Ward: a congregation. Wards are organized according to the number of active members within a specific geographical location.

Branch: a very small congregation. Branches are also organized according to the number of active members within a specific geographical location, but they are much smaller congregations.

Stake: a group of congregations. Stakes are organized according to the number of wards or branches within a specific geographical location.

Meeting house: the church building where a group of wards and branches meet for Sunday meetings and other activities during the week. It is usually shared by 2-4 wards and branches. Also sometimes called a Ward building.

Stake Center: a larger meeting house or church. It usually has a gym with a stage for performances and other activities, the chapel is larger to accommodate more people, and a viewing screen for watching televised programs. The Stake President’s office is located in the Stake Center.

Bishop: a lay pastor for a ward. Bishops usually serve for a period of about five years, sometimes more.

First/Second Counselor: all Bishops and Presidents of all the auxiliaries in the LDS Church have two assistants called Counselors. Not only do they assist the Bishop, but they have specific responsibilities dependent on whether they are the First Counselor or the Second.

Primary: the children’s program for ages 18 months to 12 years. Primary meets during the 2nd and 3rd hours in the 3-hour block on Sundays. The classes are arranged according to birth year and each class moves on in January of each year. The Primary is divided into Nursery (18 months to 3 years), Junior Primary (3 to 7 years), and Senior Primary (8 to 11 years).

The Nursery is a self-contained classroom where the children play, have a short lesson and a snack. The older children meet in their classrooms for a lesson time, then divide into Junior and Senior primary for group activities, lessons and singing. During opening and/or closing exercises, a few children are assigned talks (speeches), scripture recitation and prayer to do in front of the entire Primary.

Young Men/Women: the program for youth ages 12 to 17 years. They meet during the 3rd hour and have weekly activities. They divide up according to age and gender and then move on to their next class on their birthday. The girls are divided into Beehives (12-13), Mia Maids (14-15), and Laurels (16-17). The boys are divided into Deacons (12-13), Teachers (14-15) and Priests (16-18).

Mutual: When speaking of Young Men and Young Women programs collectively, they are often called Mutual.

Gospel Doctrine: the main adult Sunday School class.

Gospel Essentials: a Sunday School class for those who are new to the Church, whether they are newly baptized or visiting.

Relief Society: the women’s program. On Sundays, they meet for lesson time during the 3rd hour in the 3-hour block. Once a quarter, they have an activity night called Enrichment Night. During Enrichment Night, they have a short lesson then divide into workshops on a variety of topics of interest to women. They also have various satellite groups that meet weekly or monthly. The groups vary widely by each ward are designed to meet the individual needs of the ward and women.

Priesthood: the men’s program. On Sundays, they meet for lesson time during the 3rd hour in the 3-hour block. They have quarterly family activities.

Calling: a position or responsibility in the Church, such as Primary teacher or Bishop. Members are invited to serve in the Church through their Bishops and/or his Counselors by inviting them into his office and extending the request that they serve in a specific capacity. The member can accept, decline or request time to think and pray about it before accepting or declining.

Sustain: to pledge support for someone in their calling.

Setting Apart: when a member receives, accepts and is sustained for a calling, they are then “set apart” for the calling. This is done with the Bishop and/or his Counselors laying their hands on the head of the person to bless the newly called member and offer guidance specific to the member and his calling.

Sacrament: often called communion in other faiths. The sacrament is offered each week except during Stake and General Conferences. It is bread and water.

Sacrament Meeting: the worship service. Often the 1st hour of the 3-hour block, Sacrament Meeting is the time when the sacrament is blessed and offered to the members of the congregation. Announcements are made and callings sustained during these meetings. The sermon is given by the members themselves. The Bishop and his Counselors call on members of the Church in advance to prepare talks (sermons or speeches) on a specific topic. There are usually 2-3 talks each week, one of which is given by a youth over the age of 12 years old.

Rebecca W

Becoming LDS is hard

Not only do new members have “the fullness of the everlasting gospel” to learn, but they also have an entire language, lifestyle and to leave behind. We’re all creatures of habit and we all like to feel comfortable. For some, becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is like moving to another country.

It is not an easy thing to become a member of this Church. In most cases it involves setting aside old habits, leaving old friends and associations, and stepping into a new society which is different and somewhat demanding (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Converts and Young Men,” Ensign, May 1997).

