alma 58: 30 - 59: 13
as you face challenges in life, how can you benefit from following the example of the sons of helaman?
--> by being strictly obedient and following every word of the Lord with exactness, by listening to and acting upon the things i learned from my parents, by exercising faith and trust in the Lord, by being willing to do what it takes to be a conqueror in battle!
august.30
alma 58:13 - 29
what insights do you have from today's reading?
--> the army that came out on top in the end went above and beyond and marched through the night. they didn't wait around till the morning when the others would wake and start marching, they continued to press forward and made it first. to me this is a testimony of putting in the effort and receiving the blessings. they were strengthened to walk through the night and reach their destination.
what insights do you have from today's reading?
--> the army that came out on top in the end went above and beyond and marched through the night. they didn't wait around till the morning when the others would wake and start marching, they continued to press forward and made it first. to me this is a testimony of putting in the effort and receiving the blessings. they were strengthened to walk through the night and reach their destination.
august.29
alma 58: 1 - 12
when has the Lord blessed you with peace and assurance during a difficult experience?
--> just today, actually. it's happened many times in my life, but today was a noteworthy experience. i have a tricky group of kids in my first grade class this year. one boy in particular has been having a rough time and today completely blew up and had a meltdown. i was amazed at the patience i was able to maintain while speaking with him today and that the words were coming to my mouth. after the situation was over and all the kids went home and i was left to debrief with my own thoughts, i just felt a sense of "this will turn out ok". i know i have a long road ahead of me with this little guy, but i am optimistic that things will be well.
when has the Lord blessed you with peace and assurance during a difficult experience?
--> just today, actually. it's happened many times in my life, but today was a noteworthy experience. i have a tricky group of kids in my first grade class this year. one boy in particular has been having a rough time and today completely blew up and had a meltdown. i was amazed at the patience i was able to maintain while speaking with him today and that the words were coming to my mouth. after the situation was over and all the kids went home and i was left to debrief with my own thoughts, i just felt a sense of "this will turn out ok". i know i have a long road ahead of me with this little guy, but i am optimistic that things will be well.
august.28
alma 57: 17 - 36
helaman's warriors did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness. what do you think this means? how was this obedience an expression of their faith?
--> i don't know what other interpretations there could be from this verse... obeying everything with exactness means they obeyed 100% and did exactly what they were asked and supposed to do. they knew they needed all the help they could get, and exact obedience was the way to show they deserved it and wanted to work for it.
helaman's warriors did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness. what do you think this means? how was this obedience an expression of their faith?
--> i don't know what other interpretations there could be from this verse... obeying everything with exactness means they obeyed 100% and did exactly what they were asked and supposed to do. they knew they needed all the help they could get, and exact obedience was the way to show they deserved it and wanted to work for it.
august.27
alma 57: 1 - 16
why did helaman and his army sleep upon their swords? how can we sleep upon our swords symbolically today?
--> helaman believed in being prepared at all times because they never knew when the next battle would be. even though they had a plan of action to not make the boys fight, they were prepared, should they have to do so. a phrase that stood out to me a few verses later was "they were firm in their minds." i read a timeless talk on integrity yesterday and in it, it spoke about being true to the determinations and decisions we have made, no matter what. i've been thinking about that over the past 15 hours and this morning when i read the phrase "firm in their minds", that's what it made me think of. so that is one way i can sleep on my sword. faultlessly stick to the determinations i have come to, no matter what or no matter who i am with. faithful 100%.
why did helaman and his army sleep upon their swords? how can we sleep upon our swords symbolically today?
