Though The Floods of Life Come Our Way, We Will Survive

Breaking News:
New Orleans, Louisiana: Flood Evacuation Reinstated for Louisiana's Butte Larose Area!
Salmon, Idaho:Idaho governor declares emergency from flooding 
Missoula, Montana:Western Montana rain keeps falling into already high rivers‎

Flooding has affected more than just one area in the U.S this spring and it may not be over yet. Due to the heavy snow pack melting and heavy rains falling many areas are finding themselves literally under water. As rivers rise and streets and basements flood we see how devastating these floods are to streets, homes, businesses, and even crops, as much of the damage will take months to dry out and fix.

    Just as these waterways and rivers are taking a beating from all these storms we too will face storms in our life. The Savior taught a parable about floods when he said:

     "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Matt. 7:24-27

     The Savior is teaching some valuable flood advice, or life flood insurance, in these verses of scripture but what does it mean to build upon a rock in our lives? The Prophet Helaman in the Book of Mormon understood this lesson about building upon a rock when he taught his sons. He said:

     And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

   The rock in our lives that we must build on is our Savior, Jesus Christ. When the devil sends those storms of life, when we find ourselves flooded, and wet, we will not wash away because of the foundational rock of Christ that we are built on. The Lord promises We Will Not Fall!

   In many flood zones people desire to get safely to higher ground. By following Christ and His teachings, and being a hearer and a doer of the word, we are not only built on that solid rock foundation but we are lifted to a higher plane of living. We no longer will find ourselves playing in the muddy flood water of the world but clean and dry from sin. As we do that we will be able to reach out a helping hand to those wading in the muddy flood water of life to lift them up to higher ground, encourage them to clean themselves, repent, and to start to build their lives on higher ground and the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
            To read another Gospel view of Floods Click Here
Songs about Christ and Floods:
The Wise Man and the Foolish Man

O thou Rock of our salvation
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Guest Blogger: The Field is White. Are You Ready?: The (Super)Power of the Priesthood

Guest Blogger: Elder Holbrook author of the blog "The Field is White. Are You Ready?" is guest blogging on Davis' Daily Bread today. To check more of Elder Holbrook's blog Click here.

The (Super)Power of the Priesthood

A pretty common origin story for superheroes/villains is the "altering substance" story. Captain America is injected with superhuman serum, same with Bane; Bruce Banner is exposed to Gamma rays, in a like manner as the Fantastic Four; Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider; Doctor Connors and Norman Osbourn willingly use DNA enhancing chemicals; even rats and turtles in the New York sewers. It's see all throughout. It's a very simple way to explain how these supers got the way they were (another good way would be just "they're born with it" a la X-Men). Regular everyday people with regular everyday problems just like the ones you and I face are, because of these magical potions, turned into extraordinary people with powers to help them save the world. We can relate to their alter egos, and are enthralled by their secret identities. And all because of a little radiation? I could see that happening to me! (Disclaimer: The author of this blog in no way supports or encourages readers to expose themselves to radiation in any way, shape, or form for any reason, even to gain superpowers.) Run-of-the-mill folks, gaining amazing powers just through chance, running into something strange. Too bad it could never happen to us....
Or could it?

Recently, we've been helping a recent convert as he prepares himself to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. He's so excited to get it, and we're excited for him. It's made me really dwell on the priesthood and what, exactly, it is. I've heard it said before (because people know the best way to relate things to me is either soccer of superheroes) that the Priesthood is like a superpower. Sweet! It allows us to do so many amazing things. The Aaronic Priesthood gives us the authority to baptize and pass the sacrament, and with the Melchizedek Priesthood, we're able to confirm people and give them the Holy Ghost, as well as bless the sacrament, and give priesthood blessings. These things may not seem all that super, but if you consider the eternal significance of them, they truly are! The Priesthood is available to any worthy male member of the church, and brings great blessings to the holder and those around him. I've been blessed to have taken part in many blessings on my mission. It's amazing to feel the Spirit so strongly, or to feel the Lord working through you as you give words of comfort and counsel. The Priesthood comes the same way the Holy Ghost does, by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority. As you receive the Priesthood, you are given greater responsibilities, and people will expect more of you (hmmm... sound familiar?). We may not be able to climb walls, fly, have super strength, or anything like that, but our powers can still save the world!

