Good examples go far

Alma chapter 20 is another great chapter about examples. 17 is good and 18 and 20 are good too. The way a man handles things and all three chapters or four chapters, ends up changing people's lives. Lamoni's father only gave him the time of day because he, a man, was treating him firmly, respectfully, and showing love for his son. And his intent was pure. Ammin only wanted to save his brother in. He didn't want power or glory or anything like that.

The Bible is good

I haven't really read the Bible to much, the Old Testament I mean, until this year in Sunday school. Besides Seminary, I guess. So far, it has been really really good. Lots of weird stuff, but those are just ancient and cultural. But there's some really cool gems. Like for example, when Abraham's servant went to get Rebecca to marry Isaac, he already knew that God was going to provide somebody probably. That he prayed and involves the Lord anyway, and the scripture says that even before he was done praying, Rebecca started coming toward him. It just made me think about how even when we are doing something we already know God wants us to do, we still should involve him in it, and he will always bless us. It also reminded me of the Bible dictionary section on prayer that talks about how heavenly father has blessings for us that he's waiting to give us, that are dependent upon us asking for them. So after reading that, I prayed and asked for some blessings that may be heavenly father is waiting to give me.

Another thing I read tonight that was cool was actually from The Book of Mormon. It was in Alma chapter 17, and they were actually two things. The first thing I liked was how the servants went, actually a chapter 18, to King Lamoni and said they didn't know if a man was a great spirit, but they did know a few things. They knew that amand could slay a bunch of people and that the wicked lamanites weren't going to mess with the King sheet when a man was around. I thought that was cool, and a an interesting analogy for how we can think about profits, or encourage people who don't know about them or if they are inspired of God yet. I mean, we can look at the fruits first and use them as evidence for the truthfulness of something. They didn't know that a man was a prophet or if he was God, but they knew that he was good because of what he did. And then related to that, the other thing I liked is that King Lamoni thought that Aaron was God. It made me think how much I reflect God or not. I want two more. By my language and the way I feel toward others and treat them, and also just what I talk about. Wouldn't it be amazing if someone mistook me for God? Obviously that would never happen, but it's a good thing to shoot for.

Obedience related to testimony

It is. See  Evans's talk in Oct 17

Temple blessings

I read an article or two in the Ensign tonight about attending the temple and the blessing it can be for us. One quote said that it would bless us in every aspect of our lives.

It made me remember how the summer I got married, I didn't have very much money, and I only got scheduled with Rock 101 for so many weeks, even though I wanted more. But through working in the temple, I met Keith Terry. And he hired me as an editor for quite a few things. That brought in income that I desperately needed! I really had 0.0 when I got married, and without Keith, I would have been in the negative.

Temple attendance has blessed me in other ways too. I've learned things and felt the spirit. I've questioned a lot of things and been through the refiner's fire enough about spiritual things that (at this point, at least) I know this church is still where I want to be.

Alma spoke to people who were already good

Alma 7 is him speaking and teaching to people who were already being faithful. It's cool. He still told them to repent, but not as much. He focused more on teaching about Jesus Christ, and then on telling them to keep keeping the path straight and keeping their temples holy so God could be with them. Alma saved the good stuff, like teaching them to be humble, gentle and submissive, easy to be entreated, and diligent in learning God's word, for them! Good people already!

He also said, wanna do more good works? Just have faith, hope, and charity, and it will come naturally.

Remember?

The biggest theme that is sticking out to me right now in the scriptures is remembering. I read Alma 5 and was more touched than ever about how much he says remember, or implies it. It seems so pertinent to my life and to my day, because I often do have to call upon my memory of a feeling, of a witness, in order to get me through times of doubt or worry or discomfort. And it is so pertinent to so many of my close friends. Landon, Jessie, Lauren. Remember/ Remember when things helped you? When doing the good things helped you? When Christ helped you/forgave you/lifted you?

The Book of Mormon is true to me right now because of all the incredible and valuable and golden things it teaches. Little nuggets of pure gold that are just so inspired. They help me get closer to Christ and be kind to others and love and improve and be humble. Nothing else has such power in the world, I don't think.

I finished reading it with the prayer in my heart of, what can I do better? What am I forgetting? How can I strip myself of pride more and be more humble?

So far, it's continuing to speak kindly and feel kindly toward people. And thinking more about the YW and putting more into my calling. But there will be more.

Loving those who choose to leave

Elder Richard G. Scott counseled:
“Many of you have heavy hearts because a son or daughter, husband or wife, has turned from righteousness to pursue evil. My message is for you.
“Your life is filled with anguish, pain, and, at times, despair. I will tell you how you can be comforted by the Lord.
“First, you must recognize two foundation principles:
“1. While there are many things you can do to help a loved one in need, there are some things that must be done by the Lord.
“2. Also, no enduring improvement can occur without righteous exercise of agency. Do not attempt to override agency. The Lord himself would not do that. Forced obedience yields no blessings (see D&C 58:26–33).
“I will suggest seven ways you can help.
“First, love without limitations. … Second, do not condone the transgressions, but extend every hope and support to the transgressor. … Third, teach truth. … Fourth, honestly forgive as often as is required. … Fifth, pray trustingly. ‘The … fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much’ (James 5:16). …
“Sixth, keep perspective. … When the things you realistically can do to help are done, leave the matter in the hands of the Lord and worry no more. Do not feel guilty because you cannot do more. Do not waste your energy on useless worry. … In time, you will feel impressions and know how to give further help. You will find more peace and happiness, will not neglect others that need you, and will be able to give greater help because of that eternal perspective. …
“One last suggestion—Never give up on a loved one, never!” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1988, 69–71; or Ensign, May 1988, 60–61).