More on problem solving

I have mentioned in previous blog posts about gospel resources in solving problems. As I read Elder Scott's address this morning, I was impressed with what he had to say regarding scriptures as basically a handbook for solving problems.

I also want to include this post about Christ as the ultimate help for solving problems.

Throughout the ages, Father in Heaven has inspired select men and women to find, through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, solutions to life’s most perplexing problems. He has inspired those authorized servants to record those solutions as a type of handbook for those of His children who have faith in His plan of happiness and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We have ready access to this guidance through the treasure we call the standard works—that is, the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

Elder Richard C. Scott, "The Power of Scripture" October 2011 General Conference

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Alma 32/33 connection

I have never tuned in to the fact that right after Alma discusses comparing faith to a seed in Alma 32, the very next thing he talks to the people about is prayer. The people want to know what seed they should plant and how they should plant it. Prayer is the starting place. In fact, the answer is always, at least in part, prayer. He quotes a prophet we don't know too much about, Zenos. This is what Zenos has to say about prayer. It seems very poetic to me.

Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me.

5 Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou didst hear me.

6 And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer.

7 And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear me.

8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.

9 Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations.

10 Yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out and have been despised by mine enemies; yea, thou didst hear my cries, and wast angry with mine enemies, and thou didst visit them in thine anger with speedy destruction.

11 And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son.

The last verse in Alma 33 says this:

23 And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will.

Feeding a pet / Feeding a testimony analogy

A couple weeks ago, Preston Weekes was speaking in Sacrament meeting and talking about testimony. This is the analogy he made.
When you get a pet, what do you need to do to take care of it?
You have to feed it and give it water everyday. It is helpful if you play with it, and give it exercise. Take it to the vet to get check-ups and shots and things it needs to be healthy. Make it a part of your life. If you don't feed it, it will eventually die.

When you get a testimony, what do you need to do to take care of it?
You have to feed it daily. You need to give it exercise and make it part of your life. If you aren't doing something for it everyday, it cannot grow and progress as it should. You should check on it frequently to make sure it is growing and progressing.

Because of Alma 32:26-43, I have frequently compared faith or testimony to a seed, but I hadn't really thought much about how similar it is to caring for a pet or a living thing. This helps to clarify for me, the need for daily nourishing of testimony.