Work

"And they began to be a very industrious people (1) ...and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands. (2)"

I've been reading about the conversion of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's and I found it interesting that their conversion led them to work more. The gospel demands action; salvation is not passive. I've found that when I am close to the Spirit I am more motivated and productive.

Alma 18:10

"Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his achariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them." - Alma 18:10

I've had this experience of astonishment/amazement a few times. I am so proud when my kids remember to use their manners. I was so impressed when my husband remembered something little I said when we first started dating. The Book of Mormon frequently warns that we must remember. I feel like there are so many things that I need to do each day, it is hard to remember what I should be doing when and what are the most important things I should be focusing on. How can we remember all these things? Later in the chapter, Alma states that "a portion of [the] Spirit dwelleth in me." (Alma 18:35)  John said that the Holy Ghost will "bring all things to your rememberance." (John 14:26)  I know that as I make the effort to pray and read my scriptures daily, I do have the Spirit with me, so I can remember all these things.

Alma 17:11-12

"And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.
And it came to pass that the hearts of the sons of Mosiah, and also those who were with them, took courage to go forth unto the Lamanites to declare unto them the word of God." - Alma 17:11-12

I imagine the Lord might have said something similar to each of us before we came to earth. There are many trials and obstacles for each of us to overcome, but the blessings we receive will make it all worth it.

I feel like there were two ways that the sons of Mosiah could have responded to this message. They could have focused on the afflictions that they would face and become discouraged, or even given up. Instead, they took courage in the fact that they would be able to serve others and save souls.

Every day, this is a decision that I have to make. As a parent, I have plenty of opportunities to practice patience and long-suffering. I hope that I can be a good example to my children so that they will be able to learn the gospel and we can be a forever family.