In the Old Testament I read about how angry Moses was when he came down from the mountain and saw the people worshipping the golden calf and dancing and revelling before it. He became so upset that he broke the tablets that had the 10 commandments engraven upon them. He quesetioned Aaron about why he'd allowed such a thing to happen and Aaron made excuses that amounted to him saying that the people were prone to mischief so there wasn't much he could do. Moses was gone and they didn't know if he was ever coming back. So they'd donated their gold jewelry to melt down and "there came out this calf." Yeah, right. Just melt down the jewelry and of course it just turned into a calf to worship. How often do we explain our sins like this? In any case, Moses entreated the Lord to forgive the people. He told Moses to lead the people and said that an angel would go before them, but still he plagued the people because of their sin. Ex. 32: 19-35 "And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it. And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf. And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. And he said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the Lord, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day. And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made."

In the D&C I read about the great rewards that will be given to those who are persecuted for the Lord's sake, or even give their lives. They will be crowned with glory. We should not fear death, but should seek the Lord always, that we may receive eternal life and our joy will be full. Instead of caring for our bodies and the life of our bodies, we need to be concerned for our souls. D&C 101: 15, 35-38 "And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned. And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall they partake of all this glory. Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul. And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that we need to comfort and encourage others in the faith, and they should likewise do the same for us. This is what true friendship does, when we can strenghten each other's faith and encourage each other in righteousness. These are the kinds of friendships we need to seek out and nurture. Rom. 1: 12 "That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses had tables of stone which he carried down from the mouth. These were written by the hand of God, engraven upon the tables. Ex. 32:15-16 "And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written. And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables."

In the D&C I read that if we're slow to listen to the voice of the Lord, He'll be slow to listen to our prayers. Sometimes when things are going well in our lives, we tend to forget God. Then in times of trouble we suddenly decide it's time to start praying. But because we have allowed ourselves to drift away from God and have allowed our relationship with him to become more distant, He's not always immediately there for us. We need to humble ourselves and take time to become close to Him again. Sometimes it takes trials and tribulations in our lives before we'll be willing to feel after God. But He loves us and is filled with compassion towards us and will remember mercy. He may be slow to hear our prayers after we've strayed from Him, but if we'll persist in our prayers and do our best to come back to Him, He'll welcome us with open arms. D&C 101: 7-9 "They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me. Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards them. I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us there is a time to speak and a time to keep silence. We need wisdom and direction from the Lord to know the difference. Sometimes the Lord will direct us what to say (as we read about yesterday) and sometimes it's best not to say anything at all. Eccl. 3: 7 "A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;"

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord told Moses to get down quickly from the mount because the people had corrupted themselves by making a molten calf that they were worshipping. How stiffnecked the people were to forget the true God so quickly and credit this golden calf for bringing them up out of Egypt. Ex. 32: 7-10 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation."

In the D&C I read that when we teach other people, we need to be in tune with the Lord so that the Spirit can direct us on what to speak, and put thoughts into our hearts on what to say so that we won't be confounded before men. We need to do this with meekness of spirit. The Holy Ghost will bear record of what we say. This is the only way to teach things of God. If we try to use our own wisdom to teach spiritual things, we will fail. We need the Lord's guidance to know what to say and most importantly, we need the Holy Ghost to testify that what we're saying is true. It's the Holy Ghost that converts people and changes their hearts. No matter how wise our words are, without the Holy Ghost bearing witness of our words, people's hearts and lives won't be changed. D&C 100: 5-8 "Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say. But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things. And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we need to be of one mind, be courteous to others, and have love and compassion for one another. 1 Pet. 3: 8 "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:"

In the Old Testament I read how the Israelites seemed to have very short attention spans when it came remaining righteous while waiting for Moses to return from the Mount. After wondering what had become of him, they didn't waste much time in using their jewelry to molten a golden calf to worship. After all the Lord had done for them in helping them escape Egypt and preserving them, they gave credit to this image instead of the true and living God. They built an altar to it, offered up burnt offerings, and rose up to feast and play. Ex. 32: 1-6 "And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the Lord. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play."

