alma 43: 15 - 26
what can moroni's example teach us about how we can be prepared spiritually against the adversary?
--> moroni was prepared to go to battle. he spent extensive time and resources to ensure his people were ready. he fortified their cities. he made sure they had armor. when they were attacked, the lamanites were surprised by this. "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear!" you can never be too prepared.
july.30
alma 42: 26 - 43: 14
what do you think it means to let justice and mercy and the Lord's suffering "have full sway in your heart"?
--> it means to access to atonement and allow yourself to be healed of anything and everything.
what do you think it means to let justice and mercy and the Lord's suffering "have full sway in your heart"?
--> it means to access to atonement and allow yourself to be healed of anything and everything.
july.29
alma 42: 1 - 25
what does it mean to you to know that the Savior would willingly suffer in your place so that you can have mercy extended to you?
--> it means THE WORLD to me. i love reading about the joy that people experience in the scriptures when they learn about the Savior and His sacrifice for them. i feel the same way... so much joy and gratitude and love. "i stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me... oh it is wonderful that He would care for me enough to die for me."
what does it mean to you to know that the Savior would willingly suffer in your place so that you can have mercy extended to you?
--> it means THE WORLD to me. i love reading about the joy that people experience in the scriptures when they learn about the Savior and His sacrifice for them. i feel the same way... so much joy and gratitude and love. "i stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me... oh it is wonderful that He would care for me enough to die for me."
july.28
alma 41: 1 - 15
alma 41:10 - why is it true that wickedness never was happiness?
--> i've actually thought about this scripture a fair amount throughout my life, because when you look at people that are living in sin, they appear to be having the time of their lives! i watch people that are doing things that i know aren't right and wonder how they can be so happy, when i am told that wickedness never was happiness? then i stop and think about where i get my truest sources of happiness... it's through keeping the covenants i have made. there are times when i experience worldly happiness, but the happiness that comes and stays and is deeply rooted is a direct result of righteous living and correct choices. wickedness can never be happiness because wickedness is directed by satan. his main plan is to thwart the blessings of the Lord to His children. satan is miserable and wants company in that department. he can't have what we have so he does his best to ruin our chances of being happy too. the fake sense of security and happiness that comes when we sin is short-lived, and always followed up with a multitude of guilt and un-satisfaction.
alma 41:10 - why is it true that wickedness never was happiness?
--> i've actually thought about this scripture a fair amount throughout my life, because when you look at people that are living in sin, they appear to be having the time of their lives! i watch people that are doing things that i know aren't right and wonder how they can be so happy, when i am told that wickedness never was happiness? then i stop and think about where i get my truest sources of happiness... it's through keeping the covenants i have made. there are times when i experience worldly happiness, but the happiness that comes and stays and is deeply rooted is a direct result of righteous living and correct choices. wickedness can never be happiness because wickedness is directed by satan. his main plan is to thwart the blessings of the Lord to His children. satan is miserable and wants company in that department. he can't have what we have so he does his best to ruin our chances of being happy too. the fake sense of security and happiness that comes when we sin is short-lived, and always followed up with a multitude of guilt and un-satisfaction.
july.27
alma 40: 15 - 26
why is the resurrection important to you?
--> the resurrection brings purpose to my life now. i know that everything that i am choosing on earth will be a reflection of the life i can live after i leave this earth. knowing that i will live again with soul and body reunited brings me a lot of peace and joy, like all my work here isn't for naught, it isn't in vain, it will be worth it in the end when i am living in happiness with my loved ones close by. the gospel is good, and oh, so perfectly laid out.
why is the resurrection important to you?
--> the resurrection brings purpose to my life now. i know that everything that i am choosing on earth will be a reflection of the life i can live after i leave this earth. knowing that i will live again with soul and body reunited brings me a lot of peace and joy, like all my work here isn't for naught, it isn't in vain, it will be worth it in the end when i am living in happiness with my loved ones close by. the gospel is good, and oh, so perfectly laid out.
july.26
alma 40: 1 - 14
in what ways do these verses bring you comfort and hope?
