November Week 4 Linds

Ponderize Scripture:
2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.

 3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness. (1 Nephi 17:2-3)

11/23 Mon Be an Example and a Light (Thomas S. Monson)
Six attributes that are part of being an example of a believer (according to Paul):
1. word and conversation- being uplifting. don't be negative.
2. charity- seek out those who are lonely and lift them!
3. in Spirit- gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, goodwill
4. of faith- "Our faith in the Lord Jesuss Christ and in our Heavenly Father will influence all that we do." How is my faith manifest in my studies, work, friendships?
5. Purity- in body, mind, and spirit- THOUGHTS
"Opportunities to shine surround us each day."

11/24 Tues
That They Do Always Remember Him (Claudio R. M. Costa)
-The biggest feeling I get from this is that part of remembering Jesus Christ every day has to do with being personally acquainted with his life and ministry. This means knowing the stories of His birth and having personal experiences with Him. How do I get that? By seeking to understand and be acquainted with His life. All of the stories that Claudio Costa quotes are from the New Testament. This is an answer to my prayer/question about what I should focus on next. 

Wed 11/25

Alma 53:2 basis for friendship (Moroni and Lehi): similarities, rejoice in each other's safety, beloved by each other. Do I seek to fulfill these needs for my friends? Do I surround myself with friends like this? 

Alma 53:4-6 Alma builds stronghold- what is my stronghold/strength? Use it and fortify myself against Satan's temptations. 

Thurs 11/26 
Ether 12;27 Weakness brings us until Christ and the Atonement makes weak things become strong.

Fri 11/27

Alma 53:4-5 Moroni caused that their should be many layers of fortifications to Make the weakest part of the land become a stronghold (Ether 12:27). 

Alma 53:20 "valiant for courage and strength and activity" what does that mean? 

Alma 58:11 "Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him."-->assurances, peace, hope are answers almost stronger than other clearer answers. Valiance for courage leads to recognition of answers to prayers.

Sat 11/28 Why the Church (Todd D. Christofferson)
"His desire is that we continue 'from grace to grace, until [we receive] a fullness' of all He can give. That requires more than simply being nice or feeling spiritual. It requires faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism of water and of the Spirit, and enduring in faith to the end." -->living the doctrine and gospel of Jesus Christ is the way that Heavenly Father has allotted for us to gain access to His grace.
"We are prone to excuse and rationalize our faults, and sometimes we simply do not know where we should improve or how to do it. Without those who can reprove us 'betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, we might lack the courage to change and more perfectly follow the Master." --> Do I go to church humbly wanting to know how I should change? This should be my attitude and I should be expect to be exposed to my own weakness! That is the whole point of going to church. Pray for that revelation & gain courage to enact what answers I get.

November Week 3 Linds

Mon 11/16

2 Tim 3:1-7 this is a perfect description of so much of what I see and feel in society now. I especially like "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."-->learning means nothing if it does not bring me to truth & if I do not make connections to truth. 

What is truth? 

John 14:6 Christ is truth. All truth points to Him. 

John 13:16 He will guide me to all truth. 

-make connections to Christ in my studies. Seek constantly for real truth. 

Tues 11/17

D&C 93:24 "truth is knowledge of things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come" (why are all three aspects important? All three allow us to have an eternal perspective. When I am caught on only one of those aspects, I am forgetting the rest of truth)

93:30 "all truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself" --> what does that mean? We are truth? Intelligence//truth

2 Nephi 2:28-29 love this scripture- do I see choices as black and white? Satan wants me to be miserable. That is his main goal. Joy comes from following the "Great Mediator." 

Wed 11/18

Following Worthy Mentors (Edward Eyestone)

"Do you waste the black powder on little birds?" --> service does not follow this rule. The more I give and serve, the more I have to give. The more I love, the more love I have to give. Who are the people I consider to be "little birds"? Am I giving and serving even those that society deems not worth my time?
"Everyone loves to give direction. It is fun to tell others what to to do and when and how to do it. However, taking direction is a serious challenge for most of us because pride turns direction into criticism in our minds." -->Work to accept direction more humbly from professors, parents, siblings, peers. I need all the help I can get!
-Consistent competence= eventual excellence-->"Take personal inventory in the small things we can work on in the coming months that will help break us from the spiritual, mental, and physical plateaus on which we might currently reside."

Thurs 11/19

Your Next Step (Randall K Bennett)

"Heavenly Father and our Savior are eager to bless us. After all, They ask only for one-tenth of what They bless us with and then promise that the windows of heaven will open!

