Covered

Mom and I have been working in the Primary for some time. We recently accepted a new assignment to serve in the nursery. These little children are tender, kind, and sweet. They love their parents and look to them for support and comfort. Being separated from them for even a short time can be daunting. Mom comforts them by singing softly in the background. I was holding a little tyke this morning and swaying with him when Melanie peered into the room. She just smiled. When we came home after church, she continued.

"That was so funny to see you guys in there. When I came up, dad was holding a small boy and dancing. I was surprised. Most guys cannot multi-task."

That gave me a good laugh. I start with that funny little experience because it leads right into the topic I want to address. Family is so important. The joy and happiness in life is directly related. Our lives and happiness revolve around our families. We have many examples of that.

Moroni, chief commander of the Nephite armies, promoted the Title of Liberty. Moroni prepared this banner to inspire the Nephite people to defend their religion, freedom, peace, and families. We, too, can raise a banner to which we can grasp in times of difficulty. When Jesus Christ visited the Nephites following his resurrection, He commanded them "to hold up your light that it may shine to the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up." 3 Nephi 18:24

We don't know what will happen tomorrow. The future can seem unsure. The effects of our choices may not be felt immediately, but even in the uncertainty of today's ups-and-downs, our decisions will certainly play a significant role within our lives. Every choice we make has a consequence. Every blessing we receive is through obedience to law upon which it is predicated. Doctrine & Covenants 130:20,21

Rich meaning is found in the word atonement in the Semitic languages of Old Testament times. In Hebrew, the basic word for atonement is kaphar, a verb that means “to cover” or “to forgive.” Closely related is the Aramaic and Arabic word kafat, meaning “a close embrace”—no doubt related to the Egyptian ritual embrace. References to that embrace are evident in the Book of Mormon. One states that “the Lord hath redeemed my soul … ; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.” Another proffers the glorious hope of our being “clasped in the arms of Jesus.”

We love our Heavenly Father, as well. During difficult times, we look to Him for support and comfort. Being separated from our family for even a short time can be daunting. The Lord comforts us by sending His angels (on both sides of the veil) to bear us up. Doctrine & Covenants 84:88

And so it is in your life. There will be hard times and difficult circumstances we will be called to face. Yet we may all receive the blessings available to us if we will but follow Jesus Christ and keep His commandments. Because of the Atonement, we are covered.

I love you, dad

Onward Christian Soldiers

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.
More reading: Richard M. Nelson discusses the Atonement