Power

I was impressed with the power Ammon had in the Book of Alma. I forgot sometimes how much power we have available to us as members of the church. If we are endowed we are endowed with power. If we have the Holy Ghost, by living worthy, we are empowered and constantly guided. We also have the priesthood which blesses us with power. Why then do we or more importantly I not access this power that we have available to us? I think it's great that King Lamoni thinks Ammon is the "Great Spirit" because that demonstrates to me that we can accomplish all with this power from Heavenly Father.

Some great verses in chapter 18 are:

3 And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king’s flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain.

34 Ammon said unto him: I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true;
35 And a portion of that spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.

I also found this great article I would highly recommend
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=8&num=1&id=183

Men of Faith

This morning I was reading in Alma 8 and 9 and was impressed by the faith of Alma and Amulek.  I was also grateful for their example of being in tune with the Spirit.  Doing the work of the Lord is not always easy, but the Lord knows the thoughts and intents of our heart; that is why I loved verse 14-15...

"And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying: Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you."

I love that the Lord is aware of our needs!  Alma was a faithful servant and followed the counsel of the angel immediately by returning to the city of Ammonihah.  Well the fact of the matter is he had been fasting for several days and was physically weak, although spiritually strong.  I love that Amulek was also in tune with the spirit as we read in verses 19-21.

"And as he entered the city he was an hungered, and he said to a man: Will ye give to an humble servant of God something to eat?  And the man said unto him: I am a Nephite, and I know that thou art a holy prophet of God, for thou art the man whom an angel said in a vision: Thou shalt receive. Therefore, go with me into my house and I will impart unto thee of my food; and I know that thou wilt be a blessing unto me and my house.  And it came to pass that the man received him into his house; and the man was called Amulek; and he brought forth bread and meat and set before Alma."

The best part of the whole story is not only was Alma obedient, and Amulek in tune, but then in chapter 9 they went into the city together to preach the word of God to a scary group of people.  Nothing is better than having a companion to help you through the struggles in life!  I am so grateful for their examples and have great cause to rejoice also.  I only hope that I can have a part of the faith that they had and strive to be in tune with the spirit everyday! 

4 Cornerstones a Home should be built on

The last while I have noticed some cute family scene's and realized how important family is.  I loved seeing a little one year old play in the sand in Arches National Park with her family.  I watched in awe when I was at Costco as a Dad snuggled with a baby and kept kissing him.  Many more scenes come to mind, but the point is I want that!

How can I be a good wife and mother when I have no experience?  I want to be the best I can, so I am really working on improving myself now.  I may not have a lot to offer, but I will always love to the best of my abilities.  I read a great talk today called "Except the Lord Build the House," by President Hinckley.  I love the four cornerstones that President Hinckley suggests a home is built upon.

1-Respect for One Another
2-The Soft Answer
3-Honesty with God and with One Another
4-Family Prayer

I love these suggestions, although I think that they are musts!  I see so many families struggling because they are lacking one of these simple things.  I say that now, but I haven't walked in the shoes of a married person or been a Mom.  Hopefully I can learn through example, trial and error, and doing the best I can.  Go read the talk!