Testimony (Helaman 5 17-20

Helaman 5:17-20

Preach = Teach + power+ conviction

Every month our church allows those, who so feel the need, to stand up before the congregation and bear their testimony. This is called Testimony meeting. My husband and I recently enjoyed the fruits of our preteen son's testimony as he taught us about service, friendship, and the power of God's spirit as he experienced it.

Preaching usually conotes a listener enduring a teacher's reprimand. One of the functionalities of the gospel that sets the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints apart from other religions, is that it allows its members to explore their own feelings and share them monthly with one another. This allows the congregation to learn through the power and testimony of new converts, young converts, old time seasoned members, as well as anointed church leaders. As I listen to the individual stories of members of my ward, I am often drawn closer to them in the relization that we share similar life struggles. I am reminded of my own struggles and have (in many a testimony meeting) been touched in special ways.

The power of words is very real. Nephi and Lehi saw this as they stood and bore their testimonies to those dissenters who had need of repentance. They also understood as they traveled from city to city declaring the word of God to those who had lost hope.

What always amazes me about the sharing of my testimony either in written word or in spoken testimony is the power of the Holy Ghost that surges through me as I sift through my life to uncover true feelings, true doctrines, and true practices. What is important in the understanding of personal testimony is not who it comes from, but that it comes with a sincere honest spirit that desires to speak the truth.

As our GuitarGuy stood before us on the first week of July, he bore a simple heart felt testimony of the power of being with good peers, and helping another find his way in God's church. It was not showy. His words were not obscure. His words told of a group of twelve year old boys who enjoyed living God's standards in a boyscout camp environment. He told how he was proud to be a member of the church and how his troop stood out for their acts of service and their ability to motivate and honor their scout code. I know that my testimony grew that day. As I looked around the chapel, I saw several of my son's friends sit just a bit taller that day.

Words and Phrases

vs 17 preach with great power - When you set out to teach the word of God, the Holy Spirit gives you power so that others will hear your voice. The Holy Ghost will always be where there is truth. You do not have to teach with a loud voice, or profound words. You only have to speak, like our GuitarGuy did, what is in your heart. The Holy Ghost will do the rest.

vs 17 they did confess their sins - Truth leads us to an honest heart. I believe we all want to have the blessings of having an honest heart. When we hear the truth given to us with the power of the Holy Ghost we have the desire to confess and make retribution to those we have offended

vs 18 they had what they should speak given to them - The joy of writing about scripture is I don't know what I will say until I begin to write it. It is given to me... When we stand to bear our testimony to those who will listen (testimony meeting) if we will listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can find direction to speak what we should. Often times it does not have anything to do with our own personal growth, but we might say something that means a great deal to others. The Holy Spirit knows these things.

vs 19 convinced of the wickedness to the traditions of their fathers - I heard a saying in church last Sunday. A mother said to her daughter: "You are the best of my best attempt to do good". Families try to do what is right. Many times we are led astray and family traditions then become the norm for generations. I.E. Tobacco was introduced to the American Public in WWII when it was given free to the soldiers. The tobacco company knew that it was addicting and that it would enslave not only one American soldier but generations of Americans. Why? Because children tend to do what they see everyday. It took a massive public campaign to convince the public of the wickedness (dangers) of smoking. Preaching did not do it for all. Only the teaching of the younger generation who then pleaded with their parents to stop so that their lives would be prolonged held the answer. We have to all take a look at what small pervasive traditions our families share that need to be corrected so that we can understand the truth of God that is within us.

Shifting Sands and Treasures in Heaven

Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach S.C.

Helaman 5: 8-14

Shifting Sands

The beach is a wonderful place to rest and relax. The soft warm sand squishes between your toes and gives way as you saunter along the shore. It slides and makes way as you burrow your bottom into its supple surface under the shade of your beach umbrella. And it drips, drips, drips, one drop at a time as you let a wet handful sift through your fingertips to create a tall sandcastle turrets. Sandy beaches are great places to walk, build castles, and lie on as you bask in the summer sun.

Sand however has its limitations. Today my daughter and I tried riding our bikes on the beach. As we did our tires sunk into the sand leading us to change our gears and try again. What appeared to be firm and secure ground merely gave way under the weight of our tires, causing us to loose our balance and fall. As I turned we to leave the beach we noticed several tire marks where a car had foolishly tried to do the same. Unfortunately, for him, it appeared that he had to be dug out.. Also, as we rode our bikes, (on the hard pavement of the street) we noticed that all of the homes along the shoreline are built , not upon a sandy foundation, but rather upon fifteen-foot pilings that have been driven deep below the surface sand.

Sand shifts. In the sun’s heat, the wind’s whistle, and the wave’s wash, sand shifts.

Helaman taught his sons about the need to recognize life’s shifting sands. He counseled them to place their faith in eternal truths that “fade not away” or shift with the crowd’s whim. What are the sands of life that appear to be safe, but when you walk on them they lose their ground? They bring moments of fun but fail to live up to eternal laws. There are many ways that we can relax and enjoy ourselves, but we need to be careful not to build our life’s hopes and dreams on sands that shift .

Helaman taught his sons that eternal lasting rewards are found in the redeeming love our Savior Jesus Christ. He taught his sons the need to “remember, remember “ and to build upon the rock of our redeemer Jesus Christ.

How do we determine if the earthly pleasures we find so enticing are shifting sands or treasures in heaven? How do we know what is real? Real may not be something we touch. Real may in reality be something that touches us and leads us to the “precious gift of eternal life”.

Words and Phrases

Vs 8 lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven – treasures in heaven do not shift, change, or go the way of the earth. They are eternal, lasting, and sure. The elements of life do not change them. They do not fade. When we rely on Jesus Christ's atonement, we lay up treasures in heaven.

vs 8 Precious gift of eternal life – We are taught that God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39) His purpose of sending his son was to give us hope that we might strive for eternal life… truths that matter, truths that last.. truths that touch us and change us for the better.

Vs 9 O remember, remember, my sons, the words – words are important part of striving to gain eternal life. Words spoken by King Benjamin, and various other prophets speak of truths that will teach us how we can find and uncover the gift of eternal life within us.

Vs 9 no other way nor means – Jesus Christ is the only way we can have immortality. His atonement is the only way we can be saved not in our sins, but rather from our sins. (vs 10)

Vs 11 Why Jesus? Because God gave Jesus Christ power to redeem us from our sins… if we will repent.

