October 9, 2010

I read Alma chapter 33. The people are asking him more details about how they can plant the word in their hearts and what it is. He uses the existing scriptures to teach them that it is through constant, daily prayer, and through scripture study that they can do so. The thing I love most about this chapter is when he reminds them of Moses and when he lifted the serpent on the stake and all the people had to do to be healed was to look at it. But even with how simple that was, many wouldn't even look at it because they didn't believe it would heal them. Their unbelief kept them from performing an amazingly simple and easy task that would have saved their lives. This illustrates to me the vitalness of my choice to believe. When I choose to believe, it is easy to obey and do the things that will bring healing and wholeness to me. But with disbelief, I perish. I want to always, always be a believer. I want to always choose to believe and then subsequently be obedient. I trust in the Lord. I will keep the faith.

August 8, 2010

Tonight I read an Ensign article called He Can Heal Any Wound as well as a few verses in Alma 7:11-12. The author of the article talks of how their two and a half month old son died on their anniversary as a result of their babysitter's actions. She suffered pain, anger, disappointment and hopelessness for years afterward. But she eventually found healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It would be so hard to endure an experience similar to hers. When I read stories like this, I put myself in that position mentally to envision what my own personal response would be. I do believe, like she said, that "the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives can ease any pain."

In the scripture I read, I love this doctrine: "And He [took] upon Him their infirmities, that His bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that He may know according to the flesh how to succor His people according to their infirmities." There are many challenges we face throughout life that come about only "according to the flesh." I am so grateful to have a belief in a God that truly loves me and cares enough about me that He was willing to experience mortality along with me so that He truly could learn what pains I would face... so He could truly be able to offer me the compassion, love, and understanding to help me through my own individual trials.

July 9, 2010

Tonight I read Alma 15 where Alma and Amulek go to Sidom to establish a church. Zeezrom is there and is very ill. He is converted and baptized. The thing that stood out most to me in this chapter is about Zeezrom. The scripture says that "he lay sick with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness." I have, for a while, maintained a strong belief that our mind is greatly responsible for our physical health. I believe that it is possible for a person to heal by changing their mind and on the flip side, I believe a person can become physically ill by not changing their mind. The connection between our mind and body is one that has fascinated me for a long time, especially since mental illness has a history within my family and I myself have dealt very personally with the effects of it, ever since being a little girl. I am just so grateful for the Atonement and the plan of happiness because it gives me hope that I can always change. I can always become better.