Week of Adventure

October 09, 2016

Week of Adventure

Congratulations, you have made it through another week. Hopefully with joy and happiness. I know our week has been filled with adventure, but I am getting ahead of myself. Let's start where I left off last week.

Though it was not the verse of study last week, I am reminded of a verse in Hel. 6:1, well maybe a few in this chapter, but let's start with verse 1. Towards the end of the verse the Lamanites are described as being more righteous than the Nephites because of their FIRMNESS and STEADINESS in faith. As you read on the Nephites were also hardened, but not because of their firmness or steadiness. They had hardened their hearts.

I like this reminder, because the Lamanites had started building their foundation. They had been converted to the Lord, His gospel, and were living according to His doctrine. As they grew in faith and testimony, they began to expand their foundations. The question is how?

So far, we have talked about binding that cement, but how do we expand our foundations, our spiritual testimonies with firmness and steadiness. For this we have to jump down to verse 34. Another instrument in building and expanding a firm foundation is with Rebar. I like to think of this as "Rods of Iron". What is the Rod of Iron? The word of God. Note that the Lamanites grew in the knowledge of their God. I really like the reference that SnackPack shared in his message last week about the difference between knowing God and KNOWING God. In the Spanish language there are two words, Saber and Conocer. SnackPack shared some great insight regarding the differences and that we really want to Conocer God. We do this through studying, pondering, and heeding His word. Whether that word comes through ancient scripture and prophets of old or through modern day prophets and revelation. It is the same.

The Rebar is used to strengthen our foundations. Sometimes it is used to connect foundation slabs of cement together making one unified foundation. There are times the rebar is supported by smaller iron webbing or net that has been joined together for added strength. We add strength to our foundations as we grasp/cling to the Iron Rod or because of our easiness and willingness to believe in His word as described in verse 36.

Remember this is done with steadiness, meaning we need to study, ponder, and heed the word of God daily. We need to make it a part of our lives, our daily routine, or part of our being. It is not something we do if we have time, but it is something that becomes a priority on our lives. It becomes something that we make time for each day.

Now that we have talked about the cement and those things that help make it stronger, remember most importantly that we must have water to make it all happen. What came to mind when you read the word water? I immediately thought of Living Water, Jesus Christ. He makes up the differences where we can not. He makes our weaknesses strengths. He removes our imperfections, heals our wounds and cracks. He renews our foundation on a daily basis.

What a wonderful thought and lesson. From a simple foundation, we will be able to support our Eternal Mansions on high. Don't forget the steadiness. Once we have foundation, we don't just walk away. It is something that must be cared for, supported, treated, repaired, and looked to on a regular basis. We cannot let the ground beneath it be eroded or removed. It is something that again, becomes part of who we are.

Good food for thought.

Now on with the week.

The Queen and I decided that it would be nice to take a little trip this week. We were missing the adventure in our daily lives, so we jumped on an airplane and headed East this week. It was a long trip. We did a lot of sitting, walking, eating, and more walking, then sitting. We were able to see new things and old things. We enjoyed each others company and created memories we will share. Here are some photos of the adventure.