Vs 11 How? He sent angles to tell us about repentance and its conditions. He sent angels to help us understand how the Redeemer Jesus Christ has power to bring salvation to our souls.

Vs 12 your foundation – Foundations support homes, buildings, and all things that are built. As we walked Folly Beach this morning, I noticed that Phase I of the restoration project for the Morris Island Lighthouse was completed. A small ship-worm had eaten through all of the foundation timbers and the lighthouse had begun to gradually settle toward the ocean (floor). A few million dollars of restoration has corrected this problem and the lighthouse now stands erect on a foundation of concrete footings. It will stand for many years to come as a guardian to the Carolina coastal waters. It is amazing to me that the foundation of such a mighty lighthouse that has protected thousands of ships from destruction did not face destruction because of the pelting waves, or gusting winds, but rather from a small mollusk worm that, like termites ate away until the timbers resembled tattered lace.

Vs 12 Rock upon which ye are built – Lighthouses that are built upon rocks stand for eons of time. Rocks do not allow infestations. Rocks do not shift like sand, or face infestation like timber. The oldest working lighthouse in the world was built upon a foundation of rock. It stands today in Spain as a national monument and reminder to the strength of rock foundations.

A foundation wheron if men build they cannot fall – Sand is not a foundation to build on as it shifts. But truths that stand firm in the face of trial, persecution, fads, and the whims of man will be as a rock. They will be as a lighthouse to you as you seek to gather your eternal treasures to take back to heaven. These truths come from our Savior Jesus Christ.

Vs 13 Helaman taught to his sons; We need to teach one another. Teach our children, our sons and our daughters. We need to love them so that they will listen and learn from our examples.

Vs 13 which are not written, and which are written – There is a great power in words. Words spoken with sincere sink deep into our hearts and help us make decisions from day to day. But sometimes its not our words, its what we do. We need to teach.. do what I do… and what I say.

14 And they did remember his words- Helaman’s sons remembered what he taught. Why? Because he was a man of his word. I noticed that while he was alive there were years of peace and prosperity, but soon after his death contention again began to enter the land. Why? I think that a strong leader who knows good from evil and can sway people.. not just by his words but by his actions.. by what is not written.. by the way he loved his sons, the way he loved his family. The way he treated others and loved his people more than the earthly possessions that like “shifting sands” lose their value once our eyes are closed to our earthly life.

Remember Your Names

Helaman 5: 5-7

Remember Your Names

In our family we have had opportunity to research our family history. As we have done so we have learned of the many sacrifices for good that our ancestors have given. Like Helaman, we chose to name our children after those members of our family that have gone before. Sometimes we liked the name, other times there were special stories that we touched our hearts. In this way we not only pay respect for our family, but we hope to instill in our children the honor and respect of their ancestors good name.

A few stories that come to mind from my father's family.

I have a great Aunt Hope who was my grandfather's sister. She had a bible with her family history in it, that was given to me after she passed away. I remember meeting her when I was very young. She had a beautiful voice that she used to sing in church with. She and Grandfather used to sing together. As a young girl, her husband (Uncle Glen) was very kind to me and always had a smile for me. I really liked being around this part of my family.

My grandfather was the only son, and his sisters were very dear to him. He had one sister who died very young from diphtheria and had to be buried underneath an apple tree on the back 40 acres. He was always very grim when he spoke of this sister. Being around him when he spoke of her made you feel that he still grieved for her. It was as if he did not understand why she had to die at such a young age. I could have named my daughter after this sister but chose in stead to honor my grandfather by naming her after the sister that lived. I name her Hope. I also wanted to honor the love that my grandmother gave to me whenever we visited Michigan, so I gave my third child her middle name, Margaret and my 4th child Hope, her first name Christine.

This was my way of honoring the love and goodness that I felt from my grandparents on my father's side. It is a wonderful thing to remember them every time I call their name. It is a wonderful thing... to remember the joy, the love, the good times, and the memories that they gave me at such a young time in my life.

We also chose to honor my husband's family by naming our son after a great grandfather and a grandfather. I did not know much about him at the time of my son's birth, but have loved learning more about him and the strength he brought to my husband's father's family. We can only speculate as the origins of many of our family names but because Robert Lee was from the deep south and was born in the late 1860's, it is not hard to conjecture on the source of his name. Robert E. Lee (a confederate General was very popular figure at that time). So our son has some deep confederate roots rooted deep into the origin of his name.

As we have done genealogical research I have been impressed by how often families would honor the names of presidents, political heroes, or other famous people. My gg grandfather's middle name was Pinckney. I did not realize where this name came from because it seemed to pop up from no where. After doing a bit of history research I realized that several people named their sons Pinckney after the Thomas Pinckney Treaty which gave American navigational rights on the Mississippii and created better relations with Spain.

Also as we did research I was often baffled by "strange" or archaic names. One grand mother carries the name of Kizzy (short for Keziah). I was dumbfounded at first thinking it was a strange name to name your daughter, but then I did some Bible research and discovered that Keziah is the second daughter of Job (after his wealth is restored). Asenath is another Biblical name that was popular in the late 18th century.

Names carry with them responsibilities and hope. Parents want to name their child in such a way as to instill a sense of history as it give them a sense of belonging to a family. They also want to help them find place in their contemporary future, so they try to balance the name with something that might be more in vogue.

It was a great surprise to us then when we chose to name our daughter Hannah Rebeccah (after my g grandmother) only to find 6 months later that we now knew of 13 other Hannah's that were 6 months or younger. And.. we were equally surprised to discover somewhere in the recesses of our genealogical tree(1600's Massachusetts) that I had an ancestor who married a woman with the exact name of our daughter!

Names are important. We take on our ancestors physical traits as they pass down through the gene pool. We take on much more when we have stories to remember them by. Stories that remember the good they stood for, the lessons they taught, and the love that they gave to the families they shared their lives with.

I also believe that parents name their children names that will remind them of certain things in their lives. We chose to combine our own names and create a unique name for our first daughter. It served to remind us of the love we have for one another. A humorous side note to our daughter's name was discovered when we entertained a Russian guest.

As we sat at the breakfast table one morning enjoying bagels with butter and jam, I asked our guest about her language and what things meant. Looking at the jam I asked her to tell me what the Russian name for jam was. She got a smirk on her face that slowly turned into a gentle laugh. She looked at my daughter and said "Malina".

Malina said, "yes". She said, "malina." that is what jam means in Russian. We had a good laugh when we discovered that our name for our daughter actually meant raspberry.

