Prepare for the Second Coming

Erik Gray's Journals

#journalgems
Logan, Utah

Written January 20, 2016

Reading in Helaman chapter 4 during work today....

It talks about the Nephite armies going to battle against the Lamanites. Vs 7-10 talk about fortifying the Nephite armies, and the result (or one result at least) is that they were able to regain a lot of their land from the Lamanites. Once they had regained as much ground as they could, they again fortified -  strengthened the land which they now had.

I think that is really cool - as I go and fortify my weak spots and improve the areas that are giving me the most trouble, it helps to strengthen my being, and therefore regain the Spirit that lacks if I am not worthy of it.

I remember hearing a few years ago that the setting of the book of Helaman is the preparatory time before the coming of Christ on the earth.  Therefore, it's plausible to liken this period to our day.  I like that in Helaman 4:15, it talks about repentance.  The thought came to me that what I can do now to prepare for the second coming is to repent, improve, and overcome my weak spots.

THE SCRIPTURES ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pc: Erik, January 18, 2016

Optimism

Erik Gray's Journals

#journalgems
Written Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Happiness is a choice. And you better believe it.

I've been told numerous time something to the sort of:

"Erik, you are the happiest person I know, despite all that you have been through. How??"

I've also heard, "I've never seen you angry," "I don't think a mad Erik even exists", or my personal favorite, "I'm laughing because I've never seen you mad and it's just so unreal to me."

Why are you so happy?

Optimism.

It's a choice.

We talked about this in my Institute Religion Class. It's from Jeffrey R. Holland:

"The Savior found delight in living!"

Me too!

Peace

Erik Gray's Journals

#journalgems

Written July 7, 2013

I didn't even plan to write right now.

I sat on my bed, got on my laptop, opened Facebook and Pandora, and plugged in my Skullcandy headphones (thank you McKell and the Hunstman staff).  It might've been the music choice, it might've been the hot chocolate I just drank, but for a moment, I just felt peace, and that for a moment, all was right with the world.

It's these moments of peace that I live for.