--> these verses bring me comfort and hope in a way that whoever was asking the question probably wasn't meaning. i really love at the beginning of the chapter when it says "there are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. but i show unto you one thing which i have inquired diligently of God that i might know..." i love that we don't know everything right away. i love that we are required to ask questions diligently. i love that God is wise enough to reveal what we need to know at every stage of our lives in order for us to learn and grow and progress. i love that He waits to teach us until we are humble and teachable. i love that alma learned so much about resurrection after he inquired diligently. i've been thinking for the past few days about the importance of continuing my education throughout my life: both spiritual education and secular education. the best way to learn something is to ASK (a principle hammered into us at eagleU. i need to be better about asking questions diligently!
in what ways do these verses bring you comfort and hope?
--> these verses bring me comfort and hope in a way that whoever was asking the question probably wasn't meaning. i really love at the beginning of the chapter when it says "there are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. but i show unto you one thing which i have inquired diligently of God that i might know..." i love that we don't know everything right away. i love that we are required to ask questions diligently. i love that God is wise enough to reveal what we need to know at every stage of our lives in order for us to learn and grow and progress. i love that He waits to teach us until we are humble and teachable. i love that alma learned so much about resurrection after he inquired diligently. i've been thinking for the past few days about the importance of continuing my education throughout my life: both spiritual education and secular education. the best way to learn something is to ASK (a principle hammered into us at eagleU. i need to be better about asking questions diligently!
july.25
alma 39: 1 - 19
alma 39:13 0 what do you think it means to "turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength"?
--> in conference talks i've heard them say before that you can't have one foot in babylon and another in zion... that you have to choose one or the other and commit completely. i think a lot of times i say that i am turning to the Lord with everything i have, or i want to be turning to the Lord in that consecrated way, but really at the heart of my desires are things that aren't completely in line with His plan for me.
to turn to the Lord with ALL your mind, might, and strength, that suggests to me that it becomes your obsession... your every moments' goal and dream and desire. that everything you do throughout your day is in some way reflecting that goal to turn everything to Him. that is what true repentance means. turning your heart to the Lord so He can change it.
alma 39:13 0 what do you think it means to "turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength"?
--> in conference talks i've heard them say before that you can't have one foot in babylon and another in zion... that you have to choose one or the other and commit completely. i think a lot of times i say that i am turning to the Lord with everything i have, or i want to be turning to the Lord in that consecrated way, but really at the heart of my desires are things that aren't completely in line with His plan for me.
to turn to the Lord with ALL your mind, might, and strength, that suggests to me that it becomes your obsession... your every moments' goal and dream and desire. that everything you do throughout your day is in some way reflecting that goal to turn everything to Him. that is what true repentance means. turning your heart to the Lord so He can change it.
july.24
alma 38: 1 - 15
when has putting your trust in God helped deliver you our of your trials, troubles, and afflictions?
--> the best thing that putting trust in God has helped me do is to remind me of the eternal perspective and "big picture" of things. it's caused me to take a step back from whatever it is i am dealing with, and remember that 1. this won't last forever 2. there is something important i need to learn 3. my experiences can help other people 4. God is in charge, always 5. with greater trust in God, i will have greater support to overcome what i need to. #godisgood
when has putting your trust in God helped deliver you our of your trials, troubles, and afflictions?
--> the best thing that putting trust in God has helped me do is to remind me of the eternal perspective and "big picture" of things. it's caused me to take a step back from whatever it is i am dealing with, and remember that 1. this won't last forever 2. there is something important i need to learn 3. my experiences can help other people 4. God is in charge, always 5. with greater trust in God, i will have greater support to overcome what i need to. #godisgood
july.23
alma 37: 26 - 47
how has obedience to the commandments helped you? why is it important to learn to follow the commandments in your youth?
--> i love the connection they make in this section of verses between the liahona and the scriptures. verse 44: "behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land." we know from the story of the liahona that nephi and his family simply had to obey the commandments, and in their times of faithfulness they were shown exactly what to do and where to go. the scriptures will provide the same guidance and direction for us, as we are faithful and obey the things we are taught in them. i find i am much happier and at peace when i am strictly keeping all the commandments of God. learning to keep them when you are young is beneficial because it establishes those habits early on, and you are more likely to continue to follow them as you get older. you see repeated results of happiness and peace, and want that more in your life.
how has obedience to the commandments helped you? why is it important to learn to follow the commandments in your youth?
--> i love the connection they make in this section of verses between the liahona and the scriptures. verse 44: "behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land." we know from the story of the liahona that nephi and his family simply had to obey the commandments, and in their times of faithfulness they were shown exactly what to do and where to go. the scriptures will provide the same guidance and direction for us, as we are faithful and obey the things we are taught in them. i find i am much happier and at peace when i am strictly keeping all the commandments of God. learning to keep them when you are young is beneficial because it establishes those habits early on, and you are more likely to continue to follow them as you get older. you see repeated results of happiness and peace, and want that more in your life.
july.22
alma 37: 11 - 25
what principles can we learn from these verses?