What names have you given your children and why? What did your parents name you and your siblings?Why? How does your name help you remember the love of your family?

Words and Phrases

vs6 remember to keep the commandments of God

vs 6 the names of our first parents - parents teach us of love.. they bring us hope with their good name

vs 6 remember your names ye may remember them when we remember the names of our parents.. we can find courage to do for them what we lack courage to do for ourselves. This is the strength of family

vs 6remember their works,- We all know that no one is perfect, but if we can focus on the good works of someone in our family, then we can have strength to help us accomplish good works too. A friend said that she thought of her daughter as the "best of her best". We all keep trying to get better... if we can remember the good, then we can find strength to keep it going.

vs 6they were good

vs 7 that it may be said of you. - remember the good of your family name and it becomes part of who you are. Remember the good and the sacrifice and you find purpose under the sun.

A Stiffnecked people (Helaman 5: 1-4)

Helaman 5: 1-4

Stiffnecked- Stubborn and arrogant or aloof.

A short post on what it means to be difficult, obstinate, or hardheaded.

If you have ever parented, you know that it helps to take a crash course in psychology before you take off to the delivery room. Children can be difficult when things don't go their way. Spouses don't always want to do what you want when you have time to relax. Family life is never without difficulties and many of these difficulties happen because of a tendency for all of us to be obstinate in one way or another.. (at some time or another).

I don't understand why some people are more hard headed than others? I don't understand why I sometimes act this part? My guess is like it said in the last chapter it has something to do with pride and where we set our heart's desire. I believe there is less stiffneckedness when people make an effort to help one another and teach the value of giving, service, and compassion.

But this was not happening in Zarahemla. Politically speaking the tide was changing and the people began to vote for things that were "evil". Things that lead them away from God.

Words and Phrases

vs. 2 voice of the people - the majority of the people voted for laws and how the laws were implemented. When the laws become corrupt, the people become corrupt. Morality can only be legislated for so far.

We still practice blue laws (the banning of sells on Sunday) here in the low - country. All of the county's in the state of S.C. do not sell liquor on Sunday. When I was growing up you could hardly find any store open on Sunday. People went to church (mostly). In recent years a growing movement to change these laws as been presented several times. Governor Sanford led the way. He was vetoed by the S.C. House and Senate not once but twice (with the exception of the two tourist counties). The voice of the people still votes for blue laws. The voice of the people still hold strong to the values and morals that created this state.

vs 2 they who chose evil were more numerous --- for most of the nation drinking laws are very minimal as alcohol is very much a part of their culture. For the low country, drinking laws have been around for a very long time and are part of the culture. Even though many have tried to change the laws on the books with regards to blue laws, for now... those who choose evil is less...

vs 3 could not be governed by law or justice - I think of the wild west.. of a time when too many things came into our family and our family had difficulties. When family members refused to be counseled. It was a trying time. We have moved past this now.

vs 4 weary because of their iniquity - iniquity wearies the soul. Moral behavior lifts the soul. Sin darkens our desires. Righteousness lifts up our hearts. I understand why Lehi and Nephi gave up their posts and took to teaching the people. It is a good thing to teach God's word. It cleanses the temples we live in. It helps us find balance and hope. It gives us direction and brings peace. It helps to soften the stiff necks of obstinate people who will not be taught a higher way.

Unholy Temples ( Helaman 4 )

Helaman 4

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Cor 6:19

I am the mother of six beautiful children. I remember the birth of each. Each brought me great joy. Each came into their body with a unique spirit, unique gifts, and unique abilities. This uniqueness of spirit cannot be explained by genetics. It cannot be explained by environment. God tells us that the body that we gain at our birth "is the temple of the Holy Ghost", which we have because God gave it to us.

I believe their uniqueness can only be explained by recognizing that they are literal spiritual children of God. They lived before they obtained the body that I (through the gift of God) gave them at their birth. They came to earth to learn to exercise their agency and to learn to love God as he loves them. Their bodies are temples. We all inhabit the temples that God created for us. We all learn day in and day out to keep these temples holy.

This made me think about the purpose of temples(the building kind). Temples have been used for many things throughout history, but traditionally they are built so that man might

1. Make Holy Covenants to their God

2. Worship(revere his name) their God.

3. Commune with God

4. Give Service(sacrifice) to their God

Temples were hallowed places where only the best of the best was allowed. Temples represented man's attempt to commune, listen, serve, and to be close to their God.

Our bodies are our temple. Metaphorically speaking we can keep our temples pure by keeping our hearts pure and clean. We can live higher standards. We can learn to keep a prayer in our heart. We can learn to cultivate and listen to the Spirit that God has placed within us. We can teach our spirits to carry our bodies in such a way that others will recognize the reverence we have for our bodies and see God's light within us.

As I read of the plight of Zarahemla's people I was struck with how quickly they turned away from their covenants. As I read of the wars and the contention it became clear to me that this was a story of a people who were caught up in their pride to the point that they forgot to think about their bodies as temples wherein God's spirit strives to dwell. They allowed their temples to become unholy.

Pride is like a double edged sword. If we check our pride with humility it serves us well by helping us achieve success that brings us peace. If however we forget humility, service, and love then the same sword of pride that serves us will also destroy us. If it is coupled with boasting, conceit, selfishness, or discontent then pride is not a good thing. Pride can be used to serve; pride can be used for selfish pursuits. It all depends on how holy we keep our temples.

Words and Phrases

vs 8 those dissenters ... - this is a reminder that it was not the Lamanites that began the war, but the Nephites who were once members of God's church, who once enjoyed the prosperity of living God's word. those dissenters... who forgot that unchecked pride (like an unclean temple) quickly allienates God's Holy Spirit.

vs 11 those who professed - we all profess to believe. What makes the difference between what we profess and what we do? Why do some of us fall away? Why do we forget about the spirit of God that is within us?

vs 12 What makes our temples unholy? Which do I need to clean from my temple? If you think of this list as a reminder for keeping your temple clean, this verse can be a handy checklist.

1. unchecked pride

2. exceeding riches.. when we allow riches to rule our hearts... take the place of God's work.

