"Continue in Patience", Elder Uchtdorf, April Conference, 2010.
My most favorite quote of this whole talk:
"(Patience) means staying with something and doing all that we can--working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring, it is enduring well".
I was told in a blessing a few years ago that I had delayed my future.
Hearing that really made me step back and try to figure out what I needed to do.
Often times I wonder why the Lord has waited so long for me and is still waiting for me to give me that blessing of being a wife and a mother. And I know that I need to learn some more things.
And I'm ok with that.
That's why I loved this quote so much.
Because it challenges me to work, hope, and have faith--even when the innermost desire of my heart is delayed. And instead of enduring my trial right now...I am living through it, learning by it, and hoping for it.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Still carry on
Helaman 6
I couldn't help but think of a chain while reading this chapter.
I remember in my missionary homecoming talk I spoke of life as a chain, and I brought a visual chain link I had made out of construction paper. I spoke of our ancestry and our posterity. I spoke of the importance of staying strong so that the chain did not break.
As I read this chapter and was reminded of the Gadianton robbers and their secret works...and how those works kept affecting their posterities...
"Yea, it is that same being who put it into the heart of Gadianton to still carry on the work of darkness...and behold, it is he who is the author of all sin...he doth carry on his works of darkness and secret murder, and doth hand down their plots, and their oaths, and their covenants, and their plans of awful wickedness, from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men" (6:29-30).
...I couldn't help but think of the chains of abuse.
All it takes is for one person who has been abused, to commit to not "still carry on" that abuse.
To get help, counseling, find peace.
To vow to never turn your rage from what has happened onto someone else.
To break that chain of abuse from going on further.
I completely understand this principle. And live by it.
I loved this analogy.
I couldn't help but think of a chain while reading this chapter.
I remember in my missionary homecoming talk I spoke of life as a chain, and I brought a visual chain link I had made out of construction paper. I spoke of our ancestry and our posterity. I spoke of the importance of staying strong so that the chain did not break.
As I read this chapter and was reminded of the Gadianton robbers and their secret works...and how those works kept affecting their posterities...
"Yea, it is that same being who put it into the heart of Gadianton to still carry on the work of darkness...and behold, it is he who is the author of all sin...he doth carry on his works of darkness and secret murder, and doth hand down their plots, and their oaths, and their covenants, and their plans of awful wickedness, from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men" (6:29-30).
...I couldn't help but think of the chains of abuse.
All it takes is for one person who has been abused, to commit to not "still carry on" that abuse.
To get help, counseling, find peace.
To vow to never turn your rage from what has happened onto someone else.
To break that chain of abuse from going on further.
I completely understand this principle. And live by it.
I loved this analogy.
Not IF but WHEN
Helaman 5
The biggest thing that stood out for me was vs. 12. As always, this verse gets me. However, today it got me in a different way...
"remember...that WHEN the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea WHEN all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you..."
This verse does not say IF.
It says WHEN.
That means, it's not a maybe type of thing...Satan IS going to tempt us.
We ARE going to have trials come our way.
The verse continues...
"...it shall have no power over you to drag you down...because of the rock upon which ye are built..a foundation whereon IF men build they cannot fall".
The IF really is an IF here.
IF we build upon the Rock, we can be saved from falling.
IF.
I loved this quote I had written in my margin of chapter 5:
"The great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return to our Heavenly Home" (Elder Eyring, 2005 Nov Ensign, p. 38).
What are some of the mighty winds and storms that Satan sends upon me?
Discouragement about my weight and my looks, loneliness, not ever dating, money, etc.
How can Christ help me withstand these winds and storms?
Totally and completely cleave to Him.
Seek Him.
Love Him.
Learn of Him.
Be committed to Him.
The biggest thing that stood out for me was vs. 12. As always, this verse gets me. However, today it got me in a different way...
"remember...that WHEN the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea WHEN all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you..."
This verse does not say IF.
It says WHEN.
That means, it's not a maybe type of thing...Satan IS going to tempt us.
We ARE going to have trials come our way.
The verse continues...
"...it shall have no power over you to drag you down...because of the rock upon which ye are built..a foundation whereon IF men build they cannot fall".
The IF really is an IF here.
IF we build upon the Rock, we can be saved from falling.
IF.
I loved this quote I had written in my margin of chapter 5:
"The great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return to our Heavenly Home" (Elder Eyring, 2005 Nov Ensign, p. 38).
What are some of the mighty winds and storms that Satan sends upon me?
Discouragement about my weight and my looks, loneliness, not ever dating, money, etc.
How can Christ help me withstand these winds and storms?
Totally and completely cleave to Him.
Seek Him.
Love Him.
Learn of Him.
Be committed to Him.
In the space of not many years
Helaman 4
"...thus they had become weak, because of their transgression, in the space of not many years" (4:26).