More more The Field is White. Are You Ready? Click here

God and His Prophet: The Greatest Forecaster Around



God and His Prophet: The Greatest Forecaster Around-Do you find yourself day in and day out watching the weather report to see what weather you can expect and prepare for? Do you constantly find yourself living in the opposite weather than what was forecast and what you had prepared for? Take this week for instance, here in Montana the forecast called for rain showers every day of the week. On Saturday afternoon as my companion and I were walking around doing our missionary work it was 77 degrees, sunny and clear with not a cloud in the sky. It had been beautiful and sunny all week long!  We hadn't seen a drop of rain all week! Not quite what the weather forecast had called for now was it?  



   Along with false weather forecasts we also found ourselves talking to many people this last week about the prediction made by a group claiming that the world would end on May 21st. There had been billboards, signs, and a website dedicated to telling people about this prediction of the end of the world. While the world didn't end, hence why I'm able to write this blog on May 24th, we see that some took this prediction seriously and others not so much. This prediction, like the weather, caught people's attention, including the national news, but didn't come to pass. Now the purpose in me writing this isn't to come down or poke fun of the weather man or even those who predicted the end of the world but to show that the predictions and forecasts of men, and men alone, are never as accurate as the forecasts of God.

   All throughout the scriptures God makes his forecast known to us by means of the Prophet. God has said "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."D&C 1:38 We see that as God gives a forecast that that forecast ALWAYS comes to pass.
    The forecast of the Prophet on his own would have no credibility, but when it comes straight from God the truth is brought into the forecast. God told the Prophet Noah to warn the people that the earth would be flooded unless they changed their ways and repented. The people did not listen to Noah's forecast from God. In turn the rains came and the earth was flooded.

    How many of us pay attention to the weather forecast and predictions of man more than those from God through His Prophet? We need to pay attention and heed their counsel like we would the weather man's. As we prepare ourselves with a spiritual umbrella we will be better prepared to face the rain storms of life that have been and will be forecast by God.

To learn more about modern day Prophets and Apostles and their forecasts from God Click Here.

The Book of Mormon is The Word of God

The Book of Mormon is the Word of God. Read it, Ponder it, and then Ask God, in faith, to know this for yourself.


Are Mormons Christian? Click Here to learn more.

The Gospel of Baseball From Base to Base

The Gospel of Baseball- Here's a quick repost of the Gospel of Baseball. Click the Links to go from base to base. Enjoy!

Faith to get on Base

Repentance- A change of Mind or Focus through the Sacrifice Bunt of Christ

Baptism and Full Dedication

Following the Holy Ghost and Enduring to Home

Mormons Follow the Example of the Savior to Reach out to Our Fellow Man

Mormons Follow the Example of the Savior to Reach out to Our Fellow Man-As the world continues to be affected by many natural disasters that seem to keep getting larger and more devastating we all find ourselves getting emotional over the hardships being placed on our brothers and sisters around the world. This creates in us the desire to follow Christ's command to love our neighbor and help them, even if only in a small way. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believes in this very strongly. As disciples of Jesus Christ, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to follow the Savior’s teaching to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, and clothe the naked. This led to the creation of the Church's Humanitarian Aid Program sponsored by and run by the LDS Church. Over the last 26 years that this program has officially been established it has assisted 178 countries donating over 1.3 Billion dollars to aid those in need after a natural disaster, war, and to improve living conditions. They have also distributed 16,892 tons of food, 13,920 of medical supplies, and 86,269 tons of clothing. The money and one hundred percent of the donations given to the Church’s humanitarian services are used for relief efforts. The Church takes care of any excess costs. The church also sponsors other projects around the world helping people become more self-reliant, neonatal resuscitation training, clean water projects, wheelchair distribution, vision treatment, and measles vaccinations. 

     Following the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and in the recent April LDS General Conference President Thomas S. Monson said "The Church continues to provide humanitarian aid in times of disaster. Most recently our hearts and our help have gone out to Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami and the resultant nuclear challenges. We have distributed over 70 tons of supplies, including food, water, blankets, bedding, hygiene items, clothing, and fuel." "Service projects to assemble hygiene kits and cleaning kits are being organized in multiple stakes and wards in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Thus far, over 40,000 hours of service have been donated by more than 4,000 volunteers. Our help will be ongoing in Japan and in any other areas where there is need."

