"Nevertheless the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him"

The life of Alma the Younger offers so many insights and angles to study. Shortly after being made the chief judge and High Priest he realizes that the church is falling into disarray. A portion of the saints are ever faithful, giving, obedient and humble but another large portion of the church members are filled with pride and begin to lead converts on from one form of wickedness on to another. Alma sorrows greatly for the sins of his brethren and knows he must do something. I am sure he was completely overwhelmed and spent hours on his knees and poured through the scriptures for answers. In Alma chapter 4 verse 15 we read that despite his sadness and concern "the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him".

Alma makes an important decision. He will turn the political office over to another and focus wholly on his call as the High Priest of the church. I liken the next 13 chapters of Alma to our general conference and stake conferences with visiting authorities. Alma travels from church to church throughout the land to "set the churches in order". He teaches some of the most profound and clear sermons on the Atonement and how to access it's redeeming power. He bears powerful witness with Amulek of Christ's promised birth and ministry. He also sets a wonderful example of how to gain strength and access miracles through fasting and patient consistent obedience.

The next time you read Alma chapters 5 through 17 think of them as a conference issue of the Ensign. The teachings and testimonies are timeless and powerful.

I can witness with Alma that when hard times come, when we are filled with worry or sorrow, when we or someone we love suffer illness or tragedy, "the Spirit of the Lord will not fail [us]"! When things get hard read Alma's witness of the Savior's love and great Atonement (Alma 7: 7-12). Remember that there is no pain, no sorrow, no temptation, no sickness that He does not know personally and perfectly how to relieve. He bore our sorrows and griefs that He might know perfectly how to bring us peace and comfort. Turn to Him and Trust Him.

A Nephite Christmas: Lessons on how to hold on to your faith and hope in Christ

I have always loved the story of the first Christmas as relaid in the Book of Mormon. Samuel's beautiful testimony and his powerful witness give us a perfect example of how our loving Father in Heaven works. He calls a prophet to witness to His children and then HE ALWAYS FULFILLS HIS PROMISES.

Imagine that first Christmas in Zarahemla. It has been 5 years since Samuel came and stood on the wall to bear witness of the Messiah's coming birth. You felt the Spirit witness to you that his words were true. He made a covenant to follow the Lord and to wait for His coming and embrace His Atonement yet to be fulfilled. Evil men conspire and declare your faith obsolete. They tell you that you have waited in vain and make a hundred explanations for the signs that you have seen. Then these wicked and murderous men tell you that your faith is not only vain but will cost you your life. They set a deadline for the great sign of Christ's coming. If the star does not appear and the night does not stay as day you will die along with all others who proclaim faith in the words of Samuel.

I love the recorded interchange on that first Christmas Eve between Christ and one of His prophets. In 3 Nephi 1: 11-14 we read how Nephi the prophet sorrows for the persecution of the faithful and for the wickedness of his brethren. He pours out his soul to the Lord all that day and the Lord responds with a beautiful declaration. "Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the times is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son...And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given."

The Lord keeps His promises. It was clear that fist Christmas Eve that He was indeed the giver of life and light and hope. The sun set that Christmas Eve and those fearful but ever faithful saints waited and watched steadfastly clinging to their hope in the Savior they were promised. The sign came. The night was not dark but full of light. The new star appeared. The promised Messiah was coming! Can you imagine the joy of those saints? Their lives were literally saved that Christmas Eve by the Lord's birth. The Lord in His mercy extended to them an early Christmas present and confirmed their faith.

We live in a time of similar wickedness. Most of us are not threatened with death for our faith, though some are. We face the mocking and ridicule of those who would have us believe that Christ was not who He said He was or who the prophets have testified He was and is. Those who mock our desires for purity and call our obedience ignorance tell us our faith is vain and our knowledge "foolish imaginings". We must be as these faithful Nephites and look to those who do know for hope, peace and the courage to stand true in times of persecution and trial. The record in Third Nephi tells us that the people's faith was shaken by the words of the wicked (see verses 7-8) but the strength of their living prophet sustained them. The words of our beloved prophets and apostles can sustain us as well. They know as Nephi did that the Lord will fulfill all He has had them promise. The Lord will come again. Signs abound in our day as they did in the days of Samuel. We too are waiting and watching steadfastly to know that our faith has not been in vain. We too can take comfort in the Savior's comforting words to Nephi that he "will fulfil all that which [He] have caused to be spoken by the mouth of [His] holy prophets". He will come again and His Gospel is indeed the only way to achieve peace in this life and eternal joy in the world to come. Verse 22 of that same chapter warns us that Satan strove from that time on to harden hearts by sending lyings and deceivings among the people to make them doubt the signs they had seen and the testimonies they had received. We will have to cling to our faith and stay close to our living prophets to stand firm in the face of Satan's lies.