--> helaman believed in being prepared at all times because they never knew when the next battle would be. even though they had a plan of action to not make the boys fight, they were prepared, should they have to do so. a phrase that stood out to me a few verses later was "they were firm in their minds." i read a timeless talk on integrity yesterday and in it, it spoke about being true to the determinations and decisions we have made, no matter what. i've been thinking about that over the past 15 hours and this morning when i read the phrase "firm in their minds", that's what it made me think of. so that is one way i can sleep on my sword. faultlessly stick to the determinations i have come to, no matter what or no matter who i am with. faithful 100%.
august.26
alma 56: 41 - 57
what traits had the 2,000 strippling warriors developed before the battle? how did these traits help them during the battle? how can we apply this to our lives?
--> the strippling warriors were boys of faith and virtue. they had courage and trust in the Lord. they knew He would keep His promises if He said He would. they were taught by their mothers and did not doubt God. they had a strong family bond and a strong desire to do what was right. i admire them.
what traits had the 2,000 strippling warriors developed before the battle? how did these traits help them during the battle? how can we apply this to our lives?
--> the strippling warriors were boys of faith and virtue. they had courage and trust in the Lord. they knew He would keep His promises if He said He would. they were taught by their mothers and did not doubt God. they had a strong family bond and a strong desire to do what was right. i admire them.
august.24
alma 56: 1 - 17
what do you think moroni felt as he read this letter from helaman? when have messages or words from friends and family strengthened you during hard times?
--> when i went on my mission, my good friend devin made me a present that would keep on giving the whole time i was serving. he wrote me a letter for different emotions i might feel throughout my mission, then instructed me not to use them all at once, but a letter at a time as i was experiencing different things. i tried to hold off on all of them until i would really need a bit of encouragement, and that's exactly what those letters brought me! i was so grateful on the day that i felt inadequate beyond belief to open his letter and read the words of neil l. andersen - "you don't know everything, but you know enough." or to read "you are loved. everyone back home is rooting for you" on a discouraging day. simple reminders of beautiful things. i appreciated those letters more than he will ever know.
what do you think moroni felt as he read this letter from helaman? when have messages or words from friends and family strengthened you during hard times?
--> when i went on my mission, my good friend devin made me a present that would keep on giving the whole time i was serving. he wrote me a letter for different emotions i might feel throughout my mission, then instructed me not to use them all at once, but a letter at a time as i was experiencing different things. i tried to hold off on all of them until i would really need a bit of encouragement, and that's exactly what those letters brought me! i was so grateful on the day that i felt inadequate beyond belief to open his letter and read the words of neil l. andersen - "you don't know everything, but you know enough." or to read "you are loved. everyone back home is rooting for you" on a discouraging day. simple reminders of beautiful things. i appreciated those letters more than he will ever know.
august.25
alma 56: 18 - 40
why wouldn't either army turn to the right or to the left? how could this be a metaphor for staying on the "strait and narrow path"?
--> antipus' army wanted to conquer moroni's, so he continued to march straight and with haste. moroni had a plan with antipus, so they couldn't deviate either. although the plan didn't work out like moroni or the strippling warriors imagined it, it worked out. the Lord was with them and they were victorious1
why wouldn't either army turn to the right or to the left? how could this be a metaphor for staying on the "strait and narrow path"?
--> antipus' army wanted to conquer moroni's, so he continued to march straight and with haste. moroni had a plan with antipus, so they couldn't deviate either. although the plan didn't work out like moroni or the strippling warriors imagined it, it worked out. the Lord was with them and they were victorious1
august.23
alma 55: 15 - 35
what do you feel mormon wanted you to learn in today's verses that will help you to be faithful?
--> verse 31 says it all. "but behold, the nephites were not slow to remember the Lord their God in this their time of affliction." may we always remember the Lord our God in our times of happiness and unrest alike.
what do you feel mormon wanted you to learn in today's verses that will help you to be faithful?
--> verse 31 says it all. "but behold, the nephites were not slow to remember the Lord their God in this their time of affliction." may we always remember the Lord our God in our times of happiness and unrest alike.
august.22
alma 54: 13 - 55: 14
how do ammaron's statements in alma 54 reflect satan's motives in his warfare against us?
