The story of Ruth and Naomi is a tender story of devotion between mother and daughter. Both widowed, Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law alone, vowing to keep true to her husband’s faith. It’s a theme I hope we can all relate to, staying together with our family through the tough times.

The Netflix movie Ruth and Boaz is a modern and beautiful retelling of the story.

‘You and me, me and You, where you go, I’ll go too, I’m with you... I won’t let you feel alone.’

I’m with you (Ruth and Naomi) - Nichole Nordeman - Amy Grant

As Boaz enters the story we come to understand that as the women’s closest relative, he has a responsibility for their care. He proves more than his honor, he proves his love in taking Ruth as his wife.

The Glory of Zion International Worship gives us this recording from the musical Threshed, that wonderfully tells this part of the story, concluding, ‘Lord You are my nearest kinsman, the promise of redemption, could it be true?’

As a kinsman redeemer, Boaz represents our Savior.

Kinsman Redeemer - Threshed/ A Shavuot Musical

Hannah, praying for a long-awaited child, vows to give the child to be raised by the church, or in the care of the priest Eli. It’s interesting that she doesn’t feel the sacrifice, but the blessing in this exchange. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is her song of praise and rejoicing. I’m so glad that it has been put to music for us to hear today.

‘My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.’

Hannah’s Song (1 Samuel 2:1-10)- Jason Silver Sings Scripture

Young Samuel hears God call his name one night. He is taught to listen to God’s voice when He calls, although the message may be a difficult one.

‘I remember that day, when He called my name... everything was changed, I saw myself in a different way, because of the voice of God.’

Voice of God - Dante Bowe

Don’t be afraid to listen. Don’t be afraid of the change our Redeemer gives.

Where do you find strength? Judges 4-5 tells of a judge Deborah. We remember her because she’s one of the few females mentioned in what might have been considered a men-only role. We want to emulate her, because she showed strength in wisdom - even to prophesy. Wisdom isn’t merely knowledge. It comes from knowing where to place your trust: packaging knowledge along with trusting God’s truth above mankind.

‘The fear of the Lord is where wisdom starts, above all else please guard your heart. For out of your heart flow the issues of life, it matters how you spend your time.’

Wisdom Song - Laura Woodley Osman

Do you find Strength in Others? Friends and family. I hope so. Seek to be with others who encourage the best in you. We are not meant to do it all alone - our differences come with weakness, but more importantly they provide unique strengths, which we can offer to help each other in weak moments.

‘Who you are is more important than what you have. Choose to lift others up, not because you Have to, but because you Can.’ (for those of you who like some rap.)

Showing Kindness Isn’t Weakness, It’s Strength (The BE KIND song!) - Fearless Soul

Judges 13-16 tells the tragic story of Samson. A man who was born with great potential. And he was an idiot. Especially when it came to women. Even when a woman showed her betrayal over and over, he still succumbed to her. He allowed himself to be controlled by his anger and passions, which brought the destruction of thousands, as well as his own.

Lesson: there is Wisdom in Obedience. Believe that God and goodly parents aren’t trying to control you, but want your happiness. Discuss things with them. Trust the proven pattern, even as you put your own flair into it. Following their guidance may avoid a lot of tragedy and heartbreak.

‘Every step of humble yielding draws your heaven close to me ... when I trust your holy purpose, though the answers aren’t around.’

Power in Obedience - Lauren Daigle

Above all, strength is found in the one who continually gives everything for us. Far beyond painfully giving up His short mortal life, He’s giving us His eternal life so that we may have an eternal life of joy and increase.

‘In the stillness of the night, I look up to star-filled skies. I pay reverence to the Son who said ‘Not mine but Thine be done’. He knew that we would fall, so He’d descend below us all ... I bow in wonder.’

Wonder - Carrie Yost feat. Bowen Maxson

Find Strength in Jesus Christ.

Whenever I think of the ancient Exodus, when I picture the people of Israel at last entering their promised land after years of wandering in the wilderness, I hear the theme song from the 1960 movie Exodus. It’s one of the handful of songs I once memorized on piano, and still gives me chills.

Yet the movie, based on the novel by Leon Uris, is of a more current topic, dramatizing complications of Jews moving into Palestine following World Wars that drove them from other nations.

And the complications continue to today, echoing from ancient times.

Exodus Theme - Fron Male Voice Choir

Work as if it all depends on us. Pray as if it all depends on the Lord. Because our own strength can never match what God puts in. My grandfathers and family members know this well - as farmers. ‘He prays for the rain ... knows you reap what you sow ... knows you gotta work hard but pray even harder... you can learn a lot about faith from a farmer.’

Faith From A Farmer - Conner Smith

Turning often to the divine helps us recognize the wonders given us. We don’t have to look very far.. the way our hand works, how that cut heals, feeling the warmth of the sun, that we somehow have survived another month.

Thank you, Lord, for your wonders! ‘Your love is the reason I hope... when You tell me that my story isn’t over just yet, You promised me that I would make it through, and I believe You.’

I Believe You - Megan Woods

Joshua 24:15 is a verse well known. Make the choice today. Use today to serve. Any way you tip the words will face you upwards and outward. ‘Choose this day whom you will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’

Choose This Day - Yasharal Original Music

He keeps His promises. Let’s do our best to keep ours.

We’ve been on hikes where the trail is not easy to find. Often a cairn, or stack of rocks will be set up to show the way.

The 2023 Strength of Youth theme used a cairn as a symbol of following the path that God has set. To where? To Him. ‘He takes my fear and gives me hope, he takes my pain and lets it go’.