"Whenever we willingly act with faith in Jesus Christ and take another step, especially an uncomfortable step requiring change or repentance, we are blessed with strength." This may refer to tithing specifically, but it reminds me more generally of the principle of compensation and sacrifice. I have seen this over and over again in my life- as I "sacrifice" a small portion of self, time, will, to the Lord, I am always amazed at how much more He gives back, sometimes in beautiful and unexpected ways and always in greater abundance than what I have initially sacrificed. How have I seen this in my life? Free graduate education. A job and career that is hard and challenging and at the same time, incredibly worth it. The peace I feel as I keep the sabbath day far surpasses the sacrifice it is to keep it holy. The people and experiences I have with people along my journey are far more meaningful than if I had chosen another path. The strength and power of visiting Grandpa every Sunday will stay with my whole life, and far surpasses the sacrifice it was to make time for him. Matthew 19:29- whatever we sacrifice now will be rewarded hundredfold. It is worth it!

Fri 11/20
Be Not Afraid, Only Believe (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
"Satan, our adversary, wants us to fail...He slyly suggests that the doubter, the skeptic, the cynic is sophisticated and intelligent, while those who have faith in God and His miracles are naive, blind or brain-washed. Satan will advocate that it is cool to doubt spiritual gifts and the teachers of true prophets."--I see this EVERY DAY on Facebook. Yes, questions are good and allow us to think deeply about the Gospel, but faith is also a deep decision, and I see so many people confusing the two, which is obviously Satan's influence.
"...there is nothing noble or impressive about being cynical. Skepticism is easy--anyone can do it. It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedication, and courage. Those who hold fast to faith are far more impressive than those who give in to doubt when mysterious questions or concerns arise. But it should not surprise us that faith is not valued by society. The world has a long history of rejecting that which it does not understand."--I also see this every day. It's almost popular and trendy sometimes to be cynical, but how popular is it to express true testimony? Do we see as many people doing that? It's important for me to be aware that this is actually all Satan's influence. I can choose faith. How do I make this choice daily, and how do I encourage others to?

Sun 11/21
Keep the Commandments (Thomas S. Monson)
"The adversary is committed to our failure." Remembering this can increase my resolve in moments of weakness. No room for complacency or nonchalant commitment. Sweat the small stuff, because the small stuff matters.
Isaiah 32:17 "the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." 

Mosiah 2:41 "blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God'---"hold out faithful to the end"
2 Ne 26:22 "leadeth them by flaxen cord"
Moses 4:4 "and he became Satan"-->Even Satan had agency and used it to rebel against God. 
"We are surrounded by persuasive voices, beguiling voices, belittling voices, sophisticated voices, and confusing voices. I might add that these are loud voices. I admonish you to turn the volume down and to be influenced instead by that still, small voice which will guide you to safety."

November Week 3 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture: D&C 121:45 "Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virture garnish thy thoughts unceasingly: then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."

Monday 11/16
D&C 117 Why do we covet? "that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters?"  All things are the Lord's anyway.  Some things don't matter in the big scheme of things.  How can I not get caught up in the small details to miss the big picture?  In reading several sections, I feel that the Lord only requires that we look to him and serve him and we are blessed beyond measure.  If not, we are left to our own desires and consequences.

Tuesday 11/17
A neat little tidbit I found in an article: "Studies have shown that 85 percent of what you worry about won't happen, and the 15 percent that does happen, you will handle better than expected and will teach you amazing lessons."  It really is all about perspective.  President Hinckley said the following , "it really isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is.  It all works out.  I say that to myself every morning.  It will all work out.  Put your trust in God and move forward with faith.  He will not forsake us, he will not forsake us.  If we put our trust in him, if we pray to him, if we live worthy of his blessings, he will answer our prayers."  There is hope and light and good in this tumultuous world.  There are always reasons to smile and thank and praise God.  "No nightmare can defeat a child of God in his purpose" The Course in Miracles.  How can I put trust in God more than I do?  Follow him, pray to him, live worthily, believe that it will work out.

