Daily Bread January 11

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.

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