Because the Savior loves you and has given His life for you, you can repent. Repentance is an act of faith in Jesus Christ. Read Moroni 10:32-33, the book of Enos, and the section on repentance in For the Strength of Youth. The Savior's atoning sacrifice has made it possible for you to be forgiven of your sins. Read the sacrament prayers in Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. Determine to partake worthily of the sacrament each week and fill your life with virtuous activities that will bring spiritual power. As you do this, you will grow stronger in your ability to resist temptation, keep the commandments, and become more like Jesus Christ. Determine what you can do daily to remain pure and worthy, and write your plan in your journal.
I am touched by Enos. Obviously he had incredible faith as he wrestled with the Spirit and was forgiven of his sins. I remembered that he then prayed for his brethren.
I had never before been struck however, about his prayers that the Nephite records would someday be brought to the Lamanites, so that they might also be saved. Enos did not live to see that prayer answered, but we have seen it. Not only later in the Book of Mormon, but also through the efforts of latter-day missionaries.
As part of fulfilling this value experience, I re-commit myself to setting aside time each day to study the scriptures. I became too lax over the summer and the bad habit has spilled over. From experience, I already know that regular scripture study helps me resist temptation and keep the commandments. I also know that I more easily recognize the whisperings of the Spirit in my daily life.
Showing posts with label Virtue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Virtue. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Virtue Value Experience #3
Prepare to be worthy to enter the temple and to participate in temple ordinances. Read Alma chapter 5. Make a list of the questions Alma asks. Answer the questions for yourself, and make a list of the things you can and will do to prepare yourself to be pure and worthy to enter the temple and receive all the blessings our Heavenly Father has promised His beloved daughters.
Alma 5:6-The Book of Mormon is filled with examples of the Lord's mercy for His children. When I first read this verse, I quickly think of times in my life when I haven't been as faithful as I should have been and I am reminded of the sweetness of the gospel. How, when I am obedient and live the life of a disciple, the comfort and peacefulness of our loving Father is right there. I feel exactly as is described in verse 7, "Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. . ."
Alma 5:8-9-Of course they were loosed-and what's more, as verse 9 states "and their souls did expand." What a beautiful way to describe what happens to us when we choose to follow Christ. It is also important to note the end of verse 9, "And I say unto you that they are saved." Are. Not were.
Alma 5:10-Alma believed God's word as spoken through Abinadi the prophet. He believed and a mighty change was wrought in his heart. This too can happen to each of us. We just need to put our trust in God.
And now to the real meat of it :)
Alma 5:14-Rarely, has any scripture been so ingrained in my heart and mind. Of any other scriptures reminiscent of my seminary years, this one holds special memories for me.
As a ninth grader, I was fortunate enough to have made a dear friend. One for life, who is as dear to me as my sisters.
We found ourselves one day after school visiting our favorite teacher, from our favorite class.
I don't remember if there was anything specific that prompted him to give us this little lesson. Perhaps it was to teach us that friendships made when two people love the Lord can last forever.
We had ventured down to his office because we were concerned that our strong friendship would not remain if we didn't have seminary together any longer. It seems so silly now, a hundred years and ten thousand worries later :)
He proceeded to pull out a magazine and show us a picture of a very troubled soul. He asked us a few questions about the person in the picture. Details I don't remember. What I do remember is my impression that it was not a happy person, or one who even kept commandments.
It seems very harsh to me now, explaining that. To not even know a person and judge them by what you see, but for the purpose of the lesson at hand, it was necessary and effective.
He then pulled out a recent copy of the New Era. He opened to a page with a picture of someone very familiar to me, one I knew of her character well. He again asked our impression of the ones in the pictures. The two were polar opposites. The New Era picture was of someone who was happy-not that she was laughing or even smiling much in the picture-but you could tell it was someone who kept the commandments. What was more, I knew this girl was virtuous. I knew that because I knew her. It was a picture of that dear, sweet friend standing next to me.
I don't remember much more about that occasion. We left feeling more secure in our friendship-one that has lasted far beyond any other. Since high school, we've rarely even lived in the same state, we only talk once or twice a year, but remain as close as sisters.
Sometime later, months-if not years-I came across Alma 5:14 and it hit me like a bolt of lightning. "Have you received His image in your countenance?" I picked up the phone and called her right away. This was the very lesson our wonderful seminary teacher had been teaching us. He may have even referenced this scripture at that time, it would make a lot of sense. I don't remember.