--> i find great comfort in verse 17: "for he will fulfill all his promises which he shall make unto you, for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our fathers." this promise comes with a warning to heed all the commandments of God with diligence. i understand the importance of keeping the commandments with strict obedience, and also understand the blessings that come when we do so. i am grateful that we are given so many promises from the Lord. He loves us and wants what is best for us. trusting his timing can be hard, but always worth it. i pray for greater strength to do so everyday.
what principles can we learn from these verses?
--> i find great comfort in verse 17: "for he will fulfill all his promises which he shall make unto you, for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our fathers." this promise comes with a warning to heed all the commandments of God with diligence. i understand the importance of keeping the commandments with strict obedience, and also understand the blessings that come when we do so. i am grateful that we are given so many promises from the Lord. He loves us and wants what is best for us. trusting his timing can be hard, but always worth it. i pray for greater strength to do so everyday.
july.21
alma 36: 25 - 37: 10
what "small and simple things" have caused great things to occur in your life? did you realize at the time that it would have a great impact on where you are today?
--> one small and simple thing i have been doing in my calling as a relief society president is picking one girl in my ward to pray for by name every night. it is such a small thing, but has made all the difference in my calling and really in my life. it has allowed me to think about one girl each day and feel the love that her Heavenly Father has for her throughout that day. this in turn has allowed me to love that sister more and love all the sisters as a whole more perfectly, the way that God loves and cares for them.
what "small and simple things" have caused great things to occur in your life? did you realize at the time that it would have a great impact on where you are today?
--> one small and simple thing i have been doing in my calling as a relief society president is picking one girl in my ward to pray for by name every night. it is such a small thing, but has made all the difference in my calling and really in my life. it has allowed me to think about one girl each day and feel the love that her Heavenly Father has for her throughout that day. this in turn has allowed me to love that sister more and love all the sisters as a whole more perfectly, the way that God loves and cares for them.
july.20
alma 36: 1 - 24
what can we do to exercise faith in Jesus Christ so we can be delivered from the feelings of pain and remorse caused by our sins?
--> first, we have to remember Christ and all the things we have been taught about His forgiveness and mercy. then, we have to apply what we know about the repentance process and the atonement. as we work through those things and come clean before the Lord again, we are able to stand with confidence that we are forgiven. i can testify of the physical lifting of a burden after the repentance process is complete. but really it's never complete, repentance is a lifelong way to live - constantly seeking for opportunities for change and growth and becoming better. i love the contrast between the way alma talks about the eternal pains and torments he is experiencing, and the joy and light he feels after he is forgiven and dedicates his life to making amends. we can learn a lot from his example.
what can we do to exercise faith in Jesus Christ so we can be delivered from the feelings of pain and remorse caused by our sins?
--> first, we have to remember Christ and all the things we have been taught about His forgiveness and mercy. then, we have to apply what we know about the repentance process and the atonement. as we work through those things and come clean before the Lord again, we are able to stand with confidence that we are forgiven. i can testify of the physical lifting of a burden after the repentance process is complete. but really it's never complete, repentance is a lifelong way to live - constantly seeking for opportunities for change and growth and becoming better. i love the contrast between the way alma talks about the eternal pains and torments he is experiencing, and the joy and light he feels after he is forgiven and dedicates his life to making amends. we can learn a lot from his example.
july.19
alma 35: 1 - 16
how can we follow the example of alma and the people of ammon as we interact with those who are seeking to repent and return to full fellowship in the church? how might our kindness, support, and encouragement help them to remain faithful?
--> invite, invite, invite. the success is in the inviting. when we are kind and friendly (sincerely), and invite, they will always feel welcome and like we care. then, when they make the determination to come back and join us, they will know who to turn to for support. INVITE.
how can we follow the example of alma and the people of ammon as we interact with those who are seeking to repent and return to full fellowship in the church? how might our kindness, support, and encouragement help them to remain faithful?
--> invite, invite, invite. the success is in the inviting. when we are kind and friendly (sincerely), and invite, they will always feel welcome and like we care. then, when they make the determination to come back and join us, they will know who to turn to for support. INVITE.
july.18
alma 34: 17 - 41
what did amulek teach about prayer that relates to your life?