3. oppression of the poor

4. selfishness .. not helping the hungry, the

5. assault

6. mockery

7. deny the spirit of prophecy (God's direction in his voice)

8. denial of revelation

9. murder,

10. robbery

11. lying

12. plundering

13. adultery

14. contention

15. desertion

I believe that some of these transgressions represent a progression of sin. some you would not commit without first committing another.

vs 13 their own strength - when we are left with our own strength we cannot do the work of God. When we boast in our own strength the Holy Spirit becomes offended that we have forgotten from whence our blessings come.

vs 15 repentance brings prosperity - not because it makes us rich, but because it teaches us to how to keep our temples (bodies)holy so that God's spirit can stay with us. Repentance cleans our bodies so that a clean spirit can dwell there. Repentance takes the ungodly and makes them worthy of his place within our heart. God wants us to prosper. When we read his word, listen to his Spirit, we are led to do the things that will help us prosper. Think of repentance like unto a good cleansing of our house. dejunk, sanitize, organize

vs 21 they began to remember - We all make mistakes that take us away from the Spirit of God, but if we can remember... if we can make it a practice to remember.. then we can keep our temples holy.

22 wicked even like unto the Lamanites The Lamanites did not know the workings of God within them. They did not believe that God would speak to them, reveal his word to them, and help them prosper by helping one another. They set their hearts on the ways of the world, on secret combination, on vanity.

23 to dwindle - diminish in size. why? Why do we forget who we are? We allow other things to supplant God's love. We listen to another voice. We follow another direction. We ignore the prophecy and chalk it up to coincidence. We stop seeking God's help. We begin to rely on our own strength. When we allow ourselves, our numbers to dwindle, God's love in its force also dwindles. (it affects all of us).

vs 24 the spirit of the Lord did not more preserve them - God is bound to hold to his end of our covenants when we do as we promise, but when we do not what he asks of us, then we have no promise.

vs 24 Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples - Our bodies have been created to bring God's Holy Spirit to earth. But it will not dwell in temples that are impure, unclean, or unworthy of his holiness. We will not feel God's joy if we do not do his will.

Just as we must work daily to clean our physical homes, our kitchens, etc, we also must work daily to keep our spirit worthy to house the spirit of God. Just as temples represent a place where we covenant, commune, and serve our God, so do our bodies represent a place where we can (if we keep it clean, holy, and worthy) receive revelation, prophecy, and guidance that will help us prosper in this life. But mostly... because our bodies represent the temple of God, we can set an example to others by our actions, our words, our aura, our service... so that others may want to know God and be drawn unto his safety and love.

vs 25 except they should cleave to their God - God will protect us when we cleave to him. When we choose to follow our own strength we stand alone. We stand with our own strength against the might powers of Satan. We our but human with human skills, human strength, human senses, unless we cleave to our God.

vs 26 they became weak because of their transgression.. the power of believing lies in believing. When we forget to believe, or choose not to believe in a God who brings strength to our souls, then we lose the strength of God's holy spirit. We lose the power of revelation, of prophecy, of compassion, of selfless love, of generosity, of service, of one another's talents, of community, of family...

I wanted a family for many different reasons. One of the most important is that I believe God's spiritual children reside in heaven awaiting their turn to come to earth and receive a body. As a daughter of God, I wanted to do my part to allow God's spiritual children the opportunity to experience life. I wanted to allow these choice spirits into my earthly family. I feel very blessed by each of my children. They are each very unique and spiritual giants in their own right. It brings great joy to my heart to see my children recognize, accept and entertain the spirit of God that dwells within them. It brings great joy to my heart to know that I have done my part on as their mother to teach them of their true spiritual nature.

What a wonderful gift it is to be able to not only give a spiritual child of God a temple within which to dwell, but to also help them keep it clean and holy by teaching them the value of service, of love, of God's word. What a wonderful gift it is to gain a true understanding of the importance of keeping our temples worthy of God's love. What a wonderful gift it is to see your own family grow and prosper as they too practice keeping their temples holy.

The Gates of Heaven (Helaman 3:22-37)

Helaman 3: 22-37

The Gates of Heaven

Our family gathered together tonight and knelt in prayer. Together we asked God to be with our newly wed daughter as she and her husband traveled across the country. We thanked God for all of our prosperity and blessings and for helping us find our way in our difficulties. We asked God to bless our Texas daughter and her family that they might find peace and happiness. as well as our daughter and son who reside in Utah. We asked God to be with those members of our clan who have not been feeling well. When we were finished I felt like we had a bit of heaven on earth. I felt that maybe we had touched the Gates of Heaven.

Heaven, with all of its individualistic interpretations manages to bring a consistent connotation of all that is good. For those who seek riches, heaven might mean prosperity. For those who seek to know the heart of God, heaven might carry a more humble interpretation of what it means to obtain sanctification. When we choose to seek heaven, we learn that the pathway to heaven's gates includes the following of certain rules, which then leads to the reaping of heaven's rewards.

Helaman taught the people to love God, to keep his commandments, and to look to heavenly standards. He taught them to love all that was good and practice peace through obedience. My guess is that after the years of secret combinations with the Gadianton Robbers who plundered, murdered and destroyed their government, the people were ready for a better way.

So ready were they that those who followed Helaman began to live the laws of heaven in their fullest. As a result they began to prosper. Then the church began to prosper and all who lived by God's standards began to prosper. This prosperity drew in those who wanted to share in the peace that prosperity brings. Many were converted. Many began to practice what Helaman taught, and as they practiced these laws of heaven, they reaped all that the "gates of heaven" would offer. The church grew.

The church is here to help us understand heaven. It is both a physical body of members and a doctrine of God. When we learn to love God more than the blessings that he gives us, we learn to truly understand what it means to be sanctified. There were many who sought the blessings that came from the "gates of heaven"but when they received their prosperity, they forgot why they were baptized unto repentance and began to persecute those that were not as fortunate.

Our family is not perfect at remembering our prayers. We try to remember to say them together nightly, but sometimes we forget. On the nights we remember, I can tell the difference by the way we treat one another. We strive to help one another, we practice greater patience and tolerance. We give to one another. We complement one another. We begin to see the gates of heaven and we enjoy the peace that these beautiful gates bring.

Words and Phrases

vs. 23 continual peace - What a blessing it would be to have continual peace. To have a family where we could continually enjoy the emotional prosperity that looking to God brings.

I believe we can obtain this peace. I believe that if we all (like Helaman's people) choose to remember the times when the Gadianton robbers ruled the land and choose to live the "lesson of opposites", we too can find continual peace.
vs24 exceedingly great prosperity in the church - Initially I read this as financial prosperity, but when you look at the phrase "in the church" you realize that it refers to the prosperity of the church as an organization to help and teach others. Many were convinced of the worth of God's truth on earth and chose to live their lives so that they could touch "the gates of heaven."

vs 25 so many the blessings- I think sometimes we believe that blessings from God are reserved solely for the saints. God loves all of his children so that he will pour his blessings of understanding, of spiritual awareness, of gifts of the spirit, etc. upon anyone who will accept him as their Lord and practice His laws of heaven.

