Alma 36-37
Loved. Loved. Loved these chapters!!
I watched an Oprah episode this week about Ingrid Betancourt, a woman from South America that was running for Office of the President and was kidnapped...for 6 long grueling years. It spoke of the struggles she faced, and of the rescue mission that was put together for her and other prisoners.
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/How-Ingrid-Betancourt-Let-Go-of-Her-Fear-Video
Most heart wrenching story I've ever heard. Cannot believe she lived through what she did.
Anyways, I read these chapters after watching that episode. This verse stood out to me...that related to her experience...and I feel relates to me. It doesn't really relate to the questions you asked, Joni, but this was the most touching thing I read, so I thought I would just share my thoughts. I'll focus my thoughts on just ch. 36.
Alma 36: 27
"And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me".
Ingrid was tortured severely, ignored physically, and lived through some of the most horrific discusting experiences for 6 long grueling years. I want to read her book now after watching that. But she expressed during the episode once that she at one time felt that God had left her. How could she have to go through that...was He really there for her...
Often times I myself feel that He leaves me. I feel that because I'm having to endure a trial that is so hard, that He doesn't care for me...or else why would He make me suffer so?
Like Ingrid said in the show, she had to continue to have faith, even though she felt abandoned. She had to trust that something good would come of it. She said SHE was the one that could change her attitude about her situation...no one else.
I so much learned from that episode and from these scriptures tonight. What an amazing study.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Notice Notes
Help Them on Their Way Home
President Henry B. Eyring
April 2010 Conference
Just looking at the title makes me think of my profession. Even though I don't teach my students the gospel directly, I can indirectly teach them through my works.
LOVED this article!
I am not a mother.
Hope I someday can be...and have always hoped for that.
But I am a teacher. And I teach around 25-30+ students a year. Have done so for 9 years. SO I have had lots 'n lots of kids.
I always hope I am source of comfort and direction for them. Some of them I KNOW have fallen off the path--members or not--and it breaks my heart. I looked at my first year's class picture while my niece told me of everyone's whereabouts. They are all graduated now. Several....have not such a great life story right now. Seriously breaks my heart.
But these quotes stood out.
"I have seen how parents helped a daughter achieve her goals and dreams by noticing and appreciating all the good things she does".
"So, if we are wise, we will encourage, praise, and exemplify everything which invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost. When they share with us what they are doing and feeling, we must ourselves have qualified for the Spirit. Then they will feel in our praise and our smiles the approval of God..."
I've started "Notice Notes" with my students. Each day I put a note on a few students' desks of things I notice about them. Good things. And I try to be really sincere and honest about them.
Hope this helps them a little...and that because I'm trying to seek the Spirit in my life, and trying to have the Holy Ghost with me daily, that possibly they will feel approval of God in those "Notice Notes", ...even if they don't know a "God"...at least they will feel a deep love.
President Henry B. Eyring
April 2010 Conference
Just looking at the title makes me think of my profession. Even though I don't teach my students the gospel directly, I can indirectly teach them through my works.
LOVED this article!
I am not a mother.
Hope I someday can be...and have always hoped for that.
But I am a teacher. And I teach around 25-30+ students a year. Have done so for 9 years. SO I have had lots 'n lots of kids.
I always hope I am source of comfort and direction for them. Some of them I KNOW have fallen off the path--members or not--and it breaks my heart. I looked at my first year's class picture while my niece told me of everyone's whereabouts. They are all graduated now. Several....have not such a great life story right now. Seriously breaks my heart.
But these quotes stood out.
"I have seen how parents helped a daughter achieve her goals and dreams by noticing and appreciating all the good things she does".
"So, if we are wise, we will encourage, praise, and exemplify everything which invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost. When they share with us what they are doing and feeling, we must ourselves have qualified for the Spirit. Then they will feel in our praise and our smiles the approval of God..."
I've started "Notice Notes" with my students. Each day I put a note on a few students' desks of things I notice about them. Good things. And I try to be really sincere and honest about them.
Hope this helps them a little...and that because I'm trying to seek the Spirit in my life, and trying to have the Holy Ghost with me daily, that possibly they will feel approval of God in those "Notice Notes", ...even if they don't know a "God"...at least they will feel a deep love.
Catchin up
Alma 33:21
I love this phrase...
"O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?"