How quick we fall.
Isn't that how it is in this world?
And not just looking at the world as a whole...I think of me in my own little life...how I fall so quickly--whether it be righteousness, physical goals I set, To-Do-Lists I make, etc...it seems like "in the space of not many days/minutes" I seem to fall.
That must mean that I need to have a GREATER dependence on God.
Because I just can't do it on my own.
Life gets too hard.
I'm too weak.
My strength is not enough to handle the daily things I do.
"And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten..." (4:13).
Rereading this verse (Alma 26:12) really hit home as I compared it to the references that stood out to me in this chapter:
"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things...".
"...thus they had become weak, because of their transgression, in the space of not many years" (4:26).
How quick we fall.
Isn't that how it is in this world?
And not just looking at the world as a whole...I think of me in my own little life...how I fall so quickly--whether it be righteousness, physical goals I set, To-Do-Lists I make, etc...it seems like "in the space of not many days/minutes" I seem to fall.
That must mean that I need to have a GREATER dependence on God.
Because I just can't do it on my own.
Life gets too hard.
I'm too weak.
My strength is not enough to handle the daily things I do.
"And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten..." (4:13).
Rereading this verse (Alma 26:12) really hit home as I compared it to the references that stood out to me in this chapter:
"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things...".
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Blueprints
Helaman 3
So many times in the scriptures we are given solid blueprints for what we are to do. This chapter is one of them.
"Thus we see that the Lord is merciful...to all who will...
CALL UPON HIS HOLY NAME".
"Thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all who will
BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST".
"...we see that whosoever will, may
LAY HOLD UPON THE WORD OF GOD..."
...............
"AND (THIS WILL) LAND THEIR SOULS...AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD..."
(3:27-30)
So, there we have it.
Pray to Him.
Believe in Him.
Read of Him.
And we will therefore RETURN to Him.
Gosh, I have lots to do to make those things happen.
But it just takes one step.
Today, I've read of Him.
Now I need to get on track with praying to Him and believing in Him.
So many times in the scriptures we are given solid blueprints for what we are to do. This chapter is one of them.
"Thus we see that the Lord is merciful...to all who will...
CALL UPON HIS HOLY NAME".
"Thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all who will
BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST".
"...we see that whosoever will, may
LAY HOLD UPON THE WORD OF GOD..."
...............
"AND (THIS WILL) LAND THEIR SOULS...AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD..."
(3:27-30)
So, there we have it.
Pray to Him.
Believe in Him.
Read of Him.
And we will therefore RETURN to Him.
Gosh, I have lots to do to make those things happen.
But it just takes one step.
Today, I've read of Him.
Now I need to get on track with praying to Him and believing in Him.
Rash decisions.
Helaman 1-2
Something struck me as I was reading these chapters about war.
How quick and rash we make decisions.
Sometimes when we make them to quick, it is to our detriment.
But when we take the time to really think about what we are doing, right things happen.
In chapter 2, one of Helaman's servants had been out by night in disguise--and had heard of the plans for Kishkumen to come to the judgement seat the next day where Helaman, the chief judge was. When Kishkumen saw him the next day, and the servant gave him the 'sign', Kishkumen told him all of his plans...to murder Helaman.
"And when the servant of Helaman had known all the heart of Kishkumen, and how that it was his object to murder...the servant of Helaman said unto Kishkumen: Let us go forth unto the judgement seat. Now this did please Kishkumen...for he did suppose that he should accomplish his design, but behold...the servant of Helaman, as they were going forth unto the judgement seat, did stab Kishkumen even to the heart, that he fell dead without a groan". (2: 8-9).
Reading these verses just makes me think of how this servant of Helaman was not 'quick' to make his decision...he thought about it...he probably took all night to plan, and then the next day was very careful about how it was to be done. That this wicked man could be killed so he would not harm the chief judge. And maybe if he hadn't thought it through, Kishkumen may have found out that he was in disguise, and then killed him, and then who knows what would have happened after that....Helaman's life would not have been spared. A righteous man who brought gospel knowledge to his posterity. And then where would we be today?
And I relate it to me, right now.
I need to think things through more clearly.
Like what I buy.
Like what I eat.
Like how I spend my time.
Like how quickly I let my mind wander-sometimes to unrighteous things.
And how much I need to be like the servant of Helaman, and slow down a little.
Take time.
Something struck me as I was reading these chapters about war.
How quick and rash we make decisions.
Sometimes when we make them to quick, it is to our detriment.
But when we take the time to really think about what we are doing, right things happen.
In chapter 2, one of Helaman's servants had been out by night in disguise--and had heard of the plans for Kishkumen to come to the judgement seat the next day where Helaman, the chief judge was. When Kishkumen saw him the next day, and the servant gave him the 'sign', Kishkumen told him all of his plans...to murder Helaman.
