friends new and old

One profound part of his talk was the scripture that he quoted Doctrine and Covenants 11:21 “Seek not to declare my word, but seek first to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosened; then if you desire you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men” This scripture tells me God's Word is available if I want to make the effort to obtain it through study and prayer. Throughout history this has not always been the case, making me a very blessed individual. Attempting to share what we have not taken the time to obtain is unsuccessful at best. I don't think that means we should not share a testimony if it is basic. Certainly, anyone can have a testimony of certain things without having yet gained a testimony of all things. However, I like this invitation to become a scriptorian.

I enjoyed the tender way he discussed his deceased wife's dedication to scripture study, making this practice the foundation of her life early on. This spoke to me personally, because scripture study has been such a strength to me both in times of trial and peace. I also have found  “precious jewels of truth” throughout the pages of the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants, LDS Hymnal, and words of modern prophets; I can't image doing without any of these friends. There is a treasure chest of truth, guidance, and joy just waiting to be discovered in the pages of these books.

When Elder Scott asked the following questions, I clapped my hands for joy. “How do you personally use the scriptures? Do you mark your copy? Do you put notes in the margin to remember a moment of spiritual guidance or an experience that has taught you a profound lesson? Do you use all of the standard works, including the Old Testament?” Writing devotionals for my little school,  I made a conscious effort to come up with a plan for my personal devotionals--new scriptures to mark, a new journal to record my thoughts about my latest journey, and a newly repaired violin to play tender strains of hymns. For years, the scriptures have been my workbook for my daily life. After listening to Elder Scott's tender teachings this week, I plan to work at making them real 'tools to help [me] be successful in [my] mortal probation.'

The imagery of the scriptures, as the 'handbooks for [my] life and [my] friends' will ever stick in my brain. Often when I hear people say there is no handbook for raising children or marriage, I beg to differ and remind them that Heavenly Father didn't send us hear to fail. He gave us a handbook. Elder Scott looks at the scriptures in a similar way, but adding the idea that they are our friends really spoke to my soul. When our earthly friends are too busy to help (assuming that our friendships are real), it is reassuring to know that  I have real “friends [in] the scriptures.” It seems that I've always known this truth, because I've found pondering scriptures gives a great deal of direction in life and a wonderful form of communication with My Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I continually read them over and over again, because they take on new meaning, as new trials/experiences occur. Elder Scott echoed my sentiments, when he said, “Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges, when there is faith in the Savior. ”

I memorize scripture, quotes, and hymns, but want to be more diligent in this pursuit. After hearing Elder Scott quote and expound a few favorites during this talk, I'm inspired to do better in this area. Additionally, to record myself reading the scriptures for my grandchildren is something I'm taking into consideration. I loved immersing myself in this talk, while working in the kitchen each morning. While kitchen work is a delight for me, it was much more meaningful to share this time with this meek servant of the Lord.