Wednesday 11/18
President Henry B. Eyring The Holy Ghost as Your Companion "The companionship of the Holy Ghost makes what is good more attractive and temptation less compelling."  Seeking the Holy Ghost helps me to desire to sin less and serve God more.  It seems like an eternal cycle that get smaller and smaller, which is good.  "we 'will never lack for knowledge' of the truth, 'never be in doubt or in darkness,' and our 'faith will be strong, [our] joy...full'".  What fabulous promises of what the Holy Ghost can do to an honest seeker.  How do I seek the Holy Ghost as my constant companion?  Meaningfully partaking of the sacrament, having a heart full of charity and virtue garnishing the thoughts, and having a willingness to obey.  Do I follow the Holy Ghost when it whispers to me?  Am I distracted or do I have noise around me?  I feel like having quiet time alone to think and ponder each day is essential to this.

Thursday 11/19
D&C 121:34 "There are many called, but few are chosen...because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men."  How do I keep my heart focused on God and not the world and to seek acceptance of men more than God?  What motivates me to do good?  Love of God or to be honored by men?  The priesthood (which is essentially service to others) "cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness."  vs.39 "We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion."  Beware of pride (looking toward oneself) and seek to look to others (selflessness).  I think that is a key to serving the Lord...looking to him and others, not so much myself.  What would he have me do or what can I do for others?

Friday 11/20
D&C 122:9 "...fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."  God is great; he loves his children and will stand by them.  His perfect love means that the journeys of his children are made perfectly and uniquely for each one.  D&C 123:17 "...let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."  I love this scripture; it is so full of faith, hope, and charity.  Things do work out!  The Lord is with us and will always stand by to uplift, strengthen, etc...  How can I submit?  or approach life?  Cheerfully!  I love the line "the utmost assurance", which means that it is an 100% guarantee that he will be there.

Saturday 11/21
D&C 127:4 "Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward."  I feel like this is a battle cry "Carry on! Carry On!  Carry On!".  The work of the temple must never cease.  How can I redouble my efforts to make the temple and family history work a priority?

Sunday 11/22
D&C 128:22 "shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward.  Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!  Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad."  I love this line...why shouldn't we go on in a great cause...meaning...living the gospel and in particular doing temple work is a great cause, one that I can't fully see the blessings, but they are there.  I like the optimism of Joseph Smith.  He was writing this while in hiding to stay protected from the evil men, but he  is urging his brethren forward.  Do I encourage and urge my brethren forward?  The gospel is great news.  Do I emanate that joy and peace so that others see it?  There is so much good in the world (hard to see sometimes) but the Lord is ever with us.  I really like this optimism and enthusiasm for the work and for life.  How can I spread my enthusiasm to others?

November Week 2 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths"

Monday 11/9
Elder Vern P. Stanfill Choose the Light "we might feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or confused spiritually when we encounter a challenge to our faith.  Generally, the intensity and duration of these feelings will depend upon our reaction to them.  If we do nothing, doubt, pride, and eventually apostasy may drive us from the light."  How do I react when there is uncertainty or doubts come?  Do I immediately look to God or am I influenced by the world?  "Is it wise to place our eternal well-being in the hands of strangers?  Is it wise to claim enlightenment from those who have no light to give or who may have private agendas hidden from us?  The only hands that I really trust are the Lord's and even those who I know really love me and want the best for me.  I realize how I need to be careful in what sources I take counsel.  The internet is not the source of all righteousness or even the great and spacious building, which represents the pride of the world.  "We might feel too embarrassed to ask for help when we doubt...When we realize that the light and the comfort the Savior can extend to us are far too precious to lose to pride, then inspired Church leaders, parents, and trusted friends can help." I think of the Elder Uchtdorf saying the following; doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.  Moroni 7:13 "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." Light will always come from God.  Light and clarity come from God; doubt and confusion do not.  Do I doubt my doubts?  Do I have doubts?  How can I turn those into faith?  Turn to God, seek him, the prayer of faith.

Tuesday 11/10
D&C 105 the early saints really struggled with giving to the poor, or giving what their substance to those in need.  I think the key here is being selfless as opposed to being selfish.  How am I doing with this?  I find I struggle at times with this.  How can I look at others without providing a critical eye?  Do I hold onto my things (stuff) and not give thanks for what the Lord has blessed me with in my life?

Wednesday 11/11
D&C 106:5 "gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light".  Video link describing what girding up your loins means .Girding up your loins means to prepare and work hard and give service.  So, to become a child of light I need to give of myself, be selfless, and do the best that I can.  D&C 107:99-100 "let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence...he that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand."  The Lord requires that one does their best with whatever they are entrusted.  That is all that he can ask, but he does give us the Holy Ghost to be our guide.  I think the key is diligence or I have been calling it consistency.  Am I doing the best that I can in my callings, responsibilities?  I don't have to be perfect, but am I striving to be better each day?

