Author Archives: karbly

The Path that Goes Nowhere…
Carole Heathers of Stratford, Ontario, Canada

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. -Galatians 5:22-25

Among the beautiful trails at our church campgrounds is a trail that ends abruptly. The path curves and is slightly uphill so you can’t see very far ahead, but it’s a cut trail and easy to walk. Trees and wildflowers line the path making you feel at peace. If it is your first time to walk the trail you are surprised that it just ends at the edge of the woods. The trail does not continue. It would be difficult, if you chose to continue, to walk through the underbrush and obstacles of the forest. It is the path to nowhere-or is it? The path was created so people could have an easy way to see the massive ancient maples at the edge of the woods. Yes, you have to retrace your steps to get back to the main trail, but if you take the time to see and appreciate the trees, it is well worth it. You see a different view as you travel back, often seeing things you may have missed on your way up the path.

This trail reminds me of life. When our choices or life in general seems to lead us on our life path to nowhere, perhaps there is something beautiful to see if we look for it. When we let go of our frustration over our path to nowhere and look beyond, perhaps we will find a blessing, an understanding, an awakening to make the path worthwhile. Yes, sometimes we have to retrace our steps in life but that can also be an opportunity to see the blessings we might have missed along the way. The path to nowhere can indeed be a path to growth and blessing. God bless you on your life journey.

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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God Laughing
Noelle Gaffka of Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

Live the meaning of your baptism daily as you grow in the skills and qualities of discipleship. Actively and generously support the ministries of the church, which was divinely established to restore Christ’s covenant of peace, even the Zion of your hopes. The Eternal Christ invites those who have yet to experience the blessings of baptism to “Follow me in the way of righteousness and peace.” Be baptized of water and the Spirit and discover your spiritual home as a fully functioning member of the body. -Doctrine and Covenants 164:3b-c

I’ve always found that my relationship with God is more playful than serious. Don’t get me wrong, we have our moments of deeply profound, solemn relevance. But more often than not, when I have recognized God’s presence in blessing, it typically comes with much laughter.

I remember walking into the Temple foyer for the first time as an adult. As soon as I walked through the doors, the Spirit greeted me with the words, “Welcome home.” It was powerful and moved me to uncontrollable tears. Fast forward to World Conference and the USA National Conference of 2013. Every time I entered the Temple foyer, I longed to hear the Spirit’s voice once more. I found myself skipping lunch just to awkwardly stand in the middle of the foyer waiting to hear something. Each time, I was deeply disappointed.

As World Conference ended and the USA National Conference began, I had given up hope of hearing a private message from God. I was annoyed and exhausted from the week. I was ready to go home. On top of everything else, my inner ears were filled with fluid from allergies. No amount of medicine gave any relief. My annoyance increased. I was invited to join a small group for the Daily Prayer for Peace. I accepted the invitation but chose to take my time through the Worshiper’s Path and arranged to meet them inside the Temple sanctuary.

As I slowly walked, I realized I had not invited the Spirit to rest with me. None of the times that I stood in the foyer involved an invitation of the Spirit nor moments of centering to prepare me to hear. I quickly began to pray over and over, “God, open my ears to hear. God, open my ears.” I reached the sanctuary and took my seat. As the group started to sing, I felt the fluid from my ears drain, releasing the intense, uncomfortable pressure of sinus congestion. I started to laugh. My ears had indeed been opened. I knew God was laughing along with me.

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Wind Upon the Water
Danny Belrose of Independence, MO, USA

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. -Genesis 1:1-2

God does not come to us because we “pray hard.” God seeks to apprehend us; God’s breath comes unbidden and anchors our faith. From time to time I experience what I can only call “wake-up calls”-brief unplanned and unstructured interludes of grace. How? When? Where? Why? I don’t know. They come and go as they will: a walk on the beach, a poignant scene in a film, a painting, a dance, a turn of phrase in a book, a violin solo-any and all of the above. Perhaps, it is because I do not know the “why” and the “how” that these breathing lessons serve to secure my faith.