In the D&C I read a simple definition of truth--it's a knowledge of things as they are now, as they were in the past, and as they will be in the future. It's a knowlege of past, present and future. D&C 93: 24 "And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to put our trust in God rather than in man. People are imperfect and they'll fall short of what we expect of them at times. But God never will. Ps. 118: 8 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."

In the Old Testament I read about the importance of keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. Not only is this a commandment from God, but it carried a penalty of death if people disobeyed it. Imagine the death penalty for breaking the Sabbath! Of course we're not faced with being killed today if we break this commandment, but it does give you some idea of the seriousness of this commandment and how the Lord did not take it lightly. God worked six days to create the earth and then rested. He served as an example to us that we should labor for six days and then rest on the Sabbath and not do any work. This is not some minor infraction. We need to examine how we honor the Sabbath day and make sure we're not lacking in this area. It was written by the finger of God and it's apparently a VERY important commandment! Ex. 31: 12-18 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God."

In the D&C we're told to avoid pride and high-mindedness, as they can be a snare to our souls. Let's not fall into this trap! D&C 90: 17 "Be not ashamed, neither confounded; but be admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride, for it bringeth a snare upon your souls."

A verse from a thought booklet remnds us that if God is with us, who can be against us? What encouraging words those are, and something comforting to remember when we feel that others are not supportive of us. What does that matter as long as we have the Lord? Rom. 8: 31 "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"

In the Old Testament I read how the Lord commanded Israel to donate various items in order to build a temple. In reading this, I'm reminded of the saints in the early days of the church who sacrificed their good china to build the walls of the Kirtland temple, and make them sparkle and shimmer in the sunlight. The Lord has always required his people to sacrifice and give of what they have and what they can offer to help in His work. And we need to give with willing hearts. Ex. 25: 1-8 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine blinen, and goats’ hair, And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them."

In the D&C I read the Word of Wisdom in which we are cautioned to avoid alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. But with these warnings come a promise that if we abide this law, we'll be given health to our navel and marrow to our bones and we'll be able to run and not be weary and walk and not faint. Indeed, we are healthier if we avoid substances that are not good for us. But in addition to the benefits to our health, we'll also be given wisdom and great treasures of knowlege. so many wonderful promises attend this law! D&C 89: 7-9, 18-21 "And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill. And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly. And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of the Israelites complaining that they would have been better off staying in Egypt than going out in the wilderness to be slain. Things looked pretty bleak with the Egyptians closing in on them. But Moses told the people not to fear for they were about to see the salvation of the Lord. Then the Lord told Moses to stop praying and just move forward. Then Moses lifted up his rod and divided the Red Sea so that the Isrealites could cross on dry ground. It's important to pray but it's also important to get off our knees and get to work. The Lord will help us but we also need to be willing to move forward as we trust in God. Ex. 14: 10-16 "And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea." The thought that went with this, written by Esther M. Bailey from Scottsdale, Arizona said: We have no trouble finding bibical instruction to pray. Pray in the morning. Pray before meals. Pray at bedtime. Pray about everything. Good advice, but why did God tell Moses to quit praying? What goes? By reading all of today's scripture passage, we learn that God already had a plan in place for the Israelites' escape from Egypt. All they needed to do was trust God and follow Moses. Just before God performed one of the grestest miracles recorded in the Bible, the Israelites whined and wished they were still in Egypt. When we know what we should do, we don't need to ask God for more instructions. We just need to move forward. When I pray about a friend who is hurting, God sometimes nudges me to do something about the need myself. Putting legs to my prayer allows me to participate in God's mission on earth.

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel see God and the Lord calls Moses into mount to receive the tables of stone and commandments. He is there for forty days and forty nights. Exodus 24: 9- 18 "Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink. And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them. And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights."

In the D&C I read several important ideas packed in a few verses--things we need to do and things we need to avoid doing. We need to love one another and give to one another. We need to go to bed early and arise early. We need to be charitible. We need to pray always. Some things we need to avoid are covetousness, being idle, being unclean, finding fault with one another. sleeping longer than is needful. Lots of points to remember here, things that will help us to be received unto the Lord when He comes. D&C 88: 123-126 "See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires. Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace. Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen."

