in His hands

Wonderful thing, Thursday 9 April:

Have you seen "Because He Lives"? http://www.mormon.org/easter

Wow.  If you scroll down, it says, "Why does Jesus Christ matter today?" and then there's a bar to click that say "Read more", which leads to twelve fundamental beliefs of the Church, many of which include a short video.  I've watched a couple of them and am very impressed.

Soon, they'll be translated into Italian.  Blaine and I went out "on the street" Monday, which is also a holiday here, called Pasquetta, or Easter Monday.  We handed out about 40 passalong cards with the Italian version of "Because He Lives", called "Perche' Egli Vive".  A few refused to accept one or to talk to us, but most were willing to accept the card and to hear a brief explanation.

Maybe it was because Easter was still in the air.  Maybe it was because people are searching.  Something is in the air.  Something big is happening.  I think people are catching on to it.  Things are tough, here as everywhere - perhaps more here than in other places - but I was just reminded when I read D&C 121-123, preparing for this week's Institute lesson, that God "control[s] and subject[s] the devil and [his] dark and benighted dominion..."  and that "their bounds are set, they cannot pass."

That's good enough for me.  If I can't see any further than that, I know He can.   D&C 50: 40-42 remind us that,  "ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.  Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;  And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost."

Reminds me of that good ol' Leslie Uggams song I first heard on the Lawrence Welk show eons ago, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."  

He does, indeed.  Hallelujah.

fun thing:

We found a passalong card on the ground on our way home, so we picked it up, brushed it off, and sent it on another mission.

New Year Poem

I was asked to write a poem for the new year for our Relief Society Newsletter. Here is the result:

“Come What May, and Love It”

Last year was full of stark and lovely things;
We know not what the coming year will bring.
Yet I feel just to say within my heart:
“Be still, and let the Savior do his part.”
His covenants stand firm beyond all time;
We honor them - we feel a joy sublime.
Despite all current woes and cares, we know
His over-arching hand holds all below.
His arm in solid, steady mercy held
Supports us, though this earth is darkly veiled.
In Satan’s temporary grasp it reels,
Yet death, hell, and demonic hosts will kneel
Before His mighty Majesty divine.
Fear not, my soul: forever in Christ, shine!

"Some, in speaking of war and troubles, will say, are you not afraid? No, I am a servant of God, and this is enough, for Father is at the helm. It is for me to be as clay in the hands of the potter, to be pliable and walk in the light and countenance of the Spirit of the Lord, and then no matter what comes. Let the lightnings flash and the earthquakes bellow, God is at the helm, and I feel like saying but little, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth and will continue his work until he has put all enemies under his feet, and his kingdom extends from the rivers to the ends of the earth." - President John Taylor
“I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.
“As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, ‘Come what may, and love it.’ ” - Elder Joseph P. Wirthlin