Like wind, the Spirit breathes and blows where and when it will. David Abrams, in The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-than-Human World,” states, “Nothing is more common to the diverse indigenous cultures of the earth than a recognition of the air, the wind, and the breath as aspects of a singularly sacred power. By virtue of its pervading presence, its utter invisibility, and its manifest influence on all manner of visible phenomena, the air, for oral peoples, is the archetype of all that is ineffable, unknowable, yet undeniably real and efficacious.”

Wind. I have seen amber-gold wheat dancing in the sun, whipped by summer winds on the flat prairies of Saskatchewan. I have seen homes devastated, villages flattened, mighty oaks uprooted, steel girders twisted by howling hurricane force. I have seen whirling, swirling, ink-black clouds silence the stars and hurl their torrential tears on parched cracked soil.

Wind. I have seen sails filled, seas calmed, gentle waves, and mirrored ponds where life abounds and insects float on wispy wings. I have seen children laughing and kites flapping, soaring on winds of joy. I have seen a soft summer breeze cool a hot August night. I have seen a child’s paper plane soar for miles on currents of imagination.

Wind-God’s breath blowing where it will-ever stirring
-ever bringing winds of change.
Wind-Coming from nowhere, going where it wills.
Shutters slamming. Windows rattling.
Cacophony suddenly sliced mute.
Scissors of silence stilling the storm.
Air absent. Life on hold. Aching. Awaiting.
One pale breath to stir creation’s sleep.

Wind-Gentle. Kind. Refreshing.
Coming from nowhere, going where it wills.
Soft salt-air kissing lips on seashore’s gentle breeze.
Seagulls soaring, wings aloft on heaven’s holy breath.
Newborn wrapped in love’s embrace
-a baby’s breath on mother’s cheek
One pale breath to stir creation’s sleep.

Wind-Sweet breath of God…
Coming from nowhere, going where it wills,
Moving, shifting, shaping, changing,
Winging words of hope and healing,
Above, beneath, around, within.
One pale breath to stir creation’s sleep.
“Let the Spirit breathe!”

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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My Hiding Place
Esther Florence of Chennai, India

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; -Proverbs 3:5-9

The dense fiery storm stared into my eyes,
The wind, the turbulence, the dark scary clouds,
The roaring waves, the furious sea,
The dreadful, gloomy, windy night.
Yet, dear Lord, was I not afraid,
For I hid under your feathers,
I took refuge in the shadow of your wings.

The roaring lion, the deceptive serpent, the ferocious wolves,
Tried to frighten me with their snares and traps.
The arrows, the bullets, and the darts of evil,
Were hurled at me with a tremendous aim.
Yet, dear Lord, was I not afraid,
For I hid under your feathers,
I took refuge in the shadow of your wings.

The scorching sun, bleak and unsmiling,
The endless stretch of sand with no sense of direction,
Treeless, hideous expanse with no oasis in sight,
The hot dry winds in this lonely, barren wilderness.
Yet, dear Lord, was I not afraid,
For I hid under your feathers,
I took refuge in the shadow of your wings.

The beautiful blue sky, the soft breeze,
The chirping birds, the clear sparkling brook,
The pleasant raindrops, the dancing peacock,
The magical sunset, the serene mystic beaches.
Even in these precious seasons of life,
I will feel secure dear Lord under your feathers,
And will take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Audio Divina
Brenda Williams of Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Beloved children of the Restoration, your continuing faith adventure with God has been divinely led, eventful, challenging, and sometimes surprising to you. By the grace of God, you are poised to fulfill God’s ultimate vision for the church. The challenges and opportunities are momentous. Will you remain hesitant in the shadows of your fears, insecurities, and competing loyalties? Or will you move forward in the light of your divinely instilled call and vision? The mission of Jesus Christ is what matters most for the journey ahead. -Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a, e-f

Music is a deep source of spiritual blessing for me. It is often the inner sermon to my soul on Sunday mornings or when it is difficult for me to meditate because of restlessness. A couple of years ago when my heart could not focus because my mind had lots to talk about, I began meditative walking using instrumental sacred music to draw me inward. I didn’t label it prayer, yet that was its essence. I recently read St. Augustine’s words, “He who sings, prays twice.” Wow! My heart sings frequently, day or night. And I did not know its impact.

