Today I read a short section in Doctrine and Covenants. Section 4, to be exact. As I started reading it, it sounded familiar to me and I realized it was the section every missionary memorizes before going out into the field. The part that I realized that at was the infamous "Behold, the field is white already to harvest. . " That is the perfect phrase for a missionary. For all members, because we are all supposed to be missionaries. It's a very good analogy, I think. A field that is ready to be harvested. Field indicating there are many out there to learn about the truth, we are the ones who need to go out and actually do the harvesting.
Every member a missionary.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day 99
I read a short article by Elder Dallin H. Oaks about how to be spiritually protected. He shared some advice that wasn't anything I hadn't already been taught. Realizing that, it taught me how this church always has, and always will, teach the same doctrine. We are all following the same Jesus Christ, and all want to return to the same Heavenly Father. Therefore, we all need to follow the same teachings to make it back.
Read the scriptures, repent and partake of the sacrament, pray daily, attend the temple, do not participate in activities that drive away the Spirit.
All of those I know I've been taught about for as long as I can remember, and it's comforting to know that those are things I need to always focus on doing. I need daily study and pondering in order to stay spiritually protected. I need daily communication with Heavenly Father to know what I can do better, who I can serve to keep his spirit close to me.
Read the scriptures, repent and partake of the sacrament, pray daily, attend the temple, do not participate in activities that drive away the Spirit.
All of those I know I've been taught about for as long as I can remember, and it's comforting to know that those are things I need to always focus on doing. I need daily study and pondering in order to stay spiritually protected. I need daily communication with Heavenly Father to know what I can do better, who I can serve to keep his spirit close to me.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Day 98
"Be the best you can be".
That seems like a simple statement, but it holds a lot of responsiblity in it. Since I am not perfect, I obviously make mistakes every day. There are experiences I need to have that sometimes can only happen when I make a wrong choice. I don't like those experiences.
But we are programmed to learn through experience. How else could we truly learn something if we've never gone through anything? How could we really apply what is to be learned?
I read a short article by Elder Scott targeted to missionaries to "be the best you can be". And it got me thinking about how am I trying to "be the best" I can be? Easier said than done.
I know through every experience, it's what I do with myself through the experience and afterwards. How I apply what I learned positively in my life is what really counts.
Thank goodness for the Atonement to help me pick myself back up after I've learned the hard way. It helps me think clearer next time a similar situation comes up, and I can apply what I learned last time, and move on without falling back down.
That seems like a simple statement, but it holds a lot of responsiblity in it. Since I am not perfect, I obviously make mistakes every day. There are experiences I need to have that sometimes can only happen when I make a wrong choice. I don't like those experiences.
But we are programmed to learn through experience. How else could we truly learn something if we've never gone through anything? How could we really apply what is to be learned?
I read a short article by Elder Scott targeted to missionaries to "be the best you can be". And it got me thinking about how am I trying to "be the best" I can be? Easier said than done.
I know through every experience, it's what I do with myself through the experience and afterwards. How I apply what I learned positively in my life is what really counts.
Thank goodness for the Atonement to help me pick myself back up after I've learned the hard way. It helps me think clearer next time a similar situation comes up, and I can apply what I learned last time, and move on without falling back down.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Day 97
I started reading 1st Nephi chapter 13 today. It's abouts visions Nephi had when an angel showed him the last days, and the angel explained everything. One thing I really liked about this chapter was how the angel kept asking him to "Look!" And ask him to explain what Nephi saw, and then the angel would explain what was going on. For some reason I really liked how the angel gave Nephi a chance to see for himself and think for himself what was going on. To me it's a good example of how Heavenly Father works. He lets us try and figure out some things in our lives and come to him with what we think is going on, and then he will explain to us where and what he wants us to do. He gives us the opportunity to grow and learn by doing some of the thinking and figuring out ourselves.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Day 96
I read a short article by Elder Scott about finding joy. He had a valid point: Sorrow, dissapointment and challenges are events in life, not life itself.
It takes strength to separate yourself from a problem. I've realized once I do that, I become stronger, and can find ways to carry on through the challenge, and find ways to make myself better because of it.