--> "now behold, if ye will lay down your arms, and subject yourselves to be governed by those to whom the government doth rightly belong, then will i cause that my people should lay down their weapons of war and shall be at war no more. behold, ye have breathed out many threatenings against me ad my people, but behold, we fear not your threatenings. nevertheless, i will grant to exchange prisoners according to your request, gladly, that i may preserve my food for my men of war, and we will wage a war which shall be eternal, either to the subjecting the nephites to our authority or to their eternal extinction."
satan is tricky. he teaches truth with his lies. he finds ways to speak to our desires. he knows us well. he gives us false promises that he never intends to keep. he makes the dark side look appealing. he tries to compromise our standards little by little. he seems harmless at first. his motive is to bring our downfall and make him "miserable like unto himself". boo satan.
how do ammaron's statements in alma 54 reflect satan's motives in his warfare against us?
--> "now behold, if ye will lay down your arms, and subject yourselves to be governed by those to whom the government doth rightly belong, then will i cause that my people should lay down their weapons of war and shall be at war no more. behold, ye have breathed out many threatenings against me ad my people, but behold, we fear not your threatenings. nevertheless, i will grant to exchange prisoners according to your request, gladly, that i may preserve my food for my men of war, and we will wage a war which shall be eternal, either to the subjecting the nephites to our authority or to their eternal extinction."
satan is tricky. he teaches truth with his lies. he finds ways to speak to our desires. he knows us well. he gives us false promises that he never intends to keep. he makes the dark side look appealing. he tries to compromise our standards little by little. he seems harmless at first. his motive is to bring our downfall and make him "miserable like unto himself". boo satan.
august.21
alma 53: 18 - 54: 12
this passage describes the strippling warriors as exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity, who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before Him. who in your life has impacted you so much that you can describe them this way?
--> the person that comes first to mind is my friend jane thomas. she is just so dang happy all. the. time. she is virtuous and the sweetest soul i have met. she is sincere and empathetic. she was raised in a great home, taught by "goodly parents" and raised in the way of truth and light. i've watched her serve in different capacities and it's been amazing to see the faithful and positive way she responds to everything she is asked to do. she is a willing and happy follower of the Savior, Jesus Christ. her example is a beautiful example to me!
this passage describes the strippling warriors as exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity, who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before Him. who in your life has impacted you so much that you can describe them this way?
--> the person that comes first to mind is my friend jane thomas. she is just so dang happy all. the. time. she is virtuous and the sweetest soul i have met. she is sincere and empathetic. she was raised in a great home, taught by "goodly parents" and raised in the way of truth and light. i've watched her serve in different capacities and it's been amazing to see the faithful and positive way she responds to everything she is asked to do. she is a willing and happy follower of the Savior, Jesus Christ. her example is a beautiful example to me!
august.20
alma 53: 1 - 17
what are some blessings the Lord gives us as we keep our covenants? why is it important to keep our covenants even at times of disadvantage?
--> the Lord always has very specific blessings tied to each covenant. when we take the sacrament each week, we are reminded that as we always remember Him, take His name upon us, and keep His commandments, we will always have His spirit to be with us. that is the specific blessing tied to the baptism covenant. when we keep our covenants, on top of the specific blessing, we also receive a multitude of others. in the case of our baptism covenant example, when i do those things regularly, i also receive strength and support in my daily life, a greater power to resist temptation, self-control and discipline, and the list goes on and on. i like to picture the Lord standing above us with his hands full of blessings, but they are cupped. he is waiting for us to choose the right or keep a covenant, then the blessings are poured out on our heads with "no room to receive it".
what are some blessings the Lord gives us as we keep our covenants? why is it important to keep our covenants even at times of disadvantage?
