Tuesday, March 25, 2008

A Complete Change

Is the Atonement for you? For me? for everyone?

In the Books of Mosiah and Alma there are some very poinient examples of changed lives.
The one that jumped out at me what the story of the sons of Mosiah (Nephites).
They were really dishing out the dirt against the church members in their area. They were trying to break down the church (strangely, they couldn't just leave people alone in their choice of worship). Their friend was the Son of the Chief High Priest, Alma. His name was also Alma-after his father. Things were so bad that an angel appeared to the group of them which caused them to rethink their lives. They made a complete turn around and made every effort to repair any damages that they did. But it didn't stop there. The sons of Mosiah wanted to go tell their mortal enemies about the Savior and His ways and try to bring more peace to them. Here's part of this story:
"14 And assuredly it was great, for they had undertaken to preach the word of God to a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites, and robbing and plundering them; and their hearts were set upon riches, or upon gold and silver, and precious stones; yet they sought to obtain these things by murdering and plundering, that they might not labor for them with their own hands.
15 Thus they were a very indolent people, many of whom did worship idols, and the
curse of God had fallen upon them because of the traditions of their fathers; notwithstanding the promises of the Lord were extended unto them on the conditions of repentance.
16 Therefore, this was the
cause for which the sons of Mosiah had undertaken the work, that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance; that perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of redemption." (Alma 17:14-16)


This is a stunning turn about of attitudes.

These men were raised in the gospel of Jesus Christ and had willfully rebelled against it. But being humbled so much by the fact that they were given this second chance, they were willing to put their lives out there in order to help others.
When I thought about the shape that they were in to do this, I wondered if besides the faith that they obviously had, if they didn't need to be even stronger to handle this daunting task.
So here's what I read:
"1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.
2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel
first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and
fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God." (Alma 17:1-3)


What jumped out at me? Well, I thought to myself, "Here's the key to a complete change of heart. Here's exactly how I've overcome severe trials in my own life. Here's how these good men became great and still stayed humble therefore even more powerful and good.

What does the key to making the atonement work for every single person? Reading the scriptures, praying and fasting.
These three actions bring about the greatest changes for good. It might seem way too easy. It's a simple concept but easy? I don't think that it's always easy. I know that I have applied these three actions. I have done it over and over and over (see even the toughest students can learn!). I will have to keep it up, too. Because like everyone I know, we're all in this life trying our best to be our best and to help others be the same. And there are a lot of challenges to face.
The atonement is for everyone-everyone who wants the peace and kindness of the Savior to be the guiding power and influence in their lives.

Three steps to being our very best:
Search the Scriptures+Pray to Heavenly Father+Fast=miracles of all sizes and shapes

I promise it works.

Just Another Day

Well, it's just before bed and I should be closer to getting in bed but I thought I'd jot down a couple thoughts (or just one-I'm tired).

What can the scriptures do?
I started reading my scriptures every day again. I don't read a ton and I don't have a consistant amount that I read. It could be 5 verses or 3 chapters. But what I noticed, again, is how quickly I refocused my energy. I calmed down. I found myself feeling lighter, if that makes any sense. I was also quicker to re-evaluate my priorities.
Evaluating my priorities.
By saying that, I mean where I am putting my emotions and my energy. I have a pretty obvious set of priorities which don't change but what I chose to worry or ponder about while doing laundry, driving carpool, feeding our family, working in the yard, etc., isn't as obvious. It's very internal and personal.
There seem to be a myriad of important things to worry about. I could keep myself up at night worrying about my teenagers, and sometime do. I could stop eating because I put my energy into worrying about the renters and their problems with paying rent. I could make myself sick with worry about work, kids' friends, kids' schools, etc. etc. etc. But almost immediately when reading the inspired words in the scriptures, there is a comfort that begins to shield me from the edginess of all of these valid worries.
What is that powerful effect? Why is it a constant? Why do words matter so much?
All I know is that the words written in the scriptures are obviously more that just random thoughts. They are instructive and supportive. They lift and cheer the soul.
I am so grateful that we have the written words of our Savior and His prophets. What a blessing, indeed, to have preserved records that are life building.