This Christmas may we remember the first Christmas Eve in Zarahemla and like those fearful but faithful saints cling to the Savior and rejoice in the knowledge that He did come as He promised and He did do all that He said He would do. His Atonement is real and has the power to heal, protect, make right and cleanse us all. His Atonement will make everything right in the end. We can trust Him and his prophets. His first Christmas gift saved the lives of believers and He will continue to save us one by one. God be thanked for the gift of His Son! God be thanked for allowing His precious Son to be "broken and bruised" for us. God be thanked for Christ the Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, even the Prince of Peace!

The Conference Study Notebook for October 2015 Conference

Here are the links to a Conference Study Notebook you can print. Hope it is helpful to some as you try to find answers to your questions and gain strength from the wonderful messages shared. Feel free to share if with others but it is NOT FOR SALE. It is a free resource for everyone.

Study Notebook in Word
Study Notebook in PDF

A Legacy of Faith

After my last post I got a call from our Bishop. He asked me if I had spoken in church lately. I had a total stupor of thought. I could not remember the last time I had spoken in church. He said he felt like I should speak in church in a few weeks. I told him I would be happy to do so. He then gave me the topic of obedience. I smiled and told him that would be just great. I do not believe it was a coincidence that the very topic that has been on my mind for weeks was the topic I was assigned. After I hung up I walked to where my husband was working on the computer and told him about Bishop's call. He laughed and said, "You are speaking again!?! You just barely spoke." I looked at him blankly and said, "I did?". He reminded me that I has spoken on family history work just a few weeks ago. I still could not remember doing that until he started explaining more about my talk then finally I remembered that I had in fact spoken in church recently! Sometimes the Lord works in mysterious ways. I am grateful for that stupor of thought because I have learned a lot over these past weeks as I have studied more about obedience. Here is an excerpt from the talk I am working. 

Our obedience can bring forth fruits of confidence, freedom, peace, joy, strength and protection. In the priesthood session of this last general conference President Monson said, “God’s commandments are not given to frustrate us or to become obstacles to our happiness. Just the opposite is true. He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just how we need to live our lives in order to obtain the greatest happiness possible. He has provided us with guidelines which, if we follow them, will see us safely through this often treacherous mortal journey. We remember the words of the familiar hymn: “Keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace.” He understands that when we keep the commandments, our lives will be happier, more fulfilling, and less complicated. Our challenges and problems will be easier to bear, and we will receive His promised blessings. But while He gives us laws and commandments, He also allows us to choose whether to accept them or to reject them. Our decisions in this regard will determine our destiny.”

It is important that we look for and record the blessings that we receive through our obedience. We need to teach our children with real life examples of how our obedience offers us protection, happiness, peace, strength and access to miracles. Consider sharing these experiences with your children to fortify their faith. As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, older siblings take some time to review your trials and blessings. See if obedience played a part in any of the miracles you have seen in your life. Then record what you know. Record your testimonies and experiences. This is a wonderful way to make the Sabbath a delight. Share your records at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Pass on your legacy of faithful, purposeful obedience. Help your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters understand that when we obey our Father in Heaven because we love him and know that He has given us the commandments because He loves us. In a world of turmoil and strife our personal peace and safety lies in our obedience and sincere repentance. 

I think a written record of your experiences of obedience and blessings would be a perfect Christmas gift. You could even start a Christmas tradition of sharing one faith-filled family experience each Sunday in December to help us remember the real purpose and power of Christ's Atonement. 

"Mom, why do we have to always obey God?"

