Adversity
The Discipline of Misfortune
The Bible Dictionary speaks of Joseph of Egypt as being the prime example of “the discipline of misfortune.” That phrase captures my attention.
Misfortunes and difficult things come to all of us. I have long maintained that our greatest afflictions are intended to become our greatest blessings if handled properly. Said just a little differently that principle becomes “our greatest blessings often come from our greatest afflictions.”
The Blessings of Dementia
How on earth could an awful thing like dementia ever be considered a blessing?
Let me tell you.
In July 2021 the Meridian Temple had just reopened after the COVID 19 shutdown. Marjorie and I made a hugely unsettling discovery. As we resumed working our Wednesday mid shift as temple ordinance workers Marjorie found that she could not remember the temple veil ceremony nor any of the other things that were necessary for an ordinance worker to know and to do. She had no short-term memory, could not follow a recipe, and was in a rapid slide into debilitating dementia. We were forced to ask for release from our temple callings.
Charlie Rich and the Fire
In November 1965 Charlie Rich was a 20-year-old student at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, majoring in animal science. He was living in a dormitory consisting of two houses occupied by young men all belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Read MoreIn An Instant
Mary Magdalene went to the tomb weeping, and in the deepest distress. She found the tomb empty, which compounded her sorrow. She turned to the gardener(as she supposed) who was standing there, and asked where Jesus’ body was. Jesus said, “Mary.” Suddenly recognizing Him, her utmost sorrow was replaced by unspeakable joy in an instant.
Read MoreHardening-Off
“Hardening-off” is a horticultural term describing the process used to mature and make hardier a succulent plant. Hardening-off is performed on seedlings before transplanting. It is accomplished by withholding water to the point of near permanent wilt or by reducing temperature. Such adverse conditions increase a plant’s ability to withstand cold, the wilting effects of constant winds, intense sunlight and the ravages of sucking insects.
Read MoreThank Goodness for Climate Change
The mountain man, Jim Bridger, met with Brigham Young on 28 June 1847 as the Saints were headed to the Rocky Mountains.
Read MorePaintings
Alma said, “O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart…” (Alma 29:1).
Read MoreTroubled Young Men
When I think of Enos’ account of his hunting expedition, I read between the lines. I don’t think of him going into the forest to look for animals, but rather of what was really happening on that occasion.
Read MoreAdversity
The best lessons of life are the hard ones. We’d like to avoid them entirely, but they’re one of the most basic reasons we’re here. The Lord told Joseph Smith to “be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many.” (D&C 24:8). Paul, recognizing the value of trials said that he gloried in tribulations. (Romans 5:3). Lehi told his son, Jacob, that the Lord would consecrate his afflictions for his gain. (2 Ne. 2:2). To Lehi’s statement I add “if we resist the urge to complain.”
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