare-against-the-day-of-tribulation?lang=eng&clang=ase

     Yes, We MUST prepare ourselves and our families temporally and spiritually for times of trouble.  Yes, we must do the work required to obtain the blessings of protection during what trials may lie ahead, but we MUST also look to the leaders of the church, specifically the First Presidency for instruction on fleeing, be it fleeing from physical danger or spiritual.  If you look at the pattern in the book of Mormon, Nephi and his siblings along with Sariah received instruction from Lehi, the prophet, prior to fleeing Jerusalem, and so on for each example afterward in the book of Mormon.  Direction was given from the Lord to His servants, and then to his people.

Who all has fled for safety thus far in the Book of Mormon?

Lehi and his family fled Jerusalem - 1 Nephi 1:13,20; 1 Nephi 2:1-7(1-3)


Nephi and his family fled Laman and Lemuel - 2 Nephi 5:5-6



King Mosiah I fled the land of Nephi - Omni 1:12



King Limhi and his people fled the Lamanites - Mosiah 22



Alma the elder and the saints of the church fled King Noah and his priests - Mosiah 18:34; 23:1; 24:16, 23


Ammon, his brothers, and the Anti-Nephi-Lehies fled the Lamanites(Amulonites & Amalekites) Alma 27:12-14

To Ammon, the Lord gave this message, concerning the newly converted Lamanite members of the church.  He said "Get this people out of this land, that they perish not; for Satan has great hold on the hearts of the Amalekites, who do stir up the Lamanites to anger against their brethren to slay them; therefore get thee out of this land; and blessed are this people in this generation, for I will preserve them." (Alma 27:12)

Do we need to get out of the "land" we currently reside in spiritually in order to receive the promise of the Lord's divine protection?  I hope we can prepare ourselves so that we are ready and looking forward to whatever instruction we may receive from our prophet and his counselors when the day comes.