Thursday 11/12
Elder Dallin H. Oaks Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ "And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities (Alma 7:12)...He is perfectly positioned to lift us and give us the strength we need to endure our afflictions.  We have only to ask."  How do I have the faith to ask and to trust that my prayers will be answered, to have hope that he will succor, uplift, heal, strengthen?  Many times I don't recognize how he has blessed me and is carrying me.  How do I increase my faith, hope, and charity?

Friday 11/13
D&C 109.  Dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple vs. 44" But thy word be fulfilled.  Help thy servants to say, with thy grace assisting them: Thy will be done, O Lord, and not ours."  This is really interesting...I have to ask the Lord to help me to say that his will be done.  Reasons: pride, selfishness  but his Grace or the Atonement helps me to have the strength to let the Lord's will be done.  The enabling power of the Atonement.  It is much more than forgiveness for sins, but it can enable one to overcome his/her weaknesses and turn to God.  He helps us turn to him.  Elder Richard G. Scott said the following "Our Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to fail but to succeed gloriously."  Another word for failure is succeeding and another word for succeeding is succeeding gloriously.

Saturday 11/14
President Thomas S. Monson Be an Example and a Light. "As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others."  How brightly does my light shine?  Do I live without a filter (talk openly about the gospel)?  Do others see that the gospel is a part of who I am?  When others ask what I did that weekend, do I tell them that I went to church and felt the spirit and learned a particular principle of the gospel?  Do I have meaningful conversations with others or be a good friend?  "As we make Christ the center of our lives, our fears will be replaced by the courage of our convictions."  Focusing on Christ builds faith, which in turn drives out fear.  Where there is faith, there is not fear.  To me, focusing on Christ is focusing on the Atonement.

Sunday 11/15
D&C 112:13 "...after their temptations and much tribulation, behold I, the Lord will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will HEAL them."  All have difficulties in their lives, but it is how each deals with it that determines the outcome.  The Lord wants me to turn to him (be humble).  I like this promise...that the Lord feels after us...he doesn't leave us; he is ever close.  I think of the door that has no outside doorknob and the Savior stands outside this door waiting for us to open the door from the inside.  Does healing mean, enabled by the Atonement or weak things made strong?  How can I better seek the Lord so that I can be healed?  There is so much more to the Atonement than I have ever realized.

November Week 2 Linds

Ponderize: Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Mon 11/9 Beware of Pride (Ezra Taft Benson)
"The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives...the proud wish God to agree with them. They are interested in changing their opinions to agree with God's." When I think I know more than God and don't accept His direction in my life, this is pride!
CS Lewis: "Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man...It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone."
-Comparison, whether I come out on top or whether I am lacking, is always connected to pride. When I feel a lack of unity with those around me, this is pride creeping in. Only when I am routing for other people am I humble.

Tues 11/10 (Ezra Taft Benson) Beware of Pride

"When pride has a hold on our hearts, we lose our independence of the world and deliver our freedoms to the bondage of men’s judgment."- being humble allows to fill the directive to be "in the world but not of the world." Just as sin takes away our freedom, so does pride as it puts us in competition with the world and subjects us to their judgement. 

D&C 60:2 "they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of men." How often do I shy away from developing talents and fulfilling the measure of my own creation because I'm scared of what people think? 

"[Pride] is manifest in so many ways, such as faultfinding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous."---what struck me is the "withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another"-->how often do I think something positive and not vocalize it? When I actively seek to lift others, I am fighting pride. When I actively seek to increase and express gratitude, I am fighting pride. Go out of my way today to give sincere compliments or express gratitude to three people. 

Wed 11/11

-listened to the talks of three new apostles and prophets this morning. I was struck with a feeling of gratitude for the service they render and how selfless their lives are. This is motivating for me to figure out what Heavenly Father wants from me and to sacrifice willingly. How can I magnify my calling more fully?

Thurs 11/12 Beware of Pride (Ezra Taft Benson)

" The proud depend upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not. Their self-esteem is determined by where they are judged to be on the ladders of worldly success. [Pride] says, 'If you succeed, I am a failure.'"

"If we love God, do His will, and fear His judgment more than men’s, we will have self-esteem."-self esteem comes from living righteously and understanding our relationship to God. Where do I root my self esteem? Does it grow out of knowing I follow Christ the best I can? That kind of self esteem is unaffected by outward circumstances. 

