Divine Nature #1

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.

August 5, 2010

~ The divine qualities of a daughter of God ~
* Family Proclamation ~ we are created in the image of God, we are daughters of heavenly parents, we are loved by our heavenly parents, we have a divine nature and destiny, we can have an eternal family and return to God's presence, we have the responsibility and potential to become a mother to teach and nurture our children, we have the potential to be married eternally
* 2 Peter 1 ~ our divine qualities include a precious faith, grace, peace, all things pertaining unto life and godliness, exceeding great and precious promises, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity
* Alma 7:23-24 ~ humility, submissiveness, gentleness, easy to be entreated, patience, long-suffering, temperance, diligence in keeping the commandments, ask for what you need, give thanks for what you receive, faith, hope, charity, good works
* D&C 121:45 ~ charity, virtue, confidence in God's presence


~ How can you discover and develop each of these qualities? ~
Truly, we daughters of God have been given many divine qualities but it is up to us to develop them, to put them in to practice, to learn how to use them to bless our lives and the lives of others. As we are obedient, choose good friends, pray, read the scriptures, attend church, set worthy goals, and strive to always have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we will develop and grow in the divine qualities we have been given. Because doing what is right brings us closer to God and helps us be more like Him. It isn't difficult to stay on the path of righteousness but it does take effort. Just know that it will all be worth it. As I do what is right and become more like the Savior Jesus Christ I more fully prepare myself for eternal life - which is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

Book of Mormon ~ Alma 53

August 5, 2010: I think there is probably a lot of the Stripling Warrior story that we don't hear about. Their fathers are prepared to battle when they step up and offer to go instead. Despite the covenant not to war that their fathers have made, I cannot imagine their fathers immediately accepted the offer. These were their beloved sons. How could they send them off to war. They know all too well the dangers of war and knew that there were many sons who they probably wouldn't see again. In the end, the persuasion of the sons won out and they left to fight with Helaman.

Certainly, the Lord spared the life of each Stripling Warrior because of their great faith. But I think it was also because of the faith and sacrifice of their parents. They had already lost so much and yet remained true to the gospel. No doubt Heavenly Father had great mercy on them and allowed each of those valiant young men to return home. I love the application of this beautiful story and pray that I can raise my own children to believe as they did so that my family will have equal protection and be able to live together forever.