Week 3

My roommate and I were having a discussion about how much different our lives would be if we didn't have the gospel in our lives. I was very needy in high school because I felt like everyone else determined my value. I would eat up any praise or adoration anyone gave me and would base my value on this. I told my roommate that I felt pretty confident that I would've overlooked the deficits in my relationship because I would've liked the physical aspect and also the validation and words of affirmation so much. I shared the sentiment of how God sees the sin of sex before marriage as very serious because it's affecting the agency of another person and it's affecting how a child gets into the world (the other side is taking someone out of this world e.g. murder). So it's almost as serious as murder. I just talked about how glad I was that I didn't use this great power of procreation before I knew its importance. It was a really good discussion and it reminded me of the importance of bridling my passions so I could wait to find the person who was right for me.

Week 2

 I really enjoyed the parable of the seed in class. Everyone is always remarking on how moving Alma 32 is. Honestly, it always made me feel guilty because I know that I should be reading the scriptures and praying more frequently and with greater intent to receive revelation. This time, as I was reading it, I just felt at peace.  I knew Heavenly Father was proud of me for everything I've become and that I could still improve, but that He knew I was trying my best. It made me want to grow my faith even more and become closer to Him. I also know I need to repent for something because I've been feeling pretty guilty about it, but I know He's letting me know how He feels about it so I can repent and have a carefree conscience. It's awesome to know how aware of me He really is.

Week 1

I think it’s interesting that Mormon split his writings into chapters and that chapters 30-35 were originally one chapter. It makes sense because they’re related in topic, but I think it was smart to break it up into separate chapters so each story could be its own entity though still sharing similar topic matters. I also think Korihor was such a popular antichrist because he was so smart. That’s how I picture Satan. An extremely smart man who knows how to manipulate truths so they appear to be wholly correct. I loved what was said about motives. Because Korihor was motivated by riches, pleasure, and success, he wasn’t concerned with the happiness of the people. Usually, happiness comes from keeping the Lord’s commandments and because Alma was concerned with the happiness of the people, he dispersed the Lord’s message among his people. Korihor was self-interested and didn’t care about the effects of his words on the people, all he wanted was popularity and so he preached what was pleasing to the carnal mind. I also loved Alma’s prayer. I think I might use it as a layout for some of my future prayers. First, he pleas with God to help him deal with his infirmities. Next, he asks for help with his family and then the community. The pattern here is so key because before you can help others, it’s imperative that you are in a solid spot yourself.