Read: Alma 5-6
Mark: Alma 5:14, 26
"The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature." --President Ezra Taft Benson
To ponder:
What would someone see in your countenance?
First of all, sorry for not being on here lately! Tuesday was our anniversary, so we were out late celebrating. And last night I fell asleep right at the end of the reading, so I just called it a night. So here I am getting this done early today! By the way, I'm not sure I'll be able to post regularly the next week and a half as we'll be leaving for a family reunion next week. Also--our housewarming party (and Elena's 3rd birthday) is on Saturday from 11-2, so please feel free to stop by!!!
ReplyDeleteIn Alma 5:6 we're taught to remember. Remembrance is used 3 times in this verse. So many of our problems stem from the things we forget! We never get in trouble for remembering, but boy do we dig a pit for ourselves with forgetting!!! I think spiritually our deepest trial is in remembering our blessings and continually pruning our testimonies so they can grow. In Alma 5:14 and 26, we asked if we've experienced these wonderful blessings. We certainly have. So the question is, "can ye feel so now?" We must remember and hold those feelings in our hearts. And as we do so, our countenances will reflect our beliefs.
I really love today's quote. I loved it when I heard it in General Conference a while back. At least I think that's when he said it! LOL. The world's approach is to take people out of a bad environment, but that does nothing without teaching them how to be good people. Not to diss on Medicaid and Food Stamps, foster care, or welfare, but it's the same issue with these programs. We take kids out of crappy environments, put them with different people that don't care about them, and then wonder why they turn out crappy when we release them into society at 18. We give people money to buy food, but never require them to learn about how to cook healthy meals at home or about proper food preservation (I know--we had Food Stamps in both Utah and Indiana, and neither state did anything to teach people about how to utilize the money best or how to save money for your future, etc. I was appreciative of the help, and I'm not saying such programs shouldn't exist, I'm just saying that President Benson's quote is true. Only Christ can change human nature. Only Christ can inspire people with the skills they need to leave a bad situation. Only Christ can make us into the gods and goddesses we're destined to be. Right now my countenance mostly reflects to people that I'm a tired, harried momma! LOL. But I hope that one day my countenance can reflect a goddess. A daughter of God. A sister of Christ.
Jenny, so glad you are back, I was worried!!! :) Have a wonderful family reunion! And Happy 3rd Birthday to Elena! We will be headed to Isle of Palms (just off the coast of Charleson, South Carolina, on early Saturday for the week--so if my posts are not always there at the 'usual' time, don't give up on me! I'll be reading and posting as I can!
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't know if you've noticed this, but I always go back and retroactively post if I missed a day or two! I'm still doing the challenge, even if I don't always make it on. I really do love this, Patti--thanks again for being inspired to challenge this to us!
DeleteOnce again, I just love these scriptures! Alma 5 is like a whole general conference in just one chapter! I love that beginning in verse 14, Alma gives each one of us a self-evaluation opportunity: Have you spiritually been born of God? the self evaluation questions continue through verse 28, where he ends with: Are ye stripped of pride? Each one of these questions needs to be considered individually and wholly. Can we truthfully answer each question as we should?
ReplyDeleteI too love today's quote! I don't remember hearing it before, but it is so true in every aspect.
I've thought a lot about today's question and what others might see in my countenance. The problem is I know what I would like them to see, but I'm not sure that is what they see! I hope they see a kind and loving daughter of God, who is ready to help and serve in any way possible.
In each of you, I see a most beautiful countenance, filled with love and testimonies, wonderful examples of Mormon girls!
I always love reading Alma 5 - I like reading through the questions. I am not sure I can always answer them as I would like, but I consider what answers I would like to be able to give and then think about the steps I need to take so I can give those answers honestly. Break it down and take the little steps that take you great distances!
ReplyDeleteNo matter the choices you've made in the past, God never denies us the opportunity to make a better choice this time, next time and receive all of the blessings He has to offer!