1. Learn why service is a fundamental principle of the gospel. Read Matthew 5:13–16; 25:34–40; Galatians 6:9–10; James 1:22–27; Mosiah 2:17; 4:26; and 3 Nephi 13:1–4. Others often give service you may not notice, such as preparing meals, reading to or listening to younger children, repairing clothing, or helping a brother or sister. For two weeks record in your journal the quiet acts of service your family members and others perform. Acknowledge their service in some meaningful way.
June 24, 2010: These scriptures all say, in a nutshell, that we have to be serving others according to our means. Service is the only way we will receive an inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
~ Quiet acts of service others perform ~
* Dave did dishes, helped with dinner, took out the garbage, washed my car, watered the garden
* Mom threw a holiday party for our family, gave me prizes for an activity, took me to a play and out to dinner, let us invite ourselves for Sunday dinner
* Maureen registered our new car, threw a holiday party for the family, brought Dave lunch
* The missionaries take on my work assignments so I can spend time with my family and calling
* People hold doors and elevators open for me
* Sabrina invited us for dinner
* My Young Women Presidency helped with activies and taught Sunday lessons
~ Acknowledge their service ~
* I gave Dave a shoulder massage
* I helped Mom with a project in the yard and helped fix dinner to take to the neighbors
July 21, 2010: I know this list is anything but comprehensive. People around us are serving in all sorts of ways; sometimes we notice their acts and sometimes we don't. I am grateful for those who do serve me and I am grateful for the opportunities I have to give back to them. Serving makes us happy because it invites the Spirit. I pray that I can be of more service to others and be quick to recognize the service they provide me.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Book of Mormon - Alma 43:48
July 20, 2010: "And Moroni ... sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts - ... of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage."
This scripture has an almost direct correlation to a letter George Washington sent to inspire his men in the Revolutionary War. Though I can't quote or reference it, I know it is very similar. To me, this similar message of inspiration from both Moroni and George Washington, is another indication that the Lord had a hand in establishing this land. Also, it give even myself courage to carry on amid the battles of my day. The Lord does love us and want us to prevail.
This scripture has an almost direct correlation to a letter George Washington sent to inspire his men in the Revolutionary War. Though I can't quote or reference it, I know it is very similar. To me, this similar message of inspiration from both Moroni and George Washington, is another indication that the Lord had a hand in establishing this land. Also, it give even myself courage to carry on amid the battles of my day. The Lord does love us and want us to prevail.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Book of Mormon - Alma 38:2
July 13, 2010: It has just occured to me that this short chapter where Alma speaks to his son Shiblon is for the general population of the Church. Helaman's long chapters are for modern-day leaders of the Church. Corianton's are for those who stray. But Shiblon is for us who stay faithful throughout our lives. Shiblon is the brother of the Prodigal Son.
In verse 2 Alma praises Shiblon for being faithful in his youth and counsels him to remain faithful and endure to the end. What a necessary lesson for all of us. The older I get the more I understand that the fact that I graduated from seminary and institute and served a mission does not guarantee anything. This gospel takes work - takes endurance to the end. I pray that I can follow Alma's advice to Shiblon and keep the commandments, keep repenting, keep doing that I may enter the Kingdom of God at that last day.
In verse 2 Alma praises Shiblon for being faithful in his youth and counsels him to remain faithful and endure to the end. What a necessary lesson for all of us. The older I get the more I understand that the fact that I graduated from seminary and institute and served a mission does not guarantee anything. This gospel takes work - takes endurance to the end. I pray that I can follow Alma's advice to Shiblon and keep the commandments, keep repenting, keep doing that I may enter the Kingdom of God at that last day.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Book of Mormon - Alma 36:27-28
July 9, 2010: This has been one of my favorite scripture passages for a long time and it is still a favorite now. In fact, currently in my life I know all too well about troubles and trials. But, just like Alma, I too have great faith that the Lord will deliver me. Certainly, there are lessons I need to learn and ways I need to grow but I do know that once I learn and grow the Lord will deliver me. In the meantime, I have to stay strong, have great faith, and continue enduring. Then one day these trials and troubles will be behind me.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Book of Mormon - Alma 33
July 8, 2010: Alma is such a master teacher and missionary. He sees that the Zoramites have come to believe in a distorted version of prayer and disbelieve in Jesus Christ. So he quotes their very own scripture to them. How I wish we had more of the writings of Zenos. He gave the parable of the olive trees and here he is quoted as he speaks of all the places of prayer and worship where God heard him - fields, closet, wilderness, home, etc. The Spirit confirms to my heart and mind the truth of Zenos' teachings. The Lord will hear my prayers in whatever situation so long as I pray in faith.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Book of Mormon - Alma 23:18
June 28, 2010: It says here that the curse of God did not follow those Lamanites who converted to the gospel. If you read one of the footnotes that takes you to 3 Nephi it says those people became fair skinned. So, did the same thing happen with these Lamanites? I would think so. What an amazing thing that would be to see your skin change color.
