January 6, 2011

Tonight I read a beautiful talk from the last General Conference by Elder Per G. Malm called Rest Unto Your Souls. Finding this rest includes a "peace of mind and heart, which is the result of learning and following the doctrine of Christ, and becoming Christ's extended hands in serving and helping other." I can say with total honesty of heart that I do feel such a constant daily peace in my soul. I feel such calm and comfort and I know it is a gift from God as a result of my willingness to be obedient to His commandments. I am so grateful for this gift of peace when there is so much confusion, worry, doubt, fear and calamity swarming around on every side. I know this is a gift I've received because of my faithfulness and obedience and I want to always be worthy of it. I want to spend the days of my probation being productive, improving upon my weaknesses, working hard, showing faith and diligence, and serving others. I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It truly does give me "the strength to stand tall and strong and to have [my] soul filled with light, understanding, joy and love." This is a wonderful, beautiful place to be.

December 30, 2010

Tonight I read an Ensign article from Jan 2011 that is a classic from Heber C. Kimball called The Potter and the Clay. I thought it was neat that he was a potter by trade. I didn't know that. I have heard this analogy before, that we are to be like malleable clay in the hands of the Master who will form us into a beautiful creation, and it is an analogy that I love. He said, "That man or woman who will not learn the principle of subjection, and become like clay in the hands of the potter, will be led astray." Because I have my agency to choose how I want to be formed, it takes faith and trust in God to allow him to be the one to shape my life, trusting He will make of it something better than I could ever create on my own. I do trust in God and I trust in His work. I will keep His commandments and my covenants, following His pattern and design. I believe my life will be the most beautiful possible by doing so.

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.

December 27, 2010

I read President Eyring's talk from Conference called Trust in God, Then Go and Do. There are some issues weighing on my heart right now. I want to do what is right. I loved this quote from this talk that says: "You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song and prayer... you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you." I want God to be able to trust me. I want to be one of His valiant servants. I want to be fully obedient to His commandments, even when it is hard, because I do trust in His promises. His promises are great for those who keep His commandments. Thinking of these things has helped me to strengthen my resolve to do what is right in regards to the issues on my mind. I pray the Lord will lead me in that direction and I can recognize His Spirit. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to prove myself to Him, to prove I will be obedient and that I do trust in Him.

December 22, 2010

I read a Conference talk by Elder Mervyn B. Arnold called What Have You Done With My Name? He talked of the importance of honoring the name of Christ in all that we do. He also used the example of Nephi and Lehi in The Book of Mormon, who were named after their forefathers so they would remember their examples and remember to do good. We gave our son his name for a similar reason. There have been many to bring honor to the name he carries and I hope he lives his life also in a way that will honor the great men who have gone before him. I also think often about the legacy we will leave for our children and for generations to come and I want it to be one of faith and obedience to the commandments of God. 

I really liked the story he shared of his wife's experience with cows eating wheat grass that helped her understand the purpose of commandments - that "they are protective - not restictive." Keeping the commandments can "save [us] from physical and spiritual death." And "the wonderful blessings of obedience are numberless." I love the commandments and am grateful for their protection. I know my Heavenly Father loves me for He gave me His Son. I want to always honor the name of Christ in how I live my life and treat others.

November 24, 2010

I read chapter 53 of Alma tonight. In this chapter, it talks of the people of Ammon who had made an oath that they would never take up arms again. With all the wars going on, it was difficult for these people to watch the Nephites fight to defend them and feel they couldn't do anything to help. They almost broke their oath, but were convinced not to by Helaman and his brethren. In verse 19 it says, "they never had hither to been a disadvantage to the Nephites." I believe that because of their faithfulness and example in keeping the commandments and the promise they had made, that they were a great asset to the Nephites by way of being a shining example of righteousness. And they became "a great support, ... at this period of time also" because their sons, who had not made that oath, chose to covenant to "fight for the liberty of the Nephites." The power of those young men was great and I believe that power came more from their righteousness than from physical strength. They are a good example of what true strength and power looks like: "exceedingly valiant for courage," "true at all times, " "sober," they kept the commandments of God and walked uprightly before Him.

