I was reading the account of the people of Zeniff in the Book of Mormon last week, and was struck by the words recorded in the beginning of Mosiah 11, when King Noah becomes king, regarding Noah's actions. I recorded some thoughts relating to his words, and feel these should be my thought for this week. Mosiah 11:3-4 records that Noah imposed a tax of one fifth (20%) of all the peoples' possessions, gold, silver,ziff, copper, brass, iron, fatlings, and grain, to support Noah and his government, their wives and concubines. In doing this, "he had changed the affairs of the kingdom." Quote from my study journal: Does this ever strike a resonant chord in my heart – in America, I am witnessing a “change in the affairs of the nation” that is happening at breakneck speed. Americans elected a new president who I continue to strongly feel is led by a power seeking the destruction of all this nation was established for. The land was established in liberty, under principles that would provide a climate in which the Lord could set His hand the last time to place His kingdom on the earth for eternity. Over the years of my life, I have witnessed the gradual decay of the moral fiber of the nation and its people. The prophets have spoken, even before the clear attacks on the family, of the structure ordained by God for families. They have pleaded and exhorted the Saints to draw close to God, to overcome pride, to live the commandments. Temples have been built throughout the world, where righteous Saints may enter and receive power from on high to resist the temptations of the adversary. Missionaries have preached the Gospel in other languages among this nation’s inhabitants, that as many as possible may hear His words in their native tongue. Technology has progressed at lightning speed, allowing all Saints to hear the voice of the prophet, to access inspired help. The Church has taken advantage of the technology given by the Lord to further the work of seeking out and redeeming the dead. I know that as Saints, we are not alone in the realization of what is happening. Although many others may not fully understand the eternal destiny of this land, they also realize the wickedness that prevails, and are praying with the Saints for the people of this land to remember the Lord. There is one program uniting many to pray as instructed in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked way; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” I recently read the account of Abraham pleading with the Lord for the city of Sodom, where his nephew Lot and family lived. The Lord agreed to spare Sodom from the coming destruction if there were found ten righteous in that city. There were not found ten, and the city was destroyed. I don’t know how many righteous are required for the Lord to spare this nation, but I believe that we can depend upon the promises of the Lord. May I be counted among those who petition with faith in God, knowing of His great power to save and preserve.
Although spring is teasing us, the weather man says winter temperatures will return this week, with increased rain. I hope my plum tree's blossoms survive, because they are ready to open. Flowering ornamental plums and cherries, honeysuckle, and early azaleas are in bloom, the early bulbs have finished, the rose bushes have their new red-green leaves, and the red-leaf maple is covered with buds. The moss is growing apace with the grass. This is the month of "anything goes" with the weather in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!
Love, Mom
