Textbook Tackle

Back in the day when I used to play football my coaches would often tell us to tackle by the textbook. I am not sure if there is any specific textbook that they were referring to. But I know I never read it. Actually I think they were just using the word "textbook" as a synonym for the words "original" or "proper". In a way, we should live our lives by the textbook. Unlike football, however, we can be sure which textbook we should refer to.

Our Heavenly Father has given us prophets who have written His word (aka the scriptures). Just as a good tackle is made up of certain components, our lives can be "textbook" if we live by the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Especially now, in the fourth quarter before the Lord returns, we need to live by the "textbook" more than ever. As a modern day Apostle has said, "Don't delay. It's getting late."1.

Hydrate or Die

Water (also known as H2O) is essential. Our bodies require it for a plethora of different functions. I had a great scout leader who would always advise us to hydrate or die when we would go on hikes or things of that nature.

Drinking water is necessary when playing sports, especially in warm climates. As bodies undergo physical exertion they begin to sweat. As this sweat evaporates it cools our bodies down. If we do not have enough fluids in us this process cannot happen which leads to dangerous circumstances.

The same principle applies to our spiritual well-being. We have got to stay hydrated with Christ, the living water. Christ said of Himself, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Living Water. Is it in you?

Get a Grip

Ann M. Dibb gave a talk entitled "Hold On" in which she talked about the need for us to take hold of the scriptures and never let go. She shared a few great stories that I would highly suggest reading. I also wanted to submit one more analogy to go along with her talk:

I have never been much of a rock climber but I've given it a shot a time or two. Afterwards I always come away with very tired and sore forearms. The muscles in my arms become quite tired of gripping the rocks and lifting myself up to the next handhold. There is, however, a solution to this problem. If I were to take time each day to practice rock-climbing, getting a better grip, I would become a much better climber and be able to accomplish a lot more.

The same is true with our scripture study. If we will spend time everyday "getting a better grip" by reading the words of the Prophets then we can accomplish much more in our lives and become the best climbers we can be. I would urge each of us to study the scriptures daily.