All My Heart - feat. Dawson Wayne | 2023 Strive to Be

I’ve just learned that the familiar phrase in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is called the Hebrew Shema. ‘Shema’ means more than an exhortation to listen, but is a call to action. “Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” ‘Let Your words be in my heart, In every thought set me apart.’

With All My Heart / Shema Prayer (Deut. 6) - James Block

Having our hearts and minds set towards God does something else; when facing Him, we see Him facing us. That just as He is in our every thought, we are in His. We are His reason. He shows this in every action: His sacrifice on the cross; His staying with us even when we’re not such a good friend to Him. ‘When my heart grows weak, your power sustains... You walk beside me all my days... in every battle you make a way.’

God Who Never Fails - Seek First Worship

If you’re anything like me, you let God down all too often. Yet He will never let you down. Following in the Shema, we welcome and recognize the divine in all we do. We cannot isolate from Him, for He will not separate from us. ‘If this storm you’re walking through feels like it’s too much for you... God is in the story, God is in the details, even in the broken parts, He holds my heart, He never fails.’

Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave - “God Is In This Story”

Give Him all your heart, soul and strength. As He is giving His to you. How can we possibly match His portion? How could we ever give up on Him?

Have you ever tried the ‘Trust Fall’? You stand on a table or platform with others on the ground behind you. You fall straight backward, not seeing where you’re going, but trusting that those behind will catch you. It’s literally a breathtaking exercise!

‘When the steps I take are a trust fall...Anytime I lift my eyes, I see darkness turn to light, every shadow shows me just how much I need Him.’

Look to Jesus - Angie Killian Music

We all are in a wilderness, for that is mortal life. Are you wandering, or are you on a path?

So many times I find myself in a place where I’m not sure which choice to make, where either can be good. What becomes evident is that what is needed is to take a step in either direction. Standing still gets me nowhere. Movement is necessary. In moving, a guiding hand can then lead me for my best good, perhaps leading me onto a different and new path. Like doing a blog! What?!

Movement doesn’t always go at the pace or in the direction hoped for. Discouragement is easy to fall into. This is a time to rewire your thinking. Close your eyes, and turn your thoughts: ‘Thinking of all the things you’ve done, I can’t even add them up. One, two, three, to infinity, I’d run out of numbers.’ This difference of simple gratitude opens us to the universe to bless us.

Counting My Blessings - Seph Schlueter

Movement equals change. We must change! We CAN change! How wonderful to know that what I am now isn’t all of what I am to be! And I’m not doing it all by myself.

‘You’re in between who you are and who you wanna be ... I’ll be by your side in it all, I’m cheering you on.’

Cheering you On - For King and Country

When considering a land that God has promised us, perhaps the promise is not so much to possess a land here on earth, but a promise of land within God’s kingdom. Even so, it can get discouraging when we can’t see our way there.

When the way forward is clouded, look UP with faith and trust. ‘When the cycle is exhausting and I can’t keep up the pace... uncomplicating’s what you love to do, I will trust in you to help me work it through.’

Overthinking - Samantha Ebert

Trust that there is someone who has a better perspective - who has His eyes on us, will catch us, carry us, guide us to the place He’s promised is ours. That is much to be grateful for!

Temples, Tabernacles, Synagogues, Cathedrals, Shrines, Mosques, Closets, Home. What makes a place holy? Architecture, design, decor can bring to mind holy things, along with a sweet smell and a reverent song. Yet, a place is only as holy as you make it by what you do there. A place set a side to turn to the divine.

The Israelites were instructed to craft a Tabernacle. Built around stakes to represent the people, it required the finest of materials, gold and bronze, hides of leather dyed in brilliant colors of red, blue and purple. What a rich and stunning contrast to the dust of the wilderness.

How do we create our sacred spaces? ‘All we want is your presence, turn this room into heaven.’

Making Room - Tauren Wells

Making something sacred requires a sacrifice. To give up our sins is what is necessary to be purified - and that can be difficult, for we want to hold onto our favorites. For the Israelites it took forty years to cleanse them of those still trapped in the ways of Egypt - or the world. Forty years to teach of hands-on - and yes bloody - sacrifice. But the lesson is the same as our sacrificing from our wants today - to remember that it is Christ Jesus who atones for our sins- with His blood.

‘We are the generation rising to the calling of your love... marching to the rhythm of your heart.’

Holy Places – Corey Voss & Madison Street Worship

Entering the Tabernacle was through a large courtyard surrounding an altar to offer sacrifices, a basin for cleansing. The opening to the Holy Place was guarded by symbols of Cherubim, inside covered in floral images, with a tree of candles- the Menorah, and the burning of incense- a sweet smell. The Holiest Place was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, topped by the gilded Mercy seat of winged Cherubim; a space reserved for God to rest. This remarkable pattern is like that of returning to the Garden of Eden, where one can dwell again with God.

‘Hallowed ground was the dust in which you formed me ... a heart that’s returning to what you started- take me back to Eden.’

Back to Eden - Brendan Kendall

Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote of a secret garden - a garden filled with magic. Its discovery by orphaned Mary Lennox brings the beginning of healing, for her and cousin Colin Craven. Is the magic of the garden in the caring and nurturing of life? Or is it the remembering of their mothers’ love, which had been unspoken to them.

‘Bring me to your garden, where I’ll find you, and I’ll find you love me too.’

Come to My Garden/Lift Me Up - The Secret Garden, Lucy Simon

Find His love - in His garden.

Embarking in the wilderness - where we continue to wander for our sojourn on earth. What lessons are we learning to prepare us for the holy land? Faith in one who provides; hope for what is to come; these are a couple of thoughts that come to mind. Along with developing covenant promises with God, and obedience to His pattern that will shape us for Zion.