"And when the servant of Helaman had known all the heart of Kishkumen, and how that it was his object to murder...the servant of Helaman said unto Kishkumen: Let us go forth unto the judgement seat. Now this did please Kishkumen...for he did suppose that he should accomplish his design, but behold...the servant of Helaman, as they were going forth unto the judgement seat, did stab Kishkumen even to the heart, that he fell dead without a groan". (2: 8-9).
Reading these verses just makes me think of how this servant of Helaman was not 'quick' to make his decision...he thought about it...he probably took all night to plan, and then the next day was very careful about how it was to be done. That this wicked man could be killed so he would not harm the chief judge. And maybe if he hadn't thought it through, Kishkumen may have found out that he was in disguise, and then killed him, and then who knows what would have happened after that....Helaman's life would not have been spared. A righteous man who brought gospel knowledge to his posterity. And then where would we be today?
And I relate it to me, right now.
I need to think things through more clearly.
Like what I buy.
Like what I eat.
Like how I spend my time.
Like how quickly I let my mind wander-sometimes to unrighteous things.
And how much I need to be like the servant of Helaman, and slow down a little.
Take time.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Whatever circumstance...
Alma 62-63
I've loved reading Alma.
Absolutely loved what I have learned.
I loved this in 62: 49-51:
"But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before Him".
"Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions, and he had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies".
"And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they did wax strong and prosper in the land."
President Benson once said, "When we put God first, all other things fall into place or out of our lives".
I really feel like when I am willing to be righteous, in whatever circumstance I find myself in, that God will lead my life...that as I put HIM in charge, my life will fall into place, or things I feel like I need but maybe don't, will fall out of my life.
I've loved reading Alma.
Absolutely loved what I have learned.
I loved this in 62: 49-51:
"But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before Him".
"Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions, and he had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies".
"And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they did wax strong and prosper in the land."
President Benson once said, "When we put God first, all other things fall into place or out of our lives".
I really feel like when I am willing to be righteous, in whatever circumstance I find myself in, that God will lead my life...that as I put HIM in charge, my life will fall into place, or things I feel like I need but maybe don't, will fall out of my life.
Rats in the Cellar
Alma 59-61
These chapters are by far the best.
I loved what I learned in 59: 11-12...
"And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost, he was exceedingly sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the wickedness of the people, whether they should not fall into the hands of their brethren. Now this was the case with all his chief captains. They doubted..."
I loved that it shows here how human these people in the scriptures were. THEY DOUBTED.
Just like I do sometimes.
But,...they never gave up. That's the lesson. That's what I loved. That's what I learned.
I also loved what I learned about not 'lashing' back. Moroni sends this sort of 'lashing' letter to Pahoran because Moroni's men are not receiving any provisions from the Pahoran, the governor. He censures Pahoran and in a way, 'blames' him. I don't think badly of Moroni for doing that...I'm sure I would feel the same way...he had to get it off his chest...but, my most favorite thing is Pahoran's response...
"And now, in your epistle, you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart". (61:9).
He could have responded in so many other different ways.
He could have yelled back, fought back, lashed back, condemned Moroni.
He could have thrown in the towel.
I love that he responds with love. And it reminds me to respond with love. To be a Christian. To not let my emotions run out of control and fight back when I am accused of something, or feel wronged in some way. My most favorite thought that goes along with this lesson is this...
I love this quote from C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity about the process of becoming true Christians:
“We begin to notice, besides our particular sinful acts, our sinfulness; begin to be alarmed not only about what we do, but about what we are. This may sound rather difficult, so I will try to make it clear from my own case. When I come to my evening prayers and try to reckon up the sins of the day, nine times out of ten the most obvious one is some sin against charity; I have sulked or snapped or sneered or snubbed or stormed. And the excuse that immediately springs to my mind is that the provocation was so sudden and unexpected: I was caught off my guard, I had not time to collect myself. Now that may be an extenuating circumstance as regards those particular acts: they would obviously be worse if they had been deliberate and premeditated.
On the other hand, surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of a man he is? Surely what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth? If there are rats in a cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding. In the same way the suddenness of the provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man: it only shows me what an ill-tempered man I am. The rats are always there in the cellar, but if you go in shouting and noisily they will have taken cover before you switch on the light.”
Mmmmmm.....loved that.
These chapters are by far the best.
I loved what I learned in 59: 11-12...
"And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost, he was exceedingly sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the wickedness of the people, whether they should not fall into the hands of their brethren. Now this was the case with all his chief captains. They doubted..."
I loved that it shows here how human these people in the scriptures were. THEY DOUBTED.
Just like I do sometimes.
But,...they never gave up. That's the lesson. That's what I loved. That's what I learned.