A verse with a thought booklet gives us the image of the Lord holding our hand and keeping us for a covenant people, a light for the Gentiles. Think of a parent crossing the street and holding on to the hand of a child, keeping them safe from harm. This is what the Lord wants to do for us--hold our hand and keep us close to Him. Isa. 42: 6 "I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;"

In the Old Testament I read about how Israel accepted the word of the Lord by covenant and Moses sprinkled the blood of the covenant. Exodus 24: 1-8 "And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him. And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant, and bread in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words."

In the D&C I read that we need to seek wisdom and learning out of the best books, by study and also by faith, and that we need to teach each other. Very important, when we're trying to learn things, not only to study them in our minds, but also by faith. These two components work hand in hand. D&C 88: 118 "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."

In the Old Testament I read about how an angel, bearing the Lord’s name, would guide them and they needed to obey what he said, and not bow down to other gods but to serve the Lord. Sickness would be removed. The nations of Canaan would be driven out gradually, but the Isrealites needed to be cautious not to worship their gods or make covenants with them. Exodus 23: 20-33 "Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil. I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto cthe driver: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee. Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee."

In the D&C I read a verse that commands us to continue in fasting and prayer, things that are very important for us to do on a regular basis. D&C 88: 76 "Also, I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how Asa did was was right in the sight of God--getting rid of the idols and their altars, the images and their high places. He commanded the people to see after the Lord and keep His commandments. As a reward for his righteousness, the Lord granted him rest on every side and the people prospered. It's important that we get rid of things in our lives that are not right, or things that draw us away from the Lord. We need to seek the Lord and keep His commandments. 2 Chr. 14: 2-7 "And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest. Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord revealed his laws pertaining to integrity and godly conduct. We should even help our enemies, and not oppress strangers, for we were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exocus 23: 1- 9 "Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him. Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. And thou shalt take no agift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous. Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."

In the D&C we're told that if we draw near unto the Lord, He will draw near unto us. If we seek Him, we'll find him. And whatever we ask the Father for in the name of Christ, if it is expedient for us, will be given to us. Sometimes we may feel like our prayers aren't answered. But they are. Sometimes they're answered yes, sometimes no, and sometimes we're told to be patient and wait awhile. But the Lord answers our prayers in the way that's best for us. And if we don't get what we want, maybe we need to realize that what we asked for was not expedient for us, at least not at this time. This requires us to trust in the Lord. D&C 88: 63-64 "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;"

Some veereses with a thought booklet tell us that we all have different spiritual gifts given to us, but they're all given by the same Spirit. 1 Cor. 12: 8-11 "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

In the Old Testament I read about how we should not afflict or take advantage of widows, orphans or poor people. The Lord will hear their cries. Exodus 22:22-27 "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my awrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury. If thou at all take thy neighbour’s raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down: For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us that a gift we refuse to accept will be of no profit to us. In fact, we cannot rejoice in it and the person who tried to give it to us will not rejoice either. How sad it must make the Lord when we receive to accept the gifts He so freely offers us. And how sad for us that we cannot receive what we might have received. D&C 88: 33 "For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift."

Some verses with a thought booklet show us the perfect example of how Jesus Christ submitted His will to that of His Father. Suffering and dying for our sins was unimaginably difficult, even for Christ. He asked the Father that, if it be possible, this bitter cup be removed from Him. However, He submitted His will to the Father and said that His will be done. Angels appeared to strenghen Him. How many times do difficult things come into our lives that we'd rather avoid? In yet no matter how bad they may appear to be, they are nothing in comparison to what Christ suffered for us. In yet Jesus was willing to submit to whatever the Father wanted him to do. This is the example we must follow. But we're not alone in this. We can pray and ask the Lord to give us strength so that we can be able to endure. Luke 22: 42-43 "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."

In the Old Testament I read about laws the Lord revealed pertaining to stealing, destructions by fire, care of property of others, borrowing, and other things, and how restitution should be made. Exocud 22: 1- 15 "If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double. If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man’s field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution. If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution. If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, let him pay double. If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods. For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour. If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it: Then shall an oath of the Lord be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good. And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof. If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn. And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good. But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire."

