Jesus, Help Me Take The Wheel

In the popular song sung by Carrie Underwood she tells the story of a girl who's driving and looses control on an icy road. In desperation she throws her arms up in the air along with a prayer.

Jesus take the wheel

Take it from my hands

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

Save me from this road I'm on

Jesus take the wheel

While this is a touching story of a woman and her baby who are saved from getting into a horrible car crash the lyrics have caused me to reflect would God really want us to just let go of the steering wheel as we offer up a prayer?

    James 2:17-"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

I do believe God will help us if we pray, but we also need to put forth some of our own effort. There are times, like the story in this song, that He will help us fully and completely, but other times we need to be willing to do our part as well.

     Matthew 7:21-Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

So the next time you find yourself in a tough spot, or driving down an icy road of sin, don't just say Lord, Lord and throw your hands in the air hoping He'll save you. Instead say a prayer, grab the wheel, and take control of the situation as God helps and guides you to safety. In the end this will prove to be way more effective.  

Cause I can't do this on my own

Family Night and Monday Night Football

For most Americans Monday means one thing...Monday Night Football. The NFL's biggest match up of the week on national television for all to see. However for members of the LDS church Monday means something a little different. It means FHE or family home evening. This is a night set aside by the church and families to spend time together, have a gospel lesson, some fun, and the always desired treat. Interestingly enough these two Monday night activities were officially started the same year.    

    In September 1970 the Priesthood Bulletin announced that in a recent meeting the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve approved the setting aside of Monday night for holding family home evening throughout the entire church. Likewise, the 1970 season of the NFL officially had a televised Monday night football game each week and promoted it as Monday Night Football. The very first official Monday Night Football game was held on September 21, 1970. Is it any coincidence that these these two Monday night events were started the same year? Could be for good or bad.
     Bad:If we look at the family in the world we live in today we see that it sure has changed a lot. The typical family no longer eats together let alone spends a night together. Our schedules have all become filled with more and more activities that take us away from the family. Satan uses any tactics he can and could very easily use something good, Monday Night Football, to keep us from doing something better, spending time with our families.
    Good:Now I'm not saying we shouldn't watch some good old American football on Mondays but let's make sure our priorities are straight. If you want to watch some football here are some tips to getting the best of both worlds, family and football.(This is especially for the husbands and fathers out there)

1. Get a DVR: This allows you to hold your Family Home Evening and have fun with them and then go back later and watch the game. God has given us these inventions for a reason. haha
2. Make Monday Night Football a part of your evening: After spending some time together teaching your children, reading scriptures, having a gospel lesson, singing songs, and playing a game, have a little treat while you sit down to watch some football.
3. Read Davis' Daily Bread: Use Davis' Daily Bread's gospel football analogies to teach a lesson and then watch Monday Night Football while helping your kids see the comparisons you just taught about during the game.     

As parents lead out and show your family that they are more important to you than Monday Night Football and apply these three steps you'll get to enjoy spending time with your family along with the big game which is always a win, win.
         For more info on FHE and different activities Click Here

Missionary Service: The Story of Sid Going

Missionary Service: The Story of Sid Going-The following is a great story from a talk given by Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles titled Preparing The World For The Second Coming. His talk focuses on missionary service and the required sacrifices that come with it but how the blessings far outweigh them.

    "Missionary service requires sacrifice. There will always be something you leave behind when you respond to the prophet’s call to serve. Those who follow the game of rugby know that the New Zealand All Blacks, a name given because of the color of their uniform, is the most celebrated rugby team ever.  To be selected for the All Blacks in New Zealand would be comparable to playing for a football Super Bowl team or a World Cup soccer team.

In 1961, at age 18 and holding the Aaronic Priesthood, Sidney Going was becoming a star in New Zealand rugby. Because of his remarkable abilities, many thought he would be chosen the very next year for the national All Blacks rugby team.

At age 19, in this critical moment of his ascending rugby career, Sid declared that he would forgo rugby to serve a mission. Some called him crazy. Others called him foolish. They protested that his opportunity in rugby might never come again.

     For Sid it was not what he was leaving behind—it was the opportunity and responsibility ahead. He had a priesthood duty to offer two years of his life to declare the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Nothing—not even a chance to play on the national team, with all the acclaim it would bring—would deter him from that duty.      

