A Gift of Light

We've lit a candle just for you,

In remembrance of things we have been through;

Not to ponder on the bad,

But to rejoice in friendships had.

Through tears and trials, hours of grief,

Your light shone through in measured relief;

The Savior's love exemplified,

Through your charity, we've been edified.

Our gratitude this Christmas Day,

Expressed to you in this small way;

For friends, we have not made it through,

Our darkest trials without you.

                                                --Marcella Damigos Molnar

                                                                Christmas 2012

We Cannot Afford to be Wimps!

I cringed as I read Elder Moulton's blog update from Madagascar, titled: " Fleas?! Diarrhea?! It's ok...I love it here!!  My heart went out to the Moulton's and at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder what it was going to be like for my own son who was about to leave the Mission Training Center for his mission to Quezon City North Mission in the Philippines.Then, the letter came...

Elder Molnar's description of his first week in the mission field, covered such adventures as a bowl of "assorted meats and organs congee"  with weird lookin' tubes mixed in with the meats;  "I'm showering with a bucket I use to poor cold water on myself";  "no more toilet paper; and I've already tried balut."  (Look that one up, because I can't bring myself to write about it.)  Combine this with the immediate need for surgery on an infected toe, and let's just say, why wouldn't a mother feel a bit unsettled about her son serving his mission in the Philippines?

I quickly signed on to Facebook to consult my social network through a status update:

"So, a question for all the RMs or mom's with experience through their own missionaries, can I send my mish toilet paper? This is really disgusting me."

The perfect response came quickly from a dear friend:

"Marcie: Advice from a former Phil. missionary: Your missionary is essentially camping for 2 years. Anything he "needs" he can purchase there. But most of the things you think he needs will only make him look like a wimp :). He'll get used to the way they do things THERE. T.P. clogs their toilets. Umbrellas are used for sun protection. Cloths, like handkerchiefs, are used to cover the head in the rain--it's not about getting wet, it all about covering your head to keep from getting sick because that's what might happen if the rain falls directly onto the head. Wet is ok. :). Let him enjoy his experience because he'll never have another like it!! My advice to you: Don't worry about him and his living conditions. There is no place better to be, than where he is. Force yourself to concentrate on his spiritual growth and everything else will be taken care of." (Underline added)

Late Saturday night, I received a call from the Executive Secretary in our ward to give the Spiritual thought during Ward Council the next morning.  I knew that I wanted to share this story, but just wasn't sure how I could tie it all together with a spiritual message. As I pondered, my thoughts were directed toward a recent talk given by our Stake President on the Saturday evening session of Area Conference, when he said "We cannot be shaken!"  What CAN we do?"

A week later, I listened to a Devotional presented by President Clark from BYU-Idaho in which he shared the following:

"Whatever has been sufficient for us to overcome the trials we have already faced, will not be sufficient for what is coming."

The two comments by leaders in the Church coupled with the turmoil in the Middle East, definitely got my attention. I pondered not only the words from these Priesthood holders, but the insistence in which they were delivered.    

Last week, I found myself a bit caught off guard when a co-worker expressed her thoughts, that "Hell is state of mind".

As I gave some thought as to how I was going to deliver my message the next morning at Ward Conference, the following phrase came to mind: "Stand in holy places".  Is it enough to attend our church meetings and especially the House of the Lord, even the Temple? A resounding "No!" came to the forefront of my thoughts.  We must also stand in holy places in our minds....as a state of mind.  If our minds are in a state of holiness, then we are thereby able to focus on our spiritual growth and strength, especially in the midst of day to day experiences and decisions of such unimportant dilemmas of which cell phone to purchase or what to buy my  our children or grandchildren for Christmas, which is quickly approaching. 

As the Lord commanded the disciples in the Sermon on the Mount:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:32-32

What is most important here is that we cannot afford to be wimps in the world we live in, but more importantly, in the world as it will become. As counseled by my dear sweet friend, we must "force ourselves to concentrate on our own spiritual growth, and everything else will be taken care of."

The Emptiness of an Empty Nest

Sitting at the computer on a Friday evening in a very quiet home, my thoughts turn to the words of a beloved folk song, (with a slight adjustment to the lyrics):

Where have you gone, my little ones, little ones,
Where have you gone, my babies, my own?
Turn around and you're two,
Turn around and you're four,
Turn around and you're young men with lives of your own.

I can recall so vividly the fervent prayers I made to my Father in Heaven that the desires of my heart to become a mother would soon come to pass. The tears of sadness and the deep pain felt as each month brought an unwanted visitor. 