In the D&C I read some verses that tell us we need to labor in our own callings and do what we can to edify other people. Each person has their own callings and all our necessary so we can all stand together. D&C 84: 109-11 "Therefore, let every man stand in his own office, and labor in his own calling; and let not the head say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet; for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand? Also the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified together, that the system may be kept perfect."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how Elijah was very discouraged because the people had all gone astray and sought to take away his life. As he stood on the mount before the Lord, He experienced a mighty wind and an earthquake, but the Lord was not in them. However, then the Lord spoke to him with a still, small voice. Often this is the way the Lord speaks to us. We need to be quiet and receptive to listen and be able to hear what He has to say to us. 1 Kgs. 19: 10-12 "And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."

In the Old Testament I read about the giving of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, how servants should be set free if they were smitten on the eye or tooth and it perished, and about what should be done if oxen caused damage. Exodus 21 : 24-36 "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye’s sake. And if he smite out his manservant’s tooth, or his maidservant’s tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake. If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death. If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him. If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned. And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein; The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his. And if one man’s ox hurt another’s, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide. Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us that if we're strong in the Spirit we should take someone who is weak under our wings and edify them in all meekness, helping them to become strong also. D&C 84: 106 "And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also."

In a thought booklet I read some verses that tell us to rejoice, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all things. A heart of graditude will bring us joy, as we appreciate all the many blessings the Lord has given us. If you have a dent in your car, instead of complaining and feeling terrible about it, rejoice and and be thankful that the accident wasn't worse and you could have been seriously injured or killed. Looking at it this way, there is much to be grateful for. Upset that things are not going well at work? Be grateful you have a job. Not happy with some things about your house? Be grateful you have a roof over your head. Upset because dinner didn't turn out like you'd hoped? Be thankful you have food to eat. Whether you're happy or miserable depends more on how you look at things than on your circumstances. And a grateful attitude goes a long way toward helping you have a positive, happy attitude toward life. If we take the advice of these scriptures and pray without ceasing, giving thanks for all we have, it can help to change our attitude. 1 Thes. 5: 16-18 "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Israelites are forbidden to make gods of silver and gold. They are to make altars of unhewn stones, and to sacrifice to the Lord thereon. Exodus 20 :23-26 "Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon."

In the D&C I read some verses that tell us that the world lies in sin and darkness. Indeed, they are under bondage of sin. Whoever does not receive the voice of the Lord and is not acquainted with it is not of God. If we do not come unto Christ, we are not of God. The things of the Lord should not be treated lightly. D&C 84: 49-54 "And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin. And by this you may know they are under the abondage of sin, because they come not unto me. For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin. And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me. And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now. And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated dlightly the things you have received— "

A verse from a thought booklet tells us to be content with what we have. If we're envious of others and constantly wishing for things we don't have, we'll never be happy. Instead, we should count our blessings and appreciate what we DO have. We all have much to be grateful for. Philip. 4: 11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord revealed the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20 : 1- 17 "And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s."

In the D&C it tells us that we need to be unselfish and seek the interest of our neighbor, keeping our eye single to the glory of God. D&C 82: 19 "Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God."

A verse from a thought booklet warns us not to be complainers, for this is displeasing to the Lord. Do you know anyone who loves to constantly complain about this or that, finding fault with everything around them? They are the most unhappy people you'll ever meet. And apparently the Lord is not happy with them either and in this verse He dealt with them rather harshly. Num. 11: 1 "And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord revealed the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20 : 1- 17 "And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s."

In the D&C it tells us that we need to be unselfish and seek the interest of our neighbor, keeping our eye single to the glory of God. D&C 82: 19 "Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God."