Audio divina uses music as a sacred text for contemplative prayer. It has become a favorite spiritual practice of mine through which I receive comfort, joy, hope, and moments of reflection. I purposely chose to practice audio divina recently when “Kiss the Rain” by Yiruma came on my iPhone as I was walking. The haunting instrumental music stirred memories of the morning my older brother died. Tears streaming down my face, I felt embraced and assured that he was fine. God was with us as my brother and I said our goodbyes. My aching heart heard, “If you miss me, kiss the rain and I’ll be there,” words that still resonate with me. (That’s a paraphrase of the song’s lyrics.)

As I listened now a year and a half later, the stirring of that moment came back, but there was more. Beyond that memory came the summons to trust. It was Christ holding me and assuring me He (Christ) remains with me as we journey together-whatever comes in this chaotic world. For me the music is emotive; then it swells as if rising to a new day-sunlit and full of promise. Uplifting and bathed in light, it strengthens my heart. All is going to be well-for all of us.

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Obvious God Whisper
Joy Craven Scranton of Lee’s Summit, MO, USA

See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here… I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. -Jeremiah 31:8, 13b

I drove to a park where I stretched my legs out my van window and felt the cool breeze and warmth of the gorgeous sunshine. I sat with my computer in my lap to work on an upcoming sermon based on Matthew 22:15-22.

When I glanced up I saw a tall, athletically built, young black man with his two young children. I wondered how many times this man had been treated badly simply because of the color of his skin. I wished I could take away all the pain he had ever experienced. I wanted to say something, but what could I say?

I watched as he removed his tennis shoes and walked barefoot across the sand where he joined his kids in digging a hole. The giggles and laughter increased.

Again, I thought I should say something, but I was working on a sermon. How much more God-centered could I be?

Then the irony struck. I was writing about centering our priorities on God, yet I was ignoring this obvious God whisper. I leaned out my window and said, “It’s so wonderful to watch a dad enjoying time with his kids. The world needs more dads like you! You deserve a gold star in your crown for sure!”

The man got the biggest smile on his face and said, “Thank you, ma’am.”

There I was preparing a sermon for Children’s Sabbath, and this man had modeled giving his treasure of time to make God’s children a priority in his life. I cannot express the depth to which that touched me.

I leaned out my window again and said, “It’s truly been a pleasure watching you, sir. You have really blessed me today. Thank you.”

That man will never know the impact he had on me and the lives he will touch as people read this story. Giving your treasures, even when they may seem small, can leave a Godprint on the world.

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Epiphany: Light Dawns on a Weary World
Katie Harmon-McLaughlin of Independence, MO, USA

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” -Luke 1:76-79

Darkness encompasses the winter months. I awake early and light a candle, gaze out the window as dawn slowly arrives. Faint hues of blue, purple, pink begin to emerge from the black of night. The reliable cycle of night turning into day brings a sense of freshness, possibility, and hope even when life is at its bleakest.

As I watch soft colors grow more radiant, sprawling across the brightening sky, I remember that I, too, am moving, cycling, spinning on this beautiful earth as we rotate around the sun. It is not that the sun comes to ME each morning as center of the universe, but that I am part of a dynamic cosmos in a divine dance of light and life that makes existence possible in every moment. Even in the dark of night, the sun has not disappeared. Our orientation on this green-blue spinning sphere has shifted. Each day is a sacred rotation making visible what always is.

“Light dawns on a weary world” today and every day. Creation’s daily rhythms are lessons in trust and faith. This day of Epiphany is the same-whether a bright star in the night sky guiding the way or the promise and hope of the rising sun. The light will come. The light is always coming. It has never gone away. We are spinning and moving. We are not stuck in one place even when it feels that way. Light dawns on a weary world as we continually encircle what brings life.

