Satan is tricky but he's not all that. Today in my studies I was reading in Alma 43. This chapter is mainly talking about the war between the Lamanites and Nephites but it is sooo good! Someone once said if you're looking for an action book or a story such as 'Lord of the Rings', the Book of Mormon is the place to find it! So true! I love it! A verse that stuck out to me today is verse 24 "...the armies of the Lamanites were marching round about in the wilderness, that they might come over into the land of Manti, that they might commence an attack upon the weaker part of the people..." In an earlier verse it talks about how the Lamanites were too afraid of the Nephites to face them head on so instead they tried to take the pansy way and aim for they're weak spots. It didn't work. -Because the Nephites had the Lord on their side. They relied on Him and were given strength and the ability to know what to do. Satan does exactly as the Lamanites did to us each day. He knows our weaknesses and he knows how to use them against us but as we rely on the Lord as did the Nephites he will have no power over us and our weaknesses will be made strong (D&C, Book of Mormon, Bible).
This chapter is so good I love Captain Moroni and his ability to inspire and strengthen his armies through being an example and relying on the Lord and being prepared. Read this chapter (book) with this question in mind 'how can this relate to me in my life right now/today?' as you do I promise inspiration will come through your reading and praying.
Sometimes its hard/impossible to learn anything if we go in reading the scriptures with an attitude of 'these things (ex. wars, genealogy, etc.) have no application to me' or 'I'm just reading to read and to be obedient'. Thats not what we were given these precious record for. We were given them to learn and to strengthen our faith in Christ through reading the words and applying them to our lives. The Book of Mormon is so amazing and no matter how many times we have or will read it we can learn new things each time. -Because each time we read it we are at a different point in our life and the teaching bring on new meaning and application. I LOVE this book and I know it is meant for everyone despite race, nationality, and circumstances. It is centered on Jesus Christ and His Gospel and He and His Gospel do not discriminate nor leave anyone behind. He loves each of us and showed that love through His sacrifice and atonement for us.
In the name of Our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

God's Eternal Plan

This last week I've been reading in a book called 'Our Search for Happiness' written by M. Russell Ballard. Today I was reading about God's Eternal Plan. I just wanted to jot down some things that really stood out to me.
"...[we are] a mortal mixture of human frailty and divine potential."
"...the quality of our lives has more to do with substance than style. A quality life is one that positively influences others and makes the world around it a better place in which to live. A quality life is one that is constantly growing, expanding its horizons and enlarging its borders. A quality life is one that is filled with love and loyalty, patience and perseverance, kindness and compassion. A quality life is one that is based on eternal potential and not confined to this life only. A quality life is a life well-lived. But it isn't necessarily a perfect life."
"...adversity becomes a vehicle for growth and death becomes a doorway from one phase of our eternal existence to another."
One of my favorites was the one about our potential. Are we living up to our divine potential? Do we realize how great our potential is? God loves us. We are His children, His sons and daughters and therefore have the potential to become like Him. That is why we came to this earth, so that we could reach our potential and rejoice with our Father in Heaven in the joy and blessings that await us. Make the most of who you are to become who you want to be.