Our LDS Life

I was reading Alma 29 yesterday morning and something struck me in this passage I hadn’t really thought about before. I’m sure you’re familiar with this one, but please read it again with me:

“O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.”

“I ought not to harrow up in my desires, the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.” (Alma 29:1-4)

I’ve always thought this a rather sad passage, perhaps because I’ve felt a lot like Alma at times wishing I could say the words that would lead millions of souls to Christ. Alma explains why this is such a great desire of his heart in verse 10:

“When I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea even that he hath heard my prayer; yea then do I remember his merciful arm he extended towards me.”

I agree with Alma, there is no greater joy than watching people come unto Christ. When you’re a part of that process, you do feel the love of God for you and others. You remember God’s infinite mercy toward you. This intense gratitude fills you with an indescribably joy. It is that joy that Alma seeks. Again, I can relate to Alma, and this passage has always been bittersweet for me, knowing God will not infringe upon the agency of others, and that Alma (and I) must be grateful for the influence allotted to us.

BUT, something occurred to me yesterday that I never saw before. Notice how Alma insists that God grants to us according to our desires. What about Alma’s desires? Were they so horrible? So out of line? Did God ever grant Alma’s desires? I say He did. He just didn’t do it in quite the way Alma envisioned. If you read further in the Book of Mormon, you’ll see that Alma was translated just as Moses was. In other words, just as Moses became an angel, Alma also became an angel! Also, Alma wanted his words to be broadcast to the world at large. How many people have read Alma’s words in the Book of Mormon? Church membership sits at 13 million today. The Book of Mormon has been translated into over a hundred languages. Alma’s words have influenced and continue to influence the entire world!

In other words, God did give Alma the desires of his heart. It just came in a time and in a way slightly different than Alma envisioned. What do we take away from this? Don’t bury your righteous desires. Pursue them, believe in them, and KNOW that God grants the righteous desires of His followers in His own time and in His own way.

I think President Gordon B. Hinckley sums it up best:

“Believe in yourself. Believe in your capacity to do great and good things. Believe that no mountain is so high that you cannot climb it. Believe that no storm is so great that you cannot weather it. You are not destined to be a scrub. You are a child of God, of infinite capacity.

“Believe that you can do it–whatever it is that you set your heart on. Opportunities will unfold and open before you. The skies will clear when they have been dark with portent.”

I’ve always had a soft spot for Joseph Smith’s wife Emma Smith. One incident in particular to me encapsulates Emma’s devotion and love for her husband. As she stood over Joseph’s casket, one man came up to her and said, “Sister, endure this well and a crown will be yours.” To this Emma responded, “You don’t understand, my husband was my crown.”

Emma’s devotion to Joseph through all the persecution He endured is remarkable and I love this video and song that is a tribute to an elect lady.

This is a video I did for the 9th Annual SheLovesGod.com Virtual Womens Conference. It’s about about how to thrive in troubled times by keeping your eyes on Jesus Christ.

I really enjoyed this video by a fellow member of the church where she shares her thoughts and feelings about General Conference and her conversion story.

One of my favorite talks from the last General Conference was by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in the General Relief Society Meeting held in September 2008. He spoke on God’s happiness — the things that make Him happy, and how since we are made in His image, the things that make Him happy will make us happy. The two things he pointed out that bring God happiness are creativity and compassion.

President Uchtdorf made so many good points. These are a few that stood out to me:

“The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf,

“As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves.” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Spencer W. Kimball, “The more we serve our fellowman in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls.”

“Work will cure your grief. Serve others.” President Hinckley

James Barry (Author of Peter Pan) said, “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”

He ended his remarks with the following:

“In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair. Let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers.

I have a simple faith. I believe that as you are faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, as you draw closer to him in faith, hope and charity, things will work together for your good. I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father, as you create beauty, and as you are compassionate to others, God will circle you in the arms of His love. Discouragement, inadequacy and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace and fulfillment. As spirit daughters of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage. You are choice daughters of our heavenly Father. And through the things you create, and by your compassionate service, you are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin, Walk tall, God loves you. We love you and admire you. ” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf, General Relief Society Meeting, September 2008

I have found these words to be true, and it was a wonderful reminder of the fact! He gave me renewed determination to be more compassionate, to reach out and lift others, and to use my creativity in ways that will bless the lives of others.