--> i like the idea of letting our hearts be drawn out in prayer continually to our Father. one day my dad said that he opened his prayer in the morning, but he never closed it because he wanted it to be a real life day-long prayer. at the end of the day, he closed out his prayer. there are multiple times throughout the day when i pray to my Father, but i had never thought about that approach. i've tried it a few times since, and i find that during those days, i am much more careful what i say to people and about people and about myself because it is still in a prayer to Heavenly Father. i can also testify that when we keep Heavenly Father in the forefront of our minds and truly have the desire to constantly communicate with Him, we feel the spirit more and are guided more perfectly throughout the day to make correct, righteous decisions.
what did amulek teach about prayer that relates to your life?
--> i like the idea of letting our hearts be drawn out in prayer continually to our Father. one day my dad said that he opened his prayer in the morning, but he never closed it because he wanted it to be a real life day-long prayer. at the end of the day, he closed out his prayer. there are multiple times throughout the day when i pray to my Father, but i had never thought about that approach. i've tried it a few times since, and i find that during those days, i am much more careful what i say to people and about people and about myself because it is still in a prayer to Heavenly Father. i can also testify that when we keep Heavenly Father in the forefront of our minds and truly have the desire to constantly communicate with Him, we feel the spirit more and are guided more perfectly throughout the day to make correct, righteous decisions.
july.17
alma 34: 1 - 16
how would life be different without the atonement of Jesus Christ?
--> without the atonement of Jesus Christ, my life would be a black and white still frame. i would have despair, guilt, burdens, and sadness. with the atonement, it is a colorful animation of beauty, love, and movement. i have purpose, strength, peace, hope, and happiness.
how would life be different without the atonement of Jesus Christ?
--> without the atonement of Jesus Christ, my life would be a black and white still frame. i would have despair, guilt, burdens, and sadness. with the atonement, it is a colorful animation of beauty, love, and movement. i have purpose, strength, peace, hope, and happiness.
july.16
alma 33: 12 - 23
what do you feel Heavenly Father would like you to do to exercise greater faith?
--> i need to be more consistent in the little things. i'm doing pretty good at the "bigger" things right now, but i need to have more meaningful scripture study EVERYDAY and more sincere communication with Him through prayer EVERYDAY. that's where my greatest struggle lies right now.
what do you feel Heavenly Father would like you to do to exercise greater faith?
--> i need to be more consistent in the little things. i'm doing pretty good at the "bigger" things right now, but i need to have more meaningful scripture study EVERYDAY and more sincere communication with Him through prayer EVERYDAY. that's where my greatest struggle lies right now.
july.15
alma 33: 1 - 11
why is church attendance an important part of our worship?
--> one day i was having a conversation with a man about why he didn't go to church. he was a member of our faith, but didn't feel like church attendance was important. he said he often falls asleep anyway, doesn't really feel the spirit because there are too many babies crying, and had come to the conclusion that he could gain more out of his sundays by studying his scriptures for 3 hours then sitting in a pew listening to "boring teachers". as i thought more about this man and his thoughts towards sunday church attendance, i had a profound thought come to mind. if we don't go to church, we can't serve others. there are many people that share the views of this man. organized religion is bad, they say. my personal study is more meaningful, they say. but ultimately, there is a church organized for order and for the opportunity to serve other people. we are all given callings to bless and serve others, as well as learn things ourselves. the most important reason we go to church on sundays is to partake of the sacrament and renew the baptismal covenant we have made. many prophets and apostles have said that this should be the crowning event of our week - the most important thing we do all week. what am i doing today to prepare for church and the renewing of that covenant tomorrow? hmm?
why is church attendance an important part of our worship?
--> one day i was having a conversation with a man about why he didn't go to church. he was a member of our faith, but didn't feel like church attendance was important. he said he often falls asleep anyway, doesn't really feel the spirit because there are too many babies crying, and had come to the conclusion that he could gain more out of his sundays by studying his scriptures for 3 hours then sitting in a pew listening to "boring teachers". as i thought more about this man and his thoughts towards sunday church attendance, i had a profound thought come to mind. if we don't go to church, we can't serve others. there are many people that share the views of this man. organized religion is bad, they say. my personal study is more meaningful, they say. but ultimately, there is a church organized for order and for the opportunity to serve other people. we are all given callings to bless and serve others, as well as learn things ourselves. the most important reason we go to church on sundays is to partake of the sacrament and renew the baptismal covenant we have made. many prophets and apostles have said that this should be the crowning event of our week - the most important thing we do all week. what am i doing today to prepare for church and the renewing of that covenant tomorrow? hmm?
july.14
alma 32: 21 - 43
what do these verses teach you? how has faith influenced your life?