November 21, 2010

I read Alma 50 tonight and the theme that stood out to me, as it has before, is that the Lord blesses and prospers exceedingly those who keep his commandments. It stood out to me that around this time "there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi." I believe this theme runs throughout the Book of Mormon for a reason, and that it is a message from Mormon to us in this day that the same applies to us. When we keep the commandments of God, not only does the Lord bless and prosper us, but we will experience great happiness. That kind of life, to me, sounds like one worth living. That is why it is, and is always becoming more so, important to me to be obedient in keeping the commandments of God.

November 20, 2010

I read Alma 49 which I loved. It is the story of the Lamanites actually coming to battle against the Nephites, thinking for sure that they had the battle won easily because they were prepared with armor and shields and they went to attack what they knew to be the weakest place of the Nephites. Well they were "utterly astonished" because of how the Nephites had prepared, thanks to Moroni's instructions. So they went to the next weakest city, swearing they would attack. The awesome thing is that was precisely what Moroni expected them to do, so that city was even stronger than the first. But because they had sworn to attack, they did. And all of their captains were killed along with over a thousand others, while not one Nephite was killed. Their success in preparation was because they had kept the commandments of God. I think this story is an amazing example of the power of protection that comes from obedience to the commandments and I love it. It puts a large smile on my face.

November 18, 2010

I read Alma 48 tonight which talked of Moroni's preparations while Amalakiah was attaining the kingdom. I really like the significance of the way Moroni prepared for battle. The most important thing he did was to fortify what he knew were the weakest spots. There he put the greatest number of men. I find that significant in relating it to the daily battles I fight against the adversary. He knows my weakest spots, so the more attention and fortification I put there, the more prepared and protected I'll be against his attacks. One way I have found to accomplish this is to talk with my husband when serious temptations are attacking my weak spots. Even though it is uncomfortable to talk about those weak spots, I share with him exactly what temptations are coming at me and I have found that after talking to him about it, the forces basically disappear from attacking me. Whereas if I didn't talk to him about it and just kept it quiet, I think it would be so much easier to give way to those temptations.

I also love the great faith of Moroni and his people. They truly believed in the promise of the Lord that if they keep the commandments they will prosper in the land. They completely trusted that God would reveal to them where to go and what to do to defend themselves adequately against the Lamanites. I believe that promise holds true today and have certainly witnessed the seeming miracle of our needs being taken care of always. Even in these difficult financial times we are still blessed and I believe it is because we keep the Lord's commandments. I plan to always be worthy of that great blessing.

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 23, 2010

I read a few verses in Mosiah 2, verses 31, 34 and 41. I really love 41: "consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God." There is the "keep the commandments" theme again, and it's in verse 31 too. In verse 34 it says, "ye are eternally indebted to your Heavenly Father." I think that concept is an important one to remember, to help keep my pride in check.

October 19, 2010

I read Alma 38 which is where Alma is counseling his son Shiblon. He begins with the same words he did to Helaman, "inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence." I would venture a guess that Alma feels this is the most important teaching he could ever instill in his kids, and I feel very similar. It is this knowledge along with a sure understanding of the plan of salvation that I feel are the most important things I could ever teach my children.

Shiblon is commended for his patience and counseled to trust in the Lord and to remember to acknowledge the Lord's hand in all things. I really liked verses 11-12: "see that ye are not lifted up unto pride, yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength. Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness." I think all of that counsel is still especially applicable today. The biggest challenge for me among that list is refraining from idleness. I waste a lot of time so easily. I know it is because I don't have clear cut and measurable goals set out for my days. I know I would be a lot more productive if I did.

October 18, 2010

I finished reading Alma 37 and came up with a question: how many times does it teach in the Book of Mormon to "keep the commandments?" I looked it up on lds.org and the search pulled up 36 references to it. I think there's a lot more. It would be a neat experience to read the Book of Mormon with that purpose of looking for just that teaching. I believe it is a foundational teaching.

