Angels Landing

The cool morning breeze was invigorating and I was looking forward to the climb. The Angels Landing hike is one of the best in Zion National Park and I was excited to begin. Immediately the trail rises up in a gradual incline around the base of towering cliffs and follows the meandering river below. It was peaceful to hear the rippling water. I knew it was going to be demanding, but to see the grandest views you have to climb the highest mountains.

The challenge began with an immediate ascent up, and the slope was increasingly steep. As my heart began to pound and legs started to burn, I relished the beautiful surroundings. Red rocks, blue sky, and fresh, clean air gave me a feeling of complete joy. I marveled at the creators workmanship.

On the very last measure of the course, you have to take very careful steps on a narrow footpath while holding on to an iron chain bolted into the side of the mountain. One careless moment and you could fall over 1,000 feet down the side. It was breathtaking to follow the last bit of trail.

Reaching the top was excitement mixed with a bit of fear. The height was astounding and I could see for miles. I felt like I could touch the clouds. As I marveled over the peaks and cliffs I thought about how much God loves his children. He fashioned this world for his beloved family. We are all brothers and sisters here upon this earth and all God wants is for us to love one another.

I sat and watched fellow hikers hold to the chain and ascend the last bit of the rise. Some were very careful and walked with fear and trepidation. Others were more brave-hearted and confident with their ability to maneuver the path.
I didn’t know any of those people and many of them spoke a different language than me. However, I found myself feeling great concern for their safety. I wanted them to observe and watch carefully where they placed themselves so they wouldn’t fall into danger. I wanted them to cling to the iron chain in order to avoid plummeting down into the chasm below. I feared for them and also fervently hoped for their success.

The thought struck me that this is what God means when he says to love one another. We must deeply care about others and their safety--- physically but more importantly spiritually--- as if it is a matter of life and death. We are our brother’s keeper and need to be continually helping one another along the path of life. On that day, I didn’t know a soul, but I cared for their soul.

As fellow travelers on the same journey, we need to warn our neighbors of the rocks in the way, of unseen dangers, and to plead with them to keep on the path. When we finally arrive on the pinnacle of Angels Landing touching the clouds and rejoicing in the glorious vistas, I know the perilous crossing into the land of Zion will have been worth it.

Parable of the Recipe

Parable of the Recipe

I love to read recipe books. I enjoy scanning the list of ingredients and perusing the instructions on how to create a culinary delight. I especially love bread recipes, because bread is one of my most favorite things to make. While bread is baking, it fills the house with a delicious aroma, warms the kitchen, and it is enjoyed by all. However, no matter how many recipe books I read, I will never be fed or nourished until the ingredients are prepared and the food consumed. A hunger will inevitably remain unless time is taken to gather the flour and yeast and then make it according to instruction. While reading recipe books, I have thought about how this is like the word of God in my life. In the scriptures, Jesus Christ says that he is the Bread of Life. Am I partaking of this life giving nourishment?


Reading the scriptures, but not pausing to ponder them is like scanning a great recipe. It is but a fleeting thought in the mind. However, if a moment is taken to examine the words and really think about them, then I begin to gain an understanding and a sense of what the recipe will be like. I start to picture the blending of ingredients and my thoughts go to work on what this recipe will actually become--- a wholesome loaf of bread. The gathering and mixing will require me to pay attention to the directions given if I want the recipe to turn out as planned. Preparation, work, and getting a little messy are part of the process. As the bread is kneaded it starts to take shape. Then it is molded and left to rise in a warm place. As I imagine the loaf in the oven, my sense of smell is awakened and I think about the delicious aroma that will permeate my home as it bakes. By spending some time and really thinking about this recipe, I am inspired to make the necessary effort to get up and go to work in order to complete it because I know it will be good. It takes energy and time to prepare but the joy of watching the bread being eaten by my family makes everything worth it. I know they are enjoying the food and are being fed by something good.


However, no matter how wonderfully the bread is prepared, how delicious it may smell, or how great it looks, it will not nourish if it is not eaten. I must partake of the bread along with my family in order to be nurtured it. The bread fills my hunger and my soul. It changes the feelings of hunger into satisfaction and with that, the desire to go and share this bread with others. This bread becomes part of my nature and also changes my nature in an enriching way. This is how we can become like Christ and have his qualities change our souls. We must ponder his life, be nourished by his words, partake of his ordinances, and therefore an absorbing change will be wrought by the miracle of the atonement.


I am the Bread of Life, said Jesus. He will sustain and nourish our souls if we will believe in Him and partake of His offerings. I believe this is the grandest recipe ever written.