We have so many beautiful things about life all around us, every day. I need to literally stop and smell the roses more often to remember what great gifts Heavenly Father has created for me, and how above all, I'm one of his greatest creations. Knowing that also helps me through hard times.
Joy comes from trusting in Heavenly Father, even when things aren't going according to "my" plan. There's always joy to be found.
It takes strength to separate yourself from a problem. I've realized once I do that, I become stronger, and can find ways to carry on through the challenge, and find ways to make myself better because of it.
We have so many beautiful things about life all around us, every day. I need to literally stop and smell the roses more often to remember what great gifts Heavenly Father has created for me, and how above all, I'm one of his greatest creations. Knowing that also helps me through hard times.
Joy comes from trusting in Heavenly Father, even when things aren't going according to "my" plan. There's always joy to be found.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Day 95
I read 1st Nephi chapter 19 today. I remember having a scripture mastery in that chapter. We remembered it by reciting to our seminary teacher, "First Nephi Ninteen! Scripture likening!" And ever since then it's stuck.
I actually looked up that chapter because it referenced the word "kindness". I wanted to read about that today, and the index lead me to that chapter. The whole chapter was full of a lot of little things that I was glad to be reminded of, and also some new things were brought to light. A lot of underlining was done.
A couple verses that really caught my attention were verses 6-7. Nephi wrote "Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it to be sacred." I really liked that, because there's nothing in these scriptures that aren't important to know. Well, except for maybe the Songs of Solomon. But Joseph Smith had it revealed to him that those weren't inspired writings. Anyways, it was nice to be reminded that everything contained in these books I own were sacred according to ancient prophets, which means they are still sacred today.
As I moved onto verse 7, I liked how he told us that some things that he finds sacred, others laugh at and do not care about. We all have felt that way, and it made me sad to know that Nephi wrote these words because they were so important to him, he wanted to share them with everyone he could, even us in this day. He compared his words to Christ, that even Christ and his teachings would be trampled under the feet of men. How can people do that? Not care about Christ? But it's so easy to give off the impression that we don't care when we don't live by his words. It brought new things to light in my mind, made me realize that I should always try my best to show that I care about Christ, that I'm not being ignorant in his teachings.
I actually looked up that chapter because it referenced the word "kindness". I wanted to read about that today, and the index lead me to that chapter. The whole chapter was full of a lot of little things that I was glad to be reminded of, and also some new things were brought to light. A lot of underlining was done.
A couple verses that really caught my attention were verses 6-7. Nephi wrote "Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it to be sacred." I really liked that, because there's nothing in these scriptures that aren't important to know. Well, except for maybe the Songs of Solomon. But Joseph Smith had it revealed to him that those weren't inspired writings. Anyways, it was nice to be reminded that everything contained in these books I own were sacred according to ancient prophets, which means they are still sacred today.
As I moved onto verse 7, I liked how he told us that some things that he finds sacred, others laugh at and do not care about. We all have felt that way, and it made me sad to know that Nephi wrote these words because they were so important to him, he wanted to share them with everyone he could, even us in this day. He compared his words to Christ, that even Christ and his teachings would be trampled under the feet of men. How can people do that? Not care about Christ? But it's so easy to give off the impression that we don't care when we don't live by his words. It brought new things to light in my mind, made me realize that I should always try my best to show that I care about Christ, that I'm not being ignorant in his teachings.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 94
I'm reading talks by Elder Scott this week. I read his most recent address today, the one he gave about eternal marriage this past conference. It was a wonderful talk to read, and helped me want to become a better spouse.
He talked about how we are here to try and learn how to love eternally like our Heavenly Father, and marriage plays a big role in that. We marry someone because we plan on loving them eternally, and if our love is centered around Christ, it can grow and mature and become the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for each one of us. It was an inspiring talk to read.
He talked about how we are here to try and learn how to love eternally like our Heavenly Father, and marriage plays a big role in that. We marry someone because we plan on loving them eternally, and if our love is centered around Christ, it can grow and mature and become the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for each one of us. It was an inspiring talk to read.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Day 93
I read an address Elder Hales gave to BYU students back in 1982. That seems like a long time ago, well before I was even born, but he gave the same advice that I've read in other talks he still gives to us today. It was such a comfort to me to read how the gospel never changes. People change and the world changes as we progress through the years, but the gospel of Jesus Christ always has the same firm teachings since it was first established.