[Exodus 19:5] KJV ^“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:”

The word ‘peculiar’ or ‘peculiar people’ has often stumped us as we envision a room full of weirdos. Whether we’re weird or not, the Hebrew word used is ‘segullah’, which means ‘valued property,’ or ‘treasure.’ The NIV uses the term ‘treasured possession’, which may sound more clear to us, and changes what we envision the room filled with. Even as it is filled with us - a treasure!

Look in the mirror. Can you see His treasure there?

“My dearest prize, my own, not a contract for a season, but a love that’s carved in stone.”

Peculiar Treasure - Cedar & Salt

I confess that I am stubborn. I like to do things my own way. Sometimes as I’m reinventing the wheel I luckily stumble to where I could have been long before. The pattern I finally create turns out to be not so different from what was already there for me to use to begin with. I suppose my insistence on learning the hard way reveals the whys and hows that embed the lesson deeper, and perhaps that’s the only way I’ll figure it out. Blessed are those of more faith and obedience, who can enhance with their unique color instead of making the way so difficult.

‘Keep me tender and tethered to your decree, Let my love be a covenant that I keep.”

Obey - Tiffany Hudson

How do we label ourselves, or another, as God’s people? We are saved by His grace, yet our works define us. How will other’s know we are covenant people? “Let us be known by the way we love.” This is a simple song.

The Greatest Commandment - The Porter’s Gate

Again, I marvel at the thought that we are a treasure, equal with all of those around us. Looking through that lens changes how I see everyone, and how I stand. Knowing the truth of who I am turns me toward the divine. And finds happiness.

“Everyone plays a piece, and there are melodies in each one of us.”

Glorious - David Archuleta

We are made in the image of our parents. Heavenly parents. That is truth.

Why would God direct His children to a place where they would be trapped? Packed up quickly and unleavened, the children of Israel were liberated from Egypt to camp along the western shore of the Red Sea. Pharaoh, hardened yet again, saw this as his advantage to battle against them with 600 of his best chariots of warriors.

Imagine the terror of seeing the approach of an enemy army as you’re bundled with your family, with no way to defend yourselves nor to move forward. How often have you been on that shore?

“Fear ye not. … The Lord shall fight for you” (Exodus 14:13–14). This is the message given, when we must seek faith, courage, and hope. ’Where He leads us to go, There’s a Red Sea road. When we can’t see the way, He will part the waves, And we’ll never walk alone down a Red Sea road.’

Red Sea Road - Ellie Holcomb

Why were these people then stuck traveling through the wilderness for forty years? John Bytheway likes to say that “It only took days to get the people out of Egypt, but it took forty years to get Egypt out of the people.”

That is a road that is well traveled today: time to get clean from addictions and addictive thoughts and behaviors is a slow process, hungering for the tastes we must leave behind. What are we offered through this cleansing to freely feed on? Daily bread from the divine.

“What is it?”: The name ‘Manna’ comes from the Hebrew phrase ‘man hu’, meaning “what is it?” because the Israelites did not recognize it. I suspect we often don’t recognize the Manna that is given to us, nor understand how nourishing it is.

Holy Manna - Canaan’s Crossing

A friend invited us to his Synagogue’s Passover program. In remembering such a sacred event, the program was surprisingly not as somber as what I imagined it would be. Afterward we remarked that the most memorable song was “I am a Matzah”. “Yeah,” our friend answered, “We don’t really have good Passover songs.” I suppose you just need to know where to look, because there are many.

In short, Passover can be celebrated as a joyous time of gathering, feasting with our children and family, and perhaps get silly in the storytelling. So, in that spirit - Ahoy maties, and find ye the treasures deep in this yo ho ho: ‘Soon may our freedom come to bring us liberty, peace and fun.’ Arrr!

The Red Sea Shanty: A Pirate Passover - Six13

Seriously?! Oy vey!

‘Our shadow by day and our pillar by night’, our LORD continues with us throughout our journeys in the wilderness. He guides our way, protecting and strengthening us. Looking both forward and behind, in spite of our tripping and missteps, we can find He’s there all along.

Redeemer of Israel - Gentri

He is gathering us, His sheep, lovingly leading us to Zion - His Kingdom.

A hard heart. You’ve met them. You’ve carried them. A stubbornness to prove you’re right. Like Pharaoh who would not allow the Hebrews a weekend off to worship their god - for that was all that Moses initially asked him for.

It’s interesting to keep in mind that anger is, in truth, a manifestation of fear. Fear that you might be wrong? Fear of change? That someone else might know more? Be more powerful? Guess what. There are a lot of people who know more and are more powerful than us, and it might be those we take our anger out on.

Above all, there is a Father and Son who know us better than we know ourselves. Are you afraid of them? Or the change they offer?

I gather weekly with those coming from incarceration. Occasionally there will be someone new who sits in the back, eyes blaring, arms firmly crossed over chest- the protective stance that shouts - stay away! I’ve seen that stance disappear in only minutes after listening to a song that testifies of Christ. With tears running down their faces their stance softens into a plea to be held - by the Savior. ‘My heart was doing hard time, pleading ‘Jesus!’, .. (he) Said I’m wanted for a diff’rent reason .. I found freedom on the inside.’

On The Inside - Andrew Ripp

As I get to bring the Lord’s love to these friends through music, they often return the favor, sharing with me songs and artists that are meaningful to them. Katy Nicole is on those charts, with words of raw anguish turning into gentle hope. ‘I’ve got so many questions and so much - fear.. This war inside is flesh and spirit, and it feels like flesh is gonna win it.’