26 the work of the Lord did prosper - God's work is not man's work. God's work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. God's work is to teach us of his love, how to use his love, and how to share his love with others. When we learn to understand that we need only to "call upon his holy name", we hold in our hearts the key to the "gates of heaven."
vs 28 gate of heaven is open unto all- we need only call on his name. God will not discriminate by race, birthright, or status. He loves all of his children.
29 word of God - The word of God will

1. divide the snares of Satan

2. lead us on a straight path

3. lead us across the gulf of misery

4. will land our immortal souls at the right hand of God (along with the prophets of old)
5. lead to rejoicing, peace prosperity, and great joy

vs 33 not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God I believe this is an important distinction between the "church of God" (teachings and doctrine) and the people (the members). I have always been taught to distinguish between what is taught and what is practiced. Members are imperfect. The gospel of the church of God leads us to a pathway of perfection.
vs 34 the more humble part- Without pride there is no need to distinguish between the humble and the prideful. Isn't is strange that you never hear a description of the humble causing problems? Prideful hearts causes hurtful comments that leads to persecution.
vs 34 - wade through much affliction- I would like to know what kind of affliction the more humble had to wade through. Were they not allowed at social functions, or at places of worship? Did they get excluded?

Wax stronger in their humility - Here's how we know they are humble before God. Instead of boasting of their strength or reveling in their accomplishments or possessions, they choose to

1. pray often

2. fast often

3. console one another

4. purify their hearts

5. sanctify their hearts

6. fill their hearts with joy

How did they do this? They yielded their hearts to God. to his service, to his work, to his word.

vs 37 exceedingly great pride - I find it interesting that these words are used in much the same context as exceedingly great prosperity. It seems to connote a parallel movement. When we have great prosperity, can we expect to find great pride?

The gates of heaven are found by those who practice humility before God. Many of us believe that the gates are of fine material (I'm not saying they are not). I am saying that the worshipping of what the gates of heaven are made does not give us the key to the gates. The key to heaven's gate lies within the heart that will pray fervently, fast, console, seek joy, purify and sanctify itself so that it may be able to carry the key that unlocks not only the prosperity that heaven promises, but rather the meekness that it requires.

Growing up unto the Lord (Helaman 3: 19-22)

Grow up unto the Lord

Helaman 3: 19-22

In 2004, we had the opportunity to visit the Philippines to retrieve our son who was serving a two-year missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our son (Lacrosse-Guy) wanted to share with us the sights, sounds, feelings and tender hearts he had experienced on his mission. We agreed to fly there and tour the area(s) he served in. He would thin return with us to the states finishing his service time of two years.

For several days he drove us through the top tourist spots and the beautiful surroundings areas around the city of Angeles. My husband and I took in the sights, sounds, politics, and as much of the Philippines culture as we could squeeze into our whirlwind trip. The Philippines are a set of beautiful tropical islands filled with an amazing history and an amazing people. All of our visit left a lasting impression upon my heart. Of all that we saw and visited though, it was the tender-hearts of the members our son had helped teach and convert that caused me to pause and reflect, on how my son had truly "grown up unto the Lord."

My husband had not served a mission. In this respect, my son did not see an example in his father or grandfather (either side) for him to follow. His grandfather did serve a couple's mission, but not a young adult mission. Why then did he want to give two years of his life to help others learn the truths of the Lord’s Gospel?
When he took us to the home of the Relief Society president who was coincidentally also the ward organist and wife of the Bishop, I was touched. Not because of their home’s humble and meager circumstances (cinder block and tin roof) but because of their love for my son. They cried with joy when we arrived. They shared a special meal with us, showed us their electric organ,(used to help her learn music for R.Society) and did their best to honor and respect our visit so that we might feel of the great love they had for our son. This scene was repeated numerous times during our visit. He had served those he taught well. He had learned to love as the Savior loves, deeply. I could see that his heart was breaking when he thought of never seeing these people again. For he had developed a great respect and friendship with so many of them.

What had happened to prepare our son? How was it that he was able to "grow up unto the Lord" as Helaman's sons Nephi and Lehi? Just as the time that Helaman ruled, when there was contention in the land, our home was far from perfect. We have known great contention, difficulties and stress. So what had come together to give our son the faith he needed to serve others with a selfless love of the Savior?

I believe it wasn't because we did everything right. I believe it was because we tried to do everything right. That is all we could hope for. Like Helaman who tried to serve with "justice and equity", as his parents we did our best to raise our family with justice and equity. Like Helaman who "looked to the standards (statutes), and judgments, and commandments of God, we too looked to God for answers when we didn't understand the complexity of our own lives.

Our son set high standards for his life and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as a priest in his Priest Quorum at church, blessing the sacrament and taking it to those who were unable to attend meetings. He set goals, achieved high grades, and learned the computer sciences. He loved his sisters, and helped his friends reach their goals. He played sports that taught him the value of team building, rules, and sportsmanship. He did many secular things to prepare him.

But I believe, the most important thing was that attended early morning seminary where he learned with other youth his age to love the word of God, to listen to the spirit that guides, and to want to understand the workings of God in his life.

He was not perfect. There were many trials in his young life that might have thwarted his desire to serve, but his faith held strong.

Today our Lacrosse-son is a leader in his community. He sets a good example for young boys that he coaches and he helps gather community support for the organization of Lacrosse. He is a wonderful brother to his siblings and has worked hard to pass his professional exams. And like our visit to the land where he served God, all of these accomplishments pale in existence to his willingness to remain true and faithful to what he believes. He continues to serve and strive to live a life that helps others.

If it sounds like I am proud of him, I am. He is a good example of a young boy who was taught "in the way that he should go" and then chose to follow the path that God prepared for him. He brings such great joy to my heart. He brings calm peace to my heart. Not because he has finished college, not because he is and will be a successful business man, but because he has grown up unto the Lord and has learned to have a joyful, loving heart that loves to serve others.

He truly is an example of what it means to "grow up unto the Lord".

