January 10, 2011

I read Helaman 5 which is an astounding account of a really incredible spiritual experience that happened among the Lamanites as a result of Nephi and Lehi's missionary work. At the very beginning of the chapter it says that those people who chose evil were more numerous than those who chose good. Nephi was weary because of all the iniquity and he left the judgment seat to preach the gospel with his brother because of what he remembered his father teaching them. I wonder if, in our country, I will live to see a day when there are more who are choosing evil rather than good. I really admire Nephi and Lehi's example of their decision to dedicate their lives to missionary work. It is a reminder of what is most important. I am amazed at their success, especially among the Lamanites and those Nephites who had dissented. The two of them converted 8,000 Lamanites!! It reminds me of Wilford Woodruff in these latter days who was also an incredible missionary, baptizing thousands. But apparently there were those who were still not convinced because Nephi and Lehi were thrown into prison. 

I absolutely love the account of what happened to them while they were in prison, along with about 300 Lamanite and Nephite dissenters whose initial intention was to kill Nephi and Lehi. What stood out to me as I read the account this time was the way the voice of the Spirit was described. "It was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect milkdness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul" (verse 30). In verse 46 it says the voice was "a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper." I love the voice of the Holy Ghost and am very grateful for the times when I am privileged to hear this beautiful voice. It fills me with such peace and a wonderful thrill. It really does "pierce to the very soul."

December 28, 2010

I read Elder David A. Bednar's talk from Conference called Receive the Holy Ghost. He emphasizes that the gift of the Holy Ghost isn't just something we are entitled to always as members of the Church, but that we truly must receive it. To do so he suggests we must "sincerely desire to receive the Holy Ghost, appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, and faithfully obey God's commandments." In each of my prayers I always ask the Spirit to be with me. It is something I truly do desire every moment of every day. To "appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into my life," this quote stood out to me of what not to do: "Casualness about or the breaking of covenants and commitments, failing to pray and study the scriptures, and inappropriate thoughts, actions, and language cause the Spirit to withdraw from or to avoid us altogether." I think it's especially easy to fail to pray and study the scriptures, and it is absolutely critical to my spiritual well-being. I am striving to be vigilant about that simply because I want the companionship of the Spirit with me always. I am so thankful for that wonderful gift and all that the Holy Ghost does. 

Joseph Smith was quoted in this talk saying that the Holy Ghost "will whisper peace and joy to [our] souls, and it will take malice, hatred, envying, strife, and all evil from [our] hearts, and [our] whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the kingdom of God." I am so thankful to truly feel the absence of "malice, hatred, envying, strife and all evil" from my heart. It brings so much peace and calm to my soul and my relationships with others are blessed. I am so thankful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is a wonderful feeling I always want to be worthy of.

November 16, 2010

I used the scripture study box on page 10 of Preach My Gospel that asks, "In what ways is the gift of the Holy Ghost one of the greatest gifts we can receive?" From 3 Nephi 19:1-13 I read that the people, after praying with, being ministered by and taught by Christ's disciples, their greatest desire was to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This illustrates its value and worth. In John 3:5 I rad that we have to be "born of the Spirit" to enter the kingdom of God. In John 14:26 I read that the Holy Ghost will bring things to our remembrance and that he will teach us all things. In D&C 45:56-57 I read that by having the Holy Ghost as a guide and by following Him, we won't be deceived. And in Galations 5:22-25, it lists the fruits of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance." I love the gift of the Holy Ghost and I'm grateful to know that by following the Spirit I will be lead back to the presence of my Father and won't be deceived. I consider this gift a great blessing in my life because I feel the Spirit has helped me to learn and develop in ways that I never would have on my own. The changes I've made have helped me to be a better friend, lover, daughter, mother, and sister and I truly have felt the fruits of the Spirit blessing my life.