"It would take an act of God," were the words that repeated in my mind. Words from the doctor. 

"Faith and doubt, cannot co-exist", I heard from the pulpit.  

"After the trial of your faith," close friends would remind me. 

Comfort would not come, but only in His perfect time....

The joys of motherhood. There is nothing greater. I miss the newborn smell, breast feeding, cooing, smiles, grunts and all the "firsts'. Oh, what I would give to go back to the days when I sometimes felt like I was trapped, being held hostage, because I could not break away to take a shower, do the dishes, make a bed, chat on the phone with an adult or even go to the bathroom. I thought the weight would never come off...and it never did. My clothes were stained at the shoulder and typically, I made it through a day without even a shower, let alone make-up or hair styling. I sacrificed it all and yet wouldn't have it any other way.     

Then hubby would come home and find dishes piled in the sink, toys strewn across the floor, dirty diapers filling up the trash cans, and a wife with a glazed over look. "What's for dinner honey?" are the words he suppressed as my head turned in his direction. "Oh don't you dare," he could read in my eyes.  

My biggest fears when they were little, were for their physical safety. I prayed they would be free of injuries, diseases, and abduction. I prayed, because of my age, that I would live long enough to see my boys graduate from high school. Well, maybe long enough to be around when they served a mission and got married in the temple.  Would it be too much to ask if I could still be here when they had children of their own, to experience the joys of being a grandmother? If I could just make it to that point, then all would be well.  

The teenage years were not as difficult as I had anticipated. For the most part, I felt blessed with good sons. The concerns were different and often greater however, as I realized that I was not able to control their choices, nor the consequences of their actions. 

Now my love, appreciation, and understanding of my Heavenly Father has increased immensely as I have experienced the greater challenges that come with parenting adult children. A mother never stops worrying and praying for her children's safety, physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually.  

An empty nest brings freedom. At the end of my work day, I can make whatever I want for dinner, clean, run errands, write, read, work on Family History, visit a neighbor or talk on the phone, if I want to. I have all the time available to me, to do all those things that I didn't have the time for while raising my sons.  

Oh, what I would do to trade the quiet home and the time on my hands for the pitter-patter of little feet, giggles and lizards, silly songs and nursery rhymes, spaghetti on the floor, sloppy kisses and great big hugs, hours on the swings, bubbles in the tub, trips to the zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World and the Del Mar Fair, homeschooling, and years at the dojo. 

There is truly an emptiness that comes with an empty nest.

This is My Gift to You

Christmas 2011

My mother Stella, tucked her fifty dollar bill in her eyeglasses case for safe keeping. She made the two-mile trek downtown, on foot, with her two youngest children in tow, to do her Christmas shopping. My little sister Angie, sat safely in the stroller and I, just six years of age, grasped the stroller tightly for fear of getting lost. Mary, the oldest, was undoubtedly back home tending to my other older sisters, Irene and Nicki.

Fifty dollars would not go far in today's economy or perhaps even by most families standards in the late fifties, but it was all my mother had been able to tuck away, and, knowing Mom, she made great sacrifices to our budget to make this happen. The salary of an immigrant Merchant Marine was not abundant, but Mom and Dad found a way to keep us all clothed and well fed while providing a humble roof over our heads. Although we never had the privilege of owning a car, or experiencing what many refer to as "The American Dream"--a home of our own--we always knew that our family being together was what made our house a home. We always looked forward to those days when Dad was with us again, albeit a short visit.

I can only imagine the devastation and horror that my mother must have experienced when, while at Woolworth's five-and-dime, she discovered that her eyeglasses case was missing. She immediately made a diagonal dash at the light (which was customary practice downtown), back to Sav-on Drugs store to search for her Christmas money. It was never found. I don't know the rest of the story, but I never knew of a Christmas where we didn't seem to have an abundance under our tree (at least by our humble standards).

Year after year, on Christmas Eve, without her dear companion, John, by her side; our mother worked hard and seemingly (to us) tirelessly as she wrapped the presents, baked kourambiedes (Greek cookies), and made the necessary preparations for our Christmas dinner, all while her five daughters slept restlessly in their rooms. Exhausted, Mom would finally climb into bed in the early hours of the morning only in time to hear the children calling out from their bedrooms, "Mom, can we open presents now?" Putting us off as long as she could, she would finally realize that it was pointless to try to get some sleep.

Five darling dark-haired daughters, all cuddled together with their brown eyes closed and faces buried in each other, walked in a bundle of excitement toward the direction of the living room, waiting for that magical moment when we were finally allowed to open our eyes and see that first glimpse of the colorfully wrapped packages sprawled out on the floor beneath the well-lit tree. Then one, two, three, "Open your eyes!" and the squeals and joy began.