--> today the part of this section of verses that stood out was the very last verse, which says, "then my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering". after reading this whole chapter and recognizing the work and effort it takes to gain and build faith, it was nice to see that the rewards will come, and are beautiful rewards. faith influences my life everyday. once i made a list that was entitled "because of my faith..." and realized that really everything that happens in my life and everything that i personally do is somehow connected and tied to my faith. (to read that list, check out my other blog post here)
what do these verses teach you? how has faith influenced your life?
--> today the part of this section of verses that stood out was the very last verse, which says, "then my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering". after reading this whole chapter and recognizing the work and effort it takes to gain and build faith, it was nice to see that the rewards will come, and are beautiful rewards. faith influences my life everyday. once i made a list that was entitled "because of my faith..." and realized that really everything that happens in my life and everything that i personally do is somehow connected and tied to my faith. (to read that list, check out my other blog post here)
july.13
alma 32: 1 - 20
what do these verses teach about receiving and strengthening a testimony?
--> 1. the Lord prepares us to hear His word based on experiences we have, opportunities that are given to us, and people that we meet 2. we are in the best state to learn when we are humble 3. it is better to be humble by choice than to be compelled to be humble 4. repentance is an important part of the learning and growing process 5. after much work and effort on our part comes the blessings and the success.
what do these verses teach about receiving and strengthening a testimony?
--> 1. the Lord prepares us to hear His word based on experiences we have, opportunities that are given to us, and people that we meet 2. we are in the best state to learn when we are humble 3. it is better to be humble by choice than to be compelled to be humble 4. repentance is an important part of the learning and growing process 5. after much work and effort on our part comes the blessings and the success.
july.12
alma 31: 24 - 38
in what ways can we apply alma's example in our lives?
--> i love the things that alma prays for because it shows the true desires of his heart. as was mentioned a few chapters earlier, his only desire and joy is to bring people to a knowledge of the Savior. as such, his prayers are filled with pleas to a loving Father to make this happen. i think my prayers would be more meaningful if i took more time to pray for the people around me and how i can help them, rather than other selfish desires i may have.
in what ways can we apply alma's example in our lives?
--> i love the things that alma prays for because it shows the true desires of his heart. as was mentioned a few chapters earlier, his only desire and joy is to bring people to a knowledge of the Savior. as such, his prayers are filled with pleas to a loving Father to make this happen. i think my prayers would be more meaningful if i took more time to pray for the people around me and how i can help them, rather than other selfish desires i may have.
july.11
alma 31: 1 - 23
when have you seen that daily prayer can help us resist temptation?
--> in today's world, we need all the spiritual strength we can get. as a consistent practice, daily prayer can help us resist temptation more than many things we do in our lives. it gives us the positive and powerful connection that our spirit craves with our Father in Heaven. it re-grounds us in the principles that we so love and have committed to follow. it brings the spirit into our lives and invites him to stay the day. we can ask for specific things and receive specific guidance and answers to what we need and ask for. i love the power of prayer!
when have you seen that daily prayer can help us resist temptation?
--> in today's world, we need all the spiritual strength we can get. as a consistent practice, daily prayer can help us resist temptation more than many things we do in our lives. it gives us the positive and powerful connection that our spirit craves with our Father in Heaven. it re-grounds us in the principles that we so love and have committed to follow. it brings the spirit into our lives and invites him to stay the day. we can ask for specific things and receive specific guidance and answers to what we need and ask for. i love the power of prayer!
july.10
alma 30: 46 - 60
what does the story of korihor teach you about your own testimony?
--> this story makes me sad. but it also reminds me that nothing can shake my testimony. i remember on the mission hearing all kinds of testimonies against the teachings of the church. i always stopped for a moment to think about what they were saying and process why they would believe the way they do, then in the end it would make my testimony stronger. i have been blessed with the gift of believing, the gift of faith. i am grateful for my strong testimony and the way it shapes and guides my life.
what does the story of korihor teach you about your own testimony?