An Honest Conversation - Katy Nicole

Pharaoh’s heart would not soften. Not through plagues that would culminate in the death of his own son, even as the Hebrews marked with the blood of a lamb were protected - a pass-over of the angel of death, remembered ever since.

For Christians, observance of Passover rituals has been replaced by partaking of communion or sacrament, though each uses profound symbols for remembrance. A new year or a renewed birth; blood of a slain lamb; bread- unleavened in haste to remove former cultures, a body broken on a cross; bitter herbs and a bitter cup. All symbols testify of Jesus Christ and His Messianic mission of freeing all from the bondage of sin, and death. ‘Jesus, the Lamb of God, Oh what a savior; You took the altar and made it a table.’ Remember the Lord’s grace in protecting us. Of His delivering us. Remember to keep Him in our hearts with humility and gratitude.

Remember - Steffany Gretzinger

Here is an invitation to join in a healing prayer - to let go of whatever fear is in your heart. Allow hardness in your heart to break. Allow divine hands to hold your hidden tenderness, and reshape it. There is joy to be found, joy to be had. ‘I am found. I am yours. I am loved. I’m made pure. ... I am healed. I am free!’

Here’s My Heart - Casting Crowns

Find freedom - on the inside.

In many Christian traditions we take a memorial walk through the Easter week with Jesus.

It begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus had avoided Jerusalem for some time, knowing that the Jewish leaders sought his death. On this day, resigned to what must come, he entered through the Eastern Gate riding upon a young donkey - a symbol of peace - and a fulfillment of prophecy. (Zechariah 9:9) Many thronged the streets to welcome him, waving and laying down palm fronds symbolizing victory, triumph, peace, and royalty, recognizing him as King of King, the promised Messiah. We remember this as Palm Sunday.

News of Jesus spread, as it is spreading today. ‘Go tell the world about me’

The Commission - CAIN

Cleansing Monday - Jesus cleanses the temple. If being praised on the streets as Messiah the day before hadn’t got the attention of the church leaders- this messy ‘cleansing’ certainly would have been an outright insult to them. As if Jesus was purposely trying to get them angry. Or had a very necessary point to make.

The temple, that we regard as sacred, stands as a beautiful reminder of Christ. ‘This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm’. Although the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, holy temples are being built worldwide today. However, the temple that is Christ, will not, can not be destroyed!

In Christ Alone - Celtic Worship ft. Steph Macleod

On Teaching Tuesday, Jesus teaches in the temple. On what some call ‘Spy Wednesday’ plots were made for his death - and betrayal. Yet another momentous thing happened that day: While he was eating at someone’s home, a nameless woman came in and anointed Jesus from head to foot with oil, with her tears and her hair she bathed his feet. More than many of his closest friends, she understood who he was, and what was to come for him. So I’ll call this Anointing Wednesday. A time to remember just who Christ is, and what he does in my own life.

Maundy Thursday, coming from the Latin word mandatum = commandment = Eucharist/Sacrament. At the last supper Jesus taught the sacramental ordinance with bread and wine, which we participate in today. It is a reminder of him, his body and blood spilt on our behalf.

Then came the long night spent in Gethsemane. I know you want the song. ‘The hardest thing that ever was done, The greatest pain that ever was known, The biggest battle that ever was won— This was done by Jesus! The fight was won by Jesus!’

Gethsemane - The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square & a Children’s Choir

It was early Friday morning, which we now call Good Friday, after a long and painful night Jesus was taken by authorities. Through a speedy trial, with no one there to act as his advocate, he was sentenced to death. A cruel death, with additional punishments that all meant to humiliate. Flogging, to tear muscles and tendons of a strong body. A crown of thorns. A seamless robe of scarlet or purple was meant as a mockery of priestly or kingly authority. And then, injured and bloodied, he was forced to carry his own crossbeam (average 110 lbs) upon which he would be nailed.

‘I’ll carry my cross and I’ll carry the shame ... And I’ll do it for love; No it won’t be in vain.’ He carried OUR shame! He will lift OUR cross to help OUR burden become light.

Carry My Cross - Third Day/TheGreatGazolio

What happened on Saturday? For me this is the most magnificent day that we seldom talk about. Jesus was in the Spirit World, with many who had been waiting for him, had watched him through his ordeals, perhaps had offered strength. I imagine a first embrace with his adopted father, Joseph, covered in tears for the pain that had been endured. — It is those who are imprisoned in death who are his reason. He went through mortality - to break the hold of death. That’s what it was all about.

What did that look like, when on Easter Sunday morning those bands were broken? Mortal and spirit combined again with something more - an essence that is eternal. Immortal. That now becomes apart of us all - after death - because of Jesus. Imagine those in the spirit world with him alighting from their prison!

‘He won the fight we’d never win, so we will rise and testify of him.’

Jesus the Christ - Carrie Yost

I testify of Him. He lives. We will live again- as something grander. What a glorious thing to celebrate.

Easter Song - Glad, with video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Let us not be short-sighted. Have a Happy, Glorious Easter!

Egypt was a good place for the Israelites to be. Until it wasn’t. A contract had been made between Joseph and Pharaoh to give the family of Israel a place to live. Generations later, Joseph and the contract forgotten, Israel was seen as a growing nuisance to be dealt with. Oh, my heart aches that this sounds all too familiar even today.

The book of Exodus begins with deliverers, Shiphrah and Puah. Not familiar with their names? They are midwives. Ordered by the king to not let the Hebrew male babies live from childbirth, it was an order they could not follow, as they were believers of God.

Then Jochabed delivers a son in birth, delivers from death by keeping him hidden. She sends him in faith with a prayer that God will deliver him to a safe place. The baby’s sister Miriam watches closely, witnesses the Egyptian princess Bithiah (traditional name used by some Jews). Miriam then delivers a wet-nurse for the baby - his own mother - that Bithiah employs for his care.