A verse from a thought booklet warns us not to be complainers, for this is displeasing to the Lord. Do you know anyone who loves to constantly complain about this or that, finding fault with everything around them? They are the most unhappy people you'll ever meet. And apparently the Lord is not happy with them either and in this verse He dealt with them rather harshly. Num. 11: 1 "And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord appears on Sinai amid fire and smoke and earthquakes. All the people at the camp trembled. The Lord called Moses to the top of the mount, and Moses went up. The Lord told Moses to warn the people not to come up on the mount lest they perish. Moses went back down and spoke to the people. Exodus 19: 16-24 "And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish. And let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them. And Moses said unto the Lord, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it. And the Lord said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the Lord, lest he break forth upon them. So Moses went down unto the people, and spake unto them."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us we need to receive all things with thankfulness. I think graditude is a very important trait to have. In fact, we're told that we'll be richly rewarded if we have it. D&C 78: 19 "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what trials and tribulations come into our lives, we can know that the Lord loves us and will be with us through whatever comes our way. Rom. 8: 35, 38-39 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses told the people what the Lord had asked him to tell them and the people sanctify and wash themselves in preparation for the Lord coming down in the sight of the people upon Mount Sinai. They're told that if they touch the mount, they'll be put to death. Exodus 19: 7- 15 "And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount. And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives."

A verse in the D&C tells us that we need to help the weak and lift up those who hang down, giving strength to those with feeble knees. Indeed, we should be sensitive to the needs of others and help those who stand in need of help. D&C 81: 5 "Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us to be of good cheer, even when we're faced with tribulation, for the Lord has overcome the world and will give us peace. No matter what we face in life, we don't have to face it alone. The Lord will be with us and give us strength to get through whatever we have to bear. John 16: 33 "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."

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses went up on the mountain and God called unto him. The Lord covenanted to make Israel a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. Exodus 19: 3- 6 "And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us that if we expect to find a place of glory in the Celestial Kingdom, we need to prepare ourseleves by doing the things the Lord has commanded us to do. D&C 78: 7 "For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that God is rich in mercy and has great loved for us. Eph. 2: 4 "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,"

In the Old Tesetament I read about how Moses sat as judge to the people and was very weary because he stood before the people from morning until evening. Jethro his father in law adviced him to delegate some of this responsibility to others--to find good and able men who could do some of this work for him. They could at least judge the small matters and just leave the heavier matters for Moses. It's not a good thing to try to do everything ourselves and wear ourselves out. Sometimes we need to find others to help, who also need the opportunity to serve. A good lesson to remember. Exodus 18:13-27 "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: When they have a amatter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us we'll be judged for our works and rewarded accordingly. D&C 76: 111 "For they shall be judged according to their works, and every man shall receive according to his own works, his own dominion, in the mansions which are prepared;"

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that we are the works of the hands of God--we are like clay and He is like our potter. Isa. 64: 8 "But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Israelites fought against Amalek and that as long as Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. But if he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur upheld Moses’ hands so that Joshua could prevail against Amalek. The Lord told Moses to write these things down so that they could be remembered, and Moses built an altar. Exodus 17: 9-16 "And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi: For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."

In the D&C I read some verses that talk about the different degrees of glory--the Telestial which is likened to the stars, the Terrestrial which is likened to the moon, and the Celestial which is likened to the brightness of the sun. The Telestial Kingdom is so wonderful that it is beyond our comprehension, in yet the Terrestrial and Celestial Kingdoms are even greater than that. It's hard to imagine the wonderful rewards that await us in the next life. D&C 76: 89-92, 96-98 "And thus we saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understanding; And no man knows it except him to whom God has revealed it. And thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial which excels in all things the glory of the telestial, even in glory, and in power, and in might, and in dominion. And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things—where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne forever and ever; And the glory of the celestial is one, even as the glory of the sun is one. And the glory of the terrestrial is one, even as the glory of the moon is one. And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world;"

A verse from a thought booklet tell us that the righteous should be glad of heart and shout for joy. Indeed, even the righteous have trials and troubles in their lives, but they have the Lord to strengthen and help them and this should be a cause of rejoicing. Ps. 32: 11 "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."

In the Old Testament I read about how Israel murmured for lack of water and Moses smote a rock in Horeb, which caused water to gush forth. Exodus 17: 3-6 "And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel."

In the D&C I read some verses that talk about the rewards of the righteous who come forth in the resurrection of the just. These are people who received the testimony of Jesus and believed in Him. They were baptized by immersion, being buried under the water, received the Holy Ghost, and kept the commandments. D&C 76: 50-53 "And again we bear record—for we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just— They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given— That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power; And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true."

