Educational advice

So i am supposed to post a spiritual message or at least a topic or question, but ive been so busy with school i havent had time to think about it let alone do it ha ha. So i decided for my post I would seek advice, whether scriptural or personal experience on how to find that balance between being successful in an education, while not neglecting our spiritual needs. cuz believe me i could use it.

"Love Thy Neighbour"

In the scriptures it says that the first and great commandment is to love God and the second is to "love thy neighbour as thyself." Matthew 22:36-40
We want to become like Christ and have Christ-like attributes. To have love for everyone sounds simple, but how do you love someone you don't even know? How do you love angry or rude people?
The other day on campus as I was walking to my class I was observing everyone around me. I didn't seem to be the only stressed and frazzled looking student. Then right out of the blue a woman smiled at me for no apparent reason. Her smile made me feel good. She showed love to someone she didn't know. This woman did something so small, but so powerful. What are some other things we can do to show love for people. Why is it hard to do so?
These are just a few thoughts that have been on my mind this week. Can't wait to hear from you all. Amanda.

Always Remember Him

As Landon and I have had the opportunity this year to teach Sunday School to the 15 and 16 year olds, there has been one theme that has particularly stood out to me. Even though the Lord had delivered the Israelites from bondage by the Egyptians and provided many miracles in doing so, they were quick to fall into transgression. They seemed to be so easily distracted by the influences of the world around them that they fell into idol worshiping again and again. One scripture that rang in my ears was in Deut. 6:12 "...beware lest thou forget the Lord..." This made me think of the Sacrament. When we partake of the bread and water we are doing so in remembrance of Christ's body and blood and we are reminded of the covenant we have made to always remember Him and then renew that covenant.

Knowing that my life is going to be very busy with the changes of me and Jordan going to school (and I don't see it ever getting less busy), I want to make sure that my family and I don't get so distracted with life that we forget the Lord. We truly need His blessings to protect us from falling into wrong paths that will lead us away from having Him center in our life. I also know I will be very dependent on the promptings of the Holy Ghost to be aware of my family's needs and to know how to appropriately divide my time between school and family. Another quote that has stayed with me is from President Benson. “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities. …
May God bless us to put [him] first and, as a result, reap peace in this life and eternal life with a fulness of joy in the life to come."

So, I was hoping to discuss ways that we can keep our covenant to always remember Him and the put God first in our lives. Love you all!

Brenda

Intelligence

I taught a lesson in young womens this last Sunday on knowledge. (I think when I was done I breathed a huge sigh of relief and that is why I forgot to post this yesterday. Oops) One of the points I made in my talk was taken from an article by Elder Bednar published in the Feb 2010 Ensign. It was based on the revelation that teaches us "the glory of God is intelligence"(D&C 93:36). Elder Bednar tells us that one of the meanings of the word intelligence in this scripture is "the application of the knowledge we obtain for righteous purposes". This thought really made me stop and evaluate my own behavior in my life and how well do I apply the priciples of the gospel to my everyday activities. I gave the example of touching a hot stove. The first time I touch it and learn that it is hot, I have gained knowledge. If I continue to touch the stove I would not be considered very smart, but if I apply my knowledge and discontinue touching the stove then I have become intelligent. I know this is a simple analogy, but I would encourage all of us to evaluate ourselves and consider how well we apply our knowledge of the gospel to our lives. I would say that each of us have a lot of gospel knowledge. Lets take that knowledge and focus on being gospel intelligent. I truely love each one of you and image everyday the good works you are performing all over the world. You are all great examples to me. I hope we will take this next week and really think about doing the things the Savior would do if he were here.
Lots of love,
Kaylene