--> the Lord always has very specific blessings tied to each covenant. when we take the sacrament each week, we are reminded that as we always remember Him, take His name upon us, and keep His commandments, we will always have His spirit to be with us. that is the specific blessing tied to the baptism covenant. when we keep our covenants, on top of the specific blessing, we also receive a multitude of others. in the case of our baptism covenant example, when i do those things regularly, i also receive strength and support in my daily life, a greater power to resist temptation, self-control and discipline, and the list goes on and on. i like to picture the Lord standing above us with his hands full of blessings, but they are cupped. he is waiting for us to choose the right or keep a covenant, then the blessings are poured out on our heads with "no room to receive it".
august.19
alma 52: 19 - 40
in what ways might a family council or a church council be similar to a council of war? how can such councils strengthen us in our battles against the adversary?
--> there is power in numbers. there is power in collaboration. there is power in conversion. there is power in support. there always has been, and there always will. it is possible to stand alone, but how much more powerful you are when you are banded together with those of similar belief and faith. for us, that is what a family or church council does.
in what ways might a family council or a church council be similar to a council of war? how can such councils strengthen us in our battles against the adversary?
--> there is power in numbers. there is power in collaboration. there is power in conversion. there is power in support. there always has been, and there always will. it is possible to stand alone, but how much more powerful you are when you are banded together with those of similar belief and faith. for us, that is what a family or church council does.
august.18
alma 52: 1 - 18
which people, actions, and things act as your personal reinforcements in preparing for battle against satan?
--> i feel like this same question has been asked in 14 different ways this year and my answer never changes. the small and simple things - daily prayer and scripture study, family prayer and scripture study, attending the temple regularly, family home evening, serving others, etc. i also love to put pictures and quotes around my house to remind me of things i've learned in church or of the Savior.
which people, actions, and things act as your personal reinforcements in preparing for battle against satan?
--> i feel like this same question has been asked in 14 different ways this year and my answer never changes. the small and simple things - daily prayer and scripture study, family prayer and scripture study, attending the temple regularly, family home evening, serving others, etc. i also love to put pictures and quotes around my house to remind me of things i've learned in church or of the Savior.
august.17
alma 51: 22 - 37
when have you seen the blessings that come from unity strengthen a family or a quorum or class?
--> when i was brand new on my mission, i didn't get along with my trainer. i thought i knew better than her and was frustrated with the way she approached missionary work. i knew we weren't being as obedient as we should've been, and this made me anxious. there were many nights i just bawled on my knees begging for patience and that we could be unified. i learned to love her, though i didn't like her. we learned to work together to accomplish the things we needed to. when we were unified, the spirit was present and we were able to teach and find with effectiveness. i felt at peace and felt love for her.
when have you seen the blessings that come from unity strengthen a family or a quorum or class?
--> when i was brand new on my mission, i didn't get along with my trainer. i thought i knew better than her and was frustrated with the way she approached missionary work. i knew we weren't being as obedient as we should've been, and this made me anxious. there were many nights i just bawled on my knees begging for patience and that we could be unified. i learned to love her, though i didn't like her. we learned to work together to accomplish the things we needed to. when we were unified, the spirit was present and we were able to teach and find with effectiveness. i felt at peace and felt love for her.
august.16
alma 51: 13 - 21
why do you think it was necessary for moroni to take action he did? why do you suppose mormon included all of those details about threats to freedom in his abridgment of the nephite records?
--> moroni wanted to bring an end to the contention and dissension happening in his little community of people. he needed unity.
why do you think it was necessary for moroni to take action he did? why do you suppose mormon included all of those details about threats to freedom in his abridgment of the nephite records?
--> moroni wanted to bring an end to the contention and dissension happening in his little community of people. he needed unity.
august.15
alma 51: 1 - 12
what could you do in your family, among your friends, or in your community to resolve contention?
--> "it takes two to argue" my dad always says. the best way to stop an argument is to not argue back. my parents never argue because my mom doesn't argue. she is so peaceful and handles everything so well. i admire that about her and strive to be more like her!
what could you do in your family, among your friends, or in your community to resolve contention?