Something about that lesson, and me discovering that scripture left an indelible mark on me. I know what it is like to look at someone and see His image in their countenance. Moreover, I know that is someone I can count on and trust. It is something that I've always hoped people could see in me.
I realize that this friend is not a perfect person and that she has had times in her life when she has struggled, but I also know of her great goodness and love for those around her. She reminds me that it is possible to have hope when all seems lost, to put faith to the test and not let fear and anxiety take over and above all, that each of us truly has inside of us a great connection, one that when we strive to have his Spirit to be with us, reminds us that we are not just strangers aimlessly wandering this earth, but brothers and sisters in an eternal family and when we treat each other as such, it brings great richness and joy to this earthly existence.
Considering that question "Have your received His image in your countenance?" is of utmost importance as we strive to be worthy to enter the temple. For me, it is a clear and concise way to consider if I am living as He would have me live.
Alma 5:6-The Book of Mormon is filled with examples of the Lord's mercy for His children. When I first read this verse, I quickly think of times in my life when I haven't been as faithful as I should have been and I am reminded of the sweetness of the gospel. How, when I am obedient and live the life of a disciple, the comfort and peacefulness of our loving Father is right there. I feel exactly as is described in verse 7, "Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. . ."
Alma 5:8-9-Of course they were loosed-and what's more, as verse 9 states "and their souls did expand." What a beautiful way to describe what happens to us when we choose to follow Christ. It is also important to note the end of verse 9, "And I say unto you that they are saved." Are. Not were.
Alma 5:10-Alma believed God's word as spoken through Abinadi the prophet. He believed and a mighty change was wrought in his heart. This too can happen to each of us. We just need to put our trust in God.
And now to the real meat of it :)
Alma 5:14-Rarely, has any scripture been so ingrained in my heart and mind. Of any other scriptures reminiscent of my seminary years, this one holds special memories for me.
As a ninth grader, I was fortunate enough to have made a dear friend. One for life, who is as dear to me as my sisters.
We found ourselves one day after school visiting our favorite teacher, from our favorite class.
I don't remember if there was anything specific that prompted him to give us this little lesson. Perhaps it was to teach us that friendships made when two people love the Lord can last forever.
We had ventured down to his office because we were concerned that our strong friendship would not remain if we didn't have seminary together any longer. It seems so silly now, a hundred years and ten thousand worries later :)
He proceeded to pull out a magazine and show us a picture of a very troubled soul. He asked us a few questions about the person in the picture. Details I don't remember. What I do remember is my impression that it was not a happy person, or one who even kept commandments.
It seems very harsh to me now, explaining that. To not even know a person and judge them by what you see, but for the purpose of the lesson at hand, it was necessary and effective.
He then pulled out a recent copy of the New Era. He opened to a page with a picture of someone very familiar to me, one I knew of her character well. He again asked our impression of the ones in the pictures. The two were polar opposites. The New Era picture was of someone who was happy-not that she was laughing or even smiling much in the picture-but you could tell it was someone who kept the commandments. What was more, I knew this girl was virtuous. I knew that because I knew her. It was a picture of that dear, sweet friend standing next to me.
I don't remember much more about that occasion. We left feeling more secure in our friendship-one that has lasted far beyond any other. Since high school, we've rarely even lived in the same state, we only talk once or twice a year, but remain as close as sisters.
Sometime later, months-if not years-I came across Alma 5:14 and it hit me like a bolt of lightning. "Have you received His image in your countenance?" I picked up the phone and called her right away. This was the very lesson our wonderful seminary teacher had been teaching us. He may have even referenced this scripture at that time, it would make a lot of sense. I don't remember.
Something about that lesson, and me discovering that scripture left an indelible mark on me. I know what it is like to look at someone and see His image in their countenance. Moreover, I know that is someone I can count on and trust. It is something that I've always hoped people could see in me.
I realize that this friend is not a perfect person and that she has had times in her life when she has struggled, but I also know of her great goodness and love for those around her. She reminds me that it is possible to have hope when all seems lost, to put faith to the test and not let fear and anxiety take over and above all, that each of us truly has inside of us a great connection, one that when we strive to have his Spirit to be with us, reminds us that we are not just strangers aimlessly wandering this earth, but brothers and sisters in an eternal family and when we treat each other as such, it brings great richness and joy to this earthly existence.
