Five Days in the Old Testament

Last week I read through the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and the books Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. I did most of my reading at mealtimes, and would be absorbed in my reading for 45 minutes at a time. Eventually I had to break away to minister to the people here in Jesup, Georgia, but each sprint in my reading left me eager for more.

There were a few things that stood out to me as I read:

The first was the truth of a statement by Richard G. Scott: "I find precious jewels of truth spread throughout [the Old Testament's] pages." I read about how Samuel went to the Lord to talk out his problems, even though he must have known that He already knew all about it. I saw that death is not the ultimate end, and that it can even be a reward for the righteous in the perspective of God, in the story of Josiah. (2 Kings 22:19-20)


I also recognized some of the truths reported by Nephi, who was alive during the events in the latter part of 2 Kings. He said, " there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken...  save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews." I don't understand some of the parts of the culture, which makes it tough to understand the people and their stories sometimes.


And Nephi also said, "their works were works of darkness, and their doings were doings of abominations." The stuff some of those kings did were just evil. You can watch the rise and fall of the people according to their righteousness or wickedness so easily!


More on this in the future.

Samuel the prophet called (1 Samuel 3:10)

Smiling = Victory

I feel like smiling is one of my best multi-purpose tools. I can use it almost anywhere! Door approaches, meeting people on the street, teaching, testifying, resolving fear and doubt... Lots of stuff!

We know that the Enemy's purpose is to make all men miserable. So, when we help cheer someone up, we have won a small battle.  One of the most common responses to seeing a smile is to smile! I love to see people smile back at me when I smile at them.

Sometimes people smile back at a missionary, look to the other companion (who is also smiling), and look back at the first with a little headshake/smile that says, "Why in the world are these boys smiling so big?" I will tell you: We smile because we have felt a special, lasting joy that only comes through making and keeping promises with God! His reward for that kept promise is joy.

We also smile because we anticipate how happy this promise-making will make you.  We look forward to the sweet experiences you will have as you read the Book of Mormon, as you pray to God to know if it's true. We can't wait to see you shed worry and frustration because of repentance. Jesus Christ will also rejoice with you as you feel your way closer to Him. And that makes us smile, too.