Years later, the circle of life was repeated as Paul and I, through the years, have watched the joy in the faces of first, his daughters and then our own sons, each Christmas morning. Our own family experience brought an added dimension of understanding the traditions of other countries as we celebrated "Christmas Around the World": creating themes for such places as Mexico, France, Hawaii, Italy, Hungary, Czechoslovakia (in honor of our son-in-law Jiri), of course Greece, and even a Rocky Mountain Christmas. Not soon to be forgotten, we also baked that year’s honored country's favorite cake for dessert, and sang happy birthday to Jesus!

As we have gone through many of life's challenges, I have become increasingly more aware of the significance of this time of year and my heart has turned from the enjoyment of the traditional gift giving to an awareness and understanding of the greatest gift that we have been given by a tender, loving Father in Heaven.

Intermingled with the gift of the Son and the Plan of Salvation, our Heavenly Father has blessed us with families. I have been so fortunate to have a mother who, by example, showed us the worth of sacrifice and serving others and expressing often, especially in her later years, her love for the Lord. I am grateful for a father who always showed love and concern for his wife, daughters, and even his family that he left behind in Greece, never to be able to see them again as he was never to return to his homeland. What examples of sacrifice and love for their family they were to us all.

Now, Paul and I find ourselves entering the world of "empty nesters" as Peter enters adulthood, attends college, and begins preparations for his mission for the Church. Although I personally never seem to be lacking of things to do, I find myself yearning for the years of raising little ones, homeschooling, nights watching with pride my sons at the dojo; and later, as teenagers, all four of us laying in our bed watching reruns of "Everybody Loves Raymond". Then the blessings (and concerns) that come from being parents are multiplied, upon the arrival of those angelic grandchildren. Thus the phrase that I coined earlier this year, "God understood the sadness of a mother's heart and just in time, created grandchildren."

I am reminded also of a poignant moment in time for my sisters and me, during my mother's 70th birthday celebration just six short years before her passing. There were so many great and wonderful tributes by her five daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren, but the one moment that truly touched my heart was when my sister Nicki shared tributes from her children as she read aloud their most tender memories of their Yia Yia. Through tears and great emotion in her voice, Nicki then said, "This is my gift to you, Mom -- my children."

Now Mom, your trials and your sacrifices are not only being acknowledged by your daughters, but as mothers ourselves, have also been experienced firsthand in many ways in our own lives. Dad, we now understand that your desire to be home with your family was the ultimate sacrifice you gave us as your only way to provide life's necessities. We love you both, and we show that love as we go forward as we love and pray for our own children and grandchildren with the same dedication to them and the desires of our hearts for their lives to be blessed, as you had for us.

Through all the ribbons and the wrappings, the time and the resources spent, we remember not the individual gifts as much as we remember the memories, the warmth and the love that only a family can bring. I am grateful for this greatest gift that God has given us, by sharing His only begotten son so that we may be blessed with eternal life. Our experiences as a family, while here on the earth, are only a glimpse into the joy we will have as we become eternal families. In a similar expression that was spoken to Mom by my sister Nicki, I can imagine our loving Father in Heaven's desire to express His great love for us, by saying, "This is my gift to you, my child -- my son!"

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas filled with the joy of family, the warmth of the Savior's love, and peace that only the Gospel brings....

Heroes - (Ward Newsletter - October 2011)

I love children! I love their innocence, honesty and willingness to quickly forgive and forget. They exhibit remarkable faith, are uninhibited, love learning, and have big dreams and great imaginations. Through the years of raising my own sons and teaching little ones, I became increasingly more concerned with the amount of time that the boys, in particular, spent focusing on super heroes. At times I wondered if they could make the distinction between fantasy and reality. I therefore decided, when I was teaching preschool, that it was important enough to include a unit on heroes in my curriculum.

On the first day of our "Heroes" unit, the children were encouraged to dress up as their favorite hero. They were so excited! I allowed time for each one to share what they liked best about Luke Skywalker, Spiderman, or Pocahontas. They loved it!

The next day, we discussed the difference between "super heroes" and "real heroes". I was amazed at how attentive the young children were during our discussion. I asked if they could think of any real heroes. They shared many labels from Prophet, to police officer and firefighter. Then I added, "Your Bishop could be your hero, or maybe your father".