Considering that question "Have your received His image in your countenance?" is of utmost importance as we strive to be worthy to enter the temple. For me, it is a clear and concise way to consider if I am living as He would have me live.
Virtue Value Experience #2
Virtuous living "at all times and in all things, and in all places" qualifies you for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. When you are baptized and confirmed, you are given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide all aspects of your life. Since the Holy ghost does not dwell in unclean tabernacles, living a virtuous life is a prerequisite to having the companionship of the Holy Ghost and receiving the blessings of temple ordinances. Read the following scripture references and identify the promised blessings: John 14:26-27; 15:26; 2 Nephi 32:1-5; and Doctrine and Covenants 45:57-59; 88:3-4; 121:45-46. In your journal record what you have learned, and write about a time when you felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
I love reading about the promised blessings of the Holy Ghost. I was particularly touched with Doctrine and Covenants 121:45-46-be full of charity towards all men and live in faith and be faithful-be virtuous and the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion and without 'compulsory means' it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. Wow. If I live the right way, the Spirit will just BE there. Love that promise!
I remember when my husband came home from work one morning in August 2007 and said he'd had an 'epiphany' that I could go to work part time for the insurance and he could work per-diem. No benefits, but making a lot more money. It also meant he could cut drastically down on his hours, which were significant.
I was less than thrilled with the idea. I had worked outside of the home before and did not want to miss out on raising my children and being there when they needed me. But I recognized enough in his 'epiphany' that I knew I needed to consider it.
I proceeded to less than halfheartedly look for work and update my resume and references. My husband came home from work one day, mentioning the many people who were moving from his unit to the new hospital once it opened. He had spoken with his manager and learned about some positions that were opening that I was qualified for. He told his manager about some of my experience and the manager asked that I call him. I felt stuck. . .smiling at my well-meaning husband, he went off to bed peacefully, and "grumble, grumble, grumble" went I.
Not being able to procrastinate that phone call very long, knowing that I was expected, I called and we had a chat. The manager of the department wanted to meet with me and we set up an interview time. This process was going a lot faster than I wanted it to! The interview went very well and, pending a reference check, I was essentially hired.
I had put off really praying about going back to work because I was afraid of the answer I would receive. Now it was crunch time. Time to get an answer and I couldn't deny it.
I remember it was in the evening. Either my wise, wonderful husband (no sarcasm there-he really is these things) was at work, or he' gone to bed and I'd stayed up. I knelt extremely conflicted next to the couch and I said a prayer. I was more conflicted than ever and I just cried and cried. As my tears quieted, I realized that submitting to the will of the Lord and truly getting an answer would be much preferable to the conflict I was experiencing. I also knew that the voice of reason to make the decision to submit to His will was not my own, but the very still, small voice of the Spirit.
With the decision to submit made, I prayed. I didn't just say a prayer. I prayed to know what would be right for our family. What Heavenly Father would have me do.
I knew two things at once. That I should accept this job offer, and that it would be a good thing for our family, that it would be a blessing.
From that time forward, I was fine. Truly fine. Countless blessings arose from that time in our lives:
-Our children spent more quality time with their paternal grandparents. Those early months of my going back to work before my husband's schedule was adjusted to be home more were the last few months on Earth that we had with Grandma. A fact we were not aware of at the time I first accepted the job.
-Dad was around a lot more-which was awesome!
-I made many new friends. Good and wonderful people who became lifelong friends.
-I felt successful! And appreciated! I say that so simply, but I know it was something I was in need of.
-I never had to work a night shift. I was scheduled to work Christmas Day the first year there. I was really sad, but we made plans to make the best of it. A week or so after the holiday schedule was released, I received a phone call from another person in my position who wanted to take my Christmas shift. He didn't have any family and wanted the overtime pay.
I am so grateful for the whisperings of the Spirit in our lives. And so eternally grateful that my Heavenly Father and husband know me enough to keep pushing me and have patience with me so that these blessings could be enjoyed!
I love reading about the promised blessings of the Holy Ghost. I was particularly touched with Doctrine and Covenants 121:45-46-be full of charity towards all men and live in faith and be faithful-be virtuous and the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion and without 'compulsory means' it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. Wow. If I live the right way, the Spirit will just BE there. Love that promise!
I remember when my husband came home from work one morning in August 2007 and said he'd had an 'epiphany' that I could go to work part time for the insurance and he could work per-diem. No benefits, but making a lot more money. It also meant he could cut drastically down on his hours, which were significant.