In verse 32 I was struck by the power of one word. Alma says to Helaman to "teach [the people] an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity." The word "hatred" stood out to me because I have been taught to avoid using it because it such a powerful and destructive idea. Even now, I have a difficult time imagining hating something. I think there are a lot of people who attach their identities to "sin and iniquity" and would feel (and do feel) hated as a person by someone who claims to hate sin and iniquity. So what would a disciple of Christ who has a hatred against sin and iniquity do? How would their actions and words differ from someone who claims to dislike sin and iniquity? How would a hatred of sin and iniquity be a positive thing? The only thing I can think of is that it would cause that person to stay as far away as possible from committing sin and engaging in iniquity. This would keep them worthy of the companionship of the Spirit and help them to make righteous choices. I still don't feel comfortable feeling hatred towards anything. Perhaps I am lacking in spiritual understanding in this matter.

I really love verses 33-34: "Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls."

And I love how Alma brings up the example of the liahona and says it wouldn't work when "they were slothful and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence." He compares following the liahona to heeding the word of Christ. He says that both are just as easy, so "let us not be slothful because of the easiness of the way... the way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever." I want to always exercise my faith and diligence and look to God because I believe in His promises of eternal life if I do so.

October 16, 2010

I read Alma 36 where Alma shares his personal conversion experience with his son. According to Alma's experience, here is the pattern of being "born of God":

1. to recognize and feel the hopelessness of our situation as being separated from God because of our sins
2. to remember Jesus Christ's atonement performed on our behalf
3. to bear testimony of the power of Jesus Christ's atonement
4. to labor diligently in building the Lord's kingdom

Another thing that I noticed in this chapter was a phrase that Alma begins with in verse 1 and that he ends with in verse 30, and that is: "inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land... and inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence." This suggests to me the importance of realizing and remembering that it doesn't matter what spiritual experiences we've had or haven't had, our prosperity and our connection to God depends solely on our decision to be obedient to the commandments. I have chosen to be obedient and keep the commandments, no matter what, and I'm striving my best to do so.

October 13, 2010

I read a talk in the August Ensign that was a "classic" by Marion G. Romney called Unity. It was awesome, and especially relevant to the thoughts that have been on my mind lately. During General Conference this month, President Packer gave a talk that has stirred up a lot of discussion and opposition. The issue is that of same sex attraction and has been something I've been thinking about for some time now as I have watched my mom's evolution of her feelings and beliefs in relations to my sister's choices to embrace the homosexual lifestyle. I was deeply touched by a blog I read today written by an LDS young man who is absolutely stalwart in the gospel and who struggles with same gender attraction. His blog gave me a lot of hope and really has helped me to understand better the importance of choosing the Lord's plan no matter what.

This talk on unity was very powerful coming from this frame of reference and these are the parts that stood out most to me:

"Some members assume that one can be in full harmony with the Spirit of the gospel, enjoy full fellowship in the Church, and at the same time be out of harmony with the leaders of the Church and the counsel and direction they give. Such a position is wholly inconsistent, because the guidance of this Church comes not alone from the written word but also from continuous revelation, and the Lord gives that revelation to the Church through his chosen prophet. It follows, therefore, that those who profess to accept the gospel and who at the same time criticize and refuse to follow the counsel of the prophet are assuming an indefensible position. Such a spirit leads to apostasy."

The quoted scripture 3 Nephi 11:28-29: "He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another."

"Unity comes by following the light from above. It does not come out of the confusions below."

"The way to unity is for us to learn the will of the Lord and then to do it."

"The major reason for the world's troubles today is that men are not seeking to know the will of the Lord and then to do it. Rather do they seek to solve their problems in their own wisdom and in their own way."

Quoted scripture D&C 1:15-16: "They have strayed from mine ordinances and have broken mine everlasting covenant; they seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way."

"If we will study the word of the Lord as it comes to us through the standard works and through the instructions of the living prophet and not harden our hearts, but humble ourselves and develop a real desire to understand its application to us in our own particular circumstances, and then to ask the Lord in faith, believing that we shall receive, all the while being diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord, surely the path we should follow will be made known unto us, and we will be able to face the world as a solid unit."

I really, really loved this article. It helped to realign my thinking and to keep me anchored on the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life.

October 11, 2010

I read an Ensign article from August by Marlin K. Jensen called Those Who Are Different. I was impressed as he described the "ideal" that is created by our gospel "culture" and how "sometimes [the ideals] become sources of disappointment and pain for those whose lives may vary from the ideal." I loved that he pointed out that "as we work to resolve these challenging situations, it is important to recognize that the solution isn't to eliminate or even lower the level of the ideal." He teaches that we should all be striving ... "seeking" to keep all the commandments... "even if we sometimes fall short of the ideal." And that it is "an important aspect of our efforts to be Christ's disciples" to be "compassionate and sensitive to those in special circumstances."

