Arms of Safety

My thoughts on Elder Jensen's talk "Arms of Safety"

I love the metaphor of arms throughout the scriptures. All through the scriptures the Lord says, "My arms are out stretched still." He always wants us to come back into the safety of his arms.

"By coming humbly meeting and worthily partaking of the sacrament, we may feel those arms again and again."

Amen! Do you ever feel like that? I do.

I love the direction he gives to the Aaronic Priesthood holders. He tells them plainly how they need to dress and act as they pass.

"Young men, before going to church, will you please pause before a mirror one more time and ask yourself if every aspect of your appearance is in order? Better still, invite someone you love, such as a parent, to look at you one more time, and if something is amiss, don't resent their counsel.
True servants of Jesus Christ are properly groomed and dressed, reflecting always His standards and not the worldly drift of casualness. Having every detail carefully attended to ensures that the Spirit of the Lord will be present. The dress or appearance of those administering the sacrament should not be a distraction for those who are earnestly seeking the blessings of the infinite Atonement."

Thankfully I don't have a problem with this with my boys and hope and pray I never do. I just now need to get them to iron their shirts the night before (we just moved to 9am meeting time). ~smile~

But it really doesn't matter who the priesthood is dressed on Sunday, what matters is the attitude of my spirit. Do I have a contrite spirit? Do I have a broken heart?

"I have experienced and have a witness of a truth that President Packer taught: "For some reason, we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us. While we do not fully understand how the Atonement of Christ was made, we can experience 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding'"
I need to remember this more often. It is from within...