I was less than thrilled with the idea. I had worked outside of the home before and did not want to miss out on raising my children and being there when they needed me. But I recognized enough in his 'epiphany' that I knew I needed to consider it.
I proceeded to less than halfheartedly look for work and update my resume and references. My husband came home from work one day, mentioning the many people who were moving from his unit to the new hospital once it opened. He had spoken with his manager and learned about some positions that were opening that I was qualified for. He told his manager about some of my experience and the manager asked that I call him. I felt stuck. . .smiling at my well-meaning husband, he went off to bed peacefully, and "grumble, grumble, grumble" went I.
Not being able to procrastinate that phone call very long, knowing that I was expected, I called and we had a chat. The manager of the department wanted to meet with me and we set up an interview time. This process was going a lot faster than I wanted it to! The interview went very well and, pending a reference check, I was essentially hired.
I had put off really praying about going back to work because I was afraid of the answer I would receive. Now it was crunch time. Time to get an answer and I couldn't deny it.
I remember it was in the evening. Either my wise, wonderful husband (no sarcasm there-he really is these things) was at work, or he' gone to bed and I'd stayed up. I knelt extremely conflicted next to the couch and I said a prayer. I was more conflicted than ever and I just cried and cried. As my tears quieted, I realized that submitting to the will of the Lord and truly getting an answer would be much preferable to the conflict I was experiencing. I also knew that the voice of reason to make the decision to submit to His will was not my own, but the very still, small voice of the Spirit.
With the decision to submit made, I prayed. I didn't just say a prayer. I prayed to know what would be right for our family. What Heavenly Father would have me do.
I knew two things at once. That I should accept this job offer, and that it would be a good thing for our family, that it would be a blessing.
From that time forward, I was fine. Truly fine. Countless blessings arose from that time in our lives:
-Our children spent more quality time with their paternal grandparents. Those early months of my going back to work before my husband's schedule was adjusted to be home more were the last few months on Earth that we had with Grandma. A fact we were not aware of at the time I first accepted the job.
-Dad was around a lot more-which was awesome!
-I made many new friends. Good and wonderful people who became lifelong friends.
-I felt successful! And appreciated! I say that so simply, but I know it was something I was in need of.
-I never had to work a night shift. I was scheduled to work Christmas Day the first year there. I was really sad, but we made plans to make the best of it. A week or so after the holiday schedule was released, I received a phone call from another person in my position who wanted to take my Christmas shift. He didn't have any family and wanted the overtime pay.
I am so grateful for the whisperings of the Spirit in our lives. And so eternally grateful that my Heavenly Father and husband know me enough to keep pushing me and have patience with me so that these blessings could be enjoyed!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Virtue Value Experience #1
Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It includes chastity and purity. The power to create mortal life is an exalted power God has given His children. He has commanded that this power be used only between a man and a woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Study the meaning and importance of chastity and virtue by reading Moroni 9:9; Jacob 2:28; The Family: A Proclamation to the World; and the section on sexual purity in For the Strength of Youth. Also read Article of Faith number thirteen and Proverbs 31:10-31. In your journal write the promised blessings of being sexually clean and pure and your commitment to be chaste.
The promised blessings of being sexually clean and pure are many! I love the promises to the youth in For the Strength of Youth-preparing themselves to make and keep sacred covenants; being prepared to build strong marriages; bringing children into a loving family; protected from emotional damage. And then the promises to a virtuous young woman as found in Proverbs: husband safely trusts in her; she will do good and not evil all the days of her life; clothed in strength and honor; wise and kind; her children call her blessed and her husband praises her. . .who wouldn't want that?
As we strive to have high moral standards, our thoughts and behaviors become and are virtuous. Being chaste is a way of life that does not end once you are married. It is a continous decision in the world today. I'm grateful that we have not made a family habit of watching television shows. As Ty reaches the age that he is interested in some shows he hears about from friends, I watch him as he makes decisions about what to watch.
Recently, he asked if he could watch a certain show. I didn't want it on where the rest of the kids could see it, so he rented them off the computer through Netflix. Although I wasn't totally comfortable with this, I was comfortable enough that he could make a good decision on his own. He began watching and by the third or fourth episode, he let us know that he wasn't going to watch it anymore. He just wasn't comfortable with what he was watching.