For me, right now, I know the blessings of a future family that He wants to give me are RIGHT THERE.
All I need to do is have faith and cast my eyes to behold them.
Alma 34: 35
Something really hit home today reading this.
"...if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you;..."
I think this is why sometimes I don't feel Him near me--He's far away/withdrawn from me because I'm far away from Him.
The best thing I can do to fulfill His plan is to be near to Him so that the devil does not seal me his....
I love this phrase...
"O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?"
For me, right now, I know the blessings of a future family that He wants to give me are RIGHT THERE.
All I need to do is have faith and cast my eyes to behold them.
Alma 34: 35
Something really hit home today reading this.
"...if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you;..."
I think this is why sometimes I don't feel Him near me--He's far away/withdrawn from me because I'm far away from Him.
The best thing I can do to fulfill His plan is to be near to Him so that the devil does not seal me his....
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Never, never, never give up!
"Never, Never, Never Give Up!"
Mary N. Cook-April Conference 2010
This was a such a great talk to read today.
Totally needed to read this counsel.
I received a priesthood blessing on my birthday last week...best present ever. I was told and promised some really great things for my 34th year. The best thing about it was that I came away with the feeling about my future...
"If you want it....you can have it."
And then I read this talk, and it just re-confirmed the things that I was told...and even gave me extra direction. I was told in my blessing that I needed to keep strengthening my testimony and doing what I was doing through scripture study. Made me thankful for all the recent studying I've been doing and pushed me even more to dig deeper and ponder and apply more.
I loved these quotes...they were direct answers to me in relation to what I need to be doing RIGHT now in my life...
"WHAT DOES THE LORD WANT YOU TO DO?
...be a valiant and virtuous daughter of God
...be dedicated to living each day so that you can be worthy to receive the blessings of the temple...".
"WHAT WILL HELP YOU follow the plan and be a valiant and virtuous daughter of God?
...gain a strong testimony, step by step
...seek the help of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, your family, and others who will support you
...live to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost".
Mary N. Cook-April Conference 2010
This was a such a great talk to read today.
Totally needed to read this counsel.
I received a priesthood blessing on my birthday last week...best present ever. I was told and promised some really great things for my 34th year. The best thing about it was that I came away with the feeling about my future...
"If you want it....you can have it."
And then I read this talk, and it just re-confirmed the things that I was told...and even gave me extra direction. I was told in my blessing that I needed to keep strengthening my testimony and doing what I was doing through scripture study. Made me thankful for all the recent studying I've been doing and pushed me even more to dig deeper and ponder and apply more.
I loved these quotes...they were direct answers to me in relation to what I need to be doing RIGHT now in my life...
"WHAT DOES THE LORD WANT YOU TO DO?
...be a valiant and virtuous daughter of God
...be dedicated to living each day so that you can be worthy to receive the blessings of the temple...".
"WHAT WILL HELP YOU follow the plan and be a valiant and virtuous daughter of God?
...gain a strong testimony, step by step
...seek the help of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, your family, and others who will support you
...live to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost".
Monday, September 13, 2010
This hit home
Alma 32
I couldn't help but think as I read this chapter today of my joy in the journey of being single, yet hoping for my dream to come true of a little family of my own someday.
It really hit home.
This is what Alma taught me:
-Arouse my faculties and experiment.
Be willing to believe that "he" is out there, and that God has that in store for me.
-Don't cast it out because of my unbelief.
Just because sometimes things don't work out with dates, etc...doesn't mean it isn't going to happen.
-Recognize when I feel that the seed is good.
Pay attention to times I feel great and positive about life and the future. Be grateful for those days!
-Nourish the seed with great care--don't neglect it. Have faith, patience, looking forward to the fruit.
Do everything possible on my end for my future.
-Reap the rewards of my faith, diligence, patience, & long-suffering-wait for the tree to bring forth fruit.
Realize that when the time is right, HE will make it happen, and that blessing will come into my life.
This chapter hit me like it never has.
So interesting how the scriptures do that. :)
I couldn't help but think as I read this chapter today of my joy in the journey of being single, yet hoping for my dream to come true of a little family of my own someday.
It really hit home.
This is what Alma taught me:
-Arouse my faculties and experiment.
Be willing to believe that "he" is out there, and that God has that in store for me.
-Don't cast it out because of my unbelief.