Words and Phrases

vs. 19 great contention in the land - I wanted to point out that there can be contention in the land and still have people and family who are doing all that is right. As the verses continue, we see that the contention begins to subside. I see a direct correlation between the ability to focus on God's word and the amount of contention a family might go through.

vs. 20 justice and equity - this was accomplished by 5 things

a. observe (look) to keep the standards - when you don't get to do what you want, (or your child doesn't) look to the standards and use them as your guide. I remember times when my son wanted me to cave in and let him do what he wanted. I told him..in our house we serve the Lord.

b. try to understand the judgements of God ... we don't always understand the why's of our life, but if we have faith we can find peace in knowing that God does what is best for us.

c. know and keep the commandments of God. - I was impressed with my son this past week. He had a plane to catch, he could have skipped church, but he chose to attend. He knows how to lead and keep the commandments.

d. did do...... what? that which was right. It's hard to do what is right all the time, but we can try.

e. example.. of his father. ... a family.. affair. For those of us who don't have a family example to follow, we have the saviors, the ones that can rescue us by giving us a good example when our family cannot. This is why we attend church. Not only to rub shoulders with those that serve God, but to get and be examples of God's love.

vs 22 they began to grow up unto the Lord - With Helaman as a righteous leader and example, how could they not? But Alma had a son who did not, so we know that it is possible. But I really love this phrase. As a parent, I want to always raise my children so that they grown up unto the Lord. This is not so strange.. People raise their children unto ??? ... baseball, music, math, sports, apprenticeships for their business. We all raise our children to something.. if we don't choose to raise them to the Lord, then they will be raised to the world.

vs 22 contentions began to cease - When we strive to keep the commandments of God, to understand his judgements, we find peace. Peace is not found in the fast pace, selfish, man eat man world. The world teaches every man for himself. God teaches help everyman and you will help yourself. When we learn to help others, others help us and our contentions begin to cease. When we learn to understand the true meaning of contentment, we find we have little need for contention.

Records of Every Kind: Helaman 3: 14-18

Helaman 3: 14-18

Our family has always loved sports. Our Actuary-Dad has taught the children to enjoy baseball from the perspective of numbers. They learned what RBI, ERA, and the W/ L columns of the NBL standings meant long before they really understood the rules of the game. Each child (when we lived in Clevleand) had a Daddy-date to a monthly baseball game. While there, their father would not only share the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the ballpark with them, but teach them how to score a game. The wonderful thing about scoring a baseball game correctly, is that when you look back at this one sheet of paper, you can see the entire game. Just a few marks on a piece of paper help a skilled scorer recall the power of key plays and relive the emotions of a winning inning.

My husband cherishes his scoring cards not only because they help him recall every detail of each game, but because they help him remember each of our children at different moments of their growing up years. Isn't it wonderful how records help us recall our lives? Isn't it wonderful how the keeping of good records helps us want to recall our lives? One of life's greatest joys is a memory cherished.

The Nephites kept records: on war, arguments, political disputes, religious preaching, prophecies, their industry of shipbuilding, what they shipped (captain's logs), the building of temples, places of worship, prisons, and the news headlines of those who chose to do "wickedly". (vs 14) These records served many purposes one of which was to keep them strong and aware of their standing.

I've noticed that most humans are apt to want to keep good records when we are doing well, and poor records when life isn't going quite the way we would hope. When we begin to slip in our behaviors, the ability to keep accurate records slips and the story line somehow becomes skewed.

Case in Point: I have watched my GuitarGuy mature and grow as a preteen in the game of golf. This was reflected well when he returned from playing golf with his father and sister and said, "I got a 54 and I did a very good job of keeping an accurate score." I congratulated him on his ability to practice his integrity. It has been something that his past golf scores have not reflected.

When you look at it, the Nephite story doesn't sound too very different from today's news headlines. Nor from the many different things that we keep records of.

My Lacrosse-Guy son is a professional accountant and understands very well the critical nature of an accounting firm's integrity. He and I have discussed the practices of larger firms and how many of them forget to consider the consequences of their actions.

I am reminded of an accounting firm that was recently held in world acclaim for their accounting practices.(Anderson) Once they began to allow a bit of "transgression" (arrogance, pride, etc )into their work, lives, and daily routine, the records began to slip. Finally the complany slipped out of existence. The Nephites slip out existence also. Why?

As I read these short verses I was struck with the correlation between their record keeping and their decline as a people.

Vs 1 - 43 rd year - no contention (a little pride) records kept

vs 2 - 44th-45th - no contention records kept

vs 3 46th - much contention so that people left Zarahemla took their records with them. ?

vs 13 - 46th year.. many records kept..

vs 15 many books and many records of every kind kept chiefly by the Nephites.

vs 16 records were handed down from one generation to another... until what?

vs 16 until they

1. fell into transgression...

2. they were murdered

3. they were plundered and hunted

4. they were driven forth and scattered

5. they were no more called Nephites but became wild and ferocious.

What came first their lost desire to keep accurate records or their inability to remain true to their covenants with God? How important is record keeping in the life of a family? Why would it be important for a family to have records that remind them of good times and happy memories? Why does the prophet of the Lord command us to keep journals? Where do we learn the most when we write our records, or when we read over our records at a distant date?

Some of the benefits I believe record bring are:

1. Truth- Numbers don't lie. Numerical records tell stories of their own. Data is an invaluable perspective.

2. Integrity. When people know that records are being kept they are less apt to tell "fish stories".

3. Perspective.. Records bring good perspective in our lives. They help us understand the many different facets of our lives on different levels, and from different view points. Numerical, artistic, emotional, attendance, etc.

4. Balance : Records help us maintain our balance as we forge forward into unchartered waters. If we are unsure about something and records have been kept we can weigh the difference between the record and our current situation

5. Emotion: Record keeping provides a private place to express ones emotions in such as way as to not divulge private information or hurt others feelings. It can always be erased if need be

6. Good Feelings: Records keeping helps us relive good and happy moments of our lives.

7. Disputes: Record Keeping helps dissolve disputes

8. Discipline: The act of record keeping helps us learn the art of mental, emotional, and intelectual discipline.

9. Morality: Record keeping helps us see the moral behavior that is or is not present in an activity. We may have been too caught up in the energy of an activity to realize exactly where it was leading us. By taking time to recall it is made much clearer.

10. Accomplishments: Record keeping not only keeps tracks of our accomplishments but encourages the continuation of accomplishments. When we realize that we receive good kudos for jobs well done we are more likely to want to continue on this path.

11 Standards - Record keeping tends to raise the bar on standards. People who know that "someone will know (weather it be parent, child or authority)will usually choose a higher road.

