Trials and Talents

I've been so bad at actually POSTING my weekly blog entries... but let's try this week, eh?

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to attend General Conference. It was so enlightening and I loved hearing all the talks by our leaders. I also had the opportunity to sit down for a while and review my scriptures, especially the scriptures we went over in class. Two scriptures stood out to me, both from Ether chapter 12.

Ether 12:27 says, “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

This scripture really resonates with me. I have realized that our trials are really put there for our benefit, not to tear us down. We have to keep moving forward and continue being strong and diligent in our lives. This concept also has to do with the second scripture.

Ether 12:35 says, “Wherefore, I know by this thing which thou hast said, that if the Gentiles have not charity, because of our weakness, that thou wilt prove them, and take away their talent, yea, even that which they have received, and give unto them who shall have more abundantly.”

It has always been a hard thing for me to get out of my comfort zone and be willing to share my talents with all. It has been something I’ve been working on lately, trying to share with the world and use them to benefit others and myself. It is an interesting thing to be able to develop and work on in my life. I hope to be able to use my talents to bless others and spread the gospel for the rest of my life.

Satan and his influence

This week we read in the beginning of 3 Nephi. 3 Nephi 2:1-3 says,  

“And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen— 

Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing.

And it came to pass that the people began to wax strong in wickedness and abominations; and the did not believe that there should be any more signs or wonders given; and Satan did go about, leading away the hearts of the people, tempting them and causing them that they should do great wickedness in the land.”

I think this scripture is very interesting. A lot of times we look at the scriptures and say, oh well that was their lives and that time, and we don’t have the same things going on now. However, I know that every story in the Book of Mormon was put there for a reason and that we can use some part of each story in our lives. This one is especially prominent. The Nephites were becoming more and more wicked, and the same thing is happening today. I believe that these scriptures help to teach us that we need to make sure we’re always watching for the influence of Satan, and know that miracles and revelation will always be present. If we don’t do that, we will not be able to survive in this increasingly wicked world.

Helaman 3

This week in class we went over Alma 57- Helaman 4. There were so many great verses, but I will focus only on two.

Helaman 3:19-20 reads, "And it came to pass that there was still great contention in the land, yea, even in the forty and seventh year, and also in the forty and eighth year.
Nevertheless Helaman did fill the judgment-seat with justice and equity; yea, he did observe to keep the statutes, and the judgments, and the commandments of God; and he did do that which was right in the sight of God continually; and he did walk after the ways of his father, insomuch that he did prosper in the land."

I think that these verses are very interesting. The Book of Mormon is filled with contrast that teach powerful lessons, and this is a small example of it. It first talks about how there's a great contention, how the land is becoming more and more wicked. But then it contrasts the people living in the land, with Helaman, who is exercising good judgment and wisdom even while being in a position of power. It reminds me of how we are commanded in our lives to be steadfast and immovable even in the face of adversity and dissenters. If Helaman could be still be good and follow in the footsteps of the Lord in the face of a nation that was brewing with conflict, we can all be able to work towards the goal of being unfazed by the world and being able to always remember the Lord in everything we do.

Turning over a new leaf

I've decided to use my influence with my blog (which still happens to be little to NONE) to start posting weekly inspirational messages dealing with my current reading in the Book of Mormon (thank you, Brother Griffin). So here we go!

This week we studied Alma 36-42. These chapters have so much good doctrine in them. However, each time I'll just pick a few scriptures that really brought new insight to my life.

One of these was Alma 37:6. It says, "Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise."

This scripture really had a profound impact on me. I sometimes like to think of great spiritual experiences or big things in life as a result of a giant manifestation or some huge moment. But this scripture says the opposite. Often, a big change is brought about by a simple idea or a split-second flash of inspiration. I think it's interesting that many times we are concerned with getting some feeling that is deep and insightful before we act. But many times the Lord has other ideas, and is waiting for us to push forward with faith in him before giving us just a small impression that what we're doing is good and right. I think all of us should look to make sure we're not waiting around for the Red Sea to part, or for Jesus to bless the loaves and fishes for the thousands, and instead be willing to accept the still small voice of the Spirit helping to guide our lives. If we do that, we will be more in tune with God's plan for each one of us and our eyes will be opened to the multitude of small blessings in our lives.

This next week, try to make sure you're looking specific things for the little things or people the Lord has placed in your life to bless and uplift you. Believe me, I'll be doing it too.