This is shown beautifully in the beginning musical minutes of ‘The Prince of Egypt’.

Deliver Us/ Prince of Egypt - Musical Moments

The theme of ‘deliverers’ continue as Moses flees Egypt and finds himself in the land of Midian. He delivers the daughters of Jethro from thieves trying to steal their flock. Jethro gives to Moses his daughter Zipporah, and tradition teaches he also gives, or delivers, the priesthood to Moses.

Then one day Moses is guided to a sacred place on a mountain, where God delivers a message and a mission: ‘Deliver.’

There is so much empty space in this story overview. Reality is that life is lived in the empty spaces. Between the problems and salvation comes long times of prayer and waiting, an action of faith; pray and wait, act on faith - repeat and repeat.

‘‘Why, God, why do ya always gotta take your time?’ … I know you think if you were Him you’d have rescued you by now.’

Better Yet - Leanna Crawford

In our living and searching comes discovery of the sacred: moments that open to a glimpse of the divine. These moments - tender mercies - guiding light - are blessed gifts that we can seek and find. ‘Think a sacred song … and in that very hour your heart and mind will open to let the spirit in.’

Think A Sacred Song - Marlene Summers Merkling

Somewhere in these times we, too, are blessed to be deliverers. Even the smallest of us can deliver someone from sadness, loneliness, or despair. Combining efforts small or grand we deliver the desperate from hunger, disease, tragedy or crisis. In our efforts, windows are opened to bring in the divine, hand in hand to deliver.

‘My deliverer is coming. My deliverer is standing by. I will never doubt His promise!’

My Deliverer - Rich Mullins

By using our hands, both receiver and giver are delivered.

Joseph needed to be in Egypt. Did his brothers have to betray him to get him there? I’m sure God could have found another way, but God uses what is presented from our choices. Joseph needed to be in Egypt so he would be in the right place at the right time to save his family. And he was.

Remarkably, through all the things he faced to get him in the right place at the right time, Joseph never turned away from God. If he had succumbed to Mrs. Potipher’s advances, for instance, I believe he not only would have been discovered - perhaps by her betraying him - but it would have been cause for him be put to death. Potipher then, did him a kindness by sending him to prison.

In prison (or those seemingly impossible pits we often find ourselves in) Joseph must have been in a state of constant prayer, holding to his faith through heavy discouragements and doubts. Lifted in pinpricks of light as he finds small places where he can be of some help or comfort to another, finding acts of kindness. Continuing in faith, he is blessed with opportunity to share his unique gifts, his services eventually leading him beyond his prison walls.

Laura Story’s remarkable song is often on my mind as I pray for blessings: ‘What if the blessings come through raindrops? What if the healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know you’re near?’

Blessings - Laura Story

Many years pass. Joseph is now on a throne, second only to Pharaoh, when he sees his brothers - his conniving, treacherous brothers - at his feet asking for his help. How do you respond when you are face to face with someone who has betrayed you? I’ve been in that place, and have responded in different ways: hold on to the grudge or to let it go? I imagine we all have stood at that threshold. Joseph’s response was not only compassionate, but also with maturity gleaned from his trials. In Genesis 50:20 he tells his brothers, “…Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

‘Show me how to love the unlovable... help me now to do the impossible forgiveness,’ Matthew West pleads in this song.

Matthew West - Forgiveness

It’s not just big hurts that bring us pain, but lots of little hurts, often inflicted on those, or by those, we love most. How can we stop hurtful patterns?

I can’t listen to this next song without feeling better afterward; I’ve had this video on my list for some time and forgotten to share. I’m sharing it here as a visual of leaving hurts behind and instead remembering our love.

Better Place - Rachel Platten

The Joseph Smith translation of the Bible continues the book of Genesis for several more verses and the blessing offered to Joseph in Egypt. JST Gen 50:30 “And again, a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins, and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins; 33..and his name shall be called Joseph, and it shall be after the name of his father; and he shall be like unto you; for the thing which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand shall bring my people unto salvation.”

This was the mission of Joseph - to save people suffering through a famine. This is a foreshadowing of the mission of Jesus - to save people through His atoning blood. This is a foretelling of the mission of Joseph Smith - to save people through restoring covenants of salvation.

The Joseph Smith Song - Maxine Soakai

There is a divine plan. Within that plan is our agency, with many paths to choose from. God will not coerce us nor those around us; but as shown with Joseph and his brothers, God can make our choices and our hurts become the very things for our growth, and even our salvation.

As we are now in the story of Joseph, I shall refer you to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. Nothing further needed. End Post. Look it up and enjoy!

If you’re in Utah you might understand that we have a fetish with this musical. We love to play with it in many ways on stage, and I’ve seen a few fun renditions. I particularly enjoyed Hale Center Theater Orem’s Youth performance in 2024 which included cell phone social memes, Taylor Swift (a queenly lookalike), a prized Stanley Cup, and eleven entertaining brothers you’d wanna take home with you, all on a stage the size of your living room. (The theater has since upgraded to The Ruth Theater in Pleasant Grove, Utah)

But others of us have things to say about this story, too, for it’s loaded with meaning.

One big lesson from this story, is that good people have to go through tough stuff. So how, as we are going through hard things, are we supposed to feel the Lord with us?

Let’s start by not letting go of our faith that God remains with us, that he has a plan for us, and somehow our difficulties is part of that plan. This is well illustrated in another good musical.