I think that the conscious decision David and I have made not to watch that kind of thing has also begun to make an impact on our children. Some may say we shelter them too much, but really - they see and hear PLENTY in their day-to-day at school. I'm not worried about them being too sheltered. I'm so happy that they can walk in our home and BE sheltered from the world whenever they want.
The promised blessings of being sexually clean and pure are many! I love the promises to the youth in For the Strength of Youth-preparing themselves to make and keep sacred covenants; being prepared to build strong marriages; bringing children into a loving family; protected from emotional damage. And then the promises to a virtuous young woman as found in Proverbs: husband safely trusts in her; she will do good and not evil all the days of her life; clothed in strength and honor; wise and kind; her children call her blessed and her husband praises her. . .who wouldn't want that?
As we strive to have high moral standards, our thoughts and behaviors become and are virtuous. Being chaste is a way of life that does not end once you are married. It is a continous decision in the world today. I'm grateful that we have not made a family habit of watching television shows. As Ty reaches the age that he is interested in some shows he hears about from friends, I watch him as he makes decisions about what to watch.
Recently, he asked if he could watch a certain show. I didn't want it on where the rest of the kids could see it, so he rented them off the computer through Netflix. Although I wasn't totally comfortable with this, I was comfortable enough that he could make a good decision on his own. He began watching and by the third or fourth episode, he let us know that he wasn't going to watch it anymore. He just wasn't comfortable with what he was watching.
I think that the conscious decision David and I have made not to watch that kind of thing has also begun to make an impact on our children. Some may say we shelter them too much, but really - they see and hear PLENTY in their day-to-day at school. I'm not worried about them being too sheltered. I'm so happy that they can walk in our home and BE sheltered from the world whenever they want.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Virtue Project
The Savior chose to live a virtuous life. Follow His admonition to "learn of me" (D&C 19:23) by reading the entire Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Liken the scriptures to your life and circumstances. As you read, record your thoughts regularly in your journal. Note the example of the Savior. What did He and those who followed Him do to live virtuous lives? At the completion of your reading, record your testimony.
"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Joseph Smith, in introduction to the Book of Mormon).
As I completed the Book of Mormon last week, I was not overcome with a sense of truthfulness of the scripture. I had instead, a small inkling of peace that I already knew; I had already known it was true. As I thought about this small inkling, I wondered if that was really what I was feeling.
But as I knelt in prayer about my testimony of its truth, I felt the Spirit's confirmation that the feelings I had when I finished were true. I had already known of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. A testimony I gained many years ago through a period of diligent study.
My feelings are not one of overwhelming joy at its truth, but an absolute quiet peace - a peace that I can only compare to time spent in the temple. How grateful I am.
As I type what I wrote in my journal, I feel that peace again and bear that testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I am by nature, a private person (all evidence to the contrary). I began this blog for myself because as I write about my experiences, the things I learn are clarified in my mind and strengthened in my heart. I also like the ability to link to other things I've learned on the same topic. I realize that others may read this and wonder at my sincerity or why I post it for all to see. I post these things for me, and maybe my daughter will find support in them when she begins this same journey; but I don't keep them private either. The growth of a testimony can be a miraculous thing and I think it is important that we realize that it doesn't come all at once. We forget all too often that this life is a journey and we are learning all along the way.
"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Joseph Smith, in introduction to the Book of Mormon).
As I completed the Book of Mormon last week, I was not overcome with a sense of truthfulness of the scripture. I had instead, a small inkling of peace that I already knew; I had already known it was true. As I thought about this small inkling, I wondered if that was really what I was feeling.
But as I knelt in prayer about my testimony of its truth, I felt the Spirit's confirmation that the feelings I had when I finished were true. I had already known of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. A testimony I gained many years ago through a period of diligent study.
My feelings are not one of overwhelming joy at its truth, but an absolute quiet peace - a peace that I can only compare to time spent in the temple. How grateful I am.
As I type what I wrote in my journal, I feel that peace again and bear that testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I am by nature, a private person (all evidence to the contrary). I began this blog for myself because as I write about my experiences, the things I learn are clarified in my mind and strengthened in my heart. I also like the ability to link to other things I've learned on the same topic. I realize that others may read this and wonder at my sincerity or why I post it for all to see. I post these things for me, and maybe my daughter will find support in them when she begins this same journey; but I don't keep them private either. The growth of a testimony can be a miraculous thing and I think it is important that we realize that it doesn't come all at once. We forget all too often that this life is a journey and we are learning all along the way.