Little three year old Jackson quickly corrected me, "Oh, Sisto Monahr! My fathor can't be a heewoh. He doesn't have any powors." With eyes tearing up, I replied, "Oh Jackson! Your father has one of the greatest powers. He has the power of the Priesthood."

In general priesthood meeting, April 1976, President Spencer W. Kimball quoted Walter MacPeek: “Boys need lots of heroes like Lincoln and Washington. But they also need to have some heroes close by. They need to know some man of towering strength and basic integrity, personally. They need to meet them on the street, to hike and camp with them, to see them in close-to-home, everyday, down-to-earth situations; to feel close enough to them to ask questions and to talk things over man-to-man with them.”

President Boyd K. Packer shared the following: President Monson spoke of Gideon, a hero in the Old Testament. Gideon was chosen to lead the armies of Israel, thousands strong. But of them all, he chose only 300 men.

Gideon had an interesting way of selecting his recruits. When the men drank water at a stream, most “bowed down…to drink.” Those he passed over. A few scooped up water in their hands and drank, remaining completely alert. They were the ones chosen.

We live in a day of “wars [and] rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.” As prophesied, “the whole earth [is] in commotion” and “Satan is abroad in the land.” He seeks to destroy all that is good and righteous. He is Lucifer, who was cast out of the presence of God. Against all of that, we have very positive feelings about what lies ahead.

Gideon’s small force succeeded because, as the record states, “they stood every man in his place.”

Elder Glen L. Rudd of the Second Quorum of the Seventy said, “I think heroes are everywhere in our Church. They stand out in a world of sin and unrighteousness. May God bless us to recognize them and follow their fine examples. Even more than that, may he help us to become heroes to others as we serve him.”

Like many of you, I was overcome with emotion with the announcement that we would soon be experiencing the "changing of the guard". How blessed we have been to have had at the helm of our ward, such wonderful examples of heroes and righteous men who honor their priesthood. To me, the organization of the Church is a testimony that we are in the hollow of His hands. As we tearfully say goodbye to our Bishop and his counselors, and the friendships that we have developed with each one of them, we cheerfully look forward to a fresh new trio of equally great “Priesthood Heroes”. We sustain you as those chosen by the Lord to carry on with his work. To you, we offer our love and support, adding prayers in your behalf to you and your families.

One Nation Under God - Defending Faith and Family (Sacrament Talk)

I would like to thank the youth (as directed by our great leaders) for taking the time on the Sabbath last week, to put up flags in memory of 9/11. I am personally grateful to you.

To my sons, and to the youth, many of whom I have taught -- and who have taught me -- both in my home and in the Church, I dedicate my talk.

One Nation Under God
In August of 1892, a Baptist minister by the name of Francis Bellamy, wrote the following:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"

In 1923, the National Flag Conference changed the Pledge's words, 'my Flag,' to 'the Flag of the United States of America.'

The words "under God" were added in 1954 by then President Eisenhower, who said this:
"In this way, we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

Let me take the liberty of translating this important part of the pledge in my words:
AS LONG AS IT IS UNDER GOD,
WE SHALL BE "ONE" AS A NATION
THAT IS INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

We know that the discovery of the Americas was not an accident. The event had been foreordained in the eternal councils. Biblical prophesies make reference to this great land. The Book of Mormon tells of the Jaredites who were the first to come to America.

“And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.

Lehi, was commanded by the Lord to depart with his family into the wilderness. In obedience to the Lord’s instructions, he left with his family and others. They too were instructed to build a ship and sail for the "promised land".

“And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land.”

While in the wilderness Nephi was permitted to see in a vision the things that would transpire concerning the destiny of America—the "promised land". He "beheld a man among the Gentiles" and the Spirit of God came down and wrought upon the man. This man, we know, refers to Christopher Columbus, who was impelled by the Spirit of God to cross the ocean for the rediscovery of America, thus assisting in the furthering of God’s purposes.

Nephi saw in a vision also, the coming of the Pilgrims, who came to escape religious persecution. He foresaw the coming to America, people from many nations. As Nephi said, they did humble themselves before the Lord and “the power of God was with them."

Thus, the American colonies attained their independence and set up the government of the United States, all under the divine intervention of God in preparing this land for its divine destiny.

We pay tribute to those great men who accepted and met the incredible challenge to establish a constitution for the government of this so-called new land. That this too was divinely inspired, is attested by the word of the Lord as we read in Doctrine & Covenants, chapter 101:77 & 80, when he said,

“According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;

“And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.”

No constitution on earth has endured longer than this one. It was and is a miracle. Both Washington and Madison referred to it as such. It is an inspired document written under the guidance of the Lord.