I am also thinking ahead in the story and wanted to jot down this thought. The King of all the Lamanites is converted and he allows religious freedom throughout the land. Now, later, those that join the Church are forced to flee and live under the protection of the Nephites. We have to suppose that this King of all the Lamanites is one of the refugees (or was martyred). He told Aaron back in Alma 22 that he would be willing to give up his kingdom to know God. Aaron tells him he doesn't have to do that, he just has to give up his sins. Though we don't know exactly what happened to the King, all indications are that he truly did have to give up his kingdom for the gospel. He was a great, great man. Humble and quick to do the will of God. I hope to meet this King of the Lamanites one day.
(Addendum: Actually, the scriptures tell us a little later that the King died and conferred the kingdom upon his son. But still, his descendants had to give up the kingdom for the gospel and they did it, no questions asked, because they knew how important it was to follow God.)
I am also thinking ahead in the story and wanted to jot down this thought. The King of all the Lamanites is converted and he allows religious freedom throughout the land. Now, later, those that join the Church are forced to flee and live under the protection of the Nephites. We have to suppose that this King of all the Lamanites is one of the refugees (or was martyred). He told Aaron back in Alma 22 that he would be willing to give up his kingdom to know God. Aaron tells him he doesn't have to do that, he just has to give up his sins. Though we don't know exactly what happened to the King, all indications are that he truly did have to give up his kingdom for the gospel. He was a great, great man. Humble and quick to do the will of God. I hope to meet this King of the Lamanites one day.
(Addendum: Actually, the scriptures tell us a little later that the King died and conferred the kingdom upon his son. But still, his descendants had to give up the kingdom for the gospel and they did it, no questions asked, because they knew how important it was to follow God.)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Book of Mormon - Alma 22:15-18
June 27, 2010: I absolutely love his story about the conversion of the Lamanite King. I love to see how humble he becomes and so willing to give up his sins to receive the Spirit of the Lord. I pray that I too can be humble enough to give up my sins so that I can be filled with the Spirit and have joy. Receiving those gifts will be far better than any temporary pleasure and I want and need those eternal gifts.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Good Works #3
3. Read Mosiah 18:7-10, and in your journal list three ways you can comfort others or help them bear their burdens. Do the things on your list, and tell a family member or leader about the experience and how your attitude and understanding have changed.
April 4, 2010: Goals
~ Ways I can comfort others or help them bear their burdens ~
1. Be a listening ear. Listen attentively when others need to share their difficult situations.
2. Smile at acquaintances and strangers I meet on the street, at the store, at church, at work, etc.
3. Look for opportunities to serve others - simple things such as opening a door or giving directions or helping wherever I see a need.
June 24, 2010: Results
After striving for several weeks now to 1) be a listening ear, 2) smile at others, 3) look for opportunities to help, I find that these weeks have overall been very pleasant. I know I have been happier and more full of hope and I have even made some new friends and strengthened other relationships. It is a blessing and privilege to serve others and be instruments to help those in need.
April 4, 2010: Goals
~ Ways I can comfort others or help them bear their burdens ~
1. Be a listening ear. Listen attentively when others need to share their difficult situations.
2. Smile at acquaintances and strangers I meet on the street, at the store, at church, at work, etc.
3. Look for opportunities to serve others - simple things such as opening a door or giving directions or helping wherever I see a need.
June 24, 2010: Results
After striving for several weeks now to 1) be a listening ear, 2) smile at others, 3) look for opportunities to help, I find that these weeks have overall been very pleasant. I know I have been happier and more full of hope and I have even made some new friends and strengthened other relationships. It is a blessing and privilege to serve others and be instruments to help those in need.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Book of Mormon - Alma 19
June 23, 2010: I feel like I am reading this story of King Lamoni for the first time - I saw so many new things and could really picture all that was going on. What an amazing conversion of the King and his household. I especially love to see how eager they all are to share the gospel. We all need to be just as eager. What a wonderful gift we have in being members of the true church. We should be declaring this happiness to all.
I also like the statement that their hearts had been changed, they had no more desire to do evil. As we live the gospel our hearts do change for we are filled with the love of God who changes us.
I also like the statement that their hearts had been changed, they had no more desire to do evil. As we live the gospel our hearts do change for we are filled with the love of God who changes us.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Book of Mormon - Alma 7:17
June 7, 2010: "Because your faith is strong...great is my joy." It is interesting how joyful I feel to see my young women demonstrate their faith in the Lord. I absolutely know what Alma was talking about here - and the Savior says it later. It is a blessing to see those you love following the path of righteousness and growing in their faith.
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