Things I've been learning:
And yet, it is inevitable that sometime, in something, we will sin. That is the heritage of our fallen nature. When we sin, let us be as Nephi. Let us feel the heaviness of regret and the severity of our crime!
Pain is temporary. Spiritual growth is forever.
This month has been a rough one. I've lost my car keys, gotten two traffic citations, was responsible for an accident, and been plagued with financial worries. (Funnily enough, all of this has happened because of my car.)
The Lord has provided in every case. With one exception, I have handled these disappointments and pressures with grace and faith. I would not undo these trials, even if I could. Why not?
It's the same reason I would still go through the pain of losing Sherilyn and of seeing Laura draw away. It's the same reason I would go back to Daki, and to the long talks with Bishop Argyle. The reason is that pain is temporary, but spiritual growth is forever.
We will sometime forget the sting of regret and dismay. But the spiritual growth discovered in the storms of life will endure as long as we are faithful.
2nd Nephi 4:15
I wish to be like Nephi. I wish to DELIGHT in scripture study!
What did Nephi do?
And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. (2nd Nephi 4:15)
1) Nephi pondered
2) Nephi wrote
3) Nephi shared
I will read scriptures for one hour every day at the same time, in the same place, and according to the same pattern.
From 7:00-8:00
At my desk
10 minutes prayer and ponder, 35 minutes study, 15 minutes prayer and writing a scripture I have learned
And I will share what I have learned!
Sin is yet another growth opportunity
We ought never to sin. We ought to avoid it at all costs!
And yet, it is inevitable that sometime, in something, we will sin. That is the heritage of our fallen nature. When we sin, let us be as Nephi. Let us feel the heaviness of regret and the severity of our crime!
Yet let us also rejoice in a Savior who has atoned for every lapse and every crime! Let us praise His name and rush unto Him with full, repentant hearts. This is the true opportunity of sin, repentance. Let us cry with Nephi:
Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin? (2nd Nephi 4:30-31)