Divine Nature Value Experience #1
What are some of the divine qualities of a daughter of God? Read The Family: A Proclamation to the World; 2 Peter 1; Alma 7:23-24; and Doctrine and Covenants 121:45. In your own words, list the divine qualities discussed in your reading. Think about how you can discover and develop each of these qualities. Record your ideas in your journal.
2 Peter mentions the divine qualities of faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. These are divine qualities, but the path to developing them is also line by line, precept by precept. Begin with faith to live by the example of Christ and find these qualities developed along the way.
I think that "easy to be entreated" in Alma 7:23 is a quality that people will find in you to be approachable, no matter the situation. Alma also reminds us to have a prayerful heart.
Doctrine & Covenants-as you try to live virtuously, your faith and trust that God is aware of all and guides your life will be strong. Not that He makes your decisions for you, but your heart will be more in tune with God as you make your choices. Anxiety about what life will bring is lessened and not a problem. You will have confidence that you are living the right way and all will be as it should.
As I increase my faith by prayer and scripture study, my life becomes more in tune with Him. I add virtue as a quality as well as to other qualities. The qualities of a daughter of God are very nurturing in nature. It seems natural for each of us to be a partaker of the divine nature. Something that may not make sense to some, but as you work to develop divine qualities, you realize how at home they are in you.
2 Peter mentions the divine qualities of faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. These are divine qualities, but the path to developing them is also line by line, precept by precept. Begin with faith to live by the example of Christ and find these qualities developed along the way.
I think that "easy to be entreated" in Alma 7:23 is a quality that people will find in you to be approachable, no matter the situation. Alma also reminds us to have a prayerful heart.
Doctrine & Covenants-as you try to live virtuously, your faith and trust that God is aware of all and guides your life will be strong. Not that He makes your decisions for you, but your heart will be more in tune with God as you make your choices. Anxiety about what life will bring is lessened and not a problem. You will have confidence that you are living the right way and all will be as it should.
As I increase my faith by prayer and scripture study, my life becomes more in tune with Him. I add virtue as a quality as well as to other qualities. The qualities of a daughter of God are very nurturing in nature. It seems natural for each of us to be a partaker of the divine nature. Something that may not make sense to some, but as you work to develop divine qualities, you realize how at home they are in you.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
For the Strength of Youth - Going Forward with Faith
Read about this standard here.
Much of what I've learned about going forward with faith I will link to my post about Faith, value experience #1, as I ended up writing about both of these things in the same entry as my journal. But another thought came to me as I was reading the Book of Mormon this morning. As part of working on the Virtue Project, I have been trying to liken the scriptures to myself, and gain greater understanding and meaning from the Book of Mormon in my life.
I started reading this morning about when Christ visited the Nephites (begins in 3 Nephi 11). I was struck by 3 Nephi 12:45: ". . .for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good." This reminds me that we are ALL His children and He loves us all.
Each of us here were righteous in heaven - we each made a righteous decision and He wants us to follow Him so that we can return! We need to help our brothers and sisters along the way.
I know it can seem overwhelming in our busy, hectic and often troubled lives, but we are meant to help each other. The great thing? This light is naturally already a part of us - we just need to give it a small part of our time and it expands and we suddenly realize that we can be there for others and when we are, we have greater joy. Everything falls neatly into place as though that is where it always belonged.
Much of what I've learned about going forward with faith I will link to my post about Faith, value experience #1, as I ended up writing about both of these things in the same entry as my journal. But another thought came to me as I was reading the Book of Mormon this morning. As part of working on the Virtue Project, I have been trying to liken the scriptures to myself, and gain greater understanding and meaning from the Book of Mormon in my life.
I started reading this morning about when Christ visited the Nephites (begins in 3 Nephi 11). I was struck by 3 Nephi 12:45: ". . .for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good." This reminds me that we are ALL His children and He loves us all.
Each of us here were righteous in heaven - we each made a righteous decision and He wants us to follow Him so that we can return! We need to help our brothers and sisters along the way.
I know it can seem overwhelming in our busy, hectic and often troubled lives, but we are meant to help each other. The great thing? This light is naturally already a part of us - we just need to give it a small part of our time and it expands and we suddenly realize that we can be there for others and when we are, we have greater joy. Everything falls neatly into place as though that is where it always belonged.
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