--> this story makes me sad. but it also reminds me that nothing can shake my testimony. i remember on the mission hearing all kinds of testimonies against the teachings of the church. i always stopped for a moment to think about what they were saying and process why they would believe the way they do, then in the end it would make my testimony stronger. i have been blessed with the gift of believing, the gift of faith. i am grateful for my strong testimony and the way it shapes and guides my life.
july.9
alma 30: 29 - 45
adding to alma's testimony in verse 44, what evidences do you find in your life that testify that God exists?
--> verse 44 says "all things denote their is a god". i have nothing more to say. everything - every good thing - in my life proves that there is a God that is constantly watching out for me and crafting my life to be what it needs to be.
adding to alma's testimony in verse 44, what evidences do you find in your life that testify that God exists?
--> verse 44 says "all things denote their is a god". i have nothing more to say. everything - every good thing - in my life proves that there is a God that is constantly watching out for me and crafting my life to be what it needs to be.
july.8
alma 30: 12 - 28
what can we learn from these verses about the dangers of false doctrines?
--> verse 18 shows that korihor, the antichrist, led many people away because of the things he taught. in this regard, being caught up in false doctrines eventually causes us to jeopardize not only our salvation and ability to recognize and act on promptings of the spirit, but also every one else around us.
what can we learn from these verses about the dangers of false doctrines?
--> verse 18 shows that korihor, the antichrist, led many people away because of the things he taught. in this regard, being caught up in false doctrines eventually causes us to jeopardize not only our salvation and ability to recognize and act on promptings of the spirit, but also every one else around us.
july.7
alma 29: 8 - 30: 11
what will you do today to be an instrument in the hands of God?
--> today i am focusing on the attribute of gratitude. i am focusing on saying thank you to all the generous people in calgary canada that allowed us to enter their homes and stay with them this past week, as well as all the people who we were able to go visit and spend time with. a grateful life is a happy life.
what will you do today to be an instrument in the hands of God?
--> today i am focusing on the attribute of gratitude. i am focusing on saying thank you to all the generous people in calgary canada that allowed us to enter their homes and stay with them this past week, as well as all the people who we were able to go visit and spend time with. a grateful life is a happy life.
july.6
alma 28: 9 - 29: 7
how does knowledge of the plan of salvation change the perspective of those whose loved ones have died?
--> because i know the plan of salvation is real, i know that i will see those that i love that have passed on again. because of the sacred sealing powers of the holy temples, i know that i am eternally sealed and bound to my family members. death doesn't break that bond. families are forever.
how does knowledge of the plan of salvation change the perspective of those whose loved ones have died?
--> because i know the plan of salvation is real, i know that i will see those that i love that have passed on again. because of the sacred sealing powers of the holy temples, i know that i am eternally sealed and bound to my family members. death doesn't break that bond. families are forever.
july.5
alma 27: 16 - 28: 8
what does alma 27:27-30 teach about the relationship between being converted to the Lord and keeping covenants? who in your life has been an example of this principle?
--> when we are truly converted to the Lord, keeping covenants becomes a privilege, not a burden. simply put. an example of this in my life is my grandpa, arthur anderson. watching him live his life with perfect adherence to the principles of the gospel teaches me so much about the way i want to live my life, and the blessings that can come if we are 100% faithful to the covenants we have made.
what does alma 27:27-30 teach about the relationship between being converted to the Lord and keeping covenants? who in your life has been an example of this principle?
--> when we are truly converted to the Lord, keeping covenants becomes a privilege, not a burden. simply put. an example of this in my life is my grandpa, arthur anderson. watching him live his life with perfect adherence to the principles of the gospel teaches me so much about the way i want to live my life, and the blessings that can come if we are 100% faithful to the covenants we have made.
july.4
alma 27: 1 - 15
how difficult might it be to keep your covenant and not go to battle to defend yourself and your loved ones? how do you think the Lord feels about those who keep their promises to him?
--> i like to apply the physical challenges of the book of mormon to the social and emotional challenges of today. in this particular story, the anti-nephi-lehis refuse to take up arms, and choose to die instead, because of the covenant they have made not to fight. they were willing to die to defend their honor and keep that covenant. today, it is uncommon to be asked to go to war and fight with weapons for our faith or beliefs, but we are at war every single day. we have made covenants at baptism and in the temple, and have the strength we need to keep those covenants no matter what, if we choose to do so. the Lord feels happiest when He sees His people as a covenant making and a covenant keeping people. the promises we make to the Lord are great and have powerful blessings attached - blessings that He so desparately wants to give us!
how difficult might it be to keep your covenant and not go to battle to defend yourself and your loved ones? how do you think the Lord feels about those who keep their promises to him?
