November 2015 Newsletter Article

Each month I submit a short article my ward (church congregation organized by geographic area based where someone lives) newsletter. I've decided to start posting these on my blog as well. These are my own thoughts and feelings and should not be considered as church doctrine or being endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Each year I pick a scriptural theme for myself. I found the theme for 2016 while preparing a lesson for Elders Quorum in August; Doctrine and Covenants section 123:16 -17. This scripture describes how in times of storm a large ship benefits from having a helm (the wheel used to steer). An interpretation of this scripture came to mind while I was studying the instructions for the Come, Follow Me youth curriculum. The Church has made many resources available to us on mobile devices and on the internet. These small devices could be looked at as a helm. What type of journey and in what direction are we allowing them to steer us on? Are we on a pleasure cruise of entertainment and social enjoyment, a merchant ship with worldly goods and pursuits, or a voyage back to our heavenly home?