School seems like one of those necessary evils, lately. I just have to remind myself that I don't want to be completely ruined when I get home, so I better do ALL I CAN now. Many times, that's easier said than done.
I need to express my gratitude for inspired institute teachers! After being up since 5:30 am, spending the day at clinicals until 7:00 pm, I'll just say that institute was a breath of fresh air. He challenged our class to make our scripture study a continual prayer. In other words, begin your prayer before you start reading, asking Heavenly Father to show you something you need to learn during your study...but don't close your prayer! You stop "mid-prayer," and begin your scripture study. After you complete your study, kneel again in a prayer of gratitude for the things you learned and close your prayer. Done in this way, scripture study will become an attitude of prayer to Heavenly Father...making yourself more available to the spirit and what He needs to show you. I have tested the waters the past 3 days using this technique. Let me tell you, the miracles I've witnessed in my life are incredible! I have received answers to prayers before via scripture study, but never in such a powerful way. The presence of the spirit has been undeniable when I study the scriptures this way!
So (I'm sure you knew this was coming), I would invite you to try this method during your next scripture study session. I promise you will receive answers and new knowledge when you study this way! Only 3 days in, and I'm convinced.
As far as school is going...well, let's just say I've had a lot of catching up to do since I've gone home the last three weekends, and accomplished nothing on those weekends. This week clinicals started, plus the outside preparation for clinicals, I have 4 tests, a paper to write, plus trying to catch up. It hasn't been the best week of my life, let's just say that.
But I have done my very best to continually make time for scripture study. So while I haven't had the most relaxing week, at least I've been calm as I've tried to get all my work done. I know that I'm in the right place, doing the right thing, and if I do my best Heavenly Father will provide a way for me to accomplish what He's asked. I don't think going through the temple could have come at a better time of my life. I think He knew I needed that perspective change right about now! Ever since I walked out the temple doors last Saturday, I've been really trying to keep the spirit of the temple (aka, the Holy Ghost) with me at all times. ALL TIMES. I have been far from perfect, but never have I tried so hard.
The results amaze me.
One last thought before I hit the books again (some Friday night, eh?).
Alma 26 (my favorite chapter of the entire Book of Mormon) says a bit of what I'm feeling right about now. Vs. 11-12, 16, 36.
"I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things....Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men?
Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation."
Rather long, yes. But I truly can't describe how I'm feeling, and Ammon helps put words to what I'm feeling. I know it won't be me helping the people of Thailand--I just need to remain close to the Spirit, so I can be an instrument in His hands! I've been doing my best at testing this concept here, before I'm in the mission. Bottom line? It works.
When you make yourself available, He will use you.
In case you didn't see my my initial reaction, here it is.
I need to express my gratitude for inspired institute teachers! After being up since 5:30 am, spending the day at clinicals until 7:00 pm, I'll just say that institute was a breath of fresh air. He challenged our class to make our scripture study a continual prayer. In other words, begin your prayer before you start reading, asking Heavenly Father to show you something you need to learn during your study...but don't close your prayer! You stop "mid-prayer," and begin your scripture study. After you complete your study, kneel again in a prayer of gratitude for the things you learned and close your prayer. Done in this way, scripture study will become an attitude of prayer to Heavenly Father...making yourself more available to the spirit and what He needs to show you. I have tested the waters the past 3 days using this technique. Let me tell you, the miracles I've witnessed in my life are incredible! I have received answers to prayers before via scripture study, but never in such a powerful way. The presence of the spirit has been undeniable when I study the scriptures this way!
So (I'm sure you knew this was coming), I would invite you to try this method during your next scripture study session. I promise you will receive answers and new knowledge when you study this way! Only 3 days in, and I'm convinced.
As far as school is going...well, let's just say I've had a lot of catching up to do since I've gone home the last three weekends, and accomplished nothing on those weekends. This week clinicals started, plus the outside preparation for clinicals, I have 4 tests, a paper to write, plus trying to catch up. It hasn't been the best week of my life, let's just say that.
But I have done my very best to continually make time for scripture study. So while I haven't had the most relaxing week, at least I've been calm as I've tried to get all my work done. I know that I'm in the right place, doing the right thing, and if I do my best Heavenly Father will provide a way for me to accomplish what He's asked. I don't think going through the temple could have come at a better time of my life. I think He knew I needed that perspective change right about now! Ever since I walked out the temple doors last Saturday, I've been really trying to keep the spirit of the temple (aka, the Holy Ghost) with me at all times. ALL TIMES. I have been far from perfect, but never have I tried so hard.
The results amaze me.
One last thought before I hit the books again (some Friday night, eh?).
Alma 26 (my favorite chapter of the entire Book of Mormon) says a bit of what I'm feeling right about now. Vs. 11-12, 16, 36.
"I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things....Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men?
Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation."
Rather long, yes. But I truly can't describe how I'm feeling, and Ammon helps put words to what I'm feeling. I know it won't be me helping the people of Thailand--I just need to remain close to the Spirit, so I can be an instrument in His hands! I've been doing my best at testing this concept here, before I'm in the mission. Bottom line? It works.
When you make yourself available, He will use you.
In case you didn't see my my initial reaction, here it is.
Love, love, love this post. Thanks so much for taking the time to share. It's a refreshing reminder of how the Lord speaks to us through the pages of the Book of Mormon, and the counsel we receive is remarkably personal! It's so fun to see, hear and witness the flame of your testimony ablaze! It brings a needed boost to my own. Thanks Jessy. You are being used in ways in which you have no idea.
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