December 19, 2010

Tonight I read a Conference talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard. It is called O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One. He attests that "Lucifer is a clever and cunning intelligence. One of the main methods he uses against us is his ability to lie and deceive to convince us that evil is good and good is evil." He is successful at his attempts with those who do not have the Spirit as their constant companion to help them discern Satan's luring traps. In this particular talk, Elder Ballard talks of addiction. He says that, "any kind of addiction is to surrender to something, thus relinquishing agency and becoming dependent." He points out the obvious kinds of addictions such as drugs and pornography, but also points out some not so obvious ones such as video-gaming and texting. I thought that was really interesting. And even if one falls to addiction, because of the Atonement, there is always hope of recovery. And it begins, as he says, with "fervent prayer." It takes humility, gratitude, faith, prayer and a willingness to turn everything over to Him. With all of those ingredients, "your body, mind, and spirit can be transformed, cleansed, and made whole and you will be freed." I absolutely love the gospel of Jesus Christ because of the hope it offers. No matter what happens, or what choices I make, because of the Savior's Atonement, there is always hope of freedom. To me, that is the most wonderful thing in the world. It means so much to me and I'm so grateful for this knowledge, especially as I am studying sociology and preparing myself to help others. It comforts me to know there is always a path of hope, no matter what situation or experience I encounter.

November 29, 2010

Even though it's a few days past Thanksgiving, I felt like looking up scriptures on thanks and gratitude because my heart has been full of it. I found a scripture in D&C 79:19 that says, "He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more." In the footnote it refers to Mosiah 2:20 which is the beginning of the segment of scriptures that makes the point that even if you give all the "thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess," and you serve God with everything you have, you would still be "unprofitable servants," because of how he blesses and prospers us when we keep his commandments. Basically there will ALWAYS be something to thank the Lord for. And by doing so, "in all things," I will be blessed with the "things of this earth." I love that promise and I love it because I can be thankful and with the blessings I receive, I can give even more to the building up of God's kingdom!

August 18, 2010

Tonight I read chapter 26 of Alma where Ammon is rejoicing in all they have been able to accomplish as instruments of God. His brother Aaron says, "I think you're boasting too much..." I love Ammon's response and his enthusiasm is inspiring. He says, "I know 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;" He says, "Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo." It is inspiring to read of their success and how much faith and work it took to attain. They were about to turn back and go home, their hearts were depressed when they were strengthened and encouraged by God to have patience and He would bless them with success. I really love the example of Ammon and his friends. It inspires me to keep patience in my life, to keep my heart focused on how I can help someone else come to know the goodness of God, and how wonderful it is to praise God for all His mercy and blessings.

July 20, 2010

Tonight I read Alma 17, the story of Ammon cutting off the arms of the Lamanites who were trying to scatter the flocks of the king. What most struck me about this chapter was the beginning which spoke of the sons of Mosiah reuniting with Alma, and then it flashes back to when they first left. I love verses 9-10 where it says, about when they had first left their homes to go among the Lamanites, that "they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God... the Lord did visit them with his Spirit."

The Lord hears and answers our prayers, especially when our prayers are in line with His will and His work. I love verse 11 also where the Lord tells them that by being patient in long suffering and afflictions that they would show a good example and the Lord would be able to use them as instruments in His hands to bringing about the salvation of many souls. I want to be that kind of example too and be used as an instrument in God's hands. I believe I can be patient and long suffering. I've learned that the key to developing that kind of patience is gratitude... expressing thanks for as many things as I can think of. I thank God every day for something. I am truly blessed and I see His hand in my life.

July 17, 2010

Tonight I read chapter 16 in Alma about how the city of Ammonihah is destroyed in one day. I was impressed by two things about this destruction. First of all, it reminds me that nothing is ever impossible. I should be grateful for every breath I take, every moment I have with my family and every blessing I enjoy, because just like the city of Ammonihah was destroyed in one day even though the people thought it couldn't be destroyed, I believe that at any moment in time, God has the same power over my own life.

The second thing that stood out to me is the missionary work that was accomplished after the destruction of Ammonihah. The people became receptive to the message of the gospel. Their hearts were open. I believe that people are more receptive to receiving the word of God after having witnessed a great tragedy. I think great tragedies help remind us of our insignificance and our total dependence on God and the fact that everything we've been given could be taken away just like that. Being made so much aware of our precarious human position, I believe we are more inclined to find hope through the promise of eternal life through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My goal is to try to maintain that receptiveness always, in good times as well as bad. I don't want to have to witness a calamity to remind me of my dependence on God and my need of a Savior.