Alma 37:6

6Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

Accustomed and acculturated to look for large events, patterns, trends, happenings, we often overlook the prosaic, ordinary or small things that can tip our world, someone’s life experience, our conversion, our demeanor, or even  have multi- generational impact.  Even a faucet dripping consistently for long enough could flood a home. Likewise, our righteous acts, the following of an impression, can at a singular moment, change lives. Mormons, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints–Christian disciples of Jesus Christ–recognize the value of making prized daily choices that count. In our imperfection we strive to follow the Holy Ghost more fluidly each day, recognizing that this day counts for eternity. In the words of a Mormon prophet (more accurately, a prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints):

The course of our lives is seldom determined by great, life-altering decisions. Our direction is often set by the samll, day-to-day choices that chart the track on which we run. This is the substance of our lives-making choices (Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand a Little Taller, 13).

Men are, that they might have joy.

 

Because we have a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and know that we are spirit children of God, we, Mormon Christians, and all Christians, should be the most positive-thinking people in the world. We know that our loving Father in Heaven has put us on earth to succeed, not to fail, and ultimately, through the whirlwind of life, to find joy. Mormons, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (known by some as the Mormon Church), are among those whose additional light of the restoration provides an eye that sees greater possibilities, greater potential in humankind, greater hope in outcomes as a result of the knowledge the restored gospel brings. For each of us, Mormon Christians and friends of other faiths, living the gospel of Jesus Christ can help us develop a positive attitude and create happiness, peace, and contentment in our own and others’ lives. It doesn’t mean we’re polyannish or naive; we navigate and swim in the most difficult waters and are often in the very front lines of the battle for truth, but our hope in the victory and in Who enables the victory, is sure and clear and firm. A modern prophet encourages the outlook of hope, and affirms the Book of Mormon scripture above:

I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort (Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand a Little Taller, 65).

23For this cause hath the Lord God caused that a curse should come upon the land, and also upon your riches, and this because of your iniquities.

24Yea, wo unto this people, because of this time which has arrived, that ye do cast out the prophets, and do mock them, and cast stones at them, and do slay them, and do all manner of iniquity unto them, even as they did of old time.

This photo is of a living prophet on earth today, God’s spokesman, just like Moses, Elijah, Abraham, and others.  His name is President Thomas S. Monson, and we invite you to hear his words, and listen to the Savior’s instructions for you and for each of us in our day. Regardless of the persecution, mocking of prophetic voices, they exist and we’re here to bear witness of them, as does one eloquent  LDS (“Mormon”) apostle in our day, as follows:

When the Church was first organized, in fact, the day on which it was organized, the Lord was speaking to the Church. He didn’t mean just the six members that were then the constituted number of the Church: he was speaking about the President of the Church, who was the Prophet Joseph Smith at that time. And this is what he said: [Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6.]

We have some tight places to go before the Lord is through with this church and the world in this dispensation, which is the last dispensation, which shall usher in the coming of the Lord. The gospel was restored to prepare a people ready to receive him. The power of Satan will increase; we see it in evidence on every hand. There will be inroads within the Church. There will be, as President Tanner has said, ‘Hypocrites, those professing, but secretly are full of dead men’s bones.’ We will see those who profess membership but secretly are plotting and trying to lead people not to follow the leadership that the Lord has set up to preside in this church.

Now the only safety we have as members of this church is to do exactly what the Lord said to the Church in that day when the Church was organized. We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through his prophet, ‘as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; . . . as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.’ (Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–5.) There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.’ (Doctrine and Covenants 21:6.)” (Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, Oct. 1970, p. 152).

Click on the hyperlink, How to Find Truth and Find God, if you desire to learn more or know how to test out this message for yourself. You can also visit an official site, lds.org or mormon.org or visit another of our websites.

4And there began to be great doubtings and disputations among the people, notwithstanding so many signs had been given.

5And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land.

6And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder.

We’re awaiting one of the most momentous occasions of all time, save the birth of Jesus Christ and his full life, ministry and death: that of His Second Coming.  The Holy Bible foretells that He will come to the earth a second time, though in a different manner than when He first entered mortality. The first time He came as a man of sorrows who was acquainted with grief (Isa. 53:3), but the second time He will come as the mighty God (Isa. 9:6). He came the first time as the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). He will come the second time as King of kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 17:14). He came the first time to atone for our sins; he will come the second time to welcome the righteous and to judge those sinners who have not repented.

Additionally we know from both The Bible and The Book of Mormon that the gospel will reach every clime–something we’re striving to assist in on this very site–and, at the same time, increased calamities will befall.  Just as in The Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon testifies to Jesus Christ’s Second Coming and the events that will precede it.

In the words of one LDS “Mormon” apostle (Mormons believe in the same organization as in the early Church of Jesus Christ, and that His Church and authority are once again on the earth!):

Since the earth has been in its present fallen or telestial state, it has been subject to earthquakes. These are part of the Lord’s plan; they come by his power and fulfil his purposes. By them he delivers his servants from perils, destroys the wicked, and leaves a sign that his hand has been in transcendent events (Helaman 12:7–17) (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 211–12).

If this is new to you, we invite you to explore this message further and to request a Free Copy of the Book of Mormon, and inquire in prayer to learn for yourself if what it speaks is truth.  I testify it is a second witness of Jesus Christ and a divine record meant to aid each of us personally in our understanding of who we are and who we can ultimately become through His atoning sacrifice and Advocacy.