    The amazing thing about the LDS Humanitarian project isn't the staggering numbers of supplies and money donated by the Church to aid those in need. It's the fact that everyone is willing to pitch in and help out their neighbor by donating that time and money. I remember soon after the devastating hurricane Katrina hit the coasts of Mississippi and New Orleans our Young Men's and Young Women's youth groups got together to make hygiene kits to send to the Church so that they could distribute them to the thousands in need. It was such a positive feeling being there with everyone who wanted to make a difference in the lives of those in the areas affected by the hurricane. It allowed us all to feel the love of our Savior as we placed toothbrushes, combs, soaps, and other health care items. I remember afterwards thinking to myself how grateful those people must have been to receive those items that we take for granted every day. I was grateful for the opportunity I had to serve my fellow man and follow the example of the Savior in loving my neighbor and I look forward to more opportunities to donate my time and goods to the humanitarian aid. I know there are ways that we can all reach out more to those around us who are in need and when we do we will feel more of the Savior's love in our lives
     If you are asking yourself how can you better help your neighbors and those affected by what seems like a daily disaster you can check out this website that talks more about the Humanitarian efforts of the Church and how you can join in on them.

The Mormons Aren't the Only Ones Worried About Food Now

The Mormons Aren't the Only Ones Worried About Food Now- There is a buzz around the world lately that has caused many to reflect on the world coming to an end. Some have even attempted to pinpoint the day or year as to when this will occur i.e the May 21st 2011 prediction or the 2012 prediction. Many are also worried about the current situations and events that are taking place. Many are even starting to wonder about if they are prepared physically and spiritually the best they could be. Though we know from the Bible that no one knows when the second coming will take place we know the time is approaching. Whether that's near or far in our minds we still don't know. For some this causes great worry or fear but more me that fear isn't as great because I know it's all part of the plan of our Heavenly Father and that he has given us a Prophet to speak His words and help us be prepared.
    Amos 3:7 says "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Having a Prophet of God is such a blessing because we receive those secrets, or counsel, from him and our Father in Heaven to help prepare us for things that are to come. One of the things the Prophets have been counseling us on is to prepare a food storage.
     For decades Mormons have been known for being big proponents of food storage. Many outside the church and our faith have found this at times funny or odd but there is a lot of common sense in food storage and people are starting to take notice the more the end of the world talk continues.
    We see examples of such food storage and preparation in the Bible in the classic story of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. Through revelation he was able to interpret the Pharaohs dream of there being seven year of good harvest followed by seven years of bad. What followed was Joseph becoming Pharaohs right hand man to direct the operation of storing food which greatly blessed and saved Egypt in those rough seven years of famine.
     The Lord has said to Prepare every needful thing.(D&C 88:90) That includes food. Sometimes we need to realize that storing food is not just to survive the end of the world. It's to help us survive anything and everything that may lead up to the end of the world. Famons, or food shortages, bad economies, job loss, natural disasters, wars, and many other things can be made easier when we are prepared. We need to make food storage and preparedness a priority in our lives before it's too late and we're left out to hunger.
    So is the advice and counsel to have food storage and be prepared from God for a reason? Yes, and this counsel isn't just for Mormons. It's for all of God's children. You will find comfort and peace as you follow the Prophet, get yourself and your family better prepared and equipped with the necessary food for the rough times that are ahead. Whether that is on May 21st, 2012, or a hundred years from now at least you'll be prepared for all three and more.

 For more info on food storage visit ProvidentLiving.org, or to see why other members of the church store food follow this link http://mormon.org/faq/self-reliance/

Mormons and Their Basketball

Why Do Mormons Have a Basketball Court in Their Church Building?

If you were to walk into any LDS church building and head for the center you'd find a large full size, hardwood floor, basketball court complete with two hoops. A lot of non-members when they see this comment that our church is the only church they've ever seen this in. Some wonder, as I'm sure some members do, if this is necessary and I'm here to tell you there is a reason to everything our church does.

    Now I can assure you there are many other reasons and purposes for this large basketball court. In fact many refer to it as a cultural hall rather than a gym because it is used for many other social events, meetings, and it serves as an overflow for Sunday worship. But I can also promise you that during the week the balls will be pulled out, the shots will go up, and the basketball will begin.