I also loved what I learned about not 'lashing' back. Moroni sends this sort of 'lashing' letter to Pahoran because Moroni's men are not receiving any provisions from the Pahoran, the governor. He censures Pahoran and in a way, 'blames' him. I don't think badly of Moroni for doing that...I'm sure I would feel the same way...he had to get it off his chest...but, my most favorite thing is Pahoran's response...
"And now, in your epistle, you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart". (61:9).
He could have responded in so many other different ways.
He could have yelled back, fought back, lashed back, condemned Moroni.
He could have thrown in the towel.
I love that he responds with love. And it reminds me to respond with love. To be a Christian. To not let my emotions run out of control and fight back when I am accused of something, or feel wronged in some way. My most favorite thought that goes along with this lesson is this...
I love this quote from C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity about the process of becoming true Christians:
“We begin to notice, besides our particular sinful acts, our sinfulness; begin to be alarmed not only about what we do, but about what we are. This may sound rather difficult, so I will try to make it clear from my own case. When I come to my evening prayers and try to reckon up the sins of the day, nine times out of ten the most obvious one is some sin against charity; I have sulked or snapped or sneered or snubbed or stormed. And the excuse that immediately springs to my mind is that the provocation was so sudden and unexpected: I was caught off my guard, I had not time to collect myself. Now that may be an extenuating circumstance as regards those particular acts: they would obviously be worse if they had been deliberate and premeditated.
On the other hand, surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of a man he is? Surely what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth? If there are rats in a cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding. In the same way the suddenness of the provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man: it only shows me what an ill-tempered man I am. The rats are always there in the cellar, but if you go in shouting and noisily they will have taken cover before you switch on the light.”
Mmmmmm.....loved that.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Assurances, peace, faith, hope
Alma 58
I love how the people take courage in answer to prayer here...
They pour out their souls to God...
And He gives them assurances that He will deliver them.
And He speaks peace to their souls.
And He grants them faith.
And He causes them to have hope for deliverance.
And they take courage and are fixed with a determination to conquer their enemies. (v.10-12)
I've been thinking....A LOT about my life.
How I need to change.
How I want to be my best self.
This chapter gave me all the answers...and it seems like in the past few chapters of Alma, I have gotten the same answers, over and over. Must be that God is trying to tell me something.
I was taught to
1. Be strict to remember God...PRAY, sincerely.
2. Observe the commandments.
3. Have faith in what I have been told...what blessings are to come into my life. (58:40)
LOVED my study tonight :) :)
How does God answer my prayers?
In what ways can such answers to prayer help me take courage?
I love how the people take courage in answer to prayer here...
They pour out their souls to God...
And He gives them assurances that He will deliver them.
And He speaks peace to their souls.
And He grants them faith.
And He causes them to have hope for deliverance.
And they take courage and are fixed with a determination to conquer their enemies. (v.10-12)
I've been thinking....A LOT about my life.
How I need to change.
How I want to be my best self.
This chapter gave me all the answers...and it seems like in the past few chapters of Alma, I have gotten the same answers, over and over. Must be that God is trying to tell me something.
I was taught to
1. Be strict to remember God...PRAY, sincerely.
2. Observe the commandments.
3. Have faith in what I have been told...what blessings are to come into my life. (58:40)
LOVED my study tonight :) :)
How does God answer my prayers?
In what ways can such answers to prayer help me take courage?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Whosoever did not doubt
Alma 57
These 2,000 stripling warriors are so amazing. So faithful. So taken care of by God...
"And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith...that...whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power". (v. 26)
I think the strongest faith that I ever had was while serving as a missionary in Taiwan.
I remember how much faith I had in God. How I knew certain blessings would come as we were obedient. How I knew God would protect me. How I knew things I promised to our investigators would come to pass...I had such faith in God that I knew whatever I asked for, He would grant.
During Relief Society today I was thinking about that faith that I had so long ago as that young missionary.
And I wanted that back.
I want to trust Him. Believe in Him. Have faith that as I follow, and "not doubt", God will deliver me by "his matchless power".
These 2,000 stripling warriors are so amazing. So faithful. So taken care of by God...
"And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith...that...whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power". (v. 26)
I think the strongest faith that I ever had was while serving as a missionary in Taiwan.
I remember how much faith I had in God. How I knew certain blessings would come as we were obedient. How I knew God would protect me. How I knew things I promised to our investigators would come to pass...I had such faith in God that I knew whatever I asked for, He would grant.
During Relief Society today I was thinking about that faith that I had so long ago as that young missionary.
And I wanted that back.
I want to trust Him. Believe in Him. Have faith that as I follow, and "not doubt", God will deliver me by "his matchless power".