As I was putting the boys to bed last night our 4 year old posed a very good question. "Mom, why do we have to always obey God?" I started to answer his question and our 6 year old finished for me. "We don't HAVE to obey God. He hopes we will choose to though." We then talked about the blessings of obedience and the WHY of the commandments. We talked about the commandment to avoid drugs and alcohol and how that commandment is designed to keep us free. I explained that all of God's commandments are designed to keep us FREE and HAPPY.

It is interesting that he would ask that question right now. I was picking a scripture last week to "ponderize" and wanted one about courage. I was amazed to realize the connection in Old Testament times to courage and obedience. I have heard Joshua 1:9 quoted a million times. Usually the question at the beginning of the verse is omitted in the quote. That question is a very important part of the scripture though.

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." - Joshua 1:9

We can have total assurance that the Lord will keep His word. The blessing associated with obedience is a GUARANTEE. Consider the 2,000 stripling warriors. What kept them safe? "Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them." (Alma 57:21) Exact obedience kept them safe. They learned that obedience through watching their mothers faithfully obey. They understood the WHY of God's commandments.

The Bible and the Book of Mormon have a running theme. Obedience brings prosperity and blessing. God's word can be trusted. If He promises then it will happen. That is the foundation of true life-changing faith. Let us teach our children the WHY of obedience. Let us point them to Christ and let them rest in the comfort of obedience. The fruit of obedience is the Spirit or in other words love, joy, peace, confidence, courage, freedom and safety. We all need that fruit in our lives and homes today.

One simple teaching of the Savior that can inspire peace and kindness at home.

In a previous post I mentioned how my boys have been fighting a lot and finding ways to scare and hurt each other just for fun. Well, as I have prayerfully considered how to help them I had a thought come to me. I am not sure if it will help anyone else with their families but wanted to share because it had such a powerful impact on my boys and on my primary class today. Before I explain the specific teaching I need to lay a brief backdrop.

In Alma chapter 7 verse 11 Alma teaches about the Savior's great and all encompassing Atonement. "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people." We often teach our children about this doctrine and encourage them to turn to the Savior for peace and comfort. 

In Matthew chapter 25 the Lord gives a very powerful parable about how our actions impact Him. He tells of servants brought before a King to be judged. Both those who are found in favor and those found lacking are confused at the King's claim that they have given service to the King or that they have failed to render the King aide in his time of need. The King then tells them all, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

I have often taught lessons about that parable and reminded the children to do kind things to others and remember that they are serving the Savior. I have never, until this week in a moment when my four year old was at his worst, thought to explain it in the reverse or to tie it to the teaching in Alma. Anytime we intentionally do something to hurt someone else we are actually hurting the Savior. The impact on me and my son was profound. It is not a novel idea but the power with which if struck him was wonderful. I had no intention of sharing that experience today but while teaching my primary class but it came up unexpectedly and all of the kids in my class were so struck by the concept that they all committed with no prompting to go home and teach it to their families. I said, "If you wouldn't do it to the Savior, then don't do it to another human being because He will feel the affects of your actions." 

So let us remember "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." He feels the peace and comfort we give to others and He feels the sorrow, pain and fear our actions can cause.  May we strive to do more to add to His peace and comfort and do all we can to prevent causing Him pain. As we do this our homes will have the Spirit abundantly and our love and appreciation for the Savior will be great. 