A verse from a thought booklet talks about fighting a good fight, keeping the faith, and finishing the course. How very important it is for us to endure to the end and finish the course that has been set before us. 2 Tim. 4: 7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" The thought that went with this, written by Loretta Miller Mehi from Eugene, Oregon says: My son, David, exclaimed, "It was very important to me that I finish the race!" He had reached his forties when he decided to exercise more. After months of biking and walking, he entered a marathon. He had trained and bought special shoes, but near the middle of the course, his legs started hurting. He could not keep up with the crowd, but he struggled on and finally completed the distance. I told my friend Ann about Dave's experience and she responded, "I want the words, 'She finished the race,' on my tombstone." Fighting arthritis and the accompanying pain and surgeries since her thirties, Ann's hallmark has been her continual testimony for the Lord. God wants us to be faithful in finishing the course he sets before each of us. I can only imagine my delight to have my Savior say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord taught the Israelites to honor the Sabbath Day. Every day except for the Sabbath they were to gather their manna to eat. But the day before the Sabbath they were to gather twice as much so they'd have some for the Sabbath without having to gather it. If they gathered extra on any other day it would gather worms, but gathering extra for the Sabbath, it never went bad. If people tried to go out to gather manna on the Sabbath day, they found none. The Sabbath is a day of rest and we are not to labor on that day. I remember learning this principle very well as at student in junior high, and through the years afterward. I always needed to study for tests the night before so that what I studied would be fresh on my mind. If I tried studying two nights before, I couldn't remember the material as well and didn't do as well. HOWEVER, if a test was to be on a Monday, I could study on Saturday and the material would be just as fresh on my mind as if I had studied the night before. I did better in school by NOT doing homework or studying on Sunday. The Lord blesses us when we keep His commandments. Exodus 16:19-30 "And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them. And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted. And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. So the people rested on the seventh day."

In the D&C I read a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ, as given by Joseph Smith. He saw Him, standing on the right hand of God and was able to testimony with certainly that He lives, that He created the earth, and that we are sons and daughters of God. D&C 76: 22-24 "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father— That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that all power was given to Jesus Christ, in heaven and in earth. Matt. 28: 18 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

In the Old Testament I read about how Israel murmured for want of bread, and lusted for the flesh pots of Egypt. The Lord rained bread from heaven, and sent quail for meat and gave Israel manna each day, except the Sabbath, for forty years. Isn't it sad that the people could murmur when they'd been so blessed and given so much? And their murmurings were not against Moses, but against God. Exocus 16:2-18 "And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord. And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the Lord: for he hath heard your murmurings. And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, I have heard the amurmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God. And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small around thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, aIt is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating."

In the D&C I read men are to provide for their own families, as well as serve in the church. We are to be diligent in all things. There is no place for the idler in the church unless he is willing to repent. The church teaches the importance and value of work, and it's something that is necessary if we are to receive our eternal crown. D&C 75: 28-29 "And again, verily I say unto you, that every aman who is obliged to provide for his own family, let him provide, and he shall in nowise lose his crown; and let him labor in the church. Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to sing praises unto the Lord, for He is our defence and refuse in our days of trouble. Ps. 59: 16 "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Israelits traveled three days into the wilderness and had no water. They came to Marah but could not drink the water because it was bitter. This caused the people to murmur against Moses. However, Moses cried unto the Lord who showed him a tree that he could cast into the waters to make them sweet so the people could drink it. Another example of how God answered their prayers and performed miracles in their behalf. Indeed, the Lord told the people that if they would diligently hearken to His voice and keep His commandments, He would put none of the diseases before them that He had brought upon the Egyptians. Exodus 15: 22-26 "So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee."

In the D&C we're told to call on the name of the Lord for the comforter, which will teach us all things that are expedient for us. We're to pray always for strength, and the Lord will be with us, even to the end. D&C 75: 10-11 "Calling on the name of the Lord for the Comforter, which shall teach them all things that are expedient for them— Praying always that they faint not; and inasmuch as they do this, I will be with them even unto the end."