--> "it takes two to argue" my dad always says. the best way to stop an argument is to not argue back. my parents never argue because my mom doesn't argue. she is so peaceful and handles everything so well. i admire that about her and strive to be more like her!
august.14
alma 50: 21 - 40
when has the Lord blessed you or someone you know with prosperity, peace and happiness in the midst of difficult times?
--> a few years ago, our grammy was really, really sick. one day we all got together to witness her receiving a blessing. the whole family (i'm talking over 100 people) fasted for her then we all came to her house or were dialed in on the phone or face time to be there for the blessing. i just remember feeling so much peace during the blessing that the Lord's will for my grammy would happen. it didn't say if she would get better or not, but i trusted in that peaceful feeling. i love the peace of the Lord. i couldn't face my trials without it.
when has the Lord blessed you or someone you know with prosperity, peace and happiness in the midst of difficult times?
--> a few years ago, our grammy was really, really sick. one day we all got together to witness her receiving a blessing. the whole family (i'm talking over 100 people) fasted for her then we all came to her house or were dialed in on the phone or face time to be there for the blessing. i just remember feeling so much peace during the blessing that the Lord's will for my grammy would happen. it didn't say if she would get better or not, but i trusted in that peaceful feeling. i love the peace of the Lord. i couldn't face my trials without it.
august.13
alma 50: 1 - 20
president ezra taft benson said, "it is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repari and repent." why do you think this statement is true? when have you seen an example of the principle this statement teaches?
--> once, we had a young women's lesson about the law of chastity. carrie pike had a beautiful wine glass that she eventually smashed as a symbol of breaking the law. we then talked about how it would be possible to put the glass back together piece by piece, but that it would never look the same, and even with glue and a good makeover, it would never be the same.
i can't say i agree 100% with all the analogy... because repentance does make us completely whole again... but at the surface level it is good - we are better off if we prepare to choose the right and do it than have to spend our life and energy repenting and making up for things we have done wrong. we learn a lot both ways.
president ezra taft benson said, "it is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repari and repent." why do you think this statement is true? when have you seen an example of the principle this statement teaches?
--> once, we had a young women's lesson about the law of chastity. carrie pike had a beautiful wine glass that she eventually smashed as a symbol of breaking the law. we then talked about how it would be possible to put the glass back together piece by piece, but that it would never look the same, and even with glue and a good makeover, it would never be the same.
i can't say i agree 100% with all the analogy... because repentance does make us completely whole again... but at the surface level it is good - we are better off if we prepare to choose the right and do it than have to spend our life and energy repenting and making up for things we have done wrong. we learn a lot both ways.
august.12
alma 49: 9 - 30
how would you describe your daily efforts to strengthen your spiritual walls of protection?
--> recently i have been reading one conference talk a day from the most recent general conference. i have found this to be a beautiful practice that has helped me have greater confidence and a greater measure of the spirit to face my day!
how would you describe your daily efforts to strengthen your spiritual walls of protection?
--> recently i have been reading one conference talk a day from the most recent general conference. i have found this to be a beautiful practice that has helped me have greater confidence and a greater measure of the spirit to face my day!
august.11
alma 48: 19 - 49: 8
how can captain moroni's preparations to withstand the lamanites be likened to our need to prepare for satan's attacks on us?
--> "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." if we are prepared for the attacks that satan is constantly preparing for us, we will not fear the future. good reality check: what am i doing today to prepare and fortify?
how can captain moroni's preparations to withstand the lamanites be likened to our need to prepare for satan's attacks on us?
--> "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." if we are prepared for the attacks that satan is constantly preparing for us, we will not fear the future. good reality check: what am i doing today to prepare and fortify?
august.10
alma 48: 1 - 18
what are some examples of things that modern-day church leaders teach to help us fortify our areas of spiritual weakness? why do church leaders work so hard to fortify us spiritually?