Fri 11/13 Beware of Pride (Ezra Taft Benson)
How do I overcome pride? We must CHOOSE to be humble. Humility is not natural; it is part of overcoming the natural man and becoming a saint. We must make the choice. Do I recognize when the choice to be humble or prideful presents itself? Do I react or act intentionally to different situations?
1. conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters by esteeming them as ourselves, lifting them as high or higher than we are
2. receiving counsel and chastisement
3. forgiving those who have offended us
4. rendering selfless service
5. going on missions and preaching the gospel
6. getting to the temple MORE frequently- Can I go more than I am?
7. confessing & forsaking sins and being born of God
8. loving God and submitting our will to His, putting him first in our lives
------how can I put Heavenly Father's will first in my life? (3Ne11:11 following Christ's example; 3Ne13:33 seek first kingdom of God- prioritize-I've been bad this week of putting it first--get more sleep next week and wake up earlier)
Moroni 10:32

Sat 11/14
How do I qualify for the Atonement? How do I become perfect when I am constantly faced with weaknesses?
Moroni 10:32 "deny yourselves of all ungodliness"-->what does that mean?
"love God with all our might, mind, strength" (How do I demonstrate my love for God? Why is love broken down to three different aspects and how do their meanings differ)- see talk below
...THEN is His grace sufficient for you, that by that grace I can become perfect.  
 And with All They Mind (John W Welch BYU Devotional 2003)
"The gospel is not a cafeteria plan. We can’t just pick and choose the parts we like."- importance of loving God with ALL our faculties (we don't choose which things to believe)
"A wise drama teacher once said, 'Forget your best idea.' Clinging to it will often block the flow of even greater creativity and more expansive inspiration."- be open to new ideas and better ideas, this is part of humility
-memorize scriptures, repent of erroneous thoughts that turn us away from Him, utilize the Spirit in our intellectual pursuits


"If you love God, you will think of Him often. You will want to share with Him your whole day, every day and every night, Fridays as well as Sundays, everything you have thought, said, and done. You miss Him and hope to see Him again."
 
Sun 11/15 

-peace and happiness come from TRUST in truth. (Pres. Eyring's motto according to his granddaughter) 

-"The Spirit is kind, but not sweet, firm but not mean, matter of fact." -Pres Eyring quote. 

Why is trust so hard and why is trust so essential? I think by nature, trust implies that there will be at last some uncertainty, some level of doubt that you will need conquer or live with and that you will choose to believe regardless that it will all work out. Beautiful and terrifying and also what faith means entirely

Week 4 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture

D&C 101:16 "Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God."

Monday 11/2

D&C 90:24 "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good" The word 'diligently' is used so often in the Doctrine and Covenants.  Scripture study and prayer are essential along with faith (action) and hope, which comes from the Holy Ghost as a result of using the Atonement of Christ.  An amazing promise of faithfully doing these things...ALL will turn out for the best.  How am I doing with this?  Do a searching inventory.  D&C 88:63 "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you".

Tuesday 11/3

Neill F. Marriot Yielding Our Hearts to God. "With a growing understanding of the Lord's grace and mercy, we will find that our self-willed hearts begin to crack and break in gratitude." It is so easy to do want to it My Way, and it is easier to not remember the Lord.  How can I remember him? Meaningful partaking of the sacrament, prayers of thanksgiving, turning to him in times of trial...it seems like recognizing the daily blessings of the Lord turns hearts to God.  How often do I say "thank thee for all thy many blessings?" or do I count them one by one?  A challenge to thank the Lord for five unique blessings each day.  I like this..."His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life..."

Wednesday 11/4

D&C 93:28 "He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things." I had never thought that keeping the commandments would increase one's intelligence (v. 29 "intelligence, or the light of truth"), knowledge, and/or understanding.  To increase my understanding/learning: 1) keep the commandments, 2) pray always (v.49 "pray always) to increase faith, 3) seek diligently through study (88:118 "seek ye diligently...even by study and also by faith).  From this I feel like the Lord puts greater emphasis on keeping the commandments than on seeking learning and the blessings seem to be greater.  A blessing of obedience is increased knowledge and understanding. I think this applies to all kinds of learning, not just the spiritual, but the secular.

Thursday 11/5

D&C 97:21 "for this is Zion--The Pure In Heart" What does it mean? To me one who utilizes the atonement daily in their lives. How can I do this? Blessings of temple worship: v.13-14 "a place of thanksgiving...a place of instruction...that they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctrine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth...my presence shall be there, for I will come unto it, and all the pure in heart that shall come unto it shall see God."  If I want to be instructed and be more grateful for my life and what I have, come to the temple.  Go having repented and it will be a more spiritual experience.