--> i like to apply the physical challenges of the book of mormon to the social and emotional challenges of today. in this particular story, the anti-nephi-lehis refuse to take up arms, and choose to die instead, because of the covenant they have made not to fight. they were willing to die to defend their honor and keep that covenant. today, it is uncommon to be asked to go to war and fight with weapons for our faith or beliefs, but we are at war every single day. we have made covenants at baptism and in the temple, and have the strength we need to keep those covenants no matter what, if we choose to do so. the Lord feels happiest when He sees His people as a covenant making and a covenant keeping people. the promises we make to the Lord are great and have powerful blessings attached - blessings that He so desparately wants to give us!
july.3
alma 26: 17 - 37
how are these experiences in these verses similar to those of modern-day missionaries? how can the Lord's words in these verses help missionaries avoid feelings of discouragement?
--> i drew upon the strength of these words MANY times as a missionary. it's important to remember that missionaries across the globe are facing the same challenges that i was... that always brought me some peace of mind. when things get hard sometimes it's easy to blame yourself for not doing more, or wondering what you did wrong to get "punished" that way. but the truth of the matter is, salvation isn't easy because salvation isn't a cheap experience (so says elder holland), and anyone who engages in the work of salvation, which is the work of the Lord, will have challenges. that's just the nature of the calling. i am SO grateful for inspirational words in the scriptures that give me hope and comfort in the face of hard times as a missionary!
how are these experiences in these verses similar to those of modern-day missionaries? how can the Lord's words in these verses help missionaries avoid feelings of discouragement?
--> i drew upon the strength of these words MANY times as a missionary. it's important to remember that missionaries across the globe are facing the same challenges that i was... that always brought me some peace of mind. when things get hard sometimes it's easy to blame yourself for not doing more, or wondering what you did wrong to get "punished" that way. but the truth of the matter is, salvation isn't easy because salvation isn't a cheap experience (so says elder holland), and anyone who engages in the work of salvation, which is the work of the Lord, will have challenges. that's just the nature of the calling. i am SO grateful for inspirational words in the scriptures that give me hope and comfort in the face of hard times as a missionary!
july.2
alma 26: 1 - 16
why did ammon rejoice? what principles can we learn from these verses?
--> after being away from his brothers for so long, ammon was happy to see that they were still doing what was right and acting righteously. i love to picture all of them just hanging out together, reminiscing about the wonderful experiences they've just had (and some not so wonderful ones too...) and just sharing stories. those would've been fun times to be a fly on the wall for! from these verses, i am reminded that the important things to rejoice in are the things of the Lord :)
why did ammon rejoice? what principles can we learn from these verses?
--> after being away from his brothers for so long, ammon was happy to see that they were still doing what was right and acting righteously. i love to picture all of them just hanging out together, reminiscing about the wonderful experiences they've just had (and some not so wonderful ones too...) and just sharing stories. those would've been fun times to be a fly on the wall for! from these verses, i am reminded that the important things to rejoice in are the things of the Lord :)
july.1
alma 25: 1 - 17
these verse describe how prophecies were "verified". a prophet, gordon b. hinckley, said "those who read the book of mormon will be blessed with an added measure of the spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God." how has this prophecy been verified for you?
--> i have seen every part of this promise fulfilled in my life time and time again. i always feel an added measure of the spirit in my life, and as i read about the Savior, i come to love Him more, and feel a greater desire and dedication to His commandments and teachings. i love that the promise says the "reality" of the Son of God. for me, reading the book of mormon brings a lot of things to reality. what a blessing. if you want to see if the promise really works and can be fulfilled for you, just try it out! start reading today!
these verse describe how prophecies were "verified". a prophet, gordon b. hinckley, said "those who read the book of mormon will be blessed with an added measure of the spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God." how has this prophecy been verified for you?
--> i have seen every part of this promise fulfilled in my life time and time again. i always feel an added measure of the spirit in my life, and as i read about the Savior, i come to love Him more, and feel a greater desire and dedication to His commandments and teachings. i love that the promise says the "reality" of the Son of God. for me, reading the book of mormon brings a lot of things to reality. what a blessing. if you want to see if the promise really works and can be fulfilled for you, just try it out! start reading today!
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