Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the furnace of affliction refines us. Sometimes when we are going through trying times we might feel like we have been forsaken by the Lord. But actually, the trials we go through refine us and help us to become the people we have the potential to become. This is actually a blessing from the Lord. 1 Ne. 20:10 "For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."

In the New Testament I read about how Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, and told him to feed His sheep. Why did Jesus repeat Himself three times like this? Perhaps it's because Peter denied Christ three times and Jesus wanted to give Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Him three times. Perhaps also it's because when something is repeated a number of times, we tend to remember it more and it sticks in our minds. This is why the angel Moroni repeated the same thing to Joseph Smith a number of times. Sometimes we may feel frustrated at church when we hear the same subject addressed in talks or lessons repeatedly and feel like we've "heard it all before." But in reality, maybe we need to hear these things repeatedly before they'll sink in. John 21:15-17 "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a cheerful heart is a good medicine but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. There is much to be said for a positive attitude. And it can not only make us feel better mentally, but can make us physically healthier as well. Happiness can improve our health and even prolong our lives. Anger and worry contribute to numerous kinds of diseases. A happy heart is good for your health! Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

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