--> i've heard the complaint that church leaders are always teaching us the same things over and over and over. that general conference continues to be the same topics. that is because it is those simple doctrines that fortify us the most. elder scott once gave a talk about character and said that our character is built best through consistent, correct choices. it is through these consistent, correct choices that fortify us as well. daily scripture study, daily prayer, weekly family home evening, serving others, temple attendance, fulfilling our callings. all the simple things we are asked to do will fortify us stronger than we can imagine.
what are some examples of things that modern-day church leaders teach to help us fortify our areas of spiritual weakness? why do church leaders work so hard to fortify us spiritually?
--> i've heard the complaint that church leaders are always teaching us the same things over and over and over. that general conference continues to be the same topics. that is because it is those simple doctrines that fortify us the most. elder scott once gave a talk about character and said that our character is built best through consistent, correct choices. it is through these consistent, correct choices that fortify us as well. daily scripture study, daily prayer, weekly family home evening, serving others, temple attendance, fulfilling our callings. all the simple things we are asked to do will fortify us stronger than we can imagine.
august.9
alma 47: 20 - 36
what was amalickiah willing to do to gain power? what do you learn from these verses?
--> amalickiah lied, cheated, murdered, lied some more, manipulated, deceived.... he was good at what he did and led many people away to follow him. one thing i learned from these verses was that it's important to always stay close to the spirit. i know that the Lord allows us to experience the spirit of discernment to warn us of the true motives of people that we associate with. therefore, if we stay close to the spirit, we will have that power we need to to stay strong and safe. i am grateful for this gift in my life; it has saved me many times from situations that could've turned out much differently.
what was amalickiah willing to do to gain power? what do you learn from these verses?
--> amalickiah lied, cheated, murdered, lied some more, manipulated, deceived.... he was good at what he did and led many people away to follow him. one thing i learned from these verses was that it's important to always stay close to the spirit. i know that the Lord allows us to experience the spirit of discernment to warn us of the true motives of people that we associate with. therefore, if we stay close to the spirit, we will have that power we need to to stay strong and safe. i am grateful for this gift in my life; it has saved me many times from situations that could've turned out much differently.
august.8
alma 47: 1 - 19
in what ways were amalickiah's tactics similar to the tactics satan uses to attempt to destroy us?
--> today what stood out to me was the phrase "poison by degrees". this is satan's best tactic. he rarely tempts us or leads us to fall all at once, but rather causes a slow and steady downfall. he poisons us by degrees so we compromise little by little until one day we have fallen farther than we thought we ever would. he is tricky that way. he makes sin so appealing and plants seeds of doubt in our minds. i picture satan as a friendly sort of guy with all kinds of tricks up his sleeve to "lead carefully away".
in what ways were amalickiah's tactics similar to the tactics satan uses to attempt to destroy us?
--> today what stood out to me was the phrase "poison by degrees". this is satan's best tactic. he rarely tempts us or leads us to fall all at once, but rather causes a slow and steady downfall. he poisons us by degrees so we compromise little by little until one day we have fallen farther than we thought we ever would. he is tricky that way. he makes sin so appealing and plants seeds of doubt in our minds. i picture satan as a friendly sort of guy with all kinds of tricks up his sleeve to "lead carefully away".
august.7
alma 46:29 - 41
in what ways can you display or declare your values and priorities for all to see?
--> modesty is a huge way that we can show what we believe. modesty not only in dress and appearance, but in language, demeanor and manners. non-verbal language speaks volumes louder than verbal and the way we present ourselves will in large measure be the way people perceive the church. my mom does a great job about decorating our home with pictures and quotes and sayings from the church and of Christ. these serve as a great reminder to us, and also make a great conversation piece when people of other faiths come to our house.
in what ways can you display or declare your values and priorities for all to see?
