open heart

Acts 15:36–41; 16; 17:1–15; 18:1–22

The inspired author of the book of Acts was the apostle Luke. He was the pen to Heavenly Father's words. Luke and Paul were missionary companions on some of Paul's missions through Macedonian and Greek cities, including Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, and Athens. The Holy Ghost directed Paul through visions of whom he should teach during the journey. Similarly, we can be guided in our efforts to serve the Lord. I've found visions are not uncommon things.

The brief story of Lydia is sweet to me. I know a young woman and am mentored by on older woman of that name. Sweetness and service seen connected with it. In Acts, Lydia heard and believed Paul’s words, because the Lord had opened her heart. An “open heart” necessary for conversion to the gospel. "And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view." Mosiah 2:9

As a young woman of 13, I was searching for the truth and pure love of the gospel. My mother taught me from a young age that Jesus loved me, so I never doubted the existence of God. Once in a blue moon, we attended the Congregational church her grandparents founded and her father helped construct. It was quite a drive. Casual acquaintance with my Savior was not enough for me. I wanted more. When the opportunity to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ became available, I jumped at it. The Holy Ghost witnessed the truthfulness of the messages of the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I was baptized. My heart was open and right to accept the gospel. I'm grateful my mother prepared me to receive the gospel with a knowledge of my Savior. She taught me to pray (now I lay me down to sleep and the Lord's prayer), to sing children's songs and hymns of Jesus from her childhood, and that He exists.