Sadly, I have, on occasion, seen newly baptized members criticized and treated poorly because they may talk or act differently than seasoned members. Some weather such actions against them and lean on their belief in the doctrines of the Church. Others, however, are deeply hurt or offended and walk away. Church members need to remember that it is often a significant paradigm shift when becoming a member, and that takes time and patience.

Be accepting

New members need nurturing, and that nurturing must come from Church members, particularly those within their own ward (congregation). They need people who will accept them as they are while helping them to learn and grow toward their potential.

And everyone, especially new members, needs to see friendly faces smiling at them when they walk into the building or classroom. They need to know that they are needed and wanted. They need true friends.

As members of the Church, we have the opportunity to shape the soil in which the new seedlings, or converts, try to grow. We can help provide either a nourishing or a hostile environment. In describing a nourishing environment, President Hinckley has stated that each new member “needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with ‘the good word of God’ (Ensign, May 1997, 47)” (David E. Sorensen, “Why Baptism Is Not Enough,” Ensign, Apr 1999).

Be a friend

After a new member joins your ward, reach out to her. Walk up to her and introduce yourself and your family (if applicable) and what responsibilities you have in the ward. Tell her that she can contact you if she has any questions or needs some support. When she does, do all you can to be kind and accepting. You never know, she might become a cherished friend.

As I reflect back on my 16 years as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I remember many blunders and offenses – either on my part or that of other members. Thankfully I have weathered the fierce winds that blew. I’m still here to tell the tale. I also remember with fondness the members who accepted me as I was at the time yet encouraged me to grow. I will always be grateful for their friendship and kindness.

Rebecca W

Your first day back will be easier if you’re with another person. If your home and visiting teachers are still visiting you, tell them you’re coming and ask if you can sit with them during Sacrament Meeting.

If not, you can call the bishop and ask that someone be watching for you when you arrive Sunday morning. Someone will gladly join you for the day and shelter you through your return.

If you’re on your own for the day, do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable. Remember that you’ll be more aware of yourself than others will. Many people may not know you and think you’re new. Others may act surprised to see you. Treat this as something fun. I knew someone who returned after decades away. She took pleasure in quietly seating herself behind or next to someone she knew and waiting for their shocked reaction when they saw her. This game took away the nervousness of wondering how people would take her return.

Most people will be genuinely happy you’re back. smile and say, “It’s a long story, but the important thing is that I’m here. So tell me, what’s changed while I’ve been away?” This will distract them so you don’t have to answer.

Look around for friendly and familiar faces. If you don’t see anyone you know, choose someone to sit with. You’ll be happier if you don’t sit alone your first day. Introduce yourself, but don’t feel you have to tell your story right away. If they ask if you’re new, say, “I used to come to church here long ago. I’ve been away a long time.” Then be prepared to start asking them about themselves to deflect attention from your own story.

The success of your first visit is really up to you. You can’t control anyone else’s behavior but your own. I move a great deal, and I’ve learned that how I feel about a ward depends a great deal on how I choose to feel. If I walk into a ward and start watching for all the things they do “wrong” or count the number of people who greet me, I go home feeling I found a bad ward. If I go in determined to be happy, I notice all the great things and remember all the nice people.

To read more of Terrie’s articles, click the picture.

Then when I think about my day, I remember a wonderful ward. I can see almost any ward as good or bad, depending on what I choose to focus on. This can be difficult when you’re returning, because you may already be sensitive and watching for problems, but try to train yourself to see the good. It’s there, but sometimes the good people are quieter than the others.

After you return home, pray about your day home. If you can, talk to another church member about the experience. She can answer your questions and help you understand what you experienced and learned. Then commit yourself to continuing to attend church and return to full membership.

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

Your adopted LDS website should focus on the gospel, rather than on debate. It’s not a place to express a lack of faith or to debate politics beyond the church’s own involvement. Your goal should be to strengthen the existing testimonies of your readers or to guide people to gaining a testimony.

Elder Ballard recently offered wise counsel on this topic. He suggested we not let others direct the conversation into issues that are not important to our eternal salvation, but that we focus on core issues—our faith in Jesus Christ and on the restored gospel. He advised us to avoid sounding defensive or getting drawn into an argument. “Please remember you do not need to feel like you must justify your beliefs; you simply need to explain them in the spirit of love and kindness. The truth always prevails when true doctrine is taught (Elder M. Russell Ballard: Engaging Without Being Defensive).