They had been taught
Alma 56
Every time I read this chapter about the 2,000 stripling sons that fight in place of their fathers, I am so moved. I'm moved mostly because of their strong faith in God...and that it stemmed from the teachings of their mothers:
"...they had been taught that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them".
"...we do not doubt our mothers knew it".
I think the greatest example a child can have in his/her life is that of a mother & father. Things I wish I could have been exposed to, I wasn't.
I wish I could have seen my parents reading the scriptures...
I wish I could have once walked in on my mom or dad praying on their knees....
I think I would have felt more important to them...I think I would have felt more loved...I think I would have felt more secure with who God was at that time in my life, and who He is now at this time in my life. I think I would have had a stronger foundation of faith.
It's taught me that I want to be that for my own children someday.
Every time I read this chapter about the 2,000 stripling sons that fight in place of their fathers, I am so moved. I'm moved mostly because of their strong faith in God...and that it stemmed from the teachings of their mothers:
"...they had been taught that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them".
"...we do not doubt our mothers knew it".
I think the greatest example a child can have in his/her life is that of a mother & father. Things I wish I could have been exposed to, I wasn't.
I wish I could have seen my parents reading the scriptures...
I wish I could have once walked in on my mom or dad praying on their knees....
I think I would have felt more important to them...I think I would have felt more loved...I think I would have felt more secure with who God was at that time in my life, and who He is now at this time in my life. I think I would have had a stronger foundation of faith.
It's taught me that I want to be that for my own children someday.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Armed from within
Alma 54-55
A single phrase stuck out to me while reading this...
"...they were surrounded by the Nephies without, and...their prisoners were armed within". (55:22)
I've been thinking a lot about progression and blessings, and inner hopes and desires.
And it's made me make some inner commitments so that those things I so hope for can come into my life. I can't express how this phrase made me feel. It just reminded me that I need "protection without"... and to be armed spiritually "within".
What I mean by that is just this...Satan is all around me. Physically he tempts me daily. I need to protect myself from temptations that beset me physically; and yet I also know that he tries to wreck me spiritually...and so within I need to arm myself so I am not beset spiritually.
I need to place up walls of spiritual fortification...
Keep reading my scriptures and pondering.
Keep paying my tithing.
Keep going to church.
Keep living worthily.
Keep communication open with Him...my Captain.
A single phrase stuck out to me while reading this...
"...they were surrounded by the Nephies without, and...their prisoners were armed within". (55:22)
I've been thinking a lot about progression and blessings, and inner hopes and desires.
And it's made me make some inner commitments so that those things I so hope for can come into my life. I can't express how this phrase made me feel. It just reminded me that I need "protection without"... and to be armed spiritually "within".
What I mean by that is just this...Satan is all around me. Physically he tempts me daily. I need to protect myself from temptations that beset me physically; and yet I also know that he tries to wreck me spiritually...and so within I need to arm myself so I am not beset spiritually.
I need to place up walls of spiritual fortification...
Keep reading my scriptures and pondering.
Keep paying my tithing.
Keep going to church.
Keep living worthily.
Keep communication open with Him...my Captain.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
His Spirit to be with us
Alma 52-53
"And thus, because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because of dissensions and intrigue among themselves they were placed in the most dangerous circumstances". (53:9).
I once heard a voice loud and clear to not do something.
But I did it anyways. Out of "intrigue", I guess.
And it was dangerous, oh so dangerous.
I'm just so thankful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost. We are often told in the scriptures that we may have His Spirit to be with us...as long as we are living worthy of that. And I believe that. I also believe what this scripture says, that if we place ourselves in dangerous circumstances, we are not assured that the Spirit will stay with us.
Like this scripture...
"For the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man. And when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destruction..." (2 Nephi 26:11)
And this one...
"...And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you" (3 Nephi 18: 7, 11)
Would I rather be in a dangerous place, or a safe place?
I think the latter :)
"And thus, because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because of dissensions and intrigue among themselves they were placed in the most dangerous circumstances". (53:9).
I once heard a voice loud and clear to not do something.
But I did it anyways. Out of "intrigue", I guess.
And it was dangerous, oh so dangerous.
I'm just so thankful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost. We are often told in the scriptures that we may have His Spirit to be with us...as long as we are living worthy of that. And I believe that. I also believe what this scripture says, that if we place ourselves in dangerous circumstances, we are not assured that the Spirit will stay with us.
Like this scripture...
"For the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man. And when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destruction..." (2 Nephi 26:11)
And this one...
"...And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you" (3 Nephi 18: 7, 11)
Would I rather be in a dangerous place, or a safe place?
I think the latter :)
Moroni.
As I read tonight, (Alma 51-52) I couldn't help think of Moroni and his goodness.
He was appointed chief captain of the army when he was only 25 years old (Alma 43:17).
In this chapter he is around 37 years old. Just a few years older than I am.
And he is doing amazing things in this war.
