Scripture Power!!

First off, I wanna say that I'm writing this post from the Blogger app on my phone. It works pretty well so far. I think it's a good tool that allows us to share more easily and quickly a cool thought that we might have while we're reading the scriptures. I just want to share a quick one that impressed me the other day.

I read this in Preach My Gospel- "Your gospel study is most effective when you are taught by the Holy Ghost... He will bring knowledge and conviction that will bless your life and allow you to bless the lives of others. Your faith in Jesus Christ will increase. Your desire to repent and improve will grow" (PMG 18). 

This quote strikes me as a significant one. I think that it shows that scripture study in which the Holy Ghost is present and teaching is a key for conversion. And not only will it help us come closer to Christ, it will allow us to bless the lives of others. I think that that is really important.

It's interesting how this section stresses the importance of learning by the Spirit. There have been times when I have read the scriptures but I have not learned much from the Spirit. There have been times when I haven't even READ the scriptures. PMG says that we should pray for the Holy Ghost to guide us in our scripture study and then it offers a variety of suggestions on how to improve scripture study. I think that if we wish to really gain a lot out of our scripture study, we need to be very deliberate about it. I know that I can definitely improve in this. 

"This kind of study prepares you for service, offers solace, resolves problems, and gives you the strength to endure to the end" (PMG 18). I think that it's interesting how oftentimes the solutions to our big problems in life are found in very simple acts. I've found that a good scripture study really helps to clear the mind and often allows me to see life in such a way that problems melt away or at least present solutions for themselves. So let's invite the spirit into our studies and become gospel scholars! Woo hoo! I'm working on improving my scripture study study right now. 

I believe that the Lord will bless us immensely when we seek Him through meaningful scripture study. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Desiderata

What's up, LADIES?!

So we have been slacking pretty hard on the Bearrie Devos lately.  I need these for my health!  Lets get after it.

As far as some B Biznus:

• Still on the look out for some housing for the Pheobster - she has been bouncing around these last two weeks.  Talk to anyone and everyone who you think may have a place.  (never mind - as I am writing these I got the update that she found a place!  YEAH!)
• We were at Landon's for THE GAME this week... it was awesome.
• Speaking of Slinky Pinky - he is taking the GMAT tomorrow (thursday) so keep him in your prayers
• ZACH got in to medical school!  Call him Dr. Hollub!  He will be back in his home state of BALLERADO.  Nice work homie.
• Jay got a new job at the BYU Police.  He has sold his soul and joined parking enforcement... so if you get a ticket, curse his name.  OR, maybe call him up and get it cleared?

As far as devo today, some of you may know that I got a new job at the Food and Care Coalition here south of the tracks.  It is a homeless shelter that offers a bunch of different services.  It is a pretty CRAZY job.   I get all kind of characters coming in here.  

One of them today came up to me and asked if I wanted to read something she wrote down in her book.  At first I was like, "Oh no. This lady is nuts."  And then she told me she wrote this down when she was in Baltimore.  It is called the Desiderata and was supposedly written back in 1692 (when I googled it there seems to be a debate on the real date - some say it was actually written in like 1920) REGARDLESS of when it was written, I think there are some things that we can really apply to our lives NOW.

Check it out:

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Anyways, take what you will from it and remember this was brought you you by a nice lady from your local homeless shelter.