Make it clear you are not an official representative of the church, but don’t be wishy-washy about your faith. Speak confidently with the full force of your testimony. Help people see the gospel in a positive way through your own example. Treat them as if they were a guest in your chapel, welcomed with open arms. If someone tries to debate, lead them gently back to the core of the gospel. Most importantly, make sure your readers know how you know what you know. Point out the blessings that have come to you through your obedience to the teachings of God and do so in concrete measurable ways sometimes. While you’ll share how the gospel brings peace and joy, sometimes people want, at least at first, something more practical.

“By carrying out the teachings on families, I’ve really developed a closer relationship with my children. Family Home Evening has made a big difference and my children now love spending time with their family, instead of always wanting to be with friends.” This is a goal many people have and with this kind of testimonial, readers struggling with family relationships will be drawn in and want to learn more about family home evening. Once they’ve learned about this program, they may encounter another program that also interests them, perhaps one you mentioned in your articles on Family Home Evening. If each article mentions a related topic, you can lead them from teaching to teaching until they’ve reached the core of the gospel.

Back up your statements with quotes from church leaders and scriptures. You don’t want to scripture-bash, but showing readers you’re teaching a Biblical concept can help. Additionally, quoting the Book of Mormon teaches them what is found inside that book.

You may receive email from readers, or they may post comments. These are the foundations for articles. Answer the question in-depth in an article instead of by answering the post—the post response can be brief and direct the reader to the article. This helps you avoid a direct argument and control what is discussed about the topic. Otherwise, it’s easy to find yourself becoming defensive and answering only the points they brought up, rather than explaining the answer in a logical, non-defensive manner.

Become a regular reader of the LDS Newsroom. Here, the church often answers complex questions. As Elder Ballard points out, studying how they approach these issues can teach you how to approach them yourself. You’ll notice, as you analyze their approach, they never go on the defensive or argue. They simply teach the doctrines of God’s kingdom without apology or hesitation.

When you’re deciding how to approach a gospel topic, or even choosing which one to write on, stop and look at your favorite picture of the Savior. What would He choose and how would He approach it?

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

A well-planned site is much less work in the long run and will help improve your chances of being read. The planning takes time, but is well worth the effort.

Write down the URL of your website. The domain name included in it tells you what the site is about. For instance, the site I adopted from More Good Foundation is http://www.lds-genealogy.com. Obviously, the site is about genealogy, and specifically is about LDS genealogy. If someone saw a site named LDS Genealogy, they’d expect to find genealogy information there, not parenting articles or cooking tips. Make sure you give your site readers exactly what they came looking for. Stay on one topic, which will increase your search engine ranking and your popularity.

Now imagine you were going to write a book on the topic of your site or teaching a course. Books and courses follow a logical pattern, beginning with the introductory information and moving gradually along to the more advanced material. They sometimes move chronologically. You want to organize your website in the same way. For now though, open a file on your computer or set up a notebook and begin writing every possible article idea that comes to mind. You made a list when you were choosing topics to suggest, so start there. Try to think of everything a person would need to know if they knew nothing at all about the topic and chose a book to get them started. On my genealogy site, I decided to start with a step-by-step course on introductory genealogy before beginning to write on more advanced topics. This allows new readers to quickly get up to speed.

If you are working on your computer, begin moving the topics around until they are in a logical order. Start with the most basic information and move to the more complicated material. You might also choose to work chronologically, as I’m doing. There are certain things a new genealogist needs to do first, so I am writing the articles in the order in which each step needs to be accomplished. If you’re using a notebook, number in pencil so you can make changes, and then rewrite the final list.

This is your plan for your website. Keep the file handy and mark (don’t erase) each topic after you’ve written on it. Add new topics when they occur to you. Without this list, you run the risk of waking up one morning and having no ideas, or of duplicating previous work. If the list is handy, it’s usually very easy to write the next topic on the list, and you won’t face the problem of writer’s block.

In the next article, we’ll learn how to improve your search engine ranking.

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

The third requirement in the Virtue value is for girls to prepare to attend the temple when they’re grown. As teenagers, they can enter one portion of the temple to participate in a special part of it relating to baptism, but they cannot yet go into the other portions or participate in the other ordinances. However, this is a time of preparation.

Temples are very different from the church’s regular houses of worship. Regular meetinghouses are open to the public and Sunday services are held there. Temples are not used for weekly worship services and are open only to those who have prepared themselves for the experience.

What goes on there isn’t secret, but it is sacred. Sacred things are not to be lightly discussed and are difficult to understand without the proper background. Church members must be adults to attend, with limited exceptions as mentioned above, and must have been a member of the church for at least one year. Through personal interviews, they demonstrate their ability to live the gospel at a high level.