And I wonder about me and what I'm doing...and what I need to be pushing myself to do.
And how much I want to be like Moroni.
"Yea,...if all men (and women) had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." (Alma 48:17)
Oh Moroni...
Teach me more...
He was appointed chief captain of the army when he was only 25 years old (Alma 43:17).
In this chapter he is around 37 years old. Just a few years older than I am.
And he is doing amazing things in this war.
And I wonder about me and what I'm doing...and what I need to be pushing myself to do.
And how much I want to be like Moroni.
"Yea,...if all men (and women) had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." (Alma 48:17)
Oh Moroni...
Teach me more...
Monday, October 11, 2010
Heed.
Alma 49-50
"Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God..." (49:30).
Heed=Notice; attention.
I've been thinking so much lately about trust.
About faith.
About belief.
...that I am deserving enough for a husband and a little family of my own someday.
I can't help but realize that there are 5 really important things that I know He wants me to work on so that I can have those blessings that are there awaiting for me...
Have more sincere prayer and communication with Him.
Pay a diligent tithe.
Fast every single month...about this specific thing.
Be more righteous.
And give HEED to the word of God.
That's why I loved this verse so.
I know things get rough and time gets short, and it's hard to read and to post daily, I myself struggle with it especially since school/work has started. I just find myself exhausted. But I believe what this scripture says, that there will be PEACE and PROSPERITY in our lives as we GIVE HEED to the word of God, daily.
I need to do this! Every single day! Don't miss a day!
"Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God..." (49:30).
Heed=Notice; attention.
I've been thinking so much lately about trust.
About faith.
About belief.
...that I am deserving enough for a husband and a little family of my own someday.
I can't help but realize that there are 5 really important things that I know He wants me to work on so that I can have those blessings that are there awaiting for me...
Have more sincere prayer and communication with Him.
Pay a diligent tithe.
Fast every single month...about this specific thing.
Be more righteous.
And give HEED to the word of God.
That's why I loved this verse so.
I know things get rough and time gets short, and it's hard to read and to post daily, I myself struggle with it especially since school/work has started. I just find myself exhausted. But I believe what this scripture says, that there will be PEACE and PROSPERITY in our lives as we GIVE HEED to the word of God, daily.
I need to do this! Every single day! Don't miss a day!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Once enlightened
Alma 47-48.
I love how these war chapters so relate to what is going on in the world right now.
My nephew's wife just up and decided she wasn't going to be a member anymore. She was baptized right before they got married, and then they were just sealed in the temple. Now she's just throwing it all away like she never had anything ever to do with it.
One of my best YW friends growing up got sealed in the temple to her husband that she helped convert. A year ago they asked to have their names removed off of the church records.
My high school crush and great friend whom I hadn't seen in several years just committed suicide. And in talking with his sister, I found out that he too, had left the church recently.
What in the world is happening...it's so sad. But it is true that once you have been enlightened, you are then responsible for so much more...
" Now these dissenters, having the same instruction...it is strange to relate...they became more hardened...yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God". (47:36)
It's strange how we all go through this cycle...even to a small extent. And it's interesting how the one thing that always seems to be constant...at least for me...the the forgetting God part. He seems to be forgotten a lot...
I want that cycle to stop. I want to be more righteous and deserving for blessings in my life...
I love how these war chapters so relate to what is going on in the world right now.
My nephew's wife just up and decided she wasn't going to be a member anymore. She was baptized right before they got married, and then they were just sealed in the temple. Now she's just throwing it all away like she never had anything ever to do with it.
One of my best YW friends growing up got sealed in the temple to her husband that she helped convert. A year ago they asked to have their names removed off of the church records.
My high school crush and great friend whom I hadn't seen in several years just committed suicide. And in talking with his sister, I found out that he too, had left the church recently.
What in the world is happening...it's so sad. But it is true that once you have been enlightened, you are then responsible for so much more...
" Now these dissenters, having the same instruction...it is strange to relate...they became more hardened...yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God". (47:36)
It's strange how we all go through this cycle...even to a small extent. And it's interesting how the one thing that always seems to be constant...at least for me...the the forgetting God part. He seems to be forgotten a lot...
I want that cycle to stop. I want to be more righteous and deserving for blessings in my life...
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Run & Rend
Alma 46.
This is one of my most favorite chapters!!!!!!
I LOVE this analogy...
Moroni raises the title of liberty to his people, and pleads with them to covenant with God...
"...and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them". (v. 20)
And then, my favorite part...
"...the people came running...rending their garments"!! (v. 21)
This has often made me step back and take a good hard look at HOW I keep my covenants...sometimes I half-heartedly do it. I want to "RUN & REND" like these people.
I want to be more faithful.
I want to keep my covenants better...love Him better...live my life better...
...that the Lord God may bless (me).