We believe that the Constitution was brought about by God to ensure a nation where liberty could abound and where his gospel could flourish. Joseph Smith said, “The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard—it is founded in the wisdom of God—it is a heavenly banner.”

President Ezra Taft Benson said, "I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land. I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has sent other choice spirits to preserve it."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, speaking of the Constitution stated, "Unpopular minority religions are especially dependent upon a constitutional guarantee of free exercise of religion....The importance of that guarantee should make us ever diligent to defend it. And it is in need of being defended. In my lifetime, I have seen a significant deterioration in the respect accorded to religion in our public life, and I believe that the vitality of religious freedom is in danger of being weakened accordingly."

In "Man's Search for Meaning", Dr. Viktor E. Frankl states,
Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth.
The positive aspect of freedom is RESPONSIBLENESS.


Elder Oaks lists five points of the Citizen's Responsibilities:
1. Understand the Constitution
2. Support the law
3. Practice civic virtue
4. Maintain civility in political discourse
5. Promote patriotism

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution reads:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

In order to defend our freedom of religion, we need to understand that the Constitution protects religious freedom. It does not eliminate it.

"Separation of Church and State" does not appear in the Constitution and has been misquoted and misunderstood. The intent of the First Amendment was to keep government out of religion, not religion out of government

Author, David Barton writes:
"...without a public and official recognition of God, there is no hope of limited government, for rights come only from God or from man. If rights come from God, then we can require man to protect those rights... But if our rights come from man, then man is permitted to regulate or abolish those rights, and government’s power over our lives therefore becomes absolute and unlimited.".

The Founders understood that irrevocable limitations can be placed on government only when God is recognized as the source of our rights; they also understood that if we became complacent in our recognition of God as the center of our lives and government, then we would lose our liberties.

According to Jefferson, the only “firm basis” of our national liberties is a “conviction in the minds of the people” that our liberties are from God and that government cannot intrude into those liberties without incurring God’s wrath.

President George Washington said, "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor."

President John Adams similarly urged, "The safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and the blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgment of this truth is an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him."

To restore honor and restore America, we first must restore God to His rightful place in our own lives and thinking. We must then reintroduce those original principles back into the public arena, thus restoring the foundation on which our Declaration and Constitution were built and the only foundation which allows them to operate as intended.

It is time for us to re-embrace the truth of President Reagan’s warning that,"If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."

We must remember what the Lord told the Jaredites when they were first brought to this land:

“Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written.”

Elder N. Eldon Tanner said, "We are all a part of America’s future. Our job is to learn and benefit from the past and to go forward in righteousness, keeping the commandments of God. In this connection the prophet Lehi said,

“Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.”

We encourage our people to be good, loyal, law-abiding citizens for “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

At the same time, it is also our duty to seek diligently for and support and uphold good, honest, honorable, and wise representatives to govern us."

Defending Faith and Family

President Gordon B. Hinckley, in his General Conference address in October 2001, following the tragedy of 9/11 stated:

"We are people of peace. We are followers of the Christ who was and is the Prince of Peace. But there are times when we must stand up for right and decency, for freedom and civilization, just as Moroni rallied his people in his day to the defense of their wives, their children, and the cause of liberty.

Now, brothers and sisters, we must do our duty, whatever that duty might be. Peace may be denied for a season. Some of our liberties may be curtailed. We may be inconvenienced. We may even be called on to suffer in one way or another. But God our Eternal Father will watch over this nation and all of the civilized world who look to Him. He has declared, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”. Our safety lies in repentance. Our strength comes of obedience to the commandments of God."

In the Book of Mormon we read of the heroism of Moroni:
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—
16 And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.
19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the people, waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had written upon the rent part, and crying with a loud voice, saying:
20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.
21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God...

Let me address for a moment the parents and leaders. As stated in the Ensign, the Visiting Teaching message, September 2010:
Without nurturing, our rising generation could be in danger of becoming like the one described in Mosiah 26. Many youth didn’t believe the traditions of their fathers and became a separate people as to their faith, remaining so ever after. Our rising generation could likewise be led away if they don’t understand their part in Heavenly Father’s plan.

...And from our example, the rising generation can gain great hope and understanding—not just from the words we speak but from the way we feel and emanate the spirit of family.

As the Phoenix, may we ALL arise from the dust of complacency to defend our freedoms as put forth in the Heavenly inspired document, the Constitution of the United States of America, that we might be one nation under God, and as Moroni raise our banner of liberty to defend our faith and families. This, is my prayer. In the name of Jesus the Christ, God of this land, Amen.