Gordon B. Hinckley, a previous president of the church explained temples this way:

The work that goes on in these buildings sets forth God’s eternal purposes with reference to man-God’s child and creation. For the most part, temple work is concerned with the family, with each of us as members of God’s eternal family and with each of us as members of earthly families. It is concerned with the sanctity and eternal nature of the marriage covenant and family relationships.

It affirms that each man and woman born into the world is a child of God, endowed with something of His divine nature. The repetition of these basic and fundamental teachings has a salutary effect upon those who receive them, for as the doctrine is enunciated in language both beautiful and impressive, the participant comes to realize that since every man and woman is a child of Heavenly Father, then each is a member of a divine family; hence, every person is his brother or sister. (Why These Temples? by President Gordon B. Hinckley)

Another part of the temple activity is the making of high level covenants. While members of the church who have been baptized have already promised God they will do these things, which largely involve responsibility to the family, they now promise to keep them at a higher level and to accept greater penalty from God if they’re violated. Marriages are also performed there, and those married in this way are married for eternity, not until death.

Because the promises made are very serious covenants, a person must be living to a standard that makes it likely he can honor the covenants completely. This takes time and preparation. It also requires a certain level of knowledge.

A person who decides to major in physics will not begin his study in the highest level class meant for graduate students. It’s likely he will begin with a survey class which introduces the important concepts. This is comparable to taking the discussions led by the missionaries for those considering joining the church or who have recently joined. Then he will take more detailed classes, but still containing more introductory material. This is comparable to the Gospel Essentials course, a Sunday School class for new members of the church. It is only after considerable study and time spent in a lab actually doing what the student has learned that he will be admitted to the higher level classes. These classes will presume you come to them with a solid foundation in the basics and know how to carry out responsible experiments. A church member will come to the temple with a high level of gospel knowledge and considerable experience living the commandments of God. He is now ready to take on more challenging commitments and to understand more detailed instruction on the basic principles.

To help the teenagers prepare, they are asked, as part of completing the Virtue Value requirements, to read from the book of Alma, a part of the Book of Mormon. Chapter five teaches readers how to be saved. The girls are asked to note the questions Alma asked those who were listening to his sermon and to apply them to their own lives. This helps them to do a personal evaluation of their own level of obedience to God’s commandments and to set goals for increasing their love and obedience.

Alma asks the following questions:

14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?

16 I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?

The Bible teaches “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21, KJV of the Bible) As the girls increase their ability to live the gospel, they demonstrate the depth of their love for God. Good works alone can’t save them; they must be done out of love for God and Jesus Christ, and are therefore a reflection of that love and their commitment to God.

Following their study, the girls are asked to set personal goals that will help them improve how they live their lives. By studying for themselves, selecting their own goals, and working out how to accomplish them, they prepare themselves for adulthood. They make a personal commitment to follow God’s teachings and this strengthens their testimonies and their faithfulness.

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

1. Read the Book of Mormon all the way through. If you’ve never read it, it will give you a strong foundation in your faith. If you’ve already read it, you’ll find new insights now that you’re a member and have the basics of the book under control. As soon as you finish, read the Bible.

2. Put your testimony in writing, and date it. Each year, on your baptism anniversary, write a new testimony. Keep them all together in a notebook so you can see how it grows. In each one, record the parts of the gospel that have the most impact on you and at least one spiritual experience that helped your testimony grow.

3. Start a journal. Record your everyday life, but also record your growing testimony and gospel experiences. Someday all this Mormonism will seem ordinary to you. You don’t want to forget what it was like when it was new and exciting. Remembering will make you a better missionary to others and also help you to remember why you joined when the going gets rough.

4. Prioritize the changes you want to make. As you prepared for baptism, you made a number of changes in your life to qualify for your baptism. Now you may have learned many more things you will need to do in your lifetime to become the person you want to be. This can be very overwhelming. Don’t try to change everything at once. Make a list of ten things and put them in order of most important. Start with those that have the most impact on your spirituality and worthiness and work on one or two at a time. When you feel those are under control, choose two more. In the long run, you’ll make more changes this way than if you try to do twenty things at once.

5. Make an LDS friend. You need someone you trust, besides the missionaries, to turn to when things are spiritually challenging, when you’re asked to give your first talk, or when you don’t understand something. Take your time, and choose wisely. This person can serve as your mentor, so you want to be sure they have a strong testimony and lots of patience. Often people who are also converts have the easiest time understanding how confusing all this is for you.