You Know Better Than I - (Joseph King of Dreams)

Then comes times of temptation. You might be well acquainted with some, as I am. How do we get through those times when we feel weakest, wanting to grab onto something that offers brief relief, only to make us more vulnerable in the long run?

Active Christianity offers the advice: to decide long before you’re faced in the moment to decide. ‘With God’s power and a firm decided mind, you the joy of victory will surely find.’

A Decided Mind - ActiveChristianity

Country Gospel Revival assures that ‘When the darkness tries to claim my soul, whispers of doubt pulling me down below; I lift my eyes to the cross, to my Savior’s life. In His name I’ll stand and I’ll fight.’

Rebuke the Devil - Country Gospel Revival

Potiphar is an interesting anti-hero. He put all his trust in Joseph, trusted him with his whole household and all his wealth, therefore Joseph must have proven to be trustworthy. When his wife threw accusations that Joseph had been the one to make advances toward her, did Potiphar have the same trust in her to believe her? I’ve heard it suggested that palace servants would have known her character, as would her husband. Yet even if he knew she was lying, and possibly unfaithful, he had to stand by her - preserve her integrity over a servant’s. So Joseph paid the unfortunate price of being sent to prison.

All part of a bigger plan. Can we, like Joseph, stay true with God when we are thrown under the bus by another, paying for mistakes that were not ours?

Let us also be assured that God’s plan for us isn’t contrary to our own plans. He honors what we want. He wants to help us achieve the best part of our own desires. ‘Every effort I make He makes greater, for when He is with me I’m strong.’

God Will Prepare a Way - Shawna Edwards Music

Don’t lose faith or hope, for even when things look hopeless and desperate, God is with us, is walking with us on the path through.

We don’t get a lot of romance in reading the bible, although there are quite a few romantic stories. A standout is Isaac and Rebekah. A servant sent to a far place to choose a bride for Isaac. The servant’s prayer to God that the chosen woman will be at the well and offer water, not only to the man, but also his camels. And who shows up - Rebekah.

I have a daughter named Rebecca and it’s easy for me to see her in this story. She, like Rebekah of old, is one who sees a need and jumps in to take care of it, like opening the Thanksgiving feast to those who need family for the day, or providing water for a thirsty traveler and his camels, and recognizing God’s hand in the man’s errand.

Gen 24: 58 ‘And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.’ When Isaac first saw her from a distance, and when he took her to wife, ‘he loved her’.

‘Rebekah came with her pitcher in hand, graceful and kind as if Heaven had planned, drink my lord ... a divine sign revealed in this offering ...Yes, I’ll go there.’

Rebekah’s Kindness: A Divine Sign - Short Song Sessions

As a mother, Rebekah knew well the character of her twin sons, Esau and Jacob. As Isaac’s wife she was part of the covenant - the binding or Akedah - of Isaac with God. Esau showed his disrespect for this covenant when he ‘sold his birthright’ to his brother because he was hungry; and then when he took wives from the Hittites.

As Isaac became too old to ‘see clearly’, Rebekah then had to be the one to ensure that the son who would honor the covenant was the one who received the birthright. She saw what was needed, and in clever fashion made sure that it happened.

Sent away to his mother’s brother, Jacob quickly falls in love with his cousin Rachel. For seven years Jacob works to earn his beloved Rachel’s hand in marriage. That is pretty romantic. And then to be tricked and get a disguised Leah as his wife - well, perhaps that’s his comeuppance for having tricked his father. Certainly Jacob received more than he bargained for. He is being taught that ‘What’s delayed is never lost ... You still keep the promise, God. Not the way we dreamed, but still your hand is over everything.’

Faithful in the Waiting - All For God’s Children

After an additional seven years of working for Uncle Laban, Jacob sets to return home taking with him four wives, the beginnings of a family that would become twelve sons and a daughter, along with large flocks and servants. With such considerable wealth he was nonetheless nervous to face his brother Esau again, and afraid of what he would find on his return home.

He makes a stop on his way, and the story goes that he wrestled with a messenger from God. Jacob refuses to let go of the messenger, ‘unless you bless me’. And Jacob receives this blessing: [Gen 32:28] ‘Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.’

‘Let God prevail, He is by your side ... through the storms of this life.’

Let God Prevail - Gibson Sisters

The story ends with Jacob’s return home. [Gen33:4] ‘And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.’

This, too, is a beautiful love story - of brothers who can forgive and be reconciled.

‘Let God prevail’. This is the meaning of the name Israel. A name that all who follow with God carry today.

Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was a complicated woman. She was a beauty. Apparently even into her old age. Yet she had borne no children, which brought her shame. She was pragmatic, suggesting that Abraham should get a son through her handmaid Hagar. It worked. Sarah was also jealous, or perhaps unwilling to be pitied, causing Hagar and her son Ishmael to be sent away.

When heavenly messengers came to say she would bear a son, she laughed - in unbelief or joy?- I imagine a mixture of both. She was a complicated woman. I like her. I understand her.

I too am at a time where I’m finally getting to things that perhaps I should have done years ago, things I never would have thought possible or considered years ago. Like blogging. What?!

‘The universe is a concert, everything moves in time, and everything can happen when the moment is right. ...I’m a rocky start, maybe that’s by design.’

Sarah Laughed - Joe Buchanan

Lot’s wife was probably a lot of fun, living for the moment, not worrying for some imagined future. A future she apparently could not deal with. She would not let go of the past, looking backward.

We don’t have to make that mistake. Our past, the good and not so good, are building blocks; they don’t need to be our stumbling blocks.

‘Every hard fall back in yesterday, every stumble that I’ve yet to make, the cross redeems and washes away.’

