Week #6
One of my favorite parts about studying the scriptures is that it helps me prioritize the things in life that are most important. Today I was reading in Matthew 6, verse 33 which reads: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you"

To me this verse is a reminder that there are a lot of things we can worry about, aspire to achieve, seek to own, etc. But the most important thing is to become fully converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This conference weekend was a reminder of how important it is to stay focused on the gospel teachings in the world we live in today.

The principle I gained from this scripture is that as we seek to follow the Savior and obey God's commandments, the rest the things in life will be taken care of. Granted, we still need to work hard and provide for ourselves... but if we are truly converted we can live with less and still feel a sense of peace and joy that we couldn't feel with all of the material goods in the world.

This applies to me now as I'm balancing being a husband and friend with school and work. Life can be incredibly busy, but as I find the time to seek the Kingdom of God and the things of God, I will be blessed in my other day to day pursuits.

Week #4

Week #4

This week the scripture on my mind was Mosiah 2:17 which is very well known but an important one. It reads: "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." to me this scripture means that as we take the time out of our day to serve others we are being representatives of Jesus Christ and are serving our Heavenly Father. 

The Doctrine I gain from this is that as Christ taught, we should love the Lord with all of our heart and also show love for our neighbor and those around us. Service of those who surround us and finding ways to positively impact those around us is something that God expects from each one of us. 

This doctrine applies to me as I've tried to find ways to serve over the last week. Service begins by serving in the home. I've tried to find ways to serve family even those who are far away. A simple phone call or text can go along way when it comes to serving family. My wife is also extremely important to me and it has been a good week as I've looked for ways to serve her. 

From personal experience I know I'm most satisfied when I'm taking opportunities to serve others.

Week #5

In preparing for General Conference I learned this week that one of Elder Soares’s favorite scriptures is D&C 112:20. It reads: “Whosoever receiveth my word receiveth me, and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth those, the First Presidency, whom I have sent, whom I have made counselors for my name’s sake unto you.” I thought this was a very interesting scripture to be someones favorite. It showed me the deep love and respect that Elder Soares has for the First Presidency (and the quorum of the 12), for the word of God, and for our Savior Jesus Christ. To me this verse means that as we listen to and apply the things we learn in General Conference we will be receiving the guidance of Jesus Christ into our homes… his advice and counsel for our current days. A principle I learned from this section is that as we listen to the Brethren and take their guidance seriously, we are showing respect for and receiving the words of Christ. "Whether by mine own voice or the voice of the prophets, it is the same.” I can apply that this weekend by listening to conference with an open mind and an open heart, ready to act on the messages given by the First Presidency and the quorum of the 12. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve struggled to listen to conference as it seems like I’ve been out of town for the last 3. This conference weekend I will listen to as many talks as possible, and then study them again after conference is over.  

Forum Week 2

Forum Week 2

This week I learned a simple yet profound lesson in the Book of Mormon. While reading Mosiah 1 verse 7 I remembered my dad and some of the counsel he has given me. In this particular section King Benjamin is teaching his sons and gives them some advice. He says: “And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.” Here King Benjamin advises his sons to diligently search the scriptures that they had access to at the time. I think in today’s day it is easy to take the scriptures for granted, but in their day Nephi put his life on the line to take the plates with them on their journey. They also continued to record their own record and the things that the Lord had taught them.

Not only does King Benjamin tell them to search the scriptures, but he tells them to live the commandments and principles that they teach. This is important to me because I’ve seen close friends leave the church or even stop believing in God because they read things or get confused by certain principles in the scriptures. Most of the time their falling away begins by someone failing to live the commandments they know to me true.  

The principle I get from this scripture is that as we search the scriptures and keep the commandments, we will prosper and be blessed. I really like how the word “search” is used as opposed to just “read”. I know that as we search the scriptures diligently we will find a spiritual strength that is hard to come by in other ways.

I can apply this to my own life by putting it into action. I feel like I’ve always done my best to keep the commandments, but at times I’ve failed to be diligent in searching the scriptures. I’m glad to be back in a religion class this semester that builds time into my schedule throughout the week to study and learn the gospel.