Peace

What is peace? The concept of 'World Peace', to me, seems vague and unattainable. There is another connotation of peace that you feel for the ten minutes in a day when you get to sit down. The peace I love to ponder, and the peace I will write about is described by Elder Wirthlin. He says, "In the scriptures, peace means either freedom from strife, contention, conflict, or war, or an inner calm and comfort born of the Spirit that is a gift of God to all of his children, an assurance and serenity within a person’s heart." Serenity within a person's heart, well that sounds amazing! A teacher once described peace to me in two ways. He said it was:

1. Inner Peace. Peace towards God and towards oneself.
2. Outer Peace. Peace towards our fellowmen.

I have found direct correlation between these and the two greatest commandments.

"Matthew 22:16. Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37. Jesus said unto him, Though shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38. This is the first and great commandment.
39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt  love thy neighbor as thyself.
40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

When I read this next quote, imagine my excitement to find another correlation to this concept. This quote is from the publisher note to the book Jesus the Christ, "Elder Talmage's objection in his preparation of this unique volume was to develop in readers a knowledge of and a moving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The individual who has such faith is at peace with himself, with God, and with his fellowmen." Jesus the Christ page xiv

Analogy Time

I love the beach!! The ocean is magnificent, so any chance I have to talk about it I will. I lived in Hawaii' 2 years ago and I often wish I was there on the beach. The main difference about my life on the main land and on that beautiful island-is peace. The chill attitude really rubbed off. Are your ready for analogy time? Ok, pay attention...When walking to the beach we didn't know what to expect; would the sun stay out? Would the waves be high, would the seed weed drift on shore? Would the jellyfish sting us? Would the ocean floor have rough reef? So many unpredictable things! But there is a constant. The waves will keep coming, and keep hitting the ocean floor. (I can't quite remember a more peaceful time in my life then listening to that sound.)

Life is like an ocean; their are numerous variables and chaotic conditions that we cannot predict. However our attitude and level of happiness can always be contast if it is built on the right foundation. If our faith in Jesus Christ is constant, we will not fall. Jesus Christ is the foundation we stand on when rough winds blow. I know that many unpredictable things will happen, rough winds will blow, but having faith in and trusting in Jesus Christ will bring us happiness, peace, and strength. It bring us peace with God, ourselves, and our fellow men.

True to the Faith has a beautiful definition of peace. If you too are intrigued by the concept of peace then read on!
“Peace,” True to the Faith, (2004),113–15

"Many people think of peace as the absence of war. But we can feel peace even in times of war, and we can lack peace even when no war is raging. The mere absence of conflict is not enough to bring peace to our hearts. Peace comes through the gospel—through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the ministration of the Holy Ghost, and our own righteousness, sincere repentance, and diligent service.
Even when the world is in turmoil all around you, you can receive the blessing of inner peace. This blessing will continue with you as you stay true to your testimony of the gospel and as you remember that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you and watch over you.
In addition to feeling peace yourself, you can be an influence for peace in your family, your community, and the world. You work for peace when you keep the commandments, give service, care for family members and neighbors, and share the gospel. You work for peace whenever you help relieve the suffering of another."

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=febb991a83d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD

Or check out one of my favorite talks on Peace-
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1991/04/peace-within?lang=eng
 

The Beauty of Scriptures

I love finding connections to characters through literature and film. When I find a good story with a relatable character, I'm hooked! Yet there are fewer occasion in my life when I am reading the Bible or Book of Mormon and I think "I can totally relate to this story!" For whatever reason, whether it be the era, language, because I was just going through the motions, I did not find frequent connection to characters in scripture. However when I do find that connection, it is a precious moment indeed. I have often heard that we talk to God through prayer and He talks to us through scripture. Then while reading scripture should I be reading intently and making connections?

I'm happy to say that I am seeking connections to characters in the scriptures much more, and I feel much more insight coming while I read. The most amazing thing I have in common with most the characters I love, is that their motive in doing good is to follow Jesus Christ. I also admit that the stories which have big events, and many times tragedies really get to me. I love them. And so some may wonder, "Why would this missionary post such a sad video on her first blog! Loca" But I'm not a loca. I've thought it through, and this story of relating scripture is too awesome not to share.

It is a story of two missionaries: Alma and Amulek. They both had amazing conversions to Jesus Christ. They, like many other apostles, "dropped their nets" in order to invite their fellow brothers and sister to come unto Christ. They followed God and walked in the light of the Lord through tragedy. I love this video.This mom, Jenny, succeeded in relating scripture to her. She loves Alma and Amulek, watch how it blessed her life.


Relating scriptures to our lives is crucial. I know that The Book of Mormon was written and translated for our generation. For you. So I invite you to experiment on its words; find connections while you read scripture. Talk to Him and He will talk back. And I know that when you read between the lines, and find the hidden principles and intricacies, you can find connections. Scripture and words from our Heavenly Father really can be precious to us, like it was for Jenny in the video. Feasting upon scripture will bring us closer to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, and it will bring the holy spirit more into our lives.
You can Alma and Amulek's story at http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/14?lang=eng
I highly recommend it.