The end of our pathway to peace is really just the beginning. Where will your path lead you? The brother of Jared had an ocean he needed to cross to get to his promised land. Our journey might be just as long and challenging. But just as he received divine light through stones which he presented to the Lord, you, too, will be given the light you need to reach the promised land that the Lord has prepared for you. 

It would be nice if the pathway to peace was a one-time journey. Do it once, and peace will be your constant companion. But life isn't like that. We travel this road over and over again. While that might make us feel hopeless, each time we come back to the pathway, we address our circumstances with greater faith and determination. We have walked this path before and obtained peace - we can do it again. 

While the holidays can be filled with joy, comfort, and love, sometimes that doesn't happen. What do you do when encountering unfilled expectations, when reality doesn't measure up to all the hype? 

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, came into the world to offer us peace no matter what is happening or not happening in our lives. We can feel His love and encouragement through every phrase of our existence when we turn to Him. 

The Bible Dictionary states that "the Greek word of which this is the translation denotes a change of mind, a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world." While repentance is definitely for the big sins, more often than not, it is for those times on a daily basis when we need to realign our will with the Father's. What re-alignments do you need in your life? 

Many of our scripture heroes are ones who exhibited tremendous courage in the face of daunting experiences. Think of Daniel, Esther, Abinadi, and many others. What allowed them to stand strong and resolute when others would shrink? Each had placed their faith in God and trusted in His care. They knew they were not alone, and could move forward with confidence. 

"We all have times when we need spiritual direction but are too proud or overly confident in our abilities to ask. Do you know where you are on the Map of Heaven to seek divine assistance?"

The 4th Article of the Faith begins with the principles of faith and repentance - the first building blocks of obtaining and maintaining a testimony. While faith leads to repentance, it is equally true that repentance will lead to faith. By consistently focusing on these principles, we will be prepared to receive even greater blessings that the Lord has in store for us. 

"What can you learn from the simple, humble prayers of children? How can following their example enhance your communication with Deity?"

In its simplest form, prayer is talking with our Father in Heaven, who loves us and created us in His image. So, why then, can prayer be challenging at times? If we keep in mind with whom we are speaking, that will help to keep us focused. Our Heavenly Father, like our earthly parents, wants to hear from us. He wants to know our thoughts, our dreams, our anguish, and our pain. He wants us to speak to Him so He can heal, comfort, and guide us. Who wouldn't want these blessings? 

Every house has a junk drawer. Admit it - even yours does. We keep meaning to clean it out, but just never get around to it. In a similar, way, most of us also have a spiritual junk drawer - habits or behaviors that we keep meaning to address. It all comes down to priorities - what really matters most in our lives. It isn't easy to clean up junk (whether in a drawer or in our lives) but it can be done! 

Charity is defined as the "pure love of Christ." It is so heartwarming and comforting that when we feel it, we know, and never forget the experience. When have you felt this divine love in your life? How did it change you? Great peace will come into our lives and we seek to interact with others in this higher and holier way. 

"Take a few moments and look out your front door or window. How many of your neighbors do you know by name? When was the last time you spoke with, texted, or called any of them? Consider what you can do to improve those relationships."

We are surrounded by people day in and day out. Family, neighbors, ward members, co-workers. Sometimes it can be difficult to interact with others because of differences in opinions and beliefs. But when we make the effort to connect with those around us, even with a smile at that grumpy cashier at the grocery store, we can feel peace and extend the same to others. 

On the face of every temple are these words: "Holiness to the Lord; The House of the Lord." As we walk through the doors, we are literally walking into God's House, God's Home, God's Dwelling Place. We can leave the outside chaos, and find peace in the Real World - the one where we can receive promptings, answers, and comfort to life's most vexing issues. Come to the temple as often as your circumstances allow and find the peace that awaits you there.

"Home can be a heaven on earth." It can be, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. What can you do to bring greater peace to your home? What is within your control to access the divine peace that comes when we feel the spirit? Whether we live in an apartment, a house, or one room, we can find peace, and others will feel it also, as we do our part to invite the spirit into our lives. 

Sins come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more serious than others, but any misdeed can lead to a loss of opportunities. We will all make mistakes, commit misdeeds, and fall short. And that means there will be consequences. Thankfully the blessing of repentance is available to learn from our errors and to be determined to respond differently the next time. We can do and be better no matter what has happened in our lives. 

One Word Wednesday: Rest

"When and where have you taken a much-needed break from the chaos of life? How did it help you to  move forward?"

Life is chaotic! Yet, sometimes we think that if we're not rushing around, we're not getting anything done. But the opposite is the truth. Too much busy-ness breaks us down, dampens our spirit, and decreases our energy. Do you need a break? Even a few minutes on a park bench? Take it! You'll be glad you did!

One Word Wednesday: "Darkness"

"What changes have you made in your life to minimize exposure to the spiritual darkness in the world today?"

If light brings hope and direction, then darkness can cause us to lose our way. We rely on physical light every day to determine where to go and how to get there. Spiritual light is even more important. Without Divine Light, we can end up in darkness leading away from the sources that will bring us home to our Father in Heaven. Always seek this Divine Light in your life to avoid the darkness. 

One Word Wednesday: "Self-Image"

"Do you ever compare yourself at your worst with others at their best (a frequent Sunday phenomenon in many congregations)? What would help you stop comparing yourself with others?"

Mirrors can feel like both an enemy and a friend at times. Looking and feeling good? A mirror will reflect that. Feeling disappointed, depressed, or in despair, the mirror will reflect that also. But when we look to the mirror of God and see our true identity as His children, then we can be filled with peace, whether on a good day or a bad one. Don't let the mirror be your enemy. Look to God for who you really are. 

One Word Wednesday: "Journals" 

"How can you use your journal to strengthen your testimony? How have you been uplifted by the journals of others?"

Did you keep a journal as a teenager? Most of us cringe at what we wrote back then. But even these innocent writings can be a blessing in our lives. And if we are lucky enough to have access to journals from our ancestors, we feel a little less alone - knowing that they struggled with some of the same issues we face today. If you're not keeping a journal currently, you might want to reconsider. Your descendants will thank you! 

One Word Wednesday: "Scriptures" 

"Think back to some of the more challenging times of your life. Were the scriptures a part of your life then? If so, what verses proved to be a blessing and anchor for you? If not, which passages of scripture could have helped you through those times?"

Most of us know exactly where our scriptures are: on a shelf, in a box, or, more than likely, on our phone. So losing our scriptures probably isn't a problem. But losing interest in them just might be an issue. We have greater access to the Word of God than any previous generation. Peace is right there, literally in our hands, if we open them up and feast on the scriptures the Lord has provided. 

Do you ever feel like you pathway to peace is two-steps-forward, three-steps-back? Then you're not alone. Nephi shares his own pathway to peace in 2 Nephi chapter 4 in the Book of Mormon, often referred to as the Psalm of Nephi. He shows us that although this path may be difficult, it is possible - for him, but also for us.

Each week, I will add a video related to one of the chapters of the book. You can view them here, or subscribe to my channel, www.youtube.com/@IronRodPress.