Day 23: Attitude of Gratitude

We hit 26 weeks today....a day worth celebrating.
A mark we were told we would never reach.

The credit goes entirely to our Heavenly Father.

Psalm 40:1-3
"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord."

The Sunday School material this week included the story of Samson.
I have to share what I learned--love it. So exciting!
I am like a kid in a candy shop (not going to get the caramels though. ha, ha)

So Samson is an amazing guy. Yea, he wasn't so hot in the ladies department (or maybe that's the problem, he was way too hot. take note kiddos--listen to Mom and Dad, they know what they are talking about. Samson's first run-in happened because he went against the parentals counsel. anyway-moving forward); nonetheless, he led an extraordinary life, one that parallels the Savior in many ways.

For example:
1. He was born at a time when Israel was wicked and in bondage
2.An angel appeared to his mother, who had yet to bear a child, and declared that she would conceive, and bear a son
3. The mother told her husband about the visitation of an angel. The father would in turn receive a visit from the angel declaring the wife's witness to be true
4. The mother was commanded to remain clean (undefiled) while carrying the child
5. He was considered to be of Nazareth (Nazarite: a consecrated man) and it was foretold that he would deliver Israel from bondage
6. His name is associated with light (Samson: of the sun)
7. He partook of honey because it was what was available to him for nourishment
8. Those who sought his life could not understand his riddles/questions
9. He was bound with cords by men of Israel and delivered to those who held the people of Israel in bondage for spurious charges
10. Those who sought his life laid wait all night
11. He carried two posts to the top of a hill
12. He was betrayed for pieces of silver by someone who professed to love him most
13. He was offered as a sacrifice in celebration of the customs of the day
14. He was scourged and cast into prison
15. He was brought forth from the prison house to make sport for the people and placed between two pillars (pillar means a free standing, vertical support)
16. During this time he cried out in agony to his Father in Heaven
17. More were slain as a result of his death than by his life
18. His body was taken by his fellow brethren and buried
19. He returned home to his father after his death (Samson was buried by his father)
20. He was considered a threat and the people rejoiced at his capture

That's just what I saw--I am sure there are many more parallels that can be drawn.
So big deal--what is the point?

Alma 34:14
"And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal."

He is the point. The life that was first laid in a manger made of wood and last fastened to a cross of the same is the end all. Everything testifies of Christ, points to him.

I, like Samson have my weaknesses and shortcomings, but I hope this experience we are going through can point someone to Christ, or at least have them moving closer.

He is what it is all about...and I'm grateful for that.