Learning, Understanding, and Growing

I am beginning or rather continuing a new chapter in my life.  I have gone back to the Pathway's Program that is offered through BYUI.  This is not an easy task for me.  The subjects are things that I have already accomplished at Weber State University in their Math and English Departments.  That being said, I did not have to take an Institute class when I went there and this is an altogether new experience.  I am having to stretch myself mentally and Spiritually.  I think this is a good thing and will be a blessing in my life.

My studies this week have been in the Book of Mormon, in the book of Alma, chapters 30-35.  This is where Alma and his companions go and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are dissenters from the Gospel.  This goes along with another thing that I am studying and setting as a goal and that is having Charity in my life.

Alma and his companions loved these people enough that they wanted them to return to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I think Alma chapter 32 holds so much meaning - There is a group of people that have fallen away.  And in this group, there is a second group that have helped the others that fell away build Synagogues and places of worship.  This second group is now unable to worship in those same buildings they helped build as they have been cast out as they are poor and are not allowed in.  I love how Alma shows them Charity.  He is not judgmental, he just wants to see them enjoy the blessings that can be theirs if they will learn that they don't have to go to the Synagogues to worship.  They can have a prayer in their hearts at all times.  They can remember their Savior every moment of every day if they so desire, but that is the thing.  This is what they have to desire, then they have to have faith and study the word of God and grow this desire until it becomes a full fledged knowledge of God and what He wants.  Alma is patient in his teaching.  He loves these people.  He loves his companions and is forthright and gentle in his praises of them and also when he reprimands them in their sin and calls them to repentance. 

Alma teaches these people to pray.  Shows them that they can pray at any time and in any place.  I often find myself doing this in my life as I face my daily trials.  My car hears more prayers sent to heaven.  If it could speak, I wonder what it would say. 

We can have constant communication with our Heavenly Father.  He loves us and wants to hear from us.  As a parent I get it.  I love to hear from my children and know how they are doing.  What the problems are that they are facing, their accomplishments, etc.  I think this is how our Heavenly Father is.  I like to think when I do well at something that He is smiling down when I tell him about it.  Likewise, I think His heart breaks when I am struggling and suffering.  He wants to bless us and we have to seek Him to have this happen. 

These are a few of the things that I have studied this week, that I have found an increased understanding in.  I am grateful that I am back learning and in this program that will help me stretch and grow.   I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and look forward to learning and sharing my thoughts each week with you about what I am learning.