He was called by a prophet of God to serve in the Western Canadian Mission. Forty-eight years ago this month, 19-year-old Elder Sidney Going left New Zealand to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

   Sid told me of an experience he had on his mission. It was evening, and he and his companion were just about to return to their apartment. They decided to visit one more family. The father let them in. Elder Going and his companion testified of the Savior. The family accepted a Book of Mormon. The father read all night. In the next week and a half he read the entire Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. A few weeks later the family was baptized. 

A mission instead of a place on the New Zealand All Blacks team? Sid responded, “The blessing of [bringing others] into the gospel far outweighs anything [you] will ever sacrifice.” 

You’re probably wondering what happened to Sid Going following his mission. Most important: an eternal marriage to his sweetheart, Colleen; five noble children; and a generation of grandchildren. He has lived his life trusting in his Father in Heaven, keeping the commandments, and serving others.

And rugby? After his mission Sid Going became one of the greatest halfbacks in All Blacks history, playing for 11 seasons and serving for many years as captain of the team. How good was Sid Going? He was so good that training and game schedules were changed because he would not play on Sunday.  Sid was so good the Queen of England acknowledged his contribution to rugby.  He was so good a book was written about him titled Super Sid.

What if those honors had not come to Sid after his mission? One of the great miracles of missionary service in this Church is that Sid Going and thousands just like him have not asked, “What will I get from my mission?” but rather, “What can I give?”"

        I know that I have sacrificed and given my time to the Lord to represent Him at this time in my life. I also know that the blessings He has given me and my family have far outweighed the sacrifice. A mission is a calling from God, but like all things with God, He gives us blessings for following Him which in turn makes a mission no longer a sacrifice but a Joy! I love my mission and the things that I am learning while being here. I love the people I've met and the things I've been able to accomplish. What a great blessing it is to represent my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Don't Make The Gospel A Part Of Your Life, Make It Your Life

Don't Make The Gospel A Part Of Your Life, Make It Your Life-Frequently in life we hear that we need to make the gospel a part of our lives. While this is definitely not a bad thing to do a wise man once told me "It is not enough to make the gospel a part of our life. We need to make our life the gospel." Now what exactly did he mean? It means we don't go about doing the things of the world and then try to pick and choose gospel principles to try to apply to our life. While this is better than doing nothing it is still not the strongest way or path to take.

      The best way is to have every action, decision, and thing we do and say in our life centered on the gospel. Let's look at the bible story of the wise man and the foolish man to help us understand this. As the story  goes the foolish man built his house upon the sand. The rain came....goodbye house. The wise man built his house upon the rock. The rain came....house holds strong. What was the difference? Weren't both striving to build a solid house? Don't you think they both tried to incorporate good masonry, framing, roofing, and other building skills? The answer is yes. They were both using the same tools and ideas to build their houses the difference was one had his house built and centered on a sandy foundation while the other was centered and built on a solid rock foundation. How does this happen when both were striving to build a solid house?
   Let's look at another example, this time a real life example. Let's say every week we go to church. Once in a while though there is something fun and wholesome out there that takes us out of church, whether it be a camping trip, baseball game, etc. Like was stated all are wholesome activities that may even be incorporating gospel principles, like spending time with our family, but missing church to do so isn't really focusing on Christ and His gospel.
   It all comes around to our decisions. Do we strive to be obedient or do we have selective obedience? When a decision is placed in front of us do we always make the gospel oriented choice because we've chosen to make our life centered around the gospel or do we waver? This will be the difference in claiming all of the blessings our Heavenly Father has to offer, or part of them. Let us all try to not only make the gospel a part of our life but make it our life. Great blessings will follow as we center and build that foundation on Christ. This I can promise you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Yoke Up With Christ

Yoke Up With Christ-As the Mormon Pioneers made their treacherous journey for a home of religious freedom and refuge they had two main modes of transporting their goods and moving down the unmarked trail. The most effective and convenient ways of the two was to travel in a covered wagon. A covered wagon allowed someone to be able to carry heavier loads because of the two oxen that pull the wagon. The two oxen are attached to the wagon by what is called a yoke. The yoke not only attaches them to the wagon but attaches the oxen to each other to ensure they move as one pulling the load equally down the same course together.

 There were times that because of the grueling travel an ox might get so exhausted and sick it might die right on the trail leaving all the work of pulling the wagon to one ox. This made travels even tougher because the single ox doing all the pulling would get worn out and exhausted faster because of his partner not being there to share the load and burden.

