It is time to read THE HIDING PLACE again! I just bought it on Kindle and Audible. We are watching the movie on Prime Video right now. Why all this? Our seminary lesson this morning was on Doctrine & Covenants 98, the persecution of the Saints in Missouri (and Ohio) and the Lord’s revelation in the Law of Retaliation, the Law of War, and the Law of Forgiveness. One of the stories was of Corrie ten Boom—none of our students had ever heard of her! Reference for the story from our lesson: [Corrie ten Boom, Tramp for the Lord (1974), 54–55.]” (Keith B. McMullin, “Our Path of Duty,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 13). What a great lesson for humanity! In today’s world of chaos and hate, D&C 98 teaches us how we should react when others are unkind, full of hatred, or determined on persecution. Every day in the scripture blocks and lessons we teach we find that we are learning (or reviewing) the very things we need to survive the trials of the world and stay on the covenant path!
We also love studying the New Testament and the Come, Follow Me course. We are grateful for the extra resources we use, including the Bible videos and the YouTube instruction “Don’t Miss This!” by Dave Butler and Emily Freeman. If you are interested, you can google it or go to emilybellefreeman.com to find the link and the study guide. Interesting! We just had a copy made of the New Testament with wide margins so that we can add notes, quotes, and doodles as we learn more about following the covenant path set by the Savior. We are truly guided by a prophet of God.
Sunday I substituted on the organ in 1st Ward and then played for Primary. It was good to be with the children and be reminded of the blessing of gospel music in teaching the doctrines and principles of the Church. I can hear still in my head the sweet voices singing “He Sent His Son.”
Yesterday in seminary we asked the students (including one who had not attended since the beginning of the school year) WHY they get up and come so early in the morning. The numbers are few, but those who are there are strong in spirit and devotion. Some of their answers: “It just makes me happy,” “It brings joy into every part of my life,” “I’m preparing for my mission,” “It’s the way my parents taught me,” etc. Pablo came back because his bishop told him he needed to be in seminary if he wanted to turn in mission papers. He says he wants a new slate. I keep thinking that if they can get up and get to early-morning seminary to learn the gospel, they can certainly stand the rigors of missionary work. If they do not take that responsibility seriously, how will they serve the Lord full time and then teach and lead in the service of God for a lifetime? Families make such a huge difference! As fewer and fewer people of faith stand up for what is right in the world, the more our responsibility grows.
The church continues to grow in Laredo. On Saturday another mother and her children were baptized. New members are learning to serve in the wards and branches here. Young adults step up to fill callings and organize activities. Those who have deep roots in the gospel strengthen and teach. It is marvelous to see the work go forward, steadfast in Christ.
Watching THE HIDING PLACE is a reminder to remember the past. Corrie ten Boom said, “Every experience God gives us . . .is the perfect preparation for the future only He can see.” That is true of every test he gives us. It was true in the Book of Mormon. It was true for the early Saints in the midst of persecution. It is true for us today in every circumstance.
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