In closing, he quotes the words to a Primary song called I'll Walk With You, which is a very powerful song. I remember clearly that as a child, this was my sister's favorite Primary song. And she has always emulated this pattern of reaching out to and befriending those who are different. I admire her for that. The song goes: "If you don't walk as most people do, some people walk away from you, but I won't! I won't! If you don't talk as most people do, some people talk and laugh at you, but I won't! I won't! I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you. That's how I'll show my love for you. Jesus walked away from none. He gave his love to everyone. So I will! I will! Jesus blessed all he could see, then turned and said 'come follow me.' And I will! I will! I will! I will! I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you. That's how I'll show my love for you."

This is a teaching that I really want my children to internalize from a young age and to implement in their lives. I believe the Lord needs valiant servants who are reaching out to "the one" and befriending them with compassion and being sensitive to their differences. It is important that every one of God's children feel of His love in their life, and I, as a disciple of Christ, am one of the biggest instruments that He can use to help His children feel His love.

October 2, 2010

I read in D&C 78:10-22 and really loved especially verses 17-22. In verse 17 it really struck me of how precious I am in the sight of the Lord. It says, "Ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you." I read that and think of my own little child and how little he understands of what I have prepared to give him by teaching him of the plan of salvation. And being a little child, knowing how much he is still learning, helps me to have so much patience with him and love for him. I absolutely delight in watching him learn and grow. Because of my own feelings as a parent, I can imagine a bit how endearing we must be to our own Father in Heaven. It really makes me feel so loved by him. I trust him and really believe he has my best interest at heart. He will "lead [me] along" and bless me with "the kingdom" and "the blessings" and "the riches of eternity" if I do the things which he has commanded. He wants to give everyone all these blessings of eternity, but to receive them, we must qualify ourselves. I don't have to know or understand all things, I simply have to be faithful and obedient. I find great comfort knowing He is leading me along. Being obedient to his commandments is being "a faithful and wise steward." And being so, I "shall inherit all things." There is such amazing promise in understanding this principle of obedience and this part of the plan of salvation. I am so grateful to know I have Heavenly Parents who love me and are leading me along, helping me to learn the things that will bring me the greatest eternal joy and happiness. I feel great honor at knowing of my divinity as a child of God.

September 20, 2010

Tonight I read Mosiah 2:34-41. "A state of never ending happiness." That is what I have to look forward to dwelling in the presence of God. It is what all those who keep the commandments of God have to look forward to. "They are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual." I feel those blessings in my life and am very grateful for them. My desire truly is to "render to [God] all that [I] have and [am]." I hope that I can be instrumental for Him. I try to live righteously and make the right choices, even if it's about something that no one else would see or know about. I am grateful for the gospel in my life. I feel blessed and very happy by living the gospel. I feel strengthened so much and feel like it really helps me to be a beautiful person through and through.

September 16, 2010

Tonight I read 2 Nephi 1:10-32 about Lehi's last blessings to his sons. There are a few themes that are repeated. The first is that if they would keep the commandments they would prosper in the land. The second is a pleading for them to awake and rise up from the dust. My favorite verse is 21 which says, "arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity." I love the idea of being of one heart and one mind. That is an ideal I am striving to work towards within my own family and hopefully extending beyond to my friends and community. I believe it is a powerful place to be that invites great freedom and prosperity.

September 14, 2010

Tonight I felt led to a hymn, When Faith Endures. The lyrics are beautiful poetry, just one simple verse: "I will not doubt, I will not fear; God's love and strength are always near. His promised gift helps me to find an inner strength and peace of mind. I give the Father willingly my trust, my prayers, humility. His Spirit guides; his love assures that fear departs when faith endures." I was thinking of my brother when this hymn came to my mind and I am moved by its powerful message, especially relative to the struggles he is going through right now. The scripture reference to this hymn is D&C 6:36-37: "look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. ... keep my commandments and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven." I love the simplicity of this counsel and the power of the Lord's promise. I love this gospel!