Don't try to take the load upon yourself

     In our lives we too have a load to bear. It is not an easy one especially as we make our way down the path of life. We too, in a way, have that yoke upon us. At times we feel like that lone ox, like no one is helping us. This however is a false idea. We will always have a partner to share the load if we will come unto Him.

    Jesus Christ said in Matt. 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

    Our yoke can be made easy, our burden can be made light through Jesus Christ. He is there to hitch up and yoke up to us to help us through our everyday struggles. There are times we may feel like He is not helping, not pulling his share of the load, but that's when we need realize He's pulling more than His fair share. He performed the Atonement for us to help us pull our way down the trail. With our diligence and patience, and His efforts of the Atonement, if we will be yoked up with Him we will be able to continue down that trail. Our burdens will become easier to bear, and we will be able to make it down the bumpy trail to our Heavenly Father a little bit easier.   

Trust Not in the Arm of Flesh, Or In MJ's Secret Stuff

Trust Not in the Arm of Flesh, Or In MJ's Secret Stuff:  In one of my favorite movies "Space Jam" The Nerdlucks, and their boss, Swackhammer, had been seeking a new attraction for their extraterrestrial theme park and came to earth to capture the Looney Toons. In an attempt to save themselves from having to become prisoners of Swackhammer the Looney Toons challenge the Nerdlucks to a basketball game. The Nerdlucks, in order to have a chance to compete, steal the talent of NBA superstars and become "The Monstars". Bugs Bunny and the Looney Toon gang, desperate for some help, turn to Michael Jordan, who at this point had retired, for some help. This leads to an epic battle on the court!

    The Toon Squad, finding themselves down not only on the scoreboard but on themselves, at half time turn to Bugs Bunny for some help. Bugs rallies the team with what he claims is "Michael's Secret Stuff" which he claims will give them special basketball powers if they will drink it. Every member of the team takes a swig and feels as if it is really working. They run their way back onto the court with a renewed sense of happiness and determination that they feel this secret drink has given them.

         As they start the second half their play increases and they find themselves back in the game. But soon enough "Michael's Secret Stuff" is all gone and they find themselves once again frustrated. This is when Michael Jordan reveals to them that Bugs had tricked them and that the "Secret Stuff" was really just water and that if they will reach deep inside of them they can find the true talent and skills they have and need to defeat The Monstars. As they now work together as a team they are able to with real confidence in themselves now they find themselves in the game all the way down to the wire. Down by one, it is up to MJ to score the final point for his team, which he does with a long stretched arm, for the victory! The Looney Toons are saved, the NBA players get their talent back, and Michael Jordan's basketball career is revamped bringing him back into the NBA.

      In life there are times when we rely on what the world, and Satan, calls "Secret Stuff". Satan uses this "Secret Stuff", which to the world is no secret, to carefully lead us astray. We, for a moment, feel as if we are invincible, just like the Toon Squad felt, but eventually we feel the lasting negative effects of these decision. The scriptures would call this putting our trust in the arm of flesh. 2 Nephi 4:34 Lehi councils about this by saying "O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm." Let us put our trust in the good things of God that will not only bring us happiness now but happiness in the long run. Things like scripture study, prayer, and church are three things that we can trust in to help us find our true potential. Those three things will also help us to make good decision when Satan tried to persuade us with his "Secret Stuff". It is my hope that we will all trust in the Lord and not in the arm of flesh. If we do this we will truly be blessed and be able to find our true talent and happiness that God has to offer and we can win the game of life!   

Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Draft

The NBA Draft is tonight. For a young college basketball player this is the night dreams can come true. This is the night a player not only finds out if they are going to get to play in the NBA, but to which team they will be adding their skills to. What a nerve-racking experience it must be for one to wait to hear his name called. Likewise, this is a long and nerve-racking night for NBA team owners, GM's, scouts, and coaches because this night, and the events that take place, could determine the success of their team for the next five to ten years. This is especially tough for them because often those who do really well and get picked really high in the draft don't always end up being the superstars in a very talented and tough league to play in.
    There are many examples in the history of the NBA draft of this happening. The most famous case of this came in 1984 when Sam Bowie(Who?) was drafted number two by the Portland Trailblazers while the Chicago Bulls drafted Michael Jordan with their number three overall pick, and the rest is history. Michael Jordan went on to change the sports of basketball by winning multiple championship titles filled with many MVP trophies while Sam Bowie had an average NBA career.
   There are times in our lives when we are faced with a draft of our own. We need to truly scout out our options of what is going to be best for us in our lives, and our team. For some they choose to draft a player who, to the world, looks appealing at times but in the end will destroy a franchise. This player is Satan and anything he supports. Never practicing(no church attendance), a ball hog(selfishness), and contention are just a few of his attributes. We need to avoid this temptation and draft a true superstar. We need to draft Jesus Christ onto our team!