6. Find a way to serve. Even if no one offers you a calling, find something you can do. Let the bishop know you’d like a church job, but also look for those little things that always need doing that no one is assigned to do. Come early and straighten the hymnbooks. Make a point of greeting visitors. Bring the missionaries a regular treat. Sit by someone who always sits alone. The church is full of jobs that don’t come with callings, and you can assign yourself one or two of them.

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

The Lamanites were followers of the oldest of Lehi’s sons, Laman. He was a wicked young man who resented the family’s decision to abandon their wealth and do as God commanded. In time, he became violent and even murderous, and led a portion of the family and their companions away from the church. When Lehi died, they were so threatening, Nephi took his family and followers and moved a distance away.

Nephi’s younger brother Jacob lived with Nephi after his parents died, and become, in time, the spiritual leader of the Nephites. In his book (a section of the Book of Mormon) he wrote:

7 Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness.

8 Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world; wherefore, I, Jacob, take it upon me to fulfil the commandment of my brother Nephi. (Jacob 1)

Although Jacob may have been the president of the church, he uses the plural term to discuss efforts to convert people. This reminds us that teaching of Christ is not the sole responsibility of the churches. Everyone who has a testimony of the Savior has a responsibility to share it with others.

Friends who are not of my faith will sometimes tell me, “If what you just told me is true, how could you not share it with everyone?” Today we see people eager forwarding by email information on health or safety they think will help their friends. The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is far more important than those pass-along messages, so why are we less eager to share them?

Each of us can work to prepare ourselves to share our message with others. It can be done in a non-offensive, non-intrusive way. Often, I find opportunities to mention an aspect of my faith in ordinary conversation. I don’t have to preach—it’s just a natural response to whatever is discussed. It can be done with complete respect for the beliefs of those I talk to. I consider it my responsibility to treat the faith of my friends with the same respect I want them to treat my own. A sharing of beliefs helps to strengthen friendship as we get to know each other.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is rather famous for its missionary program, but we know we can’t rely on those men and women on bicycles to teach everyone, so we’re all taught to be ready to jump in and help out.

Want to know more about our faith? Ask a “Mormon.”

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

This is how I found myself back in the same stake singles ward I have been attending since I graduated High School at 17. Where there was a handful of familiar faces, most of my friends from years past had either; graduated from college and moved, or they had gotten married.

For the first few months, I forced myself to be outgoing and try to make some new friends. The result was that I had people to talk to on Sunday, but no close friends. I had met some people whom I felt a connection to, whom I wanted to become friends with, but I didn’t know where to start. I saw and spoke to them every Sunday. I even invited them to my house, or to go do something. (By the way, these two girls were roommates and close friends) Yet, despite my best efforts nothing came of it.

Then one Sunday the new Visiting Teaching assignments were handed out. I love Visiting Teaching. I have a real testimony of the importance of this program. It is more then just a calling to go once a month into the home of these sisters, and share a spiritual lesson, ask if there is anything you can do for them, then leave until another month has come around. It is an opportunity to build friendships that last for years.

This is why I was so very excited when I read my new assignment and discovered that not only did I have a new V.T. companion (another girl whom I also wanted to get to know better), but I had new sisters assigned. Included were the two girls I had been trying to reach out to for the past few months.

It was during our first visit that whatever barriers were standing in the way, of us getting to know each other better, disappeared. We all began talking, and though we realized how very different we all were, we also realized how much we had in common. Over the next few months the bonds of friendship were deeply forged. One of the girls has become as a sister, to me, and the other a very close friend.

Looking back over these last few months and all we have each been through, I see how much I needed their friendships to help me make it. I also see how much they each needed my friendship. What a tender mercy from God, to have brought us together, when He did.

I have a real testimony of the Visiting Teaching program. Heavenly Father instituted this program for some wise and powerful purposes. Among which was to bring the sisters of the church together, in a way that would help us move past the barriers we all have around us, and build lasting and meaningful friendships.

Julia G

However wise or foolish their decision might have been they did in fact go out to sea, leaving the Savior behind. To me, that’s the scariest part of all. We can all make our way through some pretty tough situations if we take the Savior with us. Leaving Him behind could be disastrous. On the other hand, not trusting His counsel because we can not see the possibility in an impossible task could also cause our downfall. That’s why it’s so important to stay as close to the Spirit as we possibly can. We need the Lord’s direction in these weighty matters. We need faith and confirmation that the Lord is aware of us, even if he seems to be very far away.