Mistakes - Unspoken

Issac was the promise for the future. How loved and full of joy he must have been. He also had undeniable faith - in his father Abraham, and in God.

The Akedah, [Binding of Isaac] is read each year for Rosh Hashanah. This troubling story brings to mind our own willingness to be obedient, to sacrifice our own desires to be God’s servant, of being tested. It ultimately is a story of hope, that God will provide. A ram’s horn [shofar] is blown to represent the binding, and a call to repentance. To me it’s a reminder that Isaac himself chose to be part of the covenant, whether that would be in this life or the next. I’m glad he could do both.

Ultimately, the Akedah is a representation of Jesus Christ, who likewise made the choice to be the sacrifice. He was the lamb. His alter was a cross. God the Father did not intervene this time, knowing that this was the only way death could be conquered. Christ had to go through it to vanquish its permanence from both sides, to bring life back from death.

Binding and Crucifixion - Beit HaDarekh, Ladder of Jacob

Life is hard. Maybe that’s the whole point of it, because we’re stuck where we can’t see the whole picture, can’t understand how the blocks are fitting together, because they too often won’t fit the way we want to stack them; they keep falling over.

Don’t lose faith. Laugh when you can. Keep eyes going forward. Do your part. ‘The only way through is an hallelujah!’

Benjamin William Hastings, Blessing Offor - That’s The Thing About Praise

Life is hard. Hard is good. We can do hard things, and FIND JOY IN THEM.

Above is a picture in our home that represents ‘Abraham’s Fountain’. From a single well flow three great religious nations: Islam, Jew, and Christian. Yet that is not the limits of the covenant God made with our father Abraham.

Genesis 12:3 “…and ALL peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” That means 100% of us, regardless of our religion or genetic lineage. The covenant made with Abraham is the same covenant that was made to all before we came to earth. It is the same that is also called ‘The New and Everlasting Covenant’.

Abraham was given ‘Covenant’ promises of Prosperity and Posterity, to be father of many people and many lands. How ironic, then, that for most of his mortal life he wandered from place to place with no permanent home, and only in his old age was at last able to have two sons born to him. Could he have understood then the parameters of what that covenant promise really meant? Do we?

‘On this altar, on this road, ... The weight I carry is not my own... How can I walk in my new name? Father of many the promise you gave.’

Abraham - Josh Baldwin

It’s been a few thousand years since Abraham’s time on earth, and it’s taken a few thousand years to see these promises being fulfilled. Exciting thing is that we are not only part of the fulfilling as Abraham’s seed, but also as heirs to that same covenant. It is upon us today to answer the call to bless the whole earth!

‘We are the seed of the promise, alive in the promise today.’

Abraham’s Seed - WorshipBlend

It is amazing how the corners of the earth are now in such easy reach of each other. I chat with friends in Tennessee or Bangkok as easily as I talk to friends across the street. I can travel to be in their homes in a matter of hours, [‘tho long hours in a cramped airplane seat]. I have to believe that there is divine love and power behind our technological advances, allowing us to come together, to see and connect our brotherhood around the globe. This is what we are born for today.

‘I trust the plan of the God who loves me.’

Promises - I AM THEY

For thousands of years we have been scattering, spreading throughout the earth. Today is the time that has been prophesied from the beginning, when all nations will be gathered again. We are the gatherers.

The Blessing of All Nations - Short Song Sessions

So this is my little offering, reaching sisters and brothers around the globe! Let us make a joyful noise! We are family!

Genesis 6:12 ‘And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 13 . . . the earth is filled with violence. . .;’

Does this sound like today. You bet it does! Yet this is talking about the days of Noah! It had become so bad that God called for a do-over, going back to a world covered in water and creating it again.

I have to wonder, did anyone come knocking at Noah’s door wanting to learn more about this God and Heaven that he taught? Did anyone take time to read the flyers, Guidepost articles? Did they never listen to the Prophet’s conference talks? I assume any who were listening to a prophet went to Enoch’s neighborhood where they were eventually lifted up by God, leaving Noah and his family alone in the ‘bad’ neighborhood to build a houseboat as they were directed by God.

How did they talk about the creation of the earth, or the Garden of Eden? How could they have forgotten and toss it all aside so quickly? Living in a fallen world, mankind has become so stubborn that we’ve continued in corruption and violence ever since.

After thousands of years, we are again facing a new creation to come. Are you ready? Will you be chosen to be called up with Zion, or will God have other plans for you to serve him.

Days of Noah - Eleventh Hour Worship

Where can we find refuge when we’re surrounded in troubled times? Have you ever considered the ark as a type for the Savior? “Your love is the ark that lifts me up; with you I walk through every storm.”

Noah Song - Bible Music

The Bible’s next lesson in foolish corruption comes as the people put their efforts together to build a tower to reach heaven. Yet to find the true way to heaven, is learned when we listen to the Prophets.

Here’s a dad who is learning from prophets, as evident by how he teaches his children. I love all the words Drew has compacted into this musical lesson, too many for young Hannah to sing them all.

The Tower of Babel - Drew and Hannah Colby

We are so grateful for our prophet today, President Dallin H. Oaks, who teaches with a brilliant mind, and a joyful twinkle in his eyes. He teaches that as ‘family’ is the central unit of society we therefore must focus on strengthening families throughout the world. I’m excited to learn more from him.

Here is a wonderful tribute from 2024 for President Russell M. Nelson. In less than eight years as our prophet [Jan 2018 through September 2025] he taught us to buckle up, for much is coming and fast! Think Celestial, be Peacemakers, be Children of the Covenant, let God Prevail. He taught us by his example to be joyful, hopeful, and to enjoy making music!