A verse from a thought booklet talks about friendship and how if we wants friends we should be friendly ourselves, and stick closer than a brother. Prov. 18: 24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." The thought that went with this, written by Ginny Pfeifer from Winona Lake, Indiana says: They sat at a table making artwork from Play Doh. Marie was feeling grouchy, and Hannah's repeated offer, "Want to be my friend?" was not received or returned. Teacher, seeing Hannah's troubled face, asked, "What's wrong, Hannah?" "Marie doesn't want to be my friend," she whispered. "I'm sorry," Teacher replied, "Perhaps Marie isn't feeling well today. But I'll be your friend." With a happy smile Hannah went back to her play. All was right. She was accepted and loved. Teacher was her friend. At times we are bruised by an unkind remark. Our offer of friendship is refused. We feel rejected. Jesus has promised, "I'll be your friend." When we have a friend such as this, we will keep on reaching out to others, offering love and sharing the Good News of "a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

In the Old Testament I read about how the people of other nations would hear about what happened and would fear the Lord and tremble. Exodus 15:14-16 "The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased."

A verse from the D&C tells us that we need to be equal in temporal things, and not do it grudgingly. In other words, if we have an abundance of this world's goods, we need to share with the poor so that we can be equal. If we don't do this, the manifestations of the Spirit will be withheld. D&C 70: 14 "Nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld."

Going right along with this, a verse from a thought booklet tells us that we should open our hand wide to help the poor and needy in the land. Deut. 15: 11 "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land."

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In the Old Testament I read about how Moses and the children of Israel sang the praises of the Lord, extolling how He had delivered them from Egypt and parted the Red Sea for them, only to close the waters in on the Egyptians and drown them with their chariots. Exodus 15:1-13 "Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble. And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters. Who is alike unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation."

In the D&C I read the importance of parents teaching their children the doctrines of repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, baptism and the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. They are to teach their children to pray and walk uprightly before the Lord. Children are to be baptized when eight years old. If parents fail to teach their children these things, the sin will be upon the heads of the parents. Having taught 7-8 year old children in primary for many years, I can clearly see that some parents do a beautiful job of teaching their children these things and the result is that these children are well prepared for baptism at age 8. Other children are not taught as well by their parents. It truly makes a huge difference when parents diligently teach their children the doctrines of the gospel. D&C 28: 25-28 "And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized. And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands. And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to those who thirst. Rev. 21: 6 "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is thirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."

In the Old Testament I read about how Pharaoh hardened his heart and decided to come after the Israelites who had fled into the wilderness. He overtook them encamping by the sea. When the Israelites saw the Egyptians coming upon them with their chariots and horsement, they were very much afraid. They told Moses they would rather have stayed in Egypt and served the Egyptians and that he should have left well enough alone instead of getting them out of there. However, Moses told the people not to be afraid, the Lord would fight for them. He lifted up his rod and stretched it over the sea, causing the sea to divide so that the Israelites could cross on dry grown, with a wall of water on their left and a wall of water on their right. However, when the Egyptians tried to cross after them, the sea came together again and drowned the Egyptians. Ex. 14: 8-16, 21-31 "And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou bdealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, And atook off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses."

In the D&C I read some verses that tell us that Priesthood leaders who are called of God and moved by the Holy Ghost to speak are able to speak the words of the Lord and that when they are moved to speak in such a manner, the words they say are like scripture. D&C 68: 2-5 "And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth— And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation. Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants."

Some verses with a thought booklet explain how the eyes of our understanding are enlightened by the Lord and we can be given the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Christ was raised fromt he dead and is head of the church. Eph. 1: 17-23 "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." Part of the thought that went with this, written by the Rev. Peter Hooytema from Midland Park, New Jersey said: I remember when my children were learning about the nation of Bhutan in school. They were surprised to learn that the Bhutanese people are permitted to visit the king of Bhutan whenever they want to. About 30 people go to see the king each day. Can you imagine being able to speak wtih the leader of your country? As amazing as that sounds, we have a far greater privilege that is ours to enjoy every time we pray. We get to speak directly to the Lord of creation. Thank you, Lord, for being our King who hears all our prayers. In all of the struggles we face in life, may we always turn to you alone for help.

In the Old Testament I read about how when the Israelites left Egypt they took the bones of Joseph with them, who had requested that he not be buried in Egypt. The Lord went before them as they travelled, giving them a pillar of cloud to lead the way by day and a pillar of fire to give them light by night. Ex. 13: 19-22 "And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people."