Just because sometimes things don't work out with dates, etc...doesn't mean it isn't going to happen.
-Recognize when I feel that the seed is good.
Pay attention to times I feel great and positive about life and the future. Be grateful for those days!
-Nourish the seed with great care--don't neglect it. Have faith, patience, looking forward to the fruit.
Do everything possible on my end for my future.
-Reap the rewards of my faith, diligence, patience, & long-suffering-wait for the tree to bring forth fruit.
Realize that when the time is right, HE will make it happen, and that blessing will come into my life.
This chapter hit me like it never has.
So interesting how the scriptures do that. :)
What a contrast!
Alma 31
To read of these two types of prayers just amazes me.
The Zoramites (inactive members of the church), on one hand, pray to God and thank Him that they are better than others...thank Him that they are His blessed people...and yet Alma, on the other hand, pours out his heart in humbleness to God for the people...asking God to "comfort (his) sould in Christ". Admitting to God that he is "infirm" which means, 'feeble; weak of mind, will, or character; insecure; lacking assurance; lacking self confidence'.
The contrast is just unreal.
I think prayer all comes down to humbleness. I think it all comes down to realizing that without God, you are 'nothing'...that His power is greater than anyone or anything. I think realizing those things makes prayer more meaningful and hearfelt.
I need to pray more like that.
And I'm gonna.
To read of these two types of prayers just amazes me.
The Zoramites (inactive members of the church), on one hand, pray to God and thank Him that they are better than others...thank Him that they are His blessed people...and yet Alma, on the other hand, pours out his heart in humbleness to God for the people...asking God to "comfort (his) sould in Christ". Admitting to God that he is "infirm" which means, 'feeble; weak of mind, will, or character; insecure; lacking assurance; lacking self confidence'.
The contrast is just unreal.
I think prayer all comes down to humbleness. I think it all comes down to realizing that without God, you are 'nothing'...that His power is greater than anyone or anything. I think realizing those things makes prayer more meaningful and hearfelt.
I need to pray more like that.
And I'm gonna.
Pure testimony
Alma 30
Korihor was a wicked antichrist who tried to force a 'scientific view' of possibles and impossibles on the people. I love Alma's response to him. I remember several times as a missionary getting into discussions with people who started to act just like Korihor...and I remember that the only thing I felt assured and confident of was bearing down in pure testimony against them. I didn't want to ever fight doctrine...I always wanted to bear a pure testimony with truth. For me, in my heart that was most effective. Always.
Just like it says in Alma 4:19...
"Alma...seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them."
No one can take away your own testimony...no one can say what you say isn't true--they CAN say it, but you can believe and feel what you want. And I think this is exactly what Alma does here to Korihor-when he asks him if he would deny again that there was a God...Alma then says, "...For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come." (v. 39)
Rereading this chapter reminded me of those simple testimony times...and reminded me that I need to strengthen myself spiritually. I loved hearing that encouragement at regional conference yesterday, and I can't say it enough..."Remember the spiritual experiences of the past that have solidified our testimonies".
Oh yes. I'm remembering them.
Korihor was a wicked antichrist who tried to force a 'scientific view' of possibles and impossibles on the people. I love Alma's response to him. I remember several times as a missionary getting into discussions with people who started to act just like Korihor...and I remember that the only thing I felt assured and confident of was bearing down in pure testimony against them. I didn't want to ever fight doctrine...I always wanted to bear a pure testimony with truth. For me, in my heart that was most effective. Always.
Just like it says in Alma 4:19...
"Alma...seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them."
No one can take away your own testimony...no one can say what you say isn't true--they CAN say it, but you can believe and feel what you want. And I think this is exactly what Alma does here to Korihor-when he asks him if he would deny again that there was a God...Alma then says, "...For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come." (v. 39)
Rereading this chapter reminded me of those simple testimony times...and reminded me that I need to strengthen myself spiritually. I loved hearing that encouragement at regional conference yesterday, and I can't say it enough..."Remember the spiritual experiences of the past that have solidified our testimonies".
Oh yes. I'm remembering them.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
What was once solidified
Alma 29
Missionaries can feel the same kind of joy that Alma felt as a missionary as they serve God. I felt that daily as a missionary. It always seemed that I was more aware of God when others that I was teaching or serving came unto Christ or accepted the challenges that we were giving, or were progressing in the gospel...I always realized how blessed I was and how God had His hand in the work I was doing for Him.