November 12, 2010

Tonight I'm using the scripture study box on page 6 of Preach My Gospel. It asks, "What is the gospel, or doctrine, of Christ?" According to 2 Nephi 31:10-21, it is being willing to keep the commandments, repenting, being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, enduring to the end in following the example of Christ, pressing forward with a steadfast faith in Christ, and feasting on his words. In 3 Nephi 11:31-41 it says it is repentance, belief in Christ and baptism. And the last scripture I read is 3 Nephi 27:13-22. The gospel is that Christ came to this earth to give his life for us so that we can return to God. His doctrine is to repent, be baptized, and endure to the end. I should be doing the things I have "seen" Christ do. I am grateful for my testimony of the gospel and my determination to follow the doctrine of Christ as well. I think the important thing to remember is that repentance is an ongoing activity... a constant turning of my heart to Christ. It isn't just a one time thing to do. I love the gospel and doctrine of Christ because I have felt the joy and love and peace in my life that has come as a result of living the doctrine of Christ.

October 14, 2010

I read Alma 34:18-41. I am really loving these sermons of Alma!

I love verse 28 that says if we aren't helping the needy, sick, naked and afflicted, that our prayers our in vain. They don't do anything for us. We must be charitable. I think it's also important to remember the importance of prayer in conjunction with charity. It's not one or the other that brings blessings, it's both.

I love verses 31-33 that teach that now is the time, this is the day to work out our salvation! I am so grateful for every day I have to be alive and to study and live the gospel. I thought a lot about my grandfather as I read the next verses that explain we aren't going to magically change into something we're not after we die, but that the same spirit that possesses our bodies when we die will go with us into the eternal world. The last I knew, my grandfather was still of an unrepentant spirit at his death. My heart yearns for him to repent. I know I'm not the only one who has that hope for him. Even last week, my aunt made reference to him on the other side and all that he must be working out. My prayer is for him to be acting on a desire to repent and accept the power of the Atonement. So many in our family have forgiven him. Every single one of his children was at his funeral service, something no one foresaw even being possible. We just have so much hope and love for you grandpa... please come unto Christ! This is the yearning of my heart.

I loved in verse 38 where it says, "contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but receive it." Isn't that what the natural man does? Resists and argues with those promptings of the Spirit. So I love this scripture. Just stop contending and receive the Spirit. The blessings for doing so are so great it's impossible to comprehend.

And finally, I love verse 41: "Have patience and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions." I couldn't help but think of my brothers and sisters struggling with same sex attraction. Please, have patience... keep the faith! I and many others, especially the Lord are here to support you and love you.

September 13, 2010

Tonight I read an Ensign article from August Ensign called Listening as Samuel Listened by Elder Walter F. Gonzales. I liked this article a lot and what really stood out to me is the repetition of the phrase: "speak; for they servant heareth." And that it was "only after he showed his willingness to listen... that the Lord revealed His will." He focuses on two ways that the Lord reveals His will to us: through prophets and through the Spirit. I really liked how he taught the difference between hearing and listening. "When we hear the words of the prophets, we realize that those words are the will of God and that we must be willing to follow them. Hearing the voice of the Spirit is more than feeling His promptings. It is acting according to those promptings." I love receiving and hearing the Lord's will for me in my life. I truly feel that He knows me and He wants my happiness eternally. I trust His plan. I love to hear and obey. It brings great joy to me.

September 2, 2010

Tonight I read D&C 27:15-18, a couple of verses talking about wearing the whole armor of God. I really love the symbolism of it all. "Have your loins girt about with truth" to me, means to have an understanding of my purpose, my role as a woman in the Lord's plan and to remember all of the wonderful teachings of truth enveloped in that plan. It is through our loins that we work together with God to carry out His purposes. "Breastplate of righteousness:" The breastplate protects the heart, and I believe that righteous living also protects my heart. It keep it open to the Spirit. "Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace:" Our feet are our mode of transportation wherever we go. Wherever I go, I will be protected by the gospel of peace and I should also be sharing that with the people I encounter along the way. "Shield of faith" which protects us from the "fiery darts of the wicked:" I believe faith really is a powerful protection. When there are any questions or uncertainties that can't be reconciled right now, I can be protected by choosing to exercise faith anyway and thus preserve my testimony. "Helmet of salvation:" The helmet protects our brain, which if our brain dies, we die. That is our life... salvation is life, eternal life. "The sword of my Spirit:" The sword is a defense and offense. We can use it to protect ourselves and do battle with. The Lord's spirit is really used in the same way. It offers great protection and also is a great weapon against any who speak against the things of God.