   I believe there are three main reasons to why the church has both pick up and league style basketball. The first reason being to have fun. 2 Nephi 2:25 says that Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. Now I know that basketball and joy don't necessarily go together for every member of the church but for the majority of the male LDS population playing basketball at the church is a great time to step away from the stresses of life, get some much needed exercise, and have FUN! Growing up in the Young Men's program of the church I participated in Scouts. The majority of the time if we were doing a Scout requirement that wasn't the most fun our leaders would bribe us with basketball if we'd pay attention and pass off our requirements. As an Eagle Scout I am grateful to my leaders who not only taught me valuable life lessons but helped us have some physical fun while doing it.
    Later in my life of Young Men's, and beyond, pick up basketball on a Tuesday or Wednesday night at the church was the thing to do. In Arizona there were four church buildings with courts within five miles of each other. You could show up at any of those buildings and find yourself some basketball with members and non-members alike. This is another reason I believe the church has basketball courts. It's a great missionary tool.
    Basketball as a missionary tool may seem odd to you but there is a lot of truth to it. It really does help people learn more about the church. When you invite someone to church they may be frightened because they've never attended one of our church services let alone even stepped into a building. But when you invite them to come play basketball it is a good ice breaker. It allows them to come into the church to see what it's like and helps them feel more comfortable to the point that they may attend a church service someday. A member once told me that his first learning experience about the church was when he came to play basketball. After being with members and in the building he was comfortable enough to ask to meet with the missionaries and was later baptized. And to think that it all started with a simple game of basketball.
     The final reason I believe church basketball is an important part of who we are is the brotherhood that is built while playing basketball. As a young Deacon of 12 years old I played on my wards organized basketball team. Though the league was intended for young men 14-18 our ward didn't have enough boys in that age group to fill a team. So they called upon and invited us younger boys to participate. I will never forget little 12 year old me guarding a giant of a junior or senior in high school. And though our team struggled on the score board we grew closer and closer together as friends and priesthood holders. This pushed us to be the under dogs that upset the big dogs and soon enough we accomplished our goal by winning a few games towards the end of the season. It was never about the wins or the losses though. Looking back all I can remember is the life long friends I made and the good times we had.

     So why do Mormons have basketball courts in their church? Because it has been instituted by God for our pleasure, to create brotherhood among His priesthood holders, and to potentially bring someone unto Him, His church, and His Gospel. So let us be thankful for that basketball court that sits at the center of our buildings and let's take advantage of what it's intended for.

How's Ya Motha' Doin'? She's Doin' Aight!

How's Ya Motha' Doin'? She's Doin' Aight!-In our mission there is a popular question or phrase among the missionaries that we often ask each other. One missionary will ask " How's Ya Motha' Doin'?" and the other missionary will respond with "She's Doin' Aight!" I don't know how this got started or why it's stuck around in the mission but I really enjoy it because I believe it shows the importance missionaries place on their Mothers and their well being. We care deeply for our Mothers because we love and care for them so much.
    The Savior showed this same care and love for His mother, Mary, as he hung on the cross. Despite hanging on a cross and going through more than any human had ever been through before He was more worried about His mother and her well being than his own self.  As he looked down and saw his tear filled mother he called to one of his disciples and said "Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home" (John 19: 26-27). What a great example the Savior set of how to watch for and take care of our dear Mothers.
    Another example of Mothers from the scriptures comes from the Book of Mormon. In the book of Alma we read of the 2,000 stripling warriors who, despite being young men, went into battle to protect their people. The bravery they showed was an outward expression of how well they had been taught and prepared by their Mothers to trust in the Lord. They said "they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them." and that they did not doubt their Mothers knew it (Alma 56:47-48). They knew that if they trusted in their Mothers and the Lord all would be well. 
   Likewise if it wasn't for the mothers of the missionaries in this mission and the love and care they show us, and their diligence and determination to prepare us to serve our Lord we would never be the missionaries we are today. I'm grateful for all my Mother has done for me. She has instilled her trust and devotion to our Heavenly Father in me and this helps me better serve Him every day. God be thanked for the matchless gift of Mothers. Have a Happy Mother's Day. Love you Mom!

Are Mormon's Christian?

Are Mormons Christian?
    To answer this question I'd like to refer you to a statement that was released by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles January 1, 2000 to commemorate the anniversary of the Savior's life titled The Living Christ. It states:

             "As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to "become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His "other sheep" (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised "dispensation of the fulness of times" (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
"I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father" (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: "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" (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—"built upon the foundation of . . . apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."
The Living Christ
 
       I'd like to add my testimony to those of His chosen Apostles. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I, as a Mormon, have a strong belief in Him and that the Church I am a part of teaches His Gospel. I know that He came to this earth as the Son of God to redeem us from our sins. He lived a perfect life and set forth the example for us to follow. As we strive to follow Him and that example we will be able to repent and come unto our Heavenly Father through Him. I know He died for us so that this would be possible and that He rose on the third day so that we too can live again. I know He lives and as I follow Him I'll be blessed. I leave this testimony with you in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.
        CLICK HERE to visit a great website to learn more about Mormons belief in our Savior, Jesus Christ.