Friday 11/6

D&C 101:16 "be still and know that I am God."  What a strong directive.  Don't worry, the Lord is there "all flesh is in mine hands".  This is where faith, hope and charity come into play.  Do I trust God enough to let him direct my life?...to go a direction I hadn't planned on going?...or to be patient in the current situation or trial?  v.37 "care for the soul, and or the life of the soul".  That means both body and spirit.  They both need nourishment equally.

Saturday 11/7

D&C 101:81"for men ought always to pray and not to faint" It seems like this is in most chapters.  The Lord finds this vitally important for all men to do.  Prayer is an act of faith where fainting to me is shrinking/turning away or becoming overcome.  So in this instance the Lord is saying that through prayer, doubts and fear can be overcome and faith can be increased.  How can I continue to pray?  When should I pray?  Always to me is before any activity and even during and after to give thanks.  It is when life is hard and when it is easy.  Alma 37:37...counsel with the Lord and he shall direct thy paths.

Sunday 11/8

D&C 103-104  The saints really struggle with seeking their own will and not the Lord's will.  Why are people more self-centered instead of God-centered?  v.36 "All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith."  Consistency is key to success.  Alma 37:6-7...it is by the small and simple things that great things are brought to pass.  How am I doing with being consistent in the small and simple things?  Do I put the Lord first in my life?  Do I do those simple things everyday that he has asked me to do?  It is so interesting again that the Lord talks about prayer.  How vitally important it is.  D&C 104:12 "every man give an account unto me of the stewardship which is appointed unto him."  Prayer is one way to doing this, seeking the Lord's will and then reporting on it.  I really like this verse 103:27 "for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again."

November Week 1- Linds

Ponderize- Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Mon Nov 1

Alma 47:36 Nephites dissenters are more hardened and wild than even the Lamanities- "having the same instruction and information as the Nephites"- what we do with what we are given has more of an impact on who we become than what we are given. What am I doing with my knowledge this week? Also, a caution that I need to treasure the light I have been given because Satan works even harder on those with light. 

Tues Nov 3

Alma 48:7-9 preparation. Moroni had been "preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God." What does "preparing my mind" consist of? Why is that essential in overcoming sin? So many of the negative experience We deal with are triggered with thoughts for positive or negative (see Alma 36:17-18?) Moroni also fortified all the weakest areas & the city in multiple levels. What are the different levels of my preparation? Spiritual habits are different levels of fortification. 

Alma 48:12 Moroni's heart did "swell with thanksgiving"- gratitude is a principle of the Gospel. 

3 things I am grateful for this morning (from yesterday):

1. I work on a committe of people (calling) that are responsive and willing to follow through with commitments. 

2. The sense of family that exists within the church community- I don't always feel that in a singles ward, but I was reminded of this yesterday talking to a guy not LDS who just moved to UTAH and was struggling to find friends. After I went to FHE, I realized that I have a built-in support system and more so a built-in system in which I can feel useful as I serve. 

3. Opportunity to expand my mind in graduate school- not only spiritually but also temporally. And even for free! 

Wed 11/4

"If we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given." The Divine Gift of Gratitude (Thomas S Monson)

-difference between expressing gratitude, enacting gratitude, and living with gratitude--> what does it mean to live with gratitude? 

-taking advantage of the blessings we have leads us to be less grateful. 

-service and unselfishness breeds gratitude 

Grateful: rainy day runs, hard work, and friends that know your imperfections and still stick around. 

Thurs 11/5 

-missing Pres. Hinckley today. "If every husband and every wife would constantly do whatever might be possible to ensure the comfort and happiness of his or her companion, there would be very little, if any, divorce." The Women in our Lives (President Hinckley)

"You gave me wings to fly, and I have loved you for it." -Sister Hinckley 

-I love this - true love gives people space to develop and encourages people to reach their full potential, not hold them back. 

-Such a beautiful talk about women and marriage. Pres. Hinckley has a way of saying things so tenderly and yet powerfully. Any person who truly understands the doctrine of the church will be a feminist! (in a sense of the word). 

Fri 11/6

Alma 34:38 "live in thanksgiving daily for the mercies and blessings he doth bestow upon you"

D&C 78:19 "he who receives all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea more." 