August 3, 2010

Tonight I read Alma 20, where King Lamoni goes with Ammon to free his brethren from prison. The fact that Ammon only receives the knowledge his brethren are in prison through the Spirit is amazing to me. He is also told not to go visit King Lamoni's father. I am impressed with the example of his exact obedience and of Lamoni's trust in Ammon's inspiration. And I find it interesting that Ammon and Lamoni still run into Lamoni's father and yes, he does try to kill Ammon, but it works out in such a way that he instead gains respect for Ammon and is willing to help him. This account illustrates for me the importance of being receptive and obedient to the Spirit's guidance. Because the Lord knows the hearts of each of His children, it is so wise to heed His promptings in relation to others. He keeps us safe and He also works through us to rescue others.

August 2, 2010

Tonight I finished reading Alma chapter 19 and was struck with a facet of this story of Abish and her actions. When she saw what had happened, she immediately recognized it for what it was: a glorious manifestation of the Spirit of God. Because she had been converted, she saw and felt the power of the experience and, "supposing that this opportunity, by making known unto the people what had happened among them, that by beholding this scene it would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people." I love her energy, enthusiasm and urgency in wanting to share this experience with others and I have felt that same way before. But the people we share with don't always see the same thing we do. She was devastated when she came back and realized that the multitude of people who had gathered didn't at all see what she did. In fact, they believed it was the power of evil!

It's at this moment that I learn the most. Abish, instead of running off in her tears and embarrassment because no one saw the beauty of what she had, she runs to the queen with faith and hope in her heart. The queen wakens and bears a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ. Then the king wakes up too and does the same. "There were many that did believe in their words" and "there were many who would not hear his words and went their way." But for those who believed, they received a change of heart and had "no more desire to do evil," they were baptized and became a righteous people.

This story, to me, teaches the importance of sharing, with everyone we possibly can, opportunities to feel the Spirit. Not everyone will and some may even judge it to be of the devil. That can be hard to hear and see but the lesson is to stay strong and don't run from the opportunity because when the Spirit is present, He will teach and attempt to reach the hearts of others. And we can never be the ones to judge who is going to be open to receive the Spirit's message and be changed. Our job is to share the opportunity with everyone and not be afraid if someone walks away from it. It is worth it for even the one heart that is touched.

July 31, 2010

Tonight I read Alma 19:11-19. In this account King Lamoni wakes up after having been asleep in the Spirit for three days. The first thing he does is testify of the Savior Jesus Christ and his testimony invites the Spirit so strongly that everyone in his presence sinks to the earth in joy. I love this account, especially imagining Alma's amazing feelings that are described in verse 14. This account teaches me to never ever give up on anyone and that anyone can change. That offers me such hope and belief in people's ability to change, as long as I do my part, just like Alma did. He is a fantastic example.

The other thing I love about this account is the example of Abish, the woman who had been converted to the Lord because of a vision her father had years ago. I love her response to seeing all of these people prostrate. I'm certain the Spirit was powerfully present... palpable in the air. And her first thought was for everyone who wasn't there to come as quickly as possible so they could experience the same feeling of the Spirit. I think that is a wonderful example of what someone who is already converted can do... think of others and bring them to experience the feelings of the Spirit for themselves. The Spirit is the most powerful teacher and testifier of truth.

July 25, 2010

Tonight I read an article in the June 2010 Ensign by David A. Bednar. It is from a CES fireside at BYU Idaho in 2009 called Things As They Really Are. I loved this talk a lot. In fact, I first heard reference to it at a BYU women's conference back in April and I went home and read it then. This time reading it, there were a couple of things that really stood out to me in a new light. The first is this quote: "When any of Heavenly Father's children misuse their physical tabernacles by violating the law of chastity, by using drugs and addictive substances, by disfiguring or defacing themselves, or by worshipping the false idol of body image, whether their own or that of others, Satan is delighted." (in italics is the part that stood out to me.) I felt moved by the Spirit to stop and ponder that statement. In that time, I looked up the word "worship" and I thought about the term "body image." I realized I had uncovered one of Satan's deceptions that had been planted in me. I have found myself saying lately, "I know how to appreciate beauty," as a justification for indulging in inappropriate "worship of body image" when I see a man or woman who appears beautiful by the world's standards. This act minimizes the importance of our physical bodies because I believe it is objectifying the body and seeing an object rather than a person... a truly beautiful child of God. I am very grateful for the opportunity to uncover this deception within myself so I can correct my thoughts and perceptions.