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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Healing Happens in Stillness
Anna Sackey of Bethel, CT, USA

For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. -3 Nephi 10:18

For the past five years, I’ve struggled with a chronic and debilitating illness-countless doctors, too many hospital stays, and a two-page-long medication list, including regular infusions and injections. I have more specialists than some people have friends. I’ve had brushes with death and lots of unknowns. I’ve had a lot of scares. I had to stop working my dream job so I’d have a better chance of getting better. My body has been broken.

We all struggle with illness at some point in our lives. It’s inevitable. And eventually, all our bodies will give way. But even when our bodies may be broken, it doesn’t mean our spirits are as well. The two don’t have to go hand in hand.

My greatest spiritual healings in life have occurred when my body is the most broken. In my life, I’ve gone through many valleys of physical illnesses, but it’s in those valleys that I have found God and built my faith. Sometimes it takes a part of us becoming broken to give ourselves permission to slow down and mend. Healing happens in stillness. Peace comes in rest. And wholeness comes in peace. True appreciation and gratitude come with a peaceful heart.

So am I thankful for my illness? I wouldn’t say that. I’ve seen how much it has hurt the ones I love. I will say I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned on the journey, for the strength I’ve gained by putting my trust in God, for the peace I’ve found in solitude, and for the solid rock of faith. I’ve learned to plant my feet on that rock of faith that does not waver, no matter what waves may come.

We don’t always know the outcome of our illness or of our problems in life. But sometimes it’s what happens during the journey that counts.

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

My Time with God
Judy DuPree of Irmo, SC, USA

Let contentions and quarrelings among you cease. Sustain each other in peace, and ye shall be blessed with my Spirit, in comforting and strengthening you for my work. -Doctrine and Covenants 117:13

There are many times when I have experienced insomnia at the most inopportune and strange hours of the night. During these sleepless nights, I find valuable time to spend with God. As Psalm 119:147 says, “I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your hands.” I am spiritually awakened to freely meditate on God’s words for clarity and purpose in my life. It is during these early morning hours that I record any ideas, plans, dreams, goals, or inspiration that God has stirred up within me.

When I’m awakened abruptly, I feel deeply that I need to commune with God. These are times when I read my Bible or daily devotional, and commune with God in earnest and simple prayer. It is during these times that I am keenly aware that God is indeed spending precious time with me as well. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

By spending time with God, you’re growing closer to God while meditating and understanding God’s word for your life. I realize that I am developing a personal relationship with the Almighty God.

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

The Word Lives within Us
Richard James, Council of Twelve Apostles

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. -John 1:1-5

I constantly am bombarded with words and pictures on my phone: texts, Facebook images, advertisements I do not want, Messenger and WhatsApp’s messages, Snapchat images, and Twitter tweets. Internet blogs sometimes can be informative, but are they enlightening or trying to persuade me? Images and emojis try to communicate with me all the time. And YouTube videos, full of images and words, are accessible on almost any subject.

I feel I constantly am impoverished by words in advertisements that make empty promises to entice me to buy something. My mind can be flooded with images from the print media that can be confusing and words by untrustworthy politicians who are abusive and manipulative.

All of these flood into my private space, competing for my attention.

Yes, I do enjoy using my phone, but words can lose their power when they overwhelm us with so many meaningless expressions.

However, Word still has meaning! The Word or Logos is such a powerful word. This is what I should be paying attention to! God in the form of Jesus took up residence in the world and in our lives. If I am not careful, this message can be drowned out, and my life’s priorities can get pushed around. Jesus is the light in the darkness, the light that calls out the darkness. This is good news!

In a fast-changing world, we need to find words that guide us in our discipleship of Jesus Christ, words that uplift us, and words that call out the darkness and shine the light on it.

Listening is a spiritual practice. Whom are you listening to? What words are grabbing your attention? Why? What will you hear? Does the Word have meaning for you today?

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).

Prayer Phrase

“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240

Spiritual Practice

The Light of God

Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.