Today's thought

Just was very touched by the whole last part of Helaman chapter 3 today.  Here is verse 27 and 28:

 27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.

 28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

 I just struck me again this morning how much love the Lord has for us!!   He loves us dearly, and wants all of us to return home to Him.  That's all.  Simple and pure.  He wants us home!!

Short and sweet entry, I know, but I'm so glad I read today. <3

My New Scripture

Alma 41:15

I've been searching for a new scripture to examine this six months (I choose one out at General Conference time).  I've been reading the scriptures almost every day, and loving them, but I really love to explore one scripture at at time. 

The last on I chose was Alma 37:36-37.  (See previously on my blog.)

I am short on time today, but Alma 41 is all about the resurrection and the judgement.  And it has really made me think this morning.  Here is the part of the scripture I want to examine:

 15 For that which ye do ^asend out shall return unto you again, and be restored...

This stands out to me as a thought on how to live.  I want to examine in my own life:

*What do I "send out" to the world?* 

I decided this week to do something everyday to show each member of my family that I love them.  My four-year-old is easy.  He woke up yesterday and the first words out of his mouth to me were "I love you."  We cuddle a lot.  

(Before you get a false idea about the situation, this morning he passed right by me without an acknowledgement of my good morning and went right down stairs! ;) But that's just him, very focused.) 

But the others are not as cuddly.  It would be weird to hold my 13 year old on my lap and cuddle her.  So I have to find other ways.  So I am searching and trying each day to let them know I love them in different ways.

I've got to run now.  My son needs the sink cleaner. ;) 

Stop it!!!

I was quite inspired by President Uchtdorf's talk in General Conference.  I so love that man and his inspiring talks!!  I loved quite a few of the talks, but in pondering what next to pursue on this blog, I chose Pres. Uchtdorf's talk for several reasons.  Here is the part to which I refer:

This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

And here are the reasons:

 

1. I've been pondering for several years what it means that 'mens love will wax cold' in the last days, and if it applies to even faithful Christians in everyday life.

2. I see scriptural evidence that the insights in his talk speak of a spiritual decay in our current lives that needs to be corrected.

3. I personally have felt several instances in which I felt judged by people for undisclosed reasons and subsequent heartache.

4. There are some personal instances in my own experience where I have had a hard time forgiving a few people for perceived wrongs.

I won't disclose specifics, but I feel this "stop it" is a subject needed by many people in our day.  I hope to look to the scriptures to help me pursue my deeper understanding and pray to be lead by the Spirit in doing so.

So here is my start on this.  I will post specific thoughts later, as I am going to read a book to my son. =)  Until next time...

STOP IT!

The Power of Prophets: A Mighty Change of Heart

We recently read the account of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon (see Mosiah chapters 1-6) as a family.  I LOVE King Benjamin!  It is one of my favorite parts!  Knowing that he is coming toward the end of his life, King Benjamin, a righteous king, asks that his people be gathered for two reasons:

1. To tell them his son Mosiah will be their next king, and
2. To "give this people a name."

They gather in families, in tents around the temple to hear one of the most amazing speeches. It is filled with doctrine like how indebted we are to God and that we should serve Him and our fellowman, that Christ would come (this was before Christ's birth) and "there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."  

King Benjamin teaches them many things, the result being: 

 A MIGHTY CHANGE OF HEART  

that they "have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually," and they "rejoice with such exceedingly great joy" and they enter into a covenant with God:

  "And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days..."(Mosiah 5:5)

For this covenant, King Benjamin gives them a new name: "Children of Christ" and councils them:

 "I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives."

The scriptures record that there was no contention and continual peace for at least three whole years.

What would years of no contention and peace be like?  I'd LOVE to see it, just in my own little family! 

We have a chance to listen to a prophet of God and other leaders this weekend during General Conference.  I listened to every talk from the last General Conference (last October) and I testify that the messages are from God, through the voices of His church leaders.  The messages can bring "a mighty change of heart" to those who listen, and our strength and peace will increase, as will our commitment to follow the Savior. 

That is the "Power of Prophets," to help us change through inspired council.  I pray that we will all do so. 

Finding Deeper Meaning in Service

Reading the Book of Mormon gives us a deeper understanding of so many things.  I have realized a few things about service that I hadn't really before this month.  For example, even this morning when I was reading 2 Nephi 33:3 a thought came to me.  Here is the scripture:

 3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.

This gives us insight into Nephi's heart, his leadership style, his faith.  It reminded me of my feelings as a mother.  But this is for all his people; he loved them so much!  And my thought was that this is an example of how important it is to 

LOVE those we SERVE.

 

This for some reason reminded me of an experience.  It's an interesting one about visiting teaching (a program in the church where women visit each other monthly) and one of my visiting teachers.  Now the funny thing is, she didn't actually visit.  She was not great at this part of her assignment.  BUT, I knew that she really cared, that she was my friend, that she loved me.  She would ask how things were, and talk to me when she could, and I found that it meant as much to me that she really cared as a visit would have.  This is the miracle of loving those you serve.  She still made a difference by her love, though she couldn't find the time to visit. 

We are not perfect; we are trying to achieve perfection.  But there is one who was and is perfect in His service: Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

In our family scripture reading  last week, this stood out to me in the words of King Benjamin (who lived before Christ was born) in Mosiah chapter 3:

 5 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.

 6 And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men.

My initial thoughts were that this chapter would be wonderful to read on Easter with my family!  But as I thought about service, I thought, "Look at the things Christ did with His service--He changed lives!"  And then the deeper insight: As I strive to become more like Christ, my service can be more life changing, that helping to change someone's life for the better is fuller service.

I'm not saying that we need to do miracles or big things to provide service.  I believe that even a smile can be an act of service.  But as I look for ways to serve my fellow man, I will look to making the biggest difference in their lives through that service, and more guidance from the Lord on how to change lives with the service I render. 

I love my Savior; I know He provided perfect service.  I have faith that the Lord will guide us to give more perfect service as we seek help.  These are insights that I have gained recently from reading the Book of Mormon.  And I love it!!