A Hundred 100-Watt Light Bulbs

Good Morning!

I've had the opportunity to focus my studies on Abraham and the events of his life. Perhaps the most commonly told event in his life is how he trusted God enough to lead Isaac, his only son, to an altar to offer him as a sacrifice to the Lord. One lesson to understand is that Abraham had a deep faith in God, which led to his desire to obey God's command, even when it didn't make sense.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we put a lot of weight in building your own testimony, or conversion, to Christ. This process begins with faith, and is continually developing throughout our lives. Regardless of the reasons I'm home, I am striving to build and fortify my own testimony farther and higher than I had thought possible. I began my mission with what I felt was a decent enough faith, or conversion, but going through this coming-home process I've discovered the need for constant work in my own testimony. Not because of a lack of faith or knowledge, but rather a desire to obtain more.

Imagine faith as a wagon wheel, with spokes leading from the center outward. If that's your testimony, how many spokes are on it? Sure, a wheel will roll along the road with three, four, even five spokes, or points of belief. However, once you've gotten started, shouldn't there be a desire to strengthen that wheel? To add more spokes and understanding, so that the same wheel could travel even the toughest terrain without fear of splitting under the burdens of life?

One, hundred-watt light bulb will provide light in a room, yes. but how much more even and comfortable could that light be if it was spread out among a hundred, single-watt light bulbs?

I don't say this to belittle anyone's testimony. If you have a strong faith in something, stick to it! Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith! A couple spokes on a wheel, or a single light bulb in the corner, are both enough to move forward. Yet, that also provides the opportunity to understand so much more! 

The bishop of my ward, Bishop Link, said that "Just because we don't know everything doesn't mean we don't know enough." 

Did Abraham know everything when he was leading Isaac to a presumed death? Of course not! But he knew enough to trust that God could, and would, fulfill his promises and bless Abraham and his descendants. 

Our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, stated the following in a recent General Conference address:

"Do the spiritual work to find out for yourselves, and please do it now. Time is running out."
("Come Follow Me" April, 2019)

I'd encourage everyone, regardless of belief, to discover the blessings and healing available through Jesus Christ. It's through Him that we can find greater peace during stressful times, Even if you feel that your foundation is solid, be aware that there is always more to learn, more light to discover. 

After all, if the space is big enough, why not light it with a hundred, 100-watt light bulbs?

A couple things to note: My brother, Grant, was set apart yesterday as a missionary! He will be serving in the Idaho, Pocatello mission. Partly to support him and partly for fun, I'll be dressing up as a missionary (minus the tags) every day until he's gone. Besides, I might as well use the 20 ties I own. 

We did get snow over here, but it didn't stick. I know, snow in Texas but we can't even make a snowball. The weather's just toying with us now. But hey, we've only gotten snow here in February, as usual.

To another week!

- Talmage Williams

Pictures:
Lots of snow!
New Goal: Be as happy as this chipmunk






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