That’s the next lesson of the story. The disciples struggled far into the night trying to reach the other shore, but they were not able to make it very far before a truly violent storm began to batter them. Though on the starting shore replenishing His spirit, Christ was still aware of their dire need. Whether or not they had made foolish or wise decisions, Jesus Christ was mindful of their every need. When the strain and stress pummeling them became too much, He took the most direct course there was to reach them. Forcing the angry elements to yield to their Master and Creator, He walked on the water.

This was not something that the disciples expected. It was outside of their normal thinking. In fact, they were scared by the sight. Not understanding that it was their Master coming to calm their fears, they let what they thought they saw affect what they felt. Six simple words coming from across the water set their minds on a different course.

“It is I, be not afraid” Matt 14:27

This is the part that I find amusing and sad at the same time, the world had such an influence on what the disciples thought and felt that they had believed something evil would be coming across the water toward them. Then on the other hand it was difficult for them to believe that the Savior could come in the same manner. Even after He called to them, they were not sure of His presence or power. I’m sure there are many instances of this happening to each of us every day. It seems silly to look on the disciples’ experiences from the outside, especially knowing the things they had already witnessed Jesus Christ doing, but put yourself in their shoes. The world, and Satan, would have us depend on only those things we can see, feel, touch, and understand. There are so many corrupted versions of Christ’s teachings and powers mixed in with the good that it becomes difficult to truly understand the Master and His ways. Getting caught up in the tangible takes the edge off of our ability to have faith in what appears to be intangible. Often the course He would have us follow feels more unreal and more terrifying than anything we have faced before. With so much heartache it is difficult to see something good coming toward us.

I often find myself feeling a little like Peter,

“Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” Matt. 14:28

I sometimes feel like I need the Lord to be constantly reaffirming my beliefs, His love for me, and the path I should be on as His disciple. I sometimes try to tempt my Lord and Master by saying, “If this is really what I should be doing, where are the blessings? Make my path an easy one.”

Though it seems like something I should want it is not in my best interest, as a child of God, to obtain it. I can not learn and grow, I can not learn the strength and depth of Christ’s power, I can not become more like the Savior, if I’m not willing to walk where He places me. Still, Christ knew of the desires in Peter’s heart better than we ever could so He extended the invitation He repeats for us time and time again.

“Come”

Now here’s the tricky part. Did Christ expect Peter to succeed in walking on the water? Maybe, maybe not. One thing I do know for sure is whether or not Peter was supposed to at that time it was not something entirely out of his reach. That’s the power of God’s majesty and priesthood that He shares with those worthy to receive it.

We all know what happens as Peter begins his trek to His Savior. We cheer for him as he steps out of the boat and takes that first trusting step toward his Master. We see ourselves in him as the winds and the waves of the continuing storm begin to tickle the edges of his mind. We watch him sink as he lets these known things overpower the more important belief in the Savior. Walking on water just didn’t seem like something any of us should be able to do. Peter might have even justified his doubt by saying, “Well, sure. He can do it. He’s Jesus Christ. That’s His job. Me, I’m not really anybody. I can never be as good and wonderful as He is. I should not be doing this. I am not worthy to do this.”

Does any of that sound familiar? I know I’ve used a few of those lines myself from time to time. Still, the fact remains that the Savior has extended a call to come unto Him. We’ve felt His love and goodness in our lives. We long to come, to feel that all the time, to share that love with everyone else. We step, then we sink. Why? Because the storms of the world will not cease or turn away just because we want to be disciples of Christ. In fact, they assault against us usually increases. At some point, the things we think we know and the weight of our daily lives begins to sink back in to our hearts and push out the eternal goals that begin to seem so very, very far away.

What makes you sink? For me it’s time, chocolate, shyness, pride, the list could be endless. Jesus Christ wants us to find the answer to the same question He asked Peter,

“Wherefore didst thou doubt?” Matthew 14:31

He has bid us come, the path is storming but achievable. What doubts and fears are big enough to keep us from the Savior? If we think about it that way, the stirrings in our heart would whisper, “nothing”. Our biggest challenge in this life is to fight for those feelings, for one more step on the water, before the world interferes once more. Or goal is to never stop asking ourselves where and why we doubt and finding ways to overcome those fears. Remember, Christ reached in and pulled Peter back up and to Him before issuing this four word sermon. When we find these weaknesses in ourselves, we can always reach up. The Savior is master of all, His love and atoning sacrifice can always pull us through the worst of times as long as we take the hand He offers.

Alison P