Prepared.

Alma 49: 8

8 But behold, to their uttermost astonishment, they were prepared for them, in a manner which never had been known among the children of Lehi. Now they were prepared for the Lamanites, to battle after the manner of the instructions of Moroni.

   In this last conference a couple weeks ago, President Henry B. Eyring's General Conference talk stood out to me when he explained how he followed the Prophet's counsel from the prior General Conference to study the Book of Mormon every single day.  Elder Eyring of course hadn't missed a day of reading for over 50 YEARS, but instead of deciding that counsel wasn't for him and dismissing himself, he took the counsel to heart and not only continued his daily scripture study, but added to it, by studying his scriptures more deeply. 
   That hit me hard and then it hit me even harder when he explained the blessings he received from doing this especially when he said he had been given an extra ability to hear "the Spirit more distinctly".
     Can I just say how I was given the same exact counsel in a priesthood blessing with the same exact blessing promised to me only days before?!  I felt like that talk was made for me, like God had been watching over me.  
    Anyway, it has been on my mind, yes I am working on not just going through the motions of scripture reading, but also working on studying harder because I need that promise so much in my life!!!
      Just thought I would share for anyone else who needs this just as much as I did/do.

     While reading this chapter, it hit me, that while I was reading my scriptures daily, it was more going through the motions and when trials came, I felt abandoned from God.  I couldn't hear Him, I couldn't feel Him, I felt like He was angry at me for being a horrible Mother to my sweet children.  I am realizing, I WAS NOT PREPARED for my trials.  And while I was prepared enough to not lose my testimony, my testimony weakened instead of strengthened and I am still trying to get where I once was.  I am working on reading my scriptures more fully and studying them and praying harder.  I need to be prepared for what's next.  My spirit can't afford another hit without maximum preparation!!!

Love, Becky joy