One thing he mentioned in this address was to be careful of being an "antichrist". We think Antichrists are only those spoken of in the Book of Mormon who are actively preaching against teachings of Christ, but he told us that we could easily fall under that category if we cease to defend the word of God when it is attacked. I had never thought of it that way before. He warned us not to be like Peter, who denied Christ three times. He warned us not to be afraid to stand up for God. He said we should realize that we should fear God more than man. What power does man have over us in the eternities? None compared to Heavenly Father. He is the one we should always be striving to please. That got me thinking, and obviously made we want to be better at standing up for what I believe because Heavenly Father is the one that I am trying to be like in this life, not my fellow man.
One thing he mentioned in this address was to be careful of being an "antichrist". We think Antichrists are only those spoken of in the Book of Mormon who are actively preaching against teachings of Christ, but he told us that we could easily fall under that category if we cease to defend the word of God when it is attacked. I had never thought of it that way before. He warned us not to be like Peter, who denied Christ three times. He warned us not to be afraid to stand up for God. He said we should realize that we should fear God more than man. What power does man have over us in the eternities? None compared to Heavenly Father. He is the one we should always be striving to please. That got me thinking, and obviously made we want to be better at standing up for what I believe because Heavenly Father is the one that I am trying to be like in this life, not my fellow man.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Day 92
Today I read about light. About how light is often referred to when talking about following Christ. Elder Hales gave a great talk about how light and dark cannot exist in the same place at the same time. Either you have light and can see, or you are in darkness and can't. It's interesting how applicable that is to the gospel. How if we are following Christ, we can see more clearly and feel more in tune with the Spirit. But if we are not following Christ, darkness can start to set inside of us, and it's harder to listen to the Spirit, and we are left with more questions.
I read a chapter out of Isaiah about light, and he said an interesting line "Those that walk in darkness have seen a great light". (9:2). I think that's interesting, and it shows how important it is to share the gospel. There are so many people out there who are walking in darkness without realizing it. It's not until the gospel is shown to them that they can see the light, and then choose whether to walk in light or darkness.
And we have to continually choose to walk in light. We easily can make choices that will lead us into the dark, and sometimes it takes a while for us to realize that. Every day I need to make the choice to walk in the light of Christ so that I can see clearer what I need to do every day, and also be more willing to listen to the Spirit.
I read a chapter out of Isaiah about light, and he said an interesting line "Those that walk in darkness have seen a great light". (9:2). I think that's interesting, and it shows how important it is to share the gospel. There are so many people out there who are walking in darkness without realizing it. It's not until the gospel is shown to them that they can see the light, and then choose whether to walk in light or darkness.
And we have to continually choose to walk in light. We easily can make choices that will lead us into the dark, and sometimes it takes a while for us to realize that. Every day I need to make the choice to walk in the light of Christ so that I can see clearer what I need to do every day, and also be more willing to listen to the Spirit.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Day 91
Elder Hales gave a short story about compassion, and how sometimes simple acts can make a big difference. He shared a story about an elderly couple who was serving their mission in a small branch in Switzerland and how one young couple was really struggling agreeing with some teachings of the church, and how they finally told the couple to just leave them alone and to not bother with them anymore. The elderly couple sent them a bouquet of flowers and a simple message that said "We love you. We miss you. We need you." signed by the branch president. The next Sunday was a fast and testimony meeting and the couple came, and told the branch that they were thankful that the branch didn't give up on them.
Giving the flowers was such a simple act, but it made all the difference to this one couple. Sometimes we need to remember that people do appreciate small acts of kindness. We are here to serve one another, after all. And little acts speak a lot about people who do them.
The Lord wants us to practice compassion because a lot of times he uses us as his answers to prayers that have pled for some kind of relief. Sometimes a simple note or some flowers or just some kinds words are all someone needs to keep moving on.
I hope to always be in a position to be compassionate and to share my love of the Savior with others.