I also really appreciated the two questions he suggests pondering and prayerfully studying: "1- Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life? 2- Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?" Those are really great questions that will help me to manage my use of and time with technology and media so that I am inviting the constant companionship of the Spirit and I am enlarging my capacity to live, love and serve. This is always a good thing to think about and evaluate because it can be so easy to justify enjoyable and entertaining media and technology that in reality impedes the Spirit and restricts my capacity to live, love and serve. Great, great questions. Thank you Elder Bednar!

The last thing that really stood out to me was what he shared about the qualities of the rising generation and in particular, our capacity for obedience. I have really had my testimony strengthened about the principle and importance of obedience. Elder Bednar says, "Obedience is the principle weapon upon which the rising generation must rely in the latter-day battle between good and evil." I love that concept of seeing obedience as a weapon against evil. He also says that "Obedience opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost." What a fantastic tool and weapon obedience is. I loved at the end of his talk where he affirms that "righteousness will prevail. No unhallowed hand can stop this work from progressing." It fills my heart and soul with excitement, energy, joy and purpose those words and be reminded that my choice to live righteously and obediently places me on the winning team!

July 23, 2010

Tonight I read Mosiah 18:8-11 which shares Alma's words to those who wanted to be baptized. According to this scripture, when we are baptized we should feel ready to come into God's fold, be called His people, bear one another's burdens, mourn with others, comfort others, and stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places. I don't know if really felt all those things at 8 years old, but I know I did feel a love for God. And since then those desires have all developed in me. Now, when I take the Sacrament, I do remember that I "have entered into a covenant with Him that [I] will serve Him and keep His commandments." And His promise to me is that He will pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon me. I find it interesting to note that the scripture says "more abundantly," which to me suggests that He does bless us with guidance from His Spirit even before we do our part of serving Him and keeping His commandments. But we are blessed with it even more through our faithful obedience. I love the power and influence of the Spirit and every day I pray for that guidance and I do my part to be worthy to receive it.

June 7, 2010

Well, I didn't write yesterday, but I did read a chapter in the Book of Mormon from where I'm at there, Alma 13, before I went to sleep. I found it ironic that in that chapter was the very scripture I made reference to a few days ago: "Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction." Well, I just followed some footnotes around and discovered the actual meaning of the word "wrest." It means to twist or distort. I have used it in the context of the spelling "rest," with the idea that if I am not picking up and reading from the scriptures, it will lead me away from God. I am glad I followed this footnote because understanding this meaning of the word "wrest" helps too. It is an important reminder that the scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit and the meaning of them is not to be changed.

Anyway, today for my gospel study I am going to read in the Gospel Principles manual, chapter 7 on the Holy Ghost. There are two questions in the manual that I want to answer. Why did Adam and Eve need the guidance of the Holy Ghost? And how is our need for guidance from the Holy Ghost similar to that of Adam and Eve? My answer is that because we have been separated from the presence of God, because of Adam and Eve's choice, and because we have the veil over our eyes, we need the guidance of the Holy Ghost so that we can be taught by the Lord and sot hat we can receive a testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ and that we can return to live with them and be like them. I am thankful for the role of the Holy Ghost in my life. I am thankful that, like it quotes Joseph Fielding Smith in the manual, "through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten."

As I was reading some of the additional scriptures listed, I read Luke 12:2 which says, "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." (Haha! I wondered what that scripture had to do with the Holy Ghost and I just realized as I was writing down the reference that I had read the wrong verse. The manual refers to Luke 12:12 which is about the Holy Ghost. But I really liked the scripture I read and wanted to comment on it. I've always found comfort in this teaching, knowing that anything that I do not understand now, that one day I will understand. Another way that this teaching impacts my life is that I know that there is nothing that I do or think in "secret" that won't one day be revealed in the light, if I have not repented of it. So I always try to live my life, my personal, private life, honorably because I know that nothing will be hid forever.