This is one of my most favorite chapters!!!!!!
I LOVE this analogy...
Moroni raises the title of liberty to his people, and pleads with them to covenant with God...
"...and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them". (v. 20)
And then, my favorite part...
"...the people came running...rending their garments"!! (v. 21)
This has often made me step back and take a good hard look at HOW I keep my covenants...sometimes I half-heartedly do it. I want to "RUN & REND" like these people.
I want to be more faithful.
I want to keep my covenants better...love Him better...live my life better...
...that the Lord God may bless (me).
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
All the times...
Alma 44-45
I often wonder what it would be like personally living in a war torn country...and just trying to rely on God so much for my protection and for my family's protection.
And then I realize that I do live amongst a war every single day...Satan tries daily to battle me and to beat me and to have victory over me.
I love that the Nephites in these chapters constantly trust that God will deliver them.
And I love their dedication to him after they are delivered...
"...they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy". (45:1).
I've been trying really hard lately not just to go to God for strength when I am weak...but to go to Him for everything...happy times, sad times...
all the times...
I often wonder what it would be like personally living in a war torn country...and just trying to rely on God so much for my protection and for my family's protection.
And then I realize that I do live amongst a war every single day...Satan tries daily to battle me and to beat me and to have victory over me.
I love that the Nephites in these chapters constantly trust that God will deliver them.
And I love their dedication to him after they are delivered...
"...they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy". (45:1).
I've been trying really hard lately not just to go to God for strength when I am weak...but to go to Him for everything...happy times, sad times...
all the times...
Death at every stroke
Alma 43.
I used to think the "war" chapters in Alma were really boring and hard to apply. But once I realized that life really is kind of like a war between good and evil, God and Satan, I started to think a little more deeply about how to apply it to myself.
Like this verse for instance...
"And the work of death commenced on both sides, but it was more dreadful on the part of the Lamanites, for their nakedness was exposed to the heavy blows of the Nephites with their swords and their cimeters, which brought death almost at every stroke" (v. 37).
SO many times, when I am "exposed" in any way, Satan's blows bring spiritual death almost at every stroke.
For me, this week, the blows were both physical and emotional.
I stopped reading the scriptures.
Praying.
Believing in myself and keeping to my goals.
And that is how he caused spiritual death.
So grateful that I have a renewed sense of zest (mostly due to General Conference!) and that Heavenly Father allows us to change every single day.
I love change.
Love that I can withstand Satan's blows with armor from God.
I used to think the "war" chapters in Alma were really boring and hard to apply. But once I realized that life really is kind of like a war between good and evil, God and Satan, I started to think a little more deeply about how to apply it to myself.
Like this verse for instance...
"And the work of death commenced on both sides, but it was more dreadful on the part of the Lamanites, for their nakedness was exposed to the heavy blows of the Nephites with their swords and their cimeters, which brought death almost at every stroke" (v. 37).
SO many times, when I am "exposed" in any way, Satan's blows bring spiritual death almost at every stroke.
For me, this week, the blows were both physical and emotional.
I stopped reading the scriptures.
Praying.
Believing in myself and keeping to my goals.
And that is how he caused spiritual death.
So grateful that I have a renewed sense of zest (mostly due to General Conference!) and that Heavenly Father allows us to change every single day.
I love change.
Love that I can withstand Satan's blows with armor from God.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Whosoever will...may.
Alma 41.
For me, one certain phrase stuck out...
"...whosoever will...MAY walk therein and be saved..." (v. 8)
I just feel like ever since I received a blessing a couple of weeks ago--my mind has been focused on these types of phrases. Just the fact that I have the chance to CHOOSE...and God is willing to grant me blessings...and all I need to do is choose them. Work for them. Live righteously. And every blessing I desire will come to pass. And it can happen THIS SCHOOL YEAR.
That's what the blessing said.
So specific.
For me, one certain phrase stuck out...
"...whosoever will...MAY walk therein and be saved..." (v. 8)
I just feel like ever since I received a blessing a couple of weeks ago--my mind has been focused on these types of phrases. Just the fact that I have the chance to CHOOSE...and God is willing to grant me blessings...and all I need to do is choose them. Work for them. Live righteously. And every blessing I desire will come to pass. And it can happen THIS SCHOOL YEAR.
That's what the blessing said.
So specific.
We love David
Alma 40.
I don't think I have ever had a lengthy conversation with someone about what happens after we die. I am sure I talked about it on my mission, but not to the extent that I really had to dig deep in the scriptures to teach them. And I personally have never really wondered about it...I just know what I have been taught, but it never has been a real intense topic that I have wanted to study.
This weekend, however, I've thought about it ever so much.