-when I think of gratitude, I think of 1 Nephi 17: 1-3 although Nephi and his family could have focused on the difficulty of their journey, they chose to focus on the nourishing of God through their afflictions as their greatest blessing. In what ways do I witness that God nourishes me through hardship? Don't choose to dwell on hardship, choose to see the blessing of life itself and the nourishing power of God in our lives, and His providing means to accomplish much in our lives. 

Sat 11/7
Alma 50:1-22 (esp vs. 1) Moroni "did not stop making preparations for war"--> Moroni could have easily thought, "Ok, I think we're good;" he obviously had spent extensive amounts of time preparing every aspect of their city. BUT NO! Are there times in my life when I mistakenly think that my spiritual preparation is good enough? Because it never is! There will never come a time in my life when "I'm good." It's always necessary and I always will need it. Struggling lately with motivation. Realizing that Satan is the author of that by making me think, "Ok you're good I think."
Alma 50:23 "there never was a happier time" (Mosiah 2:41 keeping commandments=true happiness, always)
"We might even say that having descended beneath it all, He is perfectly positioned to lift us and give us the strength we need to endure our afflictions."- The Atonement is the source of all healing from every affliction and the source of "strength to bear" Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ (Dallin H. Oaks)

Sun 11/8
"Any calling we receive in the Lord's kingdom requires more than our human judgment and our personal powers."-- am I calling on the Lord for revelation for my calling? I can do better at that.
"...the Lord's purpose is not simply to have people partake of bread and water. It is to have them keep a covenant that will move them along the path to eternal life. And for that to happen, the Lord must GIVE a spiritual experience to the person..."  My purpose in taking the sacrament is to KEEP the covenant. Spiritual experiences are a gift from Heavenly Father. You are Not Alone in the Work (Henry B Eyring)
-missionary work is being kind to people we interact with everyday, listening, and testifying.
 

October Week 4- Linds

Mon 10/26

" A plea to my sisters" (Russell M Nelson) and "Behold Thy Mother" (Jeffrey R Holland) -I love these talks and they speak to me about what it means to be a woman of God and a mother. Fills me with gratitude for my mother (who fits the description). What is expected of me, having received so much in terms of worldly support?

Tues 10/27

Alma 44:3 Moroni as a missionary- how many times do I avoid the topic of religion or not explain why I am the way I am because I know people aren't of my faith? Do my coworkers know why I make decisions? Moroni does not shy away from this. 

Alma 44: 5,6,7 use of "command"- reminds me of something my Bishop says about "demanding the power of God in your life" and "commanding evil to depart"- I'm struck by Moroni's  confidence in his worthiness to call upon these powers without any doubt. We all have the same promise, so why don't we demand it? And we are worthy of this as we live the commandments with pure intent. Satan gets us to think we aren't 

Wed 10/28

Alma 45:1-8 Alma has a PPI with his son, Helaman- role of fathers. Fathers and mothers are expected to be aware of their children's spiritual growth (even as adults). Reminds me of one-on-one counsels with my Dad. Reminds me again that my parents did a lot of things right. What is expected of me? What can I do more to repay the debt?

Thurs 10/29
Alma 46- Covenants. (v.22) What is my attitude towards my covenants? These people were willing not only to covenant with God, but also their attitude was one of, "If I do not keep my covenants, [God] may cast us at the feet of our enemies." Do I have this attitude; have I become nonchalant in regards to partaking of the sacrament, or any of my covenants? Their obedience to their covenant was literally protecting them from war with actual enemies but my covenants can sometimes get blurred because the enemies may not be actual people. But the battle is just as real, if not more real. Sometimes we forget that Satan is actively working against us.  

Fri 10/30

Tested and Tempted, But Helped (Hugo Montoya)

-going to the temple regularly is part of the "first mile" (it's not going be extra mile, it's part of the main commandments and expectations!) The fact that God expects me to go regularly, and the fact that this is a commandment makes me reflect on my attitude towards temple service. Make it a priority always. 

Sat 10/31
Choose the Light (Vern P Stanfill)
"No matter how intense the darkness of doubt, we choose how long and to what extent we allow it to influence us." - this quote is empowering. We don't have control of so many things, but we do have control over how long we will let doubt, fear, and sin weigh us down. All of us will face these feelings but we determine how long they will affect us.  What do I do when I am faced with these feelings? What should I do?
"There is no darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light." BEAUTIFUL! 