One of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child is the keeping of a child's life accomplishments. This acts as a guiding post on their pathway to success and a reminder of where they have been.

A Tree to Swing On( Helaman 3: 1-14

Helaman 3

We had a storm two nights ago that took down a rather large pine tree. As it fell it narrowly missed our lawn furniture, hammock and other trees in the back yard. It had died long ago, the product of infestation, but it took a large wind to finally lay it's soft decayed trunk on the ground.

Trees are valued here in Summerville. We have another large tree that must also come down for it too has died. As we investigated how we might take this tree down we learned that all trees over a certain circumference are protected. Summerville, S.C. has a reputation for protecting trees. If a tree is over a certain circumference you have to do whatever possible to save the tree.

Trees provide us with so many blessings. I love trees. I love the shade they provide, the homes for the wildlife, the sounds they give us as the wind dances around and through their branches. I love to stand at the base of a large tree and look skyward toward it's tall branches that stretch their arms around its neighbors in the forest.

My grandson recently told me that he liked trees too. He came up to me while I sat on the porch and said, "Gramma I love trees."

"Okay, Why do you like trees?"

"Because when I touch a tree I feel close to God".

As I read my scriptures today I was reminded how important the trees on this earth are. They are a gift to man from our loving creator. We are reminded of this when we see how the Nephites named a land that was devoid of trees. And then how they managed to bring them back into their lives through shipping.

I hope I will will be reminded of the love that God has for trees when he gave them to us as a gift. I hope I will remember how a young child of God can see that when he touches a tree, he feels closer to God.

Words and Phrases

vs. 3 went forth to the land northward - Zarahemla finally became overcrowded and people began to migrate northward

vs 5 rendered desolate and without timber - They were willing to name a land that was without timber desolate. Why? Because without timber they had not fuel, no wildlife, no shelter, to source to carve tools with, etc. Timber is exceedingly important in our lives. Even in the cities that have used only concrete they have learned that one single tree can lower the temperature of a city block substantially.

vs6 greatness of the destruction of the people - apparently there had been a great number of people in this land before.. they had a great fight and not only were the people killed but the timber went also.

vs 9. whatsoever tree should spring up that it should grow up - they were without.. they knew the value of a tree in a large vast land that was otherwise desolate.

vs 10 timber was exceedingly scarce- My grandson wanted to know what timber was. Timber is a valuable commodity. Think of a world without timber! What would we miss?

furniture, fuel, food, housing, shipping, habitat, wildlife habitat, What else can you think of?

By a Secret way.. into the wilderness

Helaman 2

I Heard It Through the Grapevine

When my children were younger we would play a game called "Grapevine". Once at my daughter's birthday party we played the game with several of her friends. We started the game by whispering a secret into the ear of the second player. As we all sat in a circle, the secret continued until it wrapped its way around the entire circle of friends. I watched with great interest to see what the final outcome of the "secret" was. When the last girl revealed what she had been told, everyone in the room cried... "that's not what I heard".

Secrets cause all kinds of problems. Like today's emails.. that are often read with "emotional eyeglasses" of the receivers day, so many secrets or messages often misrepresent the initial intention of the sender. But the sender is often not sitting in a circle so near to the last receiver. They are often not aware that their "secrets" were mislead, misconstrued, or misused. Secrets present a dangerous business.

So what is the alternative? The truth? Why yes. But the truth is inconvenient. It often involves taking a long hard look at yourself, your desires, and your intentions. Most of us prefer flattery.

Flattery: lavish insincere praise and complements upon someone to further someone else's interests.

Flattery is one word that seems to always show up when secrets begin to be passed around. When someone says they know a secret way, beware. Secrets are never created for divine reasons. Our God is a God of truth, honesty and forthrightness.

Quote: You are only as sick as your secrets. A.A.

I found this short chapter about the filling of the judgment seat, the attempted murder of Helaman, and the band of Gadianton robbers interesting because it reveals several truths about secrets.

Words and Phrases

vs. 1 contention again - Why does contention arise when positions of power need to be filled. Power creates a drive for greed and discontent with our circumstances, our self esteem, etc.

vs. 2 lay wait - ambush, bushwhack, surprise, keep secret until the bad news.. Kishkumen was with a band of men who covenanted in secret... Remember that to enter into a covenant there must be a dual agreement.. They promise to lie, steal, kill, plunder and in return they are to protect one another from those that would expose them. They must keep it secret. Why? Because it only works in secret. If you expose who you really are, then you can't be that person anymore. Satan knows the power of secrets is not to keep quiet.. but to keep you from understanding who you are. a child of God capable of telling the truth and living the truth.

vs 3 Gadianton - exceedingly expert in words... ah.. secrets require the wily use of words. Gadianton knew how to manipulate people to get what he wanted. He used flattery to become the leader. I'm sure he was handsomely rewarded with plunder. For my grandsons sake.. it is appropriate to call this band of robbers pirates. They stole, they murdered without hesitation, and they worked in secret.. much like the pirates we hear of in legends.

vs 5 he did flatter them - What is it about flattery that works? Flattery only works if you don't really know who you are. When you understand you are a child of God and that his love alone will protect you, you don't need to rely on the flattery of mirrors, words, false promises and the many others things that Satan uses to pull us away from the truth.

Flattery worked for Gadianton because he made shallow political promises of power. We all seem to want power. The sad part is that many of us don't realize the power that our agency brings us. When we choose well we have all of God's power and love. What could be more powerful than that?

vs 7 a sign.. the servant of Helaman had to know the sign that Kiskumen made in order to learn of his evil plot. Secret combinations work on the anxiety of their members. If you don't know the sign you don't know the secret and you may be killed. But for what? What have you gained? How have you learned to love? How have you learned to help others in a secret combination.

Secrets lead you into a metaphorically dark wilderness.

vs 9 he ran and told Helaman - This is interesting! Why? Because at face value it appears that Helaman's servant is not much better than the secret combination. He lied, he led Kiskumen to believe he was a member of his group, he murdered Kiskumen. The difference lies in his desires. This servant desired to protect an honest good man. He did not enter into secrets, he did not plot this murder out, but once he learned of the intentions, he acted in defense of his country. He did not lie for evil intentions, but rather to reveal a lie, and a plot for murder. Undercover... If his intentions had not been pure, I don't believe he would have ran and told Helaman all that he "had seen, heard, and done." He was working to protect the sacred laws of God and those who sought to uphold them.

vs 11 by a secret way into the wilderness. I believe that all secret ways lead our hearts into the wilderness. Beware of secret pathways, secrets and anything that others want you to keep secret. Sacred is different from secret. If someone tells you something that is very personal to you, consider it sacred and tell no one. But do not think of it as secret for this will turn your heart to stone. Secret connotes power.. Sacred connotes trust.

vs 13 the overthrow, yea, .. the entire destruction of the people. Why do we enter into secrets? It has something about the power that we get from holding something over someone else. Or knowing something about someone else that might be used to control them. Whenever we choose to enter into situations that take the agency of others, we lose the spirit of God. Secrets lead to destruction. Sacred trusts lead to God.

