Hello

(This is a letter from Ben to heidi and I. I'm putting it here as its not for wide distribution)

Just sending this a bit early as a note of encouragement. I ran across this verse in 1 Nephi this week:

And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.

I think this verse is very applicable to our lives, and it demonstrates the reality of the power of prayer. Nephi was referring to a literal storm, but the principle of prayer covers a much larger spectrum. Through it, the "storms" that we encounter every day can be calmed. 

I've come to realize that this "calming of the storm" in our lives is not the same thing as being immediately delivered from our trials, but it does mean that we can be given the blessings of peace, and of assurance that our Heavenly Father is aware of us, and that he knows what is best for us and is simply waiting to bestow those blessings according to our faith.

So, sorry it that was a bit too righteous for you. Not to worry, my usual letter is still to come.

Ben