Beauty of the Scriptures

I've gained a real appreciation for the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. I've read it several times (or more if you count the piecemeal reading), but never really studied them until our mission. The reason for this new found joy in reading them is the study we do with our young Marines on Tuesday nights. The doors of understanding open wide and my testimony grows with each chapter and verse. I love the concept of likening the scriptures and I now use this to understand the trials of my own and my family's trials. The following are just a couple examples of stories from the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the ones that really touched my heart and soul.

Mary at the feet of the Savior at His crucifixion:

How blessed was she, the mother of the Savior of the world and oh, how she agonized at His death. As I've read the account of Mary and listened to Rob Gardner's Lamb of God (which if you haven't heard, you must do immediately), I'm filled to the brim with emotion, that any mother had to endure (or will have endure) what Mary did. What I've learned, though, is that Mary was always in the Father's hands and comforted with the knowledge that her Son was part of the grand Plan of Salvation.

As a mother, I've cried many, many tears for my children and grandchildren who've suffered pain and agony with the trials of this life. What I've learned from Mary is that all of us, regardless of standing, still remain in the encircling arms of our loving Father in Heaven and He is aware of our pain. If we can remember that this life is about learning, then each pain or trial can be met with joy; joy in the knowledge that we don't stand alone. HE is always with us!

Adam, Lehi, Mosiah and Alma:

These men were Prophets of God! How is it that they failed so miserably with their children? If they, as Prophets, couldn't control their children, what hope is there for us mear mortals? It's called free agency, one of God's eternal principles. We can't beat ourselves up for the things our children do (assuming we have done all we can to raise them with correct principles). They get to choose whether or not they want to partake of the fruit of the Gospel or not. One of the biggest things we learn from two of those men (Mosiah and Alma) is that petitioning the Lord in behalf of your children can be instrumental in the outcome; people can and do change! We can't EVER give up on our children, because the Holy Spirit has the power to heal and change lives. I've been witness to it here in the mission field. Someday, I'll tell of Ryan Hyde, our own Alma the Younger of sorts. It happened in my own life, again, another story for another time.

We've had the opportunity to watch many miracles unfold in the course of the last twelve months of our mission, here in North Carolina and at home. We will continue to see others unfold in the next six months.

I love the scriptures!