Imagine the game the Grapevine once more. Imagine that this time the girls are told that they will have not a secret passed to them about one of their friends, but a sacred trust. Ask them to respect the feelings and not speak of it to anyone. Does the fact that its a sacred trust change how we react when we hear the news. Imagine what would happen if only one girl refused to pass the information along? (to honor her sacred trust). What would happen to the message? How would it affect the person for whom the message was about? What about the person who began the message?

If someone asks you to keep a secret, what would you say? If I don't need to know, usually I don't want to know.

What do you think was the main tool for Gadianton? How did he retain power over his group?

The power came in the keeping of secrets. Don't underestimate the power of the secret to undermine a family, a community, or a country.

The Truth Shall Set us as free.

Corintumr's March/ Contention and Covenants

Helaman 1: 13-34

Quote: When one discovers the true meaning of contentment, they let go of the need for contention. LShaw

vs 18 And it came to pass that because of so much contention and so much difficulty in the government, that they had not kept sufficient guards in the land of Zarahemla; for they had supposed that the Lamanites durst not come into the heart of their lands to attack that great city Zarahemla.

Contention: A heated disagreement.

Quote: A house divided against itself cannot stand. Abraham Lincoln

I recently entertained a young boy visitor who played amid my yard, porch and home. While here there were a few instances that caused him concern. His earnest desire for justice caused a few "disagreements". He was quick to point out, "That is right. That is not right." When he could not understand why something that was right was not seen by everyone as being "right", his frustration mounted upon itself until we could help him understand or have others make amends.

As I watched him, I could see how easy it was for him to discern right from wrong. He knew it, he knew he knew it, and his frustration came when others did not agree with his sense of rightness, or worse when their viewpoints over facts were not the same as his.

Children learn about justice on a timeline. They have to experience certain events in their lives that help them learn about right and wrong. For my young visitor, it was easy for him to see how he viewed right and wrong, but for older children the concept changes as they mature and learn to see multiple viewpoints. Contention arise then when we are unable to see another's viewpoint, understand why their view may be different, or make amends for the differences.

With every disagreement comes the choice between arguing and discussion. Arguing leads to hurt feelings. Arguing leads to miscommunication. It leads to disorder that then leads to the letting of our guards down. We become distracted by the emotional turmoil in our lives and find that we are unable to protect what we hold most dear, the desires of our hearts, the love of our family, community, or nation.

Discussion that is free from selfishness or greed for power helps to open up lines of communication that brings multiple solutions to the problem. Discussion allows for all voices to be heard and all parties to meet their needs satisfactorily. It helps others find peace.

As I read the remainder of this chapter, I was struck how much turmoil entered into the city of Zarahemla after they began to disrespect and disavow their covenants with God. Pahoran Sn. was a mighty leader who fought for the liberty and freedom of all the citizens of Zarahemla. His sons seemed to forget this principal when they "contend" for their father's justice seat. In the end all three loose their lives. Why did this happen? Because they allowed contention to rule their lives.

When they forgot to keep their sacred covenants, their hearts turned away from what they held most dear and began to turn to lustful, selfish, prideful behavior. These then in turn fueled the fire to their arguing and having heated contentions

With contention ruling the emotional state of the city, the city was left unattended, unguarded, and wrong assumptions were made concerning their enemies. It was within one short year that Coriantumr was able to call an army, drive it into the heart of Zarahemla, and destroy not only the city, but it's government as well.

When you realize the speed at which it all occurred, it gives you cause for pause. When you take time to "liken" the scriptures you realize how dangerous a weapon contentious attitudes are. It is important to understand that in this story, the contention did not begin with the Lamanites. It began within the walls of the city of Zarahemla, within the walls of Pahorhan's family, within the government of the people. Contention led to the disavowment of sacred covenants. Contention led to the falling of the guards. Contention allowed hatred, jealousy, envy, and various other seeds of evil to grow within the hearts of those who entertained it.

When you are faced with a disagreement, an accusation, an inconvenience, a dislike, a wrong, how do you react? Do you entertain contentious attitudes that bring on arguments, anger, and the loss of protection from evil?

Words and Phrases

Coriantumr - descendant of Zarahemla (once righteous Nephite) strong, wise, quick

vs 18 because of so much contention - no guards and a lack of wise judgment on the part of the enemy.

If we take this story and liken it to our own hearts, how often do we allow contention to weaken our resolve to protect our most precious desires of righteousness and family? If I think back to the last time I did something that I truly regretted, contention usually led the way.

Contention makes it possible for us to turn a blind eye, to misjudge our enemy, and to allow the enemy to gain a foothold upon our heart.

vs 19 - no time to gather together their armies. - contention blinds us to the reality of the danger. Contention robs us of precious time with those we love. Contention causes us to not protect our homes, our hearts, and our family against that which will cut us down.

vs 20 Coriantumr did cut down - Coriantumr is like a disease that once it gets a foothold upon our being racks through all of our body until it destroys us. .. First the evil gains entrance, then it marches into the center of the body until it has possession of it.

vs 21 thus ended the days of Pacumeni - The first thing to go when disease or evil sets in is the government., the order, the hope of organization. Coriantumr slew the chief judge, by doing so he won the right to rule with chaos.

vs 22 go forth against all the land- Contention is never satisfied. If you doubt me consider the last argument you participated in. Someone is always trying to get the last word. Contention is never satisfied. Once it gains one body of ground, it continues onward to all it can conquer. To all who are unguarded.

vs 27 - slaying people with great slaughter - Contention knows no respect for whom it will destroy. It slays both women, children, men, weak, strong, whomever it can lay ahold of. Contention also makes no rational sense. If you look at the plan of attack of Coriantumr, you see it did not take into account the fortresses that surrounded Zarahemla, nor did he consider a plan of escape. Contention is arrogant, unyielding, and uncompromising to rational behavior.