Here we are, back into another semester. I'm taking a full load of classes, but I feel like I haven't even focused a whole lot on my classes because I am also in the midst of apply to graduate programs--talk about time- and money-consuming!

One of my classes this semester is focusing on the second half of the Doctrine and Covenants. A focus of the class will be to recreate for each of us the historical context in which the Prophet Joseph Smith was working and receiving these revelations. Our views are always tinted by our past experiences, which gives a challenge in understanding people from a different time and/or place. This is the reasoning behind our studying the background of the era. It is true however that while things written in specific time have application to that specific time, the applications across time and situation are almost innumerable.

This morning I was reading D&C section 103. Verse 36 says:

"All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers unto faith."

This must have meant something very powerful to the Saints during this time, as they had just been kicked out of their homes in Jackson County, Missouri, in which they had placed so much hope. I can't find a completely analogous situation in my life, but I still can find powerful applications for these words when I look at my own situation. As I look to the Lord in faith and prayer, and as I work diligently, I obtain my goals. As this must have given hope to the Saints in February of 1834, so the same words give hope to me now!