Something I heard at Stake/Regional conference today really hit home, so I decided to follow the counsel given. Elder Snow said, "Remember the spiritual experiences of the past that solidified your testimony". I started re-reading my missionary journals. I remember so much of my mission...but there are some things that I have stored away in my mind...things that were real testimony builders.
Such a blessing to do that today.
Totally strengthened my testimony...re-reminded me of what was once 'solidified'.
Missionaries can feel the same kind of joy that Alma felt as a missionary as they serve God. I felt that daily as a missionary. It always seemed that I was more aware of God when others that I was teaching or serving came unto Christ or accepted the challenges that we were giving, or were progressing in the gospel...I always realized how blessed I was and how God had His hand in the work I was doing for Him.
Something I heard at Stake/Regional conference today really hit home, so I decided to follow the counsel given. Elder Snow said, "Remember the spiritual experiences of the past that solidified your testimony". I started re-reading my missionary journals. I remember so much of my mission...but there are some things that I have stored away in my mind...things that were real testimony builders.
Such a blessing to do that today.
Totally strengthened my testimony...re-reminded me of what was once 'solidified'.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Much comfort and direction
Alma 27-28
There is a quality about me that I think sometimes could be a bad thing, and has been, yet it is also a strength I have in my life. In my patriarchal blessing is tells me that I have an open mind to people and to things, and that because of that and my love for those who seek me out for guidance and inspiration, I will give much comfort and direction. I truly know the meaning of this phrase...for I have seen it work both good and evil in my life.
What I mean, is I try to be a non-judgemental person when it comes to people that are struggling with sin and problems...I understand where they've been, I understand how hard things can get. And though I believe in justice for sins commited, I also am a firm believer of repentance and of the mercy of God...I know He is not some mean person standing in Heaven watching our every move and saying, "OH, I SAW THAT! PUT A BLACK MARK BY HER NAME!!"
And so, sometimes, in my quest to help others and to be non-judgemental and to be the best listener/friend to someone that is struggling, that strength has become a weakness for me, and has put me in predicaments where I maybe faltered in righteousness.
I'm working on that weakness, trying to make it, as Moroni testifies, a strength..."...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27).
SO the whole reason why I thought of this is because of what the Nephites do for the Anti-Nephi-Lehies in this chapter (ch. 27). They gave them a land of inheritance and vowed to protect them so they wouldn't have to take up arms and break their covenants with God.
"...and we will guard them from their enemies..." (vs. 24)
As I read that phrase, I couldn't help but think of a certain friend struggling with something. I've been a listener to her...I've tried to be a comfort for her and let her know that I accept her and love her just the same...I don't want my acceptance to become another weakness in my life, but I do want to be there for her.
I need to strengthen and encourage, and, as my blessing says, 'give comfort and direction'...but do that in the RIGHT way, encouraging her to be righteous, helping to 'guard her from her enemies'.
There is a quality about me that I think sometimes could be a bad thing, and has been, yet it is also a strength I have in my life. In my patriarchal blessing is tells me that I have an open mind to people and to things, and that because of that and my love for those who seek me out for guidance and inspiration, I will give much comfort and direction. I truly know the meaning of this phrase...for I have seen it work both good and evil in my life.
What I mean, is I try to be a non-judgemental person when it comes to people that are struggling with sin and problems...I understand where they've been, I understand how hard things can get. And though I believe in justice for sins commited, I also am a firm believer of repentance and of the mercy of God...I know He is not some mean person standing in Heaven watching our every move and saying, "OH, I SAW THAT! PUT A BLACK MARK BY HER NAME!!"
And so, sometimes, in my quest to help others and to be non-judgemental and to be the best listener/friend to someone that is struggling, that strength has become a weakness for me, and has put me in predicaments where I maybe faltered in righteousness.
I'm working on that weakness, trying to make it, as Moroni testifies, a strength..."...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27).
SO the whole reason why I thought of this is because of what the Nephites do for the Anti-Nephi-Lehies in this chapter (ch. 27). They gave them a land of inheritance and vowed to protect them so they wouldn't have to take up arms and break their covenants with God.
"...and we will guard them from their enemies..." (vs. 24)
As I read that phrase, I couldn't help but think of a certain friend struggling with something. I've been a listener to her...I've tried to be a comfort for her and let her know that I accept her and love her just the same...I don't want my acceptance to become another weakness in my life, but I do want to be there for her.