Sun 11/1
A Plea to My Sisters (Russell M Nelson):
"...We need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world."
"Sisters, do you realize the breadth and scope of your influence when you speak those things that come to your heart and mind as directed by the Spirit?"
"Because of this, we need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ and who will use that understanding to teach and help raise a sin-resistant generation. We need women who can detect deception in all of its forms. We need women who know how to access the power that God makes available to covenant keepers and who express their beliefs with confidence and charity. We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve."

-A pretty comprehensive list of what type of woman I should be becoming and striving towards. I loved how Elder Nelson described his wife as having "vision, grit, and love," three character traits that I believe are essential in this world of craziness. These three words are my motto for the week/month!

Faith is not by Chance, but by Choice (Neil L Andersen):
"How does the Savior see my faith?"
"Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it."
"Be relentless in protecting your faith."
" ...Your faith did not begin at birth, and it will not end at death." 
-I love these concepts about faith. We should "protect" our faith- recognize that the adversary seeks to break down my faith and guard it! Recognize different forces/ideas that may weaken my faith. Make choices daily to increase my faith. 


 

Week 3 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture
Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord will all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Monday 10/26
D&C 75:29 'Let every man be diligent in all things.  And the idler shall not have place in the church,..."  This struck me today.  How often the Lord has said this in the Doctrine and Covenants.  It is an important principle.  It is required to work hard and smart, and the best way is to consistently work at it.  I really need to apply this at my workplace, which will lessen the stress and cut down on my backload of projects.

Tuesday 10/27
D&C 76:22 "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!"  I know that Jesus is the Christ, that he is the Savior of the World, that he suffered, bled, died, and rose again.  There is no other way back to our Heavenly Father than through the Atonement of Christ.  I know that this is true! v.41"That he came into the world even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness."

Wednesday 10/28
D&C 78:19 "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him."  It is amazing how much the Lord values gratitude.  Why?  One thought is that when we are grateful, we see the Lord's hand in our lives which causes us to look toward the Lord more and more...seeing our 'nothingness' as described by King Benjamin and seeing the infinite love and mercy of God.  It helps us to see the true source of strength in our lives and the power of the Atonement.  How can I apply this?  Start with giving thanks for 5 things each day...

Thursday 10/29
Elder David A. Bednar The Spirit of Revelation "The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God 'line upon line, precept upon precept'.  Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation...This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare...We as members of the Church tend to emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations so much that we may fail to appreciate and may even overlook the customary pattern by which the Holy Ghost accomplishes his work.  The very 'simpleness of the way' of receiving small and incremental spiritual impressions that over time and in totality constitute a desired answer or direction we need may cuase us to look 'beyond the mark'."  Elder Bednar does promise that as we are obedient to the commandments with faith that we will not go astray.  This all brings me comfort.  At times it is very difficult to understand the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost and to know God's will.  Promptings come more common subtly than immediately and intensely.  There isn't anything wrong when that happens, rather it shows God's trust (faith and hope) in us to have faith and hope in him, in his commandments, and in the learning experience.

Friday 10/30
D&C 84 This chapter is entirely about the priesthood.  The essence of this power is to serve and bless the lives of others.  It is interesting how one has to mature at certain stages in the priesthood before more is given (I should say, more responsibilities are given).  It just feels like the priesthood is preparatory to something greater to come.  Verse 85..."treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."  In other words, Ponderize!  Think about the Lord, about the gospel and its principles, about the experiences in each day and the lessons that can be learned.

Saturday 10/31
Elder David A. Bednar Receive the Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost "will whisper peace and joy to [our] souls, and it will take malice, hatred, envying, strife, and all evil from [our] hearts; and [our] whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the kingdom of God."  Do I recognize and how do I recognize the Holy Ghost? "Do we...remember to pray earnestly and consistently for that which we should most desire, even the Holy Ghost?"

Sunday 11/1
D&C 88 What a wonderful section, so full of gems and simple gospel principles and mysteries of God.  v. 63 "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me" Am I getting to know the Savior, the source of all faith, hope and charity?  I realize a little more the importance to talking, preaching, teaching, testifying, learning about Christ. v. 118, "and as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom."  My thoughts went to my scripture study.  A great multiplier of faith is that of searching, pondering, and praying about the scriptures consistently, daily. v. 124 "Cease to be idle...cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated."  I haven't done as well this week on being engaged, not be critical of others and going to bed and getting up early.  Goals for this week.

I just feel in seeking the Lord how much he does love me.  He loves his children.  The Holy Ghost is a sure companion and extension to the Lord.  As I look to and trust in him, things will work out.