Stand Up

I got to talk with one of my favorite people in the world this week. We met up at a local park so our little ones could play and talked about the state of the world and the messages and themes from conference. This beautiful and insightful friend of mine expressed her great frustration and even anger with the way so many people are trying to force their evil philosophies into society as normal and right. She was particularly concerned with the new trend in many "professional" spheres to stop telling people about right and wrong and to simply support them in their choices and respect their freedom. She said she was frustrated because she does not know how to make a difference or how to stand up. She said she simply won't do what the "professional" recommendations are in her field of work because she actually wants to HELP people. That is standing up. The bravest way possible.  I have struggled with similar thoughts of: "How can I make a difference?" "What can I really do? I am at home with my babies all day. I can't go out and save the world?" "What can I possibly do to help the Christians all over the world who are suffering and dying for the cause of truth?" The impressions that have come to me have been to work within my sphere of influence and give to the Church. The greatest impact I can have is within my own family. I will arm my boys to the teeth with Gospel truths and examples of how to apply them in everyday choices. I will counsel with them, warn them, cheer for them, support them and set clear rules for them. I will make sure they understand the WHY of the commandments and of our family rules. I will serve my primary class and cub scouts with a full and sincere heart. I will do all I feel prompted to do to reach out to them and their families. That is where my influence will be the most powerful right now. That is my call. As as far as "saving the world" goes I believe what Elder Holland said, we are doing better than we think we are. As we pay our tithing, give generously to the missionary, temple and humanitarian funds, fast and pay fast offerings we are literally saving the world. The Church reaches out to help all over the planet. The church is run, as testified by many lately in conference, by skilled businessmen and women, by seasoned lawyers, negotiators, and those filled with the Spirit of prophecy. There could not be a better way to lift and serve the good and righteous of the world than to support the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The prophecies of the last days are being fulfilled all around us. Wrong is made to look right. Right is made to look wrong. The hearts of so many are turning to stone. Persecutions are befalling all who follow Christ. Wars, tumults and suffering are ever present. The restored Gospel is flooding the earth and temples are being built up all over. Family history work is turning the hearts of the children to their fathers in remarkable and unprecedented ways. Satan is raging. He knows his time is short. He is trying everything. He is taking those flaxen cords he has so carefully been weaving around the necks of so many people and turning them to strong chains. We are being warned so often about the everyday little things because they are the very things that will protect us from his influence. Daily prayer, scriptures study, fasting, delighting in the Sabbath, being with and working with our families, making time for indexing and family history, the list can go on and on. These things fill our days and hearts with the Spirit which is exactly what we need to withstand the evil of our day. Without the Spirit we can't Stand Up or Stand Out.

As I read from 2 Nephi this morning I was impressed with the comforting counsel that Nephi gave to his future posterity. He was warning them of the destruction of the wicked among his people that would occur at the time of the Savior's death then he reassures the righteous with these words in verse 8 of chapter 26: "But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish." I felt as though this promise is for our day too. If we can look forward with steadfastness in Christ for the signs of His coming and continue to hearken to the words of the prophets and cling to the commandments we too will not perish but find the peace and comfort that is promised by the Lord. We will rejoice in the Spirit and do as Nephi did. We will "talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, prophesy of Christ, and write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." Let us not be discouraged by the magnitude of the conflict before the world. Let us simply Stand Up in our spheres of influence and do all we can to get and keep the Spirit.

The Power of General Conference

As I review my notes and feelings from this General Conference I found a few things I want to share I know every person who listened or will listen/read the conference messages will get their own inspirations. I hope my insights may add to yours. Please feel free to comment about your thoughts and determinations too. I always love to learn from others.

Don't you just love it when someone gives you a "checklist" type commandment? One that you can say, "Hey, I totally did that one!" Well, Devin G. Durrant did just that with his two invitations made during conference. For me and my sweet penny pinching husband the savings invitation was not something new but we sure can testify of the power of consistently saving, even just a little. The invitation to ponderize however was something we are excited to try. We have one as a family on the fridge and then I have selected a personal one as well. I thought that combining this challenge with the invitation from Elder Larry Lawrence to pray and ask, "What is keeping me from progressing?" would really help me. I have been praying to know what areas I need to be working on for a while and so I started with the item at the top of my list. I need to quit raising my voice at home. I have been working on it for months. The boys have recently found the "magic buttons" to set each other off and seem to take a sick pleasure in making each other scream and cry. I tried several things to get their attention and stop the meltdowns, but in the end yelling was about the only thing that snapped them out of it. I didn't like it. I didn't like how it made me feel or how it made them feel. I knew it wasn't the answer but hadn't found anything to replace it. I felt inspired to start ponderizing with the topic of patience and turned to the topical guide. There I found D&C 101:38 and the phrase "And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may posses your souls" struck me.  I am still pondering on its full meaning but I believe that if I can try to see the Lord's face I will respond with much more mildness, gentleness and patience. So far the last few days have gone better. I have tried to do what the Savior does: draw near to them. I come closer and touch them to get their attention. So far it is working. I am less unnerved and they calm more quickly. I trust that I will continue to get such answers as I pick scriptures to ponderize.