"With the 1st pick in the draft of life(insert name) selects...Jesus Christ!"

    When we make that draft choice we need to make Christ our top pick and the "Center" of our team. He, unlike Satan, will always step it up in crunch time and be there for us. Whether it be to make a big shot, to rebound our missed shots, or assist us, He is a very reliable team-mate. He is one that can change not only our team, lives, but the whole league, world.

 "Choose you this day whom ye will draft, but as for me and my team we will draft the Lord!" This is the only guaranteed successful draft pick, for our team, in our lives. This is one I can guarantee you because I've seen the impact He's made on my team, and it's something no one else could offer. I know if you will draft Him, though the game will not be easy, you will come out on the winning end. You will see the blessings that come to you, and your team, and you will never want to trade Him. Instead you'll sign a life long contract to Him, which will be the greatest decision you will ever make. This is what will lead you to become a true Champion!

God Will Never Fire Us, The Coach

God Will Never Fire Us, The Coach-In today's sports world, teams are always looking to make it to the top as soon as possible. They seek after the glory, fame, popularity, and riches of being the best; of being a Champion! The more teams seek after this, the more they try to pick out their team's flaws to make a change. It used to be that a team would pick out those flaws, or weaknesses, over time. This was known as the rebuilding stage of a team, program, or franchise. Once upon a time this was the way to work your way up to stardom and championship status. Times, however, have changed. 

     As sports leagues get more and more competitive teams are looking for a quicker fix. Is it the defense they need to change? The offense? The pitching or the hitting? Often times as the head honchos, owners and GM's, look over their organization they decide to go straight to what they believe is the root of their team's problems, and they fire the head coach. More than ever we are seeing what's been coined as the "coaching carousel" take its effect. A team looking for a quick fix will look at their head coach with a "what have you done for me lately?" attitude. Despite the previous success of this coach and his team, or the steady improvement, the coach is canned, or fired, for often times a younger, trendier coach with new playbooks, schemes, and training methods. This all done with the hope that his new ideas and coaching will bring over-night success. While this quick fix sometimes works, see Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Often times though the problems linger, players still under perform, and before you know it that coach has been let go also, and a new coach is brought in. That's why it's called the "coaching carousel".



Neither Penn State or God
has given up on
Joe Paterno who at the age
of 84 and in his 61st year
of coaching is still going strong.

   How grateful I am that God, our Heavenly Father, does not operate this way. He will never give up on us! Despite the constant mistakes we make He will always be there to lift us up. As we make slow and steady progress to gain faith, repent, and come unto Christ, we can be champions someday with Him in His kingdom. He is right there next to us. We don't have to feel like we're in "the coaching hot seat". If we will strive to put our best effort forward he'll be there to say fear not. It is my hope and prayer that all of us will put forth our best "coaching" effort to be able to return to Him. By studying the playbook, scriptures, the game film, words of the prophet and apostles, and attend practice, church, we can become our best. And in the end giving our very best is all that He asks of us to be a true champion!       


Elder Davis and Elder Holbrook's Spiritual Center Top 10

Here's a Davis Daily Bread "Spiritual Center" Top 10 of Gospel Sports Blogs of the first half of the year.

