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.
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