--> modesty is a huge way that we can show what we believe. modesty not only in dress and appearance, but in language, demeanor and manners. non-verbal language speaks volumes louder than verbal and the way we present ourselves will in large measure be the way people perceive the church. my mom does a great job about decorating our home with pictures and quotes and sayings from the church and of Christ. these serve as a great reminder to us, and also make a great conversation piece when people of other faiths come to our house.
august.6
alma 46: 11 - 28
what challenges exist against families, Christians, and freedom today? what are some appropriate ways we can defend our families, our religion, and our liberties?
--> there are many challenges that exist against families, Christians, and freedom today. we are being attacked on every side, and in every way. one of the greatest challenges i personally face is being 100% committed to doing the basics. personal and family scripture study, prayer, family home evening, temple service, serving others, etc. are the foundation we must build our lives on, but are also sometimes the hardest things to do. to defend our families and liberties, we must fortify now, before things get even worse. doing the basics is the fortification that i need. so, i need to be more committed.
what challenges exist against families, Christians, and freedom today? what are some appropriate ways we can defend our families, our religion, and our liberties?
--> there are many challenges that exist against families, Christians, and freedom today. we are being attacked on every side, and in every way. one of the greatest challenges i personally face is being 100% committed to doing the basics. personal and family scripture study, prayer, family home evening, temple service, serving others, etc. are the foundation we must build our lives on, but are also sometimes the hardest things to do. to defend our families and liberties, we must fortify now, before things get even worse. doing the basics is the fortification that i need. so, i need to be more committed.
august.5
alma 45: 15 - 46: 10
what lessons did mormon want us to learn from amalickiah's actions?
--> i don't know what lessons he wanted us to learn... but i will tell you what i did learn... i apply amalickiah's cunningness and actions to that of the devil. he is sneaky. he asks us repeatedly or tempts us, then when we don't give in, he compromises and gets us to compromise. he says, "oh, just come down a little... we will come up 98% of the way. you can even bring your guards with you." then, when we are weak and falling, he attacks and we fall. lehonti was a good, righteous man. but he fell captive to amalickiah's cunning plan.
what lessons did mormon want us to learn from amalickiah's actions?
--> i don't know what lessons he wanted us to learn... but i will tell you what i did learn... i apply amalickiah's cunningness and actions to that of the devil. he is sneaky. he asks us repeatedly or tempts us, then when we don't give in, he compromises and gets us to compromise. he says, "oh, just come down a little... we will come up 98% of the way. you can even bring your guards with you." then, when we are weak and falling, he attacks and we fall. lehonti was a good, righteous man. but he fell captive to amalickiah's cunning plan.
august.4
alma 44: 16 - 45: 14
when have you received strength from your faith in Jesus Christ and the words of the prophets and from your commitment to keeping the commandments?
--> i love that the people of moroni RUN to make the covenant. they are so moved by what they hear, they just can't wait to do what they need to to show their faith and dedication to the Lord. i continually receive strength from keeping my covenants. i can't think of a specific life-changing experience right now, but i feel a sense of continued strength and support in my life when i choose to righteously keep my covenants.
another side note i loved form today's reading was when they are speaking about the church regaining order. the side effects are peace and rejoicing. this was a good reminder to me that when my life is in order and i am actively working to manage the things i can control effectively - through prioritization - i can experience greater joy and peace. i am the happiest when i am keeping my covenants and my life is in order.
when have you received strength from your faith in Jesus Christ and the words of the prophets and from your commitment to keeping the commandments?
