Consider the Lilies

I sure hope everyone has recovered at least a little bit from the different policy changes from General Conference. I think now we know what we need to do and how we need to do it. For me, school is coming to an end and we'll being going into summer. I certainly have a lot to think about this summer and have definitely been stressed from the plans that need to be made and the things that need to be done. In the words of Elder Christofferson, "Sometimes thinking to hard in ahead is damaging... We need to take each day one at a time."

With so many activities to accomplish, as I am sure all of you know, it is hard to stay focused and stay enthusiastic during these busy times. Am I going to have a job? Am I going to be able to pay for school? The list of questions that pass through our brains could be endless. This is why we have scriptures to know what type of words Jesus would say to us if we came with these questions. The twelve apostles came to Christ with these questions when He called them to be traveling disciples and witnesses of the Messiah. Where shall we sleep? Where shall we eat? How can we take all of our clothes with us? Christ's response to them is found in Matthew 6:28 "And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin..." Do the beautiful flowers that grow ever ask, "Where am I going to receive water? What if the Sun doesn't come out?" If the the flowers never have to ask, why should we? Especially when we do what our Heavenly Parents say, we will be provided everything that we will need. I felt extreme gratitude this week as I saw the hand of the Lord in my life. As He provided me employment, as He gave me my daily bread for a while, I am at peace that even when trials come, God loves His Children. Even though, like any good parents, He wants to see us provide for ourselves, He will always extend the hand when we need it. 

I hope this will touch at least one of you.

Devan Alder    

What A Week!

I sure hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! I loved this week! 1) Because, as I said last time, thinking about the Savior an entire week with what He did that week 2018 years ago is absolutely amazing! 2) General Conference was absolutely wonderful with a myriad of changes and revelation!

This week, I have been pondering a lot about Easter this week and what it means to me. A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity of participating in a mock Passover (Mormon style). It was a wonderful experience and as I ponder on the Sacrament, Easter, and the Atonement, each mean so much more to me as I put them in the context of the Passover service that was done anciently and still done by Jews and Mormons who want to. Let me demonstrate what I mean, Exodus 12:8 "And they shall eat the flesh [of the lamb] in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it." Since Jesus Christ, Himself, gave this law, it is no wonder the wonderful symbolism. Imagine putting a spoon of horseradish into your mouth, representing the bitter herbs, then the bread, and finally a small glass of grape juice (it was wine then). The foreshadowing of this simple process is amazing. When you feel disgusted and pained by the bitter herbs, then you take some bread and that disgust is absorbed in the bread and it no longer bothers you. After, you drink of red juice and are left a sweet taste on your tongue. The bitter herbs are sins. The bread of life absorbs all the effects of that nasty sin that you just partaken of. Then, so that we feel better, we drink of His blood and we are left feeling sweet. This symbol is so helpful for me to realize the important of the Sacrament and how I should view it. Without this experience, I may have not known such and experience and how it connects with the gospel. Try is sometime and you will see and feel why the Lord instituted the Passover and appreciate the Sacrament each week. I know as I learn more, I can feel more of that sweet taste of the Christ's redeeming blood.

Have a wonderful week!

Devan Alder