My good friend (and 3 yr. high school crush) David Dockendorf, committed suicide this week. It was the biggest shock of my life...and has been kinda hard on me since. I just can't come to grips with the fact that he is gone. I attended the viewing and funeral on Friday and Saturday. It was by far the hardest viewing I've ever been to. I hadn't seen him for about 8 years...I didn't realize that he had so many health problems and struggles. My heart ached when I saw all of the pictures of him and how much his body had changed...how the light in his eyes had gone. His sweet 7 yr old daughter seemed to take on his appearance totally...the Dave I used to know---bright eyes, happy soul.
He was injured at work several years ago and had multiple back surgeries because of it. Was diagnosed with Chrones disease, diabetes, and recently the doctors had found lesions on his brain which were causing severe headaches.
He just couldn't take the pain anymore, and shot himself.
Uhggg.
When I read this chapter, I couldn't help but think of him.
Funerals like that are really hard. You just feel sort of unsure of their standing and where they are. But I loved his father's words at the end of the funeral.
God loves David.
God is the judge of David.
We love David.
This verse hit home and I couldn't help but think of my sweet friend Dave.
v. 23
"The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul, yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; ytea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame".
http://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/article_12ba9751-12fd-58b7-96b2-77fb508b8b67.html
I don't think I have ever had a lengthy conversation with someone about what happens after we die. I am sure I talked about it on my mission, but not to the extent that I really had to dig deep in the scriptures to teach them. And I personally have never really wondered about it...I just know what I have been taught, but it never has been a real intense topic that I have wanted to study.
This weekend, however, I've thought about it ever so much.
My good friend (and 3 yr. high school crush) David Dockendorf, committed suicide this week. It was the biggest shock of my life...and has been kinda hard on me since. I just can't come to grips with the fact that he is gone. I attended the viewing and funeral on Friday and Saturday. It was by far the hardest viewing I've ever been to. I hadn't seen him for about 8 years...I didn't realize that he had so many health problems and struggles. My heart ached when I saw all of the pictures of him and how much his body had changed...how the light in his eyes had gone. His sweet 7 yr old daughter seemed to take on his appearance totally...the Dave I used to know---bright eyes, happy soul.
He was injured at work several years ago and had multiple back surgeries because of it. Was diagnosed with Chrones disease, diabetes, and recently the doctors had found lesions on his brain which were causing severe headaches.
He just couldn't take the pain anymore, and shot himself.
Uhggg.
When I read this chapter, I couldn't help but think of him.
Funerals like that are really hard. You just feel sort of unsure of their standing and where they are. But I loved his father's words at the end of the funeral.
God loves David.
God is the judge of David.
We love David.
This verse hit home and I couldn't help but think of my sweet friend Dave.
v. 23
"The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul, yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; ytea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame".
http://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/article_12ba9751-12fd-58b7-96b2-77fb508b8b67.html
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Examples
After listening to some of the conference talks, I got a feel for one of the main messages that I felt was pretty prevalent throughout the talks. That of being an example to your kids...to people around you...
Alma 39
In this chapter, one particular verse, vs. 11 says,
"...for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words...".
Little kids pick up on EVERYTHING. I know that as a teacher...they remember every single detail of every story I tell them.
I hope I can have better "conduct"...so that those around me are influenced by the "good" parts of me.
Alma 39
In this chapter, one particular verse, vs. 11 says,
"...for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words...".
Little kids pick up on EVERYTHING. I know that as a teacher...they remember every single detail of every story I tell them.
I hope I can have better "conduct"...so that those around me are influenced by the "good" parts of me.
AS much, even SO much
Alma 38:5 is one of my most favorite.
"And now (my daughter Karen), I would that ye should remember that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day".
I think I like it so much because it's kind of visual for me...it's like a scale...
AS MUCH as you put your trust in God,
even
SO MUCH ye shall be delivered out of your trials.
So as much as I want to trust God, that is how much he is going to bless me. I need to trust more, believe more, and just have the faith to know that HE has a grander plan for me....and I need to trust that.
Just the other day I received a blessing and it said this verse almost to the "T". I left with a feeling in my heart from the blessing that God has ALL of these blessings that I desire just waiting for me. And that AS MUCH as I just trust and be willing to believe, HE WILL give me those blessings that are just waiting for me.
"And now (my daughter Karen), I would that ye should remember that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day".
I think I like it so much because it's kind of visual for me...it's like a scale...
AS MUCH as you put your trust in God,
even
SO MUCH ye shall be delivered out of your trials.
So as much as I want to trust God, that is how much he is going to bless me. I need to trust more, believe more, and just have the faith to know that HE has a grander plan for me....and I need to trust that.
Just the other day I received a blessing and it said this verse almost to the "T". I left with a feeling in my heart from the blessing that God has ALL of these blessings that I desire just waiting for me. And that AS MUCH as I just trust and be willing to believe, HE WILL give me those blessings that are just waiting for me.
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