The other messages that really struck me were from Elder Holland, Elder Nelson, Elder Stevenson and Brother Schwitzer. I would imagine just about every mother was struck by Elder Holland's talk but when taken along with the messages from these other brethren something remarkable occurred to me. Combining a few key phrases from these talks gave me this: "You are doing better than you think you are. Focus on what you CAN do. Do you realize the breadth and depth of the influence you can make? Stand up and TESTIFY." Now add the counsel from Elder Lawrence to not only pray to know where we can improve but to also pray to know our strengths and where we are succeeding and you have something rather profound before you. So, what will I do now? I will approach the Lord to find out what I am doing right. I will study my patriarchal blessing to identify my personal mission and strengths outlined there. I will stop being afraid of offending my non-member family and friends and post more spiritual messages on my Facebook page. I will keep giving my best to my primary and Webelos callings. I will also keep seeking inspiration and try to understand it when it comes.

I have been noticing an interesting pattern in my life the last few conferences. I will pray about and work on things that I feel I need to improve on then in conference someone will say the VERY things I have received through personal revelation. It has been a real boost to my testimony and encouragement that I am doing better understanding the voice of the Spirit. I am FAR from perfect but as Brother Clark taught us in conference we won't be perfect but we can "be good and getting better".

Why?

I built this blog page over a year ago with the intent to use it as a sort of journal for my studies of the Gospel and to record the successes and failures of my attempts to apply Gospel principles in my life. I never wrote a single post...first major fail. At least I built the page. I also built a Facebook page called "Because of Conference I Will _____________". I have been a bit more faithful with that endeavor but could still do more there as well. you can visit it here: Because of Conference

As I have listened the LDS General Conference these last two days I have been impressed again to return to this labor. I have learned much over the last few years but have selfishly kept it to myself. Recently one of the high councilmen in our ward told me something at church. He said, "You know Sister Dimond, when you learn truth or get a new insight in the Gospel you are required to share it." the comment was made almost in passing but has stuck with me. My dear friend and one of my life heroes also just finished writing a remarkable book and allowed me the privilege of proof reading it. Her work and insight corresponded so perfectly with the personal revelation I have been receiving about making the most of my time and talents that I consider it part of the Lord's message for me. Then today in Conference we were told to STAND UP AND TESTIFY. Then the women of the church were particularly called upon to SET UP AND TAKE OUR RIGHTFUL AND NEEDED PLACE. I guess I have been chastened again but this time I am listening AND ACTING.

I cannot promise perfect regular posts nor can I promise anything too profound but I have been compiling topics and writing down the inspirations and thoughts I have been receiving while reading the scriptures, teaching primary, studying history, experiencing life, and listening to the living prophets. If I am the only one who benefits from this endeavor then I will be content but I sincerely hope that my experiences and the insights that have come to me from the Spirit may lift and lighten and inspire at least one soul.

I will start things off with a little bio so you know who I am and then I will share some highlights I got out of General Conference in my next post.

I am a mother of four young boys, aged 6, 4, 3, and 19 months. I am married to a wonderful, loving , hard working Priesthood holder. I grew up in Salt Lake City. I graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in Human Development and after completing a mission in Singapore received a Master's Degree in Family Ecology. I have spent a significant portion of my life working with children and adults with disabilities and currently work part-time, mostly from home, as a support coordinator for people with disabilities and brain injuries. I have gained many insights and perspectives from these amazing individuals and their families. I come from a family of five children and have two half sisters who I honestly don't really know. My father converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a young recently divorced father. He was killed by a drunk driver when I was about 9 years old. I have an incredible mother who I will talk often about. She is a true disciple a real Latter-Day Saint. My three brothers and one sister have also taught me much and given me insights and perspective that I will refer often. I married into an incredible family. My husband grew up in a very different world in Pleasant Grove Utah when it was still a "small town". His family traces its pioneer heritage on both sides clear back to the early days of the church and have that "multi-generational" family advantage. They are not perfect for sure but I can see the blessings that come from having several generations of faithful, sacrificing members of the church to look up to and emulate. That is a topic for another time though.