Post # 244 -- Come, Follow Me -- Week # 30 -- July 27–August 2 -- Alma 39–42 -- “The Great Plan of Happiness”

Dear Family and Friends

This next week I am hoping to get the tests completed that are necessary for me to find out what the next step is in my treatment plan for this cancer. When one is diagnosed with breast cancer it seems a logical thought that it would only affect the breast and most likely the surrounding areas. 

You wouldn’t think that your hip or your back would be involved, right? That was my initial thoughts when I was diagnosed that they would remove both breasts and all would be well. It just so happened that my form of cancer was a very fast growing little devil and migrated to my right hip, pelvis and my upper back along my spine:(

It is interesting to me that the cancer migrated to opposite poles so to speak. In my pelvis and right hip -- odd when it was the left breast that was affected and removed. Then the other area being up between my shoulder blades I think if I was reading the computer screen right that kind of looked like where it would be.

Also, you would think that it would migrate to the same side of the body not move across to the other side. Just some thoughts I had. It’s too bad that I do not have any of the answers to those questions that my thoughts provoke, right? I have learned a lot about the quadrants of my body as well as the different watersheds we have.

I learned about these things as I was doing my physical therapy for my lymphedema. Our bodies sure are interesting machines aren’t they? Boy do I have a lot more to learn. Speaking of learning a lot more our lesson for this week takes us back into the book of Alma chapters 39 through 42.

I hope that you have noticed how these chapters clarify many important truths that we are learning about. These chapters contain such rich doctrines for us to ponder and help our family members and friends to find these truths for themselves. Have you considered a few ways to help them do this?

When you read through these chapters be sure that you are reading and searching carefully for the doctrines and the truths that you find. It could be helpful to write them down so that you can share them with your family members and friends. This part comes from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

As you study Alma 39–42, the Holy Ghost can give you insights about things that are happening in your life.

When someone we love has made a serious mistake, it can be hard to know how to respond. Part of what makes Alma 39–42 so valuable is that it reveals how Alma—a disciple of Christ who once had his own grievous sins to repent of—handled such a situation. Alma’s son Corianton had committed sexual sin, and Alma, as he often did, trusted the power of true doctrine to encourage repentance (see Alma 4:19; 31:5).

In these chapters, we observe Alma’s boldness in condemning sin and his tenderness and love for Corianton. And ultimately, we sense Alma’s confidence that the Savior “shall come to take away [sins and] declare glad tidings of salvation” to those who repent (Alma 39:15). The fact that Corianton eventually returned to the work of the ministry (see Alma 49:30) can give us hope for forgiveness and redemption when we are “trouble[d]” (Alma 42:29) about our own sins or the sins of someone we love.

If you and your family members have had the opportunity to read through these chapters maybe you might consider sharing or have them share their thoughts and impressions about something that Alma said or did that impressed you or them. Take care as some of our topics need to be taught with care due to the nature of them.

Alma 39

Sexual sin is an abomination in the sight of the Lord.

Do you remember the account we read about Corianton and his experience with his sin and his repentance? What can you and your family members and friends learn from this account? You might consider reading through the following passage Alma 39:1–14  together. 

As you are reading you could have one or more of your family members be listening for the wrong things that Corianton was doing and write them down on a piece of your poster board  and have one or more of your friends be listening for what the reason could have been for him to commit such sins. 

You can write these things down on your poster board as well. It might be well for you to have three columns for this activity. The next group can also be one or more of your friends and/ or family members have them be watching for the counsel which Alma gave to Corianton. 

Then you might ask them how we can not make the same or similar mistakes like those that Corianton did. You may know of someone who has committed sexual sins. You may also have seen how they often can develop some feelings of discouragement, even feelings of despair and they may feel as if they have no worth. 

When these feelings come to them they often feel like they are not worth much at all as a person.in searching through Alma 39–42 what were the principles shared in these chapters that would inspire you and/or your family members and friends to feel some hope which will lead them to repentance?

You might also consider sharing the following statement by Sister Joy D. Jones that can help you and your family members and friends understand better the difference between worthiness and our worth in the sight of our Heavenly Father.

The worth of our souls is great.

Sister Joy D. Jones taught:

“Let me point out the need to differentiate between two critical words: worth and worthiness. They are not the same. Spiritual worth means to value ourselves the way Heavenly Father values us, not as the world values us. Our worth was determined before we ever came to this earth. ‘God’s love is infinite and it will endure forever.’

“On the other hand, worthiness is achieved through obedience. If we sin, we are less worthy, but we are never worth less! We continue to repent and strive to be like Jesus with our worth intact. As President Brigham Young taught: ‘The least, the most inferior spirit now upon the earth … is worth worlds.’ No matter what, we always have worth in the eyes of our Heavenly Father” (“Value beyond Measure,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 14).\

You might also consider reading the following talk by Lynn G. Robbins,  titled: “Until Seventy Times Seven,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 21–23.

The next question you might consider asking your family members and friends is what they know about what the Lord’s standards are about being chaste? You know, the law of chastity?

It teaching this section or discussing it -- it may be better for you to approach it in a positive way and center your discussion on the principles about the topic rather than telling them what they should and shouldn’t do or wear or say… to help you in doing this you may want one of your family study group to search through Alma 39 .

In searching this chapter, have them be looking out for the principles that Alma taught his son, Corianton. Another thing you and your family members and friends could do is to review in the For the Strength of Youth book under the subject of “Sexual Purity”. 

As you and your family members are searching through the For the Strength of Youth book you may want to have some questions like the following in your minds: “If you had to summarize all of this counsel with one principle, what would it be?” or “What principles do you find here that help you live the law of chastity?” 

