Today’s reading: Omni 1:1-15
13 And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.
As a student at BYU, I was a Writing Fellow. This was a group of writing tutors who were specifically trained in different tutoring methods. I loved this job and loved all the different classes I was assigned to.
One specific class was Pioneer history. The students’ semester paper was to research a specific pioneer of their choosing using only primary sources. As a historian myself, I loved helping this class and learning more about the stories of these pioneers, and seeing how interested some of the students were because chosen their own ancestor.
I, too, have pioneer heritage in me. I had to research a pioneer family of mine in a Family History class. Getting to know more about this family and the trials and miracles they went through as they emigrated from Wales, settled in New York, then packed up again and followed the Saints all the way to Utah and helped settle Cache Valley connected me more to the early saints and the pioneers.
I am so thankful for all of their testimonies: my ancestors, the other pioneers and saints, even Lehi’s family, and the Mosiah mentioned in this chapter who came to Zarahemla. They all listened to God, went where He said, and trusted in Him to get them there.
I want to leave you with one of my favorite pioneer stories–the bravery, the love, the determination, the faith that these boys have is amazing. The Lord truly led them by the power of His arm–they were certainly given His strength.
I am an English and history teacher turned stay-at-home mom to Rhys, the rambunctious toddler. I was blessed to marry my college best friend. I am obsessed with all things medieval, Welsh, historical, and fantasy. I love to read, write, cook, run, and learn. I have recently come to love and appreciate living in the center of Utah and close to both sides of our family.