I need to strengthen and encourage, and, as my blessing says, 'give comfort and direction'...but do that in the RIGHT way, encouraging her to be righteous, helping to 'guard her from her enemies'.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
New scripture journal
I just finished my hand written scripture journal, and I think I am going to stick with the blogging journal for now. I like how fast I can type out my thoughts, and I love the look of my blog :)
Since I wrote last, my scripture study has taken off! All to the help of the little scripture study group on facebook that I am a part of. My sister Joni and our friend Meg started it, and I joined, and so far we have 7 members total. We read and then comment about what we read. Other things have been added to our comments/reading assignments like spiritual thoughts/songs/poems, Sunday conference talks, etc. I have LOVED this group. It has been a motivation for me to get back studying once again.
I LOVE the scriptures. I LOVE what I learn and how I change when I read. I LOVE pondering and thinking and applying again...it feels so good to be here.
Alma 25-26
The greatest chapter of praise to the Father is in chapter 26...I loved it.
I'll focus my thoughts on chapter 26.
I don't think that I could have read this chapter without thinking of my sweet memories as a missionary in Taiwan.
v. 9 "For if (I) had not come up (to) the land of (Taiwan), these (my) dearly beloved (chinese)...would also have been strangers to God"
I think of my mission and I have the warmest feelings in my heart. It's my second home...sometimes, feels like my first home. I don't know where I would be had I not served a mission there. It was truly meant to be and I am forever indebted to God for the memories and the love I have for that sweet land and its people. I have firmly rooted in me testimonies that I gained there...and even though since I've been home I have waivered here and there, I can always come back to my heart and remember, and recommit, and glory in the blessings I received there. SO many sweet memories and lessons....
At times I really struggled to learn chinese...it is what kept me from feeling like I could be successful many times while I served. I will always be comforted, like I was back then, when reading this phrase...
v. 27 "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the (Chinese), and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success".
So many times I heard that in my head as I served, and struggled, to be the missionary He wanted me to be...and to be affective. I couldn't have asked for a more comforting phrase...one He often whispered to me as a missionary, and often whispers to me today.
He does listen.
He does care.
He does know that the trials we are experiencing are only for our good.
He does want us to trust Him and to have faith in Him that everything will turn out right. And that if we have patience, He will give us success.
Since I wrote last, my scripture study has taken off! All to the help of the little scripture study group on facebook that I am a part of. My sister Joni and our friend Meg started it, and I joined, and so far we have 7 members total. We read and then comment about what we read. Other things have been added to our comments/reading assignments like spiritual thoughts/songs/poems, Sunday conference talks, etc. I have LOVED this group. It has been a motivation for me to get back studying once again.
I LOVE the scriptures. I LOVE what I learn and how I change when I read. I LOVE pondering and thinking and applying again...it feels so good to be here.
Alma 25-26
The greatest chapter of praise to the Father is in chapter 26...I loved it.
I'll focus my thoughts on chapter 26.
I don't think that I could have read this chapter without thinking of my sweet memories as a missionary in Taiwan.
v. 9 "For if (I) had not come up (to) the land of (Taiwan), these (my) dearly beloved (chinese)...would also have been strangers to God"
I think of my mission and I have the warmest feelings in my heart. It's my second home...sometimes, feels like my first home. I don't know where I would be had I not served a mission there. It was truly meant to be and I am forever indebted to God for the memories and the love I have for that sweet land and its people. I have firmly rooted in me testimonies that I gained there...and even though since I've been home I have waivered here and there, I can always come back to my heart and remember, and recommit, and glory in the blessings I received there. SO many sweet memories and lessons....
At times I really struggled to learn chinese...it is what kept me from feeling like I could be successful many times while I served. I will always be comforted, like I was back then, when reading this phrase...
v. 27 "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the (Chinese), and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success".
So many times I heard that in my head as I served, and struggled, to be the missionary He wanted me to be...and to be affective. I couldn't have asked for a more comforting phrase...one He often whispered to me as a missionary, and often whispers to me today.
He does listen.
He does care.
He does know that the trials we are experiencing are only for our good.
He does want us to trust Him and to have faith in Him that everything will turn out right. And that if we have patience, He will give us success.
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