Really important

It is really important for me to write this down, because i can't find my journal! Anyway, I thought since the content of what I have to write down is interesting and personally fulfilling I would write it so my friends could read it.

I've been reading in Alma for a few days now. I really love the transition from mosiah to Alma, and I find myself actually understanding everything I read. Not only that, I find myself thoroughly enjoying it and also marking and disecting(sp) what i read for personal use. I've come a long way my friends... Chapter 5 of Alma, where alma the younger is preaching among the people after giving up the position of chief judge to preach was amazing. I found myself feeling like I was there listening to his words like we listen to our prophets. All those years of reading for recreation have allowed me a wonderful way to picture the scriptures in my mind as I read and than feel them much more deeply and emotionally.

Anyway, what i wanted to especially write down involves the power of being an example. I have some friends in the church that knew me when I was in-active, and they can testify that acting in a manner contrary to what the Lord commands is not good.

In chapter 17 of Alma it goes a little bit back in time to tell about Ammon and his brothers that went off to preach to the Lamanites. (they were the ones who led people away from the church with alma the younger but than had a change of heart...and HUGE ONE!) Everyone knows the story of Ammon serving under king lamoni with such diligence and faith that the king gave him anything he requested. without going into intricate detail of how awesome every single action Ammon did to convert the King of a wicked nation, and thereby countless number of souls, we will just say Ammon was totally rad.

When I went forward and read about how Ammon's brothers faired I wasn't suprised they were in jail among a wicked people. It gave me chills when I thought that being a good example was so much more powerful than preaching the word and bearing testimonies. To be sure, those things are both needed very much, but without people showing the goodness of the gospel in action there is little foundation for "the wicked" to want to heed the word.

Anyway, there it is. I have definitely changed, but I am very far off of where I need to be... I wish I had more time!