Giving the flowers was such a simple act, but it made all the difference to this one couple. Sometimes we need to remember that people do appreciate small acts of kindness. We are here to serve one another, after all. And little acts speak a lot about people who do them.
The Lord wants us to practice compassion because a lot of times he uses us as his answers to prayers that have pled for some kind of relief. Sometimes a simple note or some flowers or just some kinds words are all someone needs to keep moving on.
I hope to always be in a position to be compassionate and to share my love of the Savior with others.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Day 90
I decided to read 2nd Nephi ch. 29 in hopes of reading about creation, but what I learned about more was the purpose Heavenly Father has of eventually getting all his people to believe and be "of one heart and one mind". The whole chapter seemed to be dedicated to Heavenly Father telling us that we need more than just the bible, and that every single person needs to know there is more than just one book of his teachings and revelations.
This chapter once again made me want to be better at trying to be a missionary. There are a lot of people out there who still don't know the truth. And yes, there will be plenty of people out there who will feel like they don't need something other than the bible. With those people, the Lord said "Behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not fogotten my people." What goes around comes around, it sounds like.
Everyone deserves the chance to at least hear about the gospel. And from there it is up to them whether they will accept it into their lives or not. I cannot make a person believe, but I can help them see that there is truth out there.
This chapter once again made me want to be better at trying to be a missionary. There are a lot of people out there who still don't know the truth. And yes, there will be plenty of people out there who will feel like they don't need something other than the bible. With those people, the Lord said "Behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not fogotten my people." What goes around comes around, it sounds like.
Everyone deserves the chance to at least hear about the gospel. And from there it is up to them whether they will accept it into their lives or not. I cannot make a person believe, but I can help them see that there is truth out there.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Day 87
I just read another article by Robert D. Hales all about being creative. He wasn't talking about just keeping creativity to the "arts" such as painting, acting, dancing, etc that we usually think to be the only creative things. He was talking about how when we come across a problem, to figure out solutions that can help us along the way. He talked about how the Lord has instilled within each of us the ability to think creatively. He gave a great example of the story of the Brother of Jared, and how he had to think creatively to get his people across the ocean. The Lord didn't tell him what to do. The brother of Jared thought up the stones that could be touched by the Lord and become the source of light within their boats. It was a creative solution.
Obviously Elder Hales wasn't asking us to do something like that every time we are faced with a challenge, but the principle of that story is what is important. Heavenly Father has given us agency to work out for ourselves what we think is the best way to go about doing something. When we have "studied it out in our minds", we then bring it to the Lord and he lets us know if it will work or not. He's giving us the opportunity to learn and grow while we go through the process of figuring out a solution. If he just told us the solution right away, he's taking away our priviledge of using the agency we fought so hard for in the war in heaven.
Creativity isn't something I've thought could apply to pretty much anything in my life. But when I view a problem from a different perspective, that's using my creativity. We all have it within us, and can see it come out when we are faced with a problem.
Obviously Elder Hales wasn't asking us to do something like that every time we are faced with a challenge, but the principle of that story is what is important. Heavenly Father has given us agency to work out for ourselves what we think is the best way to go about doing something. When we have "studied it out in our minds", we then bring it to the Lord and he lets us know if it will work or not. He's giving us the opportunity to learn and grow while we go through the process of figuring out a solution. If he just told us the solution right away, he's taking away our priviledge of using the agency we fought so hard for in the war in heaven.
Creativity isn't something I've thought could apply to pretty much anything in my life. But when I view a problem from a different perspective, that's using my creativity. We all have it within us, and can see it come out when we are faced with a problem.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Day 86
I just read Doctrine and Covenants section 11. It was obviously, a great section. The Lord gave amazing revelation to Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith. About being patient in spreading the gospel that was being revealed to them, and to instead focus on studying what has been revealed to them so that they can prepare for more.
I feel like that's how I need to be as well. I need to focus on what is right in front of me-the scriptures. I received a new set of scriptures at Christmas 2009. Are they very marked up yet? No. I have a lot I need to study out of them. A lot. How can I expect revelation from Heavenly Father if I'm not doing my very best to study revelation he's already given? We have the scriptures because they can apply to every situation we come across in our lives. They are here to guide us. And there's a lot to study and learn from. Even the prophet and apostles are constantly telling us to turn to our scriptures for answers. I need to be better about that. This challenge is definitely helping me, but I can always do better.