Which Jersey Are You Wearing?by Elder Catron

Take a Swing at Golf-warming up with hole #1by Elder Kuck

   

My Jersey Sponsor by Elder Holbrook
 

 My Football Story, Ouch by Elder Garcia

  

Everyone Gets a Ring by Elder Hunsaker
   

Now That's a Beard by Elder Greco

       

Endure to the End by Sister Nestman

 

Spiritual and Basketball by Elder Lee

     

Gospel According To A Sports Guy part by Elder Elmer
    

 Under Dog Theory and the Atonement by Elder Nelson

   

The Reset Button of Video Games and Repentance

Anyone who has ever played video games before knows that there are times in the game when you have to complete a level or a task. As we try to conquer a villain or beat the other team in a game we quickly realize that we're getting beat and that our player is about to die or our team is about to lose. This almost always leads to frustration and anger to the point of yelling at the TV or maybe even throwing the controller across the room (Don't deny it gamers, this really does happen). As this anger builds up we start to spiral down the path to GAME OVER! but No! We won't let that happen! As we realize that maybe those awesome video game skills aren't so awesome we get prideful. Before we could ever accept that we lost we take the cheap way out....we hit the reset button.

I'll admit it I've done it before. Playing my favorite game, NCAA Football, there was no way I was going to let my BYU Cougars lose a game! Now that I've matured and so have my virtual football playing skills I'm less likely to take the cheap way out and reset a game. But when I get down early or am about to lose late in the game that temptation is always there to hit the reset button.
      Some would say unfortunately we are not living in a video game world. This is the real deal. There is no reset button in life that takes us back to birth to try again before our game over. As we travel through this level we will encounter many obstacles. Some will be easy to overcome, others will be very difficult. As we continue on though we can't let ourselves get caught up or bogged down in life. We can't get angry or upset with the difficulties of this level to the point where we want a restart because there is no restart to life like there is in a video game. However Christ has provided a type of restart.

        Alma 34:32-33 says that this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witness, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end" If we want a restart to life we need to take part in the atonement of Jesus Christ by repenting. Through repentance we can become clean. Our minds, bodies, and spirits become clear of all anger, sorrow, guilt, and pain. We are given a clean slate thanks to Christ and a new start of life. As we go about preparing to meet God we will continue to learn and grow and improve our skills. We will be able to defeat this level and return to live with God where there are no Game Overs because of the reset Christ offers and not that of a video game.
             To learn more about the "Reset Button" of life Click Here

Learn To Trust Others Around You, Even If They're A Donkey

Learn To Trust Others Around You, Even If They're A Donkey-
As the children of Israel were journeying through the wilderness they came to a resting spot near the land of Moab. The king of Moab, Balak, was afraid of the children of Israel so he sent princes out to persuade the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites and protect the land of Moab. As Balaam contemplated what he should do he sought God for guidance through prayer. God told him "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed."(Num. 22:12) When Balaam woke in the morning he told the princes that the Lord had warned him not to go with them. The princes returnd to Balak and told him what Balaam had said. Despite this Balak was persistent and sent more honorable princes to convince Balaam to journey with them to Moab and to curse the Israelites. They also offered him great riches for doing so. Balaam prayed once again to God to know what to do. The Lord again told him not to go, but this time Balaam did not listen.

Balaam and his donkey

    As he awoke in the morning he saddled up his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. God was upset with Balaam and his actions so He placed an angel in the way of the path to Moab. When Balaam and his donkey came to the angel the donkey saw the angel and turned and ran into a field. Balaam, not being able to see the angel, rebuked the donkey. Again they headed down the path and the angel was on the path again and the donkey, seeing the angel again, ran off again. Now a third time they journeyed down the path and the donkey saw the angel and fell down. Balaam, being very frustrated and angry, began to beat the donkey and the Lord caused the donkey's mouth to be open and the donkey spoke to Balaam saying, "Am not I thine donkey, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day?" And Balaam's eyes were opened and he saw the angel. The angel said if it was not for your donkey who had seen me and stopped your journey to Moab I would have had to kill you.  Balaam was grateful to the donkey and God for sparing his life. Balaam prayed to the Lord for forgiveness and asked what he should do. God directed him as to what he should do and say in Moab instead of following Balak's command and he and the children of Israel were blessed for following God.

      Through this story of Balaam we learn that the Lord uses others in our path, or around us, to guide us. The Lord knows that we can't learn on our own so he places good parents, grandparents, Bishops, church leaders, teachers, coaches, and friends to help us. How many of us have had questions that we've asked God about and he's given us an answer through someone else. Many of these people around us and in our lives have experienced similar situations that we're going through. Instead of treating them like a donkey we need to open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to the help they are offering us. As we do so we will see that the Lord is guiding others to help us. As we walk down the path of life we are not alone. God is with us, our friends and our family are with us. The sooner we can accept their help down the path of life the better off we will be.

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.