In the D&C I read the challenge that if anyone thinks the Book of Commandments (which later became the D&C) is not true, they should take the least of the revelations in it and the wisest person among them should try to write one like it. If they can do it, then they're justified in saying they're not true. But if not, they need to bear record that they are true. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord. D&C 67: 6-10 "Now, seek ye out of the Book of Commandments, even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you; Or, if there be any among you that shall make one like unto it, then ye are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are true; But if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they are true. For ye know that there is no unrighteousness in them, and that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights. And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Abram wanted no strife between himself and lot, for they were brothers. It is important that we do our best to keep the peace with our family members, even if it means giving in to them, such as in this case letting them choose the best land. Gen. 13: 8 "And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren." The thought that went with this, written by Jacqueline Leaycraft from Carson, California says: Who of us at one time or other have not had a disagreement with a family member? People wo love each other sometimes disagree. we are certain to have differing opinions but disagreements do not have to escalate. We need to follow the example of Abraham in solving our family disputes. When it looked like there was a potential disagreement with Lot, he faced the matter head on. Even though he was the older of the two, and by right had first choice, he let Lot choose first. In doing so, Abraham knew that he was risking being cheated, but he was willing to take that risk anyway. Abraham showed by his example how to respond to family disagreements: (1) take the inititive in resolving conflicts, (2) let the other person have the first choice, and (3) put family peace above personal desires.

In the Old Testament I read about how it should be taught to future generations how the Lord passed over the firstborn of the Isrealites but smote the firstborn of the Egyptians. Ex. 13: 14-15 "And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the Lord slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem."

In the D&C I read a verse that contained several different thoughts--that the sick can be healed by laying on of hands by a priesthood holder, that we need to be patient in afflictions, and that if we ask we shall receive and if we knock it shall be opened to us. D&C 66: 9 "Lay your hands upon the sick, and they shall recover. Return not till I, the Lord, shall send you. Be patient in affliction. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how much we're valued by our Heavenly Father. Even a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without the Father knowing it and caring. But we are of more value than many sparrows. Even the very hairs of our head are numbered to Him. Matt. 10: 29-31 "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." The thought that went with this, written by Teddy Ann Richardson from Randallstown, Maryland said: One morning my six year old son said to me, "Mommy, when I'm at school I feel small and when I'm at home I feel big." Taken by his profound statement, I shared it with a couple of friends and found it interesting how they responded. "It's a good experience for an only child to be in a setting like school where they are one of many; that's humbling," said one. "We all need to feel big at home; home is the one place we can feel special," said the other. As God's child, each of us is one of millions of souls saved by our Savior's death on the cross. We are such a small part of the big picture; we need to consider God and others as more important than ourselves. Yet we are so important to God that he knows our every need, our comings and going, and the number of hairs on our heads. God wants to use each of us in a special way. Lord, I honor you and your plan as much more important than myself. I also thank you for being so concerned with me that you know about the tiny details of my life.

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses told the Israelites to take a lamb and dip its blood in a bason and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood. Everyhouse that did this would be passed over and their firstborn would be spared. And this service would be kept through the generations so that when children asked what it meant, they could be retold the story of how the Lord smote the firstborn of the Egyptians but the firstborn of the Israelites were saved alive. At midnight, everything took place just as the Lord said it would, and the Lord smote all the firstborn. Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron by night and told them to rise up and leave, and take their flocks and herds with them. Ex. 12: 21-32 "Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us not to be weary in well-doing. I recall a time when this scripture popped into my head right at a time when I needed to be reminded of this principle. I was going over to a blind man's house every day to take care of his cats while he was in the hospital for a long period of time and after changing the cat litters for the umpteeth time, I questioned how long I'd have to continue doing this. That's when I received this little reminder not to be weary in well-doing. It came into my mind just at the moment I needed it. I knew that I was doing something the Lord wanted me to do and I should do it cheerfully and gladly. This little verse changed my attitude. D&C 64: 33 "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it's more blessed to give than to receive, something that we also need to be reminded of from time to time. Indeed, unselfish people who are more concerned about what they can give than about what they'll receive are generally much happier people. Acts 20: 35 "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

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