Prophet’s Medley/ President Nelson - The Bonner Family

More than ever we need a prophet’s voice. Let’s listen!

How do you fill in your name tag? Generally depends on the event you’re wearing it for. More importantly, how do you label yourself?

I frequently ask the question to a group of friends I’m blessed to be able to teach each week, “Who are you?” They’ve learned to answer, “I am a child of God.” I ask, “Is that because you choose to follow in His path to be part of His family? Is it because He’s chosen you as His child; has bought you with the price of his blood? Is it because you are His literal offspring?” The answer is, “Yes! To all!”

What other names do we label on ourselves or others? I hope they are used with compassion.

Hello My Name Is - Mat & Savanna Shaw

What does the Lord call us?

Moses 7:18 And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.” Zion is not just a city—it is a condition of the heart and spirit. Zion, as the Lord has taught, is “the pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21) As a Zion person, we seek to be part of a Zion community.

Part of God’s covenant with Abraham and his posterity is the blessing of a promised land. Your promised land might be very close to where you already are, near mountains or oceans. It’s with people you want to be around. It feels like home.

Zion - Aaron Shust

Paul frequently called Christ’s followers ‘Saints’; so then “saints” are the body of Christ, Christians, the church. All Christians are considered saints—and at the same time are called to be saints.

When the Saints - Sara Groves

Many of us today identify as ‘Christian’. Wearing that name tells our neighbors that we are believers and followers of Christ, and that there are certain attributes they can expect from us. I am humbled by family and friends, from various church traditions, who gladly proclaim their faith outwardly, not afraid to stand boldly in their faith. I am striving to follow that example as I am not ashamed to be a follower of Christ!

I Am a Christian - NewSong

Whatever name you prefer to use, know that you are indeed a child of God. A child of Jehovah, Messiah, Jesus Christ. He has chosen you, birthed you in His blood.

What do you want your children to know? Here’s part of my list: I want them first to Love. To See Truth. To Believe. To Hope. To have Compassion. To Forgive.

How do we teach our children these things? First we must show through our example. If our example is contrary to our words, a different lesson will be learned.

I imagine Eve and Adam were very much like I was as a new parent - making it up as I went. I’d been blessed by being taught by goodly parents, and they continued with me as support. I believe Heavenly Father was no less of a parent to his first earthly children.

Yet, as parents we can’t help but look back and wonder on the legacy we leave within our children. ‘We are just human, to error prone.’

Children of Eden - Emily Clare

Adam and Eve had many children. They began to populate the earth. Unfortunately they weren’t the only teachers on the planet, as that old serpent still slithered around.

Moses 6:15 And the children of men were numerous upon all the face of the land. And in those days Satan had great dominion among men, and raged in their hearts; and from thenceforth came wars and bloodshed; and a man’s hand was against his own brother, in administering death, because of secret works, seeking for power.

This hurts my heart. Yet alongside so much beauty and love, this is the world we live in. What we focus on is what we will see.

Teach Your Children - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Unfortunately, we can’t help but make mistakes, and we may feel imprisoned by them, literal or figurative. Believe in the glimmer of hope offered as we repair and come back from mistakes.

John Hilton III teaches: ‘You are never too lost to be found.’ We are all still children here. Christ knows where you are. Call His name and he’ll be at your side, tenderly guiding you home.

Jesus ‘Bout My Kids - Luke Bryan

Let us find joy in our parenting. Our children are precious. We must be precious too to be entrusted with them.

Teach them to love as you love them, as you show love for others and this crazy world we are apart of, and as you love our divine parents.

Teach Me to Walk/Mother Tell Me a Story - Monica Scott

Teach me to walk IN THE LIGHT. In truth. In hope. Hand in hand with infinite love.

The great debate: Was Eve and Adam wrong in eating the forbidden fruit? Was the Messiah coming to redeem mankind the follow-up plan because of the fall of Adam and Eve?

Adam and Eve - Shawna Edwards

I believe that Eve and Adam had to partake of the fruit - by their own choice. Being told when to eat it would have violated their agency. They had to get to the point where they realized the necessity of leaving the protection of the garden. To multiply and replenish the earth with children was the plan all along.

Redemption of a Savior was always Plan A.

I love the part in the play Children of Eden when Eve realizes the spark of creation within herself. I can identify with that.

1. At some point being taken care of gets tiresome. We want to pull up our own pants, choose our own shirt. Feed ourselves the peas, or choose the Fruit Loops instead. Walk and run and jump on our own feet. Get off the cruise ship and make our own dinner, sleep in our own bed, face the challenges of our lives.

2. It is in our genetic makeup to create. Something. To be a care GIVER. To DO!

3. What a thrill to find we have the ability within ourselves to make things happen! That is JOY!

Children of Eden/Spark of Creation - Stephanie Mills (you may need to refresh and unmute)

@fintothewoodsIncredible. #stephaniemills #childrenofeden #sparkofcreation #fintothewoods #fyp #theatrekid #broadway #westend #papermillplayhouse #musicals #stephenschwartz

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Moses 5:11 “…Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.”

I hope the joy of that spark still resonates with you. It’s so easy to get lost in today’s cares and forget about Eden. Karolyn Wright Gaines teaches how in a society of great wealth we get lost in pride for what we have created; forgetting how we are blessed. This is our fall.

Garden of Eden - Karolyn Wright Gaines Music

Falling is inevitable, even necessary for our growth. But in falling, landing on our knees or flat on our face, we are then in the position of where we must look up for help, and where we can be lifted to something better. When we yearn for Eden, we discover that the only way to get back there is through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Falling Down - City of Enoch

Don’t be afraid to fall.

Fall down.

Fall forward.

Fall into His embrace.