I feel like that's how I need to be as well. I need to focus on what is right in front of me-the scriptures. I received a new set of scriptures at Christmas 2009. Are they very marked up yet? No. I have a lot I need to study out of them. A lot. How can I expect revelation from Heavenly Father if I'm not doing my very best to study revelation he's already given? We have the scriptures because they can apply to every situation we come across in our lives. They are here to guide us. And there's a lot to study and learn from. Even the prophet and apostles are constantly telling us to turn to our scriptures for answers. I need to be better about that. This challenge is definitely helping me, but I can always do better.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Day 85
I just read a talk by Elder Hales about scripture study and how important it is.
There were a few points in his talk that I really liked. The first point he made was in the front of the Book of Mormon theres a title page and then a summary about the book. He pointed out how the scriptures tell us how to live happy lives. It's funny how the world seems to have all these theories on how to live a happy, fulfilled life. It's all right in front of us! The scriptures teach us that following Christ will lead to everlasting happiness. And we can all achieve that.
Also, he talked about how in the Book of Mormon, the Mulekites eventully lose their faith in God, thus causing them to no longer remember who they are. I've never seen it from that perspective before. It's so true. If I ever start to question my belief in God, then I am questioning myself since I am a daughter of God. He did create me after his image. If I lose sight of that, how can I be confident in who I am?
This has fired me up to read more of my scriptures. There's so much contained in them that I have yet to learn. I love how I know I have my whole lifetime to learn and grow in the teachings of our Heavenly Father because he loves me so much he's giving me guidance in the form of a book.
There were a few points in his talk that I really liked. The first point he made was in the front of the Book of Mormon theres a title page and then a summary about the book. He pointed out how the scriptures tell us how to live happy lives. It's funny how the world seems to have all these theories on how to live a happy, fulfilled life. It's all right in front of us! The scriptures teach us that following Christ will lead to everlasting happiness. And we can all achieve that.
Also, he talked about how in the Book of Mormon, the Mulekites eventully lose their faith in God, thus causing them to no longer remember who they are. I've never seen it from that perspective before. It's so true. If I ever start to question my belief in God, then I am questioning myself since I am a daughter of God. He did create me after his image. If I lose sight of that, how can I be confident in who I am?
This has fired me up to read more of my scriptures. There's so much contained in them that I have yet to learn. I love how I know I have my whole lifetime to learn and grow in the teachings of our Heavenly Father because he loves me so much he's giving me guidance in the form of a book.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Day 84
Chapter 5 of 1st Peter is a really uplifting chapter. There were so many quotable scriptures in this chapter that basically I just want to reference the whole thing. Peter talks about how I need to humble myself before God so that he can help me become perfect. I need to work on my humility so that I am open to the changes I need to make in order to become better.
It's through God I can become perfect. But how can he teach me if I'm unwilling to listen and change my ways? I need to constantly be humble. And that's easier said than done. There are a lot of times when I think I'm right and that's just how it is, no questions asked. I need to be willing to address my weaknesses, and that's hard to do. It's hard to realize that I'm not very good at something. And I'm not talking about talents such as piano or a sport, I'm talking about how I can not be very good at visiting teaching, or paying attention in church. Things like that. I need to be willing to work on those things and if I have an open heart and mind, the Lord can help me out. And he's the one who knows how to be perfect, so I should remember to always trust him.
It's through God I can become perfect. But how can he teach me if I'm unwilling to listen and change my ways? I need to constantly be humble. And that's easier said than done. There are a lot of times when I think I'm right and that's just how it is, no questions asked. I need to be willing to address my weaknesses, and that's hard to do. It's hard to realize that I'm not very good at something. And I'm not talking about talents such as piano or a sport, I'm talking about how I can not be very good at visiting teaching, or paying attention in church. Things like that. I need to be willing to work on those things and if I have an open heart and mind, the Lord can help me out. And he's the one who knows how to be perfect, so I should remember to always trust him.
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