--> i love that the people of moroni RUN to make the covenant. they are so moved by what they hear, they just can't wait to do what they need to to show their faith and dedication to the Lord. i continually receive strength from keeping my covenants. i can't think of a specific life-changing experience right now, but i feel a sense of continued strength and support in my life when i choose to righteously keep my covenants.
another side note i loved form today's reading was when they are speaking about the church regaining order. the side effects are peace and rejoicing. this was a good reminder to me that when my life is in order and i am actively working to manage the things i can control effectively - through prioritization - i can experience greater joy and peace. i am the happiest when i am keeping my covenants and my life is in order.
august.3
alma 44: 1 - 15
what did moroni want zerehemnah to understand about the nephites' source of strength in battle what truths can we learn from these verses that can help us in our spiritual battles?
a foreign concept to many in the book of mormon is the availability of the Lord's help to strengthen an army during battle or times of war. because moroni and his people were fighting for a righteous cause, had prepared well, and were faithful to their covenants, they could access that help. many people deny that power, saying thy won a battle because of their physical preparation or the like, but those who are receiving the divine guidance know from where their power stems. i love that moroni takes the time to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in his life, and to teach others about the role of that hand in their success.
what did moroni want zerehemnah to understand about the nephites' source of strength in battle what truths can we learn from these verses that can help us in our spiritual battles?
a foreign concept to many in the book of mormon is the availability of the Lord's help to strengthen an army during battle or times of war. because moroni and his people were fighting for a righteous cause, had prepared well, and were faithful to their covenants, they could access that help. many people deny that power, saying thy won a battle because of their physical preparation or the like, but those who are receiving the divine guidance know from where their power stems. i love that moroni takes the time to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in his life, and to teach others about the role of that hand in their success.
august.2
alma 43: 41 - 54
when have you experienced the Lord's help in accomplishing righteous goals?
--> i am constantly amazed with the way the Lord directs my life. the other day i went to church and got the impression it was time for me to move. so, i went to work searching for a house or apartment, talking to people, doing research about wards in the area, etc. i felt incredibly guided and led to different places to look but nothing felt quite right. this week in church i got another impression to move into a room that i looked at last week kind of out of kindness for the girl that contacted me about it (in fact i almost cancelled the appointment to look at the place because i thought i wanted to move in with people that i knew). after texting her and accepting her offer, i felt so much peace. i know it is exactly where i need to be. i have a strong testimony that the Lord helps us to know what our righteous goals should be, and does everything He can to make them work out.
when have you experienced the Lord's help in accomplishing righteous goals?
--> i am constantly amazed with the way the Lord directs my life. the other day i went to church and got the impression it was time for me to move. so, i went to work searching for a house or apartment, talking to people, doing research about wards in the area, etc. i felt incredibly guided and led to different places to look but nothing felt quite right. this week in church i got another impression to move into a room that i looked at last week kind of out of kindness for the girl that contacted me about it (in fact i almost cancelled the appointment to look at the place because i thought i wanted to move in with people that i knew). after texting her and accepting her offer, i felt so much peace. i know it is exactly where i need to be. i have a strong testimony that the Lord helps us to know what our righteous goals should be, and does everything He can to make them work out.
august.1
alma 43: 27 - 40
what are examples today of following the words of the prophets to protect and defend ourselves?
--> lately the prophets and apostles have talked a TON about guarding ourselves spiritually. the book of mormon stories are all about how people protected themselves physically for battle. there are many applications to our spiritual lives from these stories. they took great measures to prepare for battle by fortifying themselves and guarding their lands and bodies. similarly, it is upon us to take measures to fortify ourselves spiritually so that when something does arise we are prepared to deal with it. i am personally trying to be better at spiritually fortifying myself through daily scripture study and prayer...the little things are really the big things :)
what are examples today of following the words of the prophets to protect and defend ourselves?
--> lately the prophets and apostles have talked a TON about guarding ourselves spiritually. the book of mormon stories are all about how people protected themselves physically for battle. there are many applications to our spiritual lives from these stories. they took great measures to prepare for battle by fortifying themselves and guarding their lands and bodies. similarly, it is upon us to take measures to fortify ourselves spiritually so that when something does arise we are prepared to deal with it. i am personally trying to be better at spiritually fortifying myself through daily scripture study and prayer...the little things are really the big things :)
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