During your review of the book For the Strength of Youth, you may want to consider searching for the blessings one receives for living the law of chastity. Of course you should also look for the consequences of not obeying this law that our Heavenly Father has given us, and actually this law is a law of protection in a lot of ways I think.

Now it is time for a few more questions. Are you up for this? Okay then, are you ready? How are these principles different from what the world teaches? How do these principles affect the way we think about the law of chastity? Remember, it is so helpful for our children to make these choices before they encounter the temptations.

Once these decisions have been made it's easier to follow through with these decisions when they come up again because you have already decided what you will do, Next you should consider reading together the following statement from Sister Wendy Nelson and have your family members and friends listen carefully as you are reading so that they can answer these questions: 

As I mentioned before we may find that it’s sometimes so easy for some of us to believe that the choices that we make do not have any affect on others we tend to think that our sins are our own, they are private and that no one knows what we do or what we have done. Now, let's go back to Alma 39:11–12.

Let's go back through this passage to see what Alma taught Corianton about the effect of his choices? So, who might be affected by the choices that you or your family members and friends are making? You might have them really think about just how the choices that you and/or they are making. 

Be sure to consider those choices that are good as well as those choices that are not so good or even bad ones. Because all of our choices, either good or bad affect others, you might want to ask your family members and friends to think about who could be affected by the choices that they are each making every day.

You may also want to have your family members and friends share with one another how the actions and examples of others have been there to help them to choose the right. Help them to recognize that they too are examples every day to someone because someone is always watching them 

It is sometimes hard to teach our children about intimacy and sexual purity, but it is so essential to teach them while they are young so they can have their choices already made before they are ever tempted in these ways. Finally we are here for you to read together the statement from Sister Wendy Nelson with your family members and friends:

 The world’s view on intimacy is not consistent with God’s view.

Sister Wendy Nelson contrasted how the world views sexual relations—“worldly sex”—with what she called “God-ordained marital intimacy”:

“With worldly sex, anything goes. With marital intimacy, exquisite care is taken to avoid anything and everything—from language to music to movies—that offends the Spirit, your spirit, or your spouse’s.

“While worldly sex is lustful and kills love, marital intimacy generates more love.

“Worldly sex degrades men and women and their bodies, while marital intimacy honors men and women and celebrates the body as one of the great prizes of mortal life.

“With worldly sex, individuals can feel used, abused, and ultimately more lonely. With marital intimacy, spouses feel more united and loved, more nurtured and understood.

“Worldly sex ravages and eventually ruins relationships. Marital intimacy strengthens marriages. It supports, heals, and hallows the lives of spouses and their marriage. …

“Worldly sex becomes a total obsession because it never fulfills its promises. God-ordained marital intimacy is glorious and will continue eternally for covenant-keeping husbands and wives” (“Love and Marriage” [worldwide devotional, Jan. 8, 2017], broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Sister Nelson has taught us well. I pray that as you shared this message with your family members and friends that you were able to have a good discussion with those who are old enough to understand the choices that they should make in their lives. This next section comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Alma 39

Sexual sin is an abomination in the sight of the Lord.

To impress upon his son the seriousness of sexual sin, Alma taught “that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord” (Alma 39:5). Why is chastity important to you? Why is it important to the Lord? The following explanation from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland may be helpful:

“Clearly among His greatest concerns regarding mortality are how one gets into this world and how one gets out of it. He has set very strict limits in these matters.

“… Human intimacy is reserved for a married couple because it is the ultimate symbol of total union, a totality and a union ordained and defined by God. … Marriage was intended to mean the complete merger of a man and a woman. … This is a union of such completeness that we use the word seal to convey its eternal promise” (“Personal Purity,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 76).

Consider the counsel Alma gave Corianton in Alma 39:8–15. How does it help you further understand the importance of the law of chastity and how to overcome temptation? Alma’s teachings also demonstrate how eager the Lord is to forgive us when we repent and that there is hope for all of us. As you read Alma 39–42 this week, look for evidence of God’s mercy. How has God’s mercy blessed you?

See also “Sexual Purity,” For the Strength of Youth, 35–37.

Alma 40–42

The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes the plan of redemption possible.

You know, if you stop to think about it, the truths that Alma taught to Corianton are truths that every one of us need to be taught, and we also need to understand these truths about the purpose of life, teachings of the spirit world, of the resurrection, as well as the judgment.

It could be beneficial for you to have your family members and friends choose one of those teachings which Alma taught in these chapters either individually or in pairs. After they have chosen a teaching, have them each search through Alma 40–42 looking for as many truths about that teaching or topic as they can find.

While they are searching you might want to get out your poster board. You should write down the following topics on your poster board: the purpose of life; the spirit world; the resurrection; and  Judgment. When your family members and friends are finished with their search of these chapters, you must be ready to write.

You could have them call out each time they find something on their topic of choice and you can write it down on the poster board under that topic. Or you could have them each share the truths which they have found on their teaching or topic and share them with the rest of your family study group.  

If you have younger children in your family study group you may want to take one topic or teaching at a time and find all of the truths for that teaching then move on, to the next teaching and the next until you have found all the truths for each of the following teachings: the purpose of life; spirit world; resurrection; and judgment.

Once you have your list of truths for each of Alma’s teachings you might want to have a review of these truths with your family members and friends. Why were these particular truths important for Alma’s son Corianton to understand? Why are they important for each one of us to learn and understand?

It’s time to make another list on your poster board. Write the following titles in each of two columns you have made on your poster board, Righteous (meaning Repentant)and Wicked (meaning Unrepentant)! Now ask your family members and friends to search through Alma 40:11–26,   individually or in pairs or small groups.

 You know, by sharing the descriptions of the state of our souls after we have passed on from this life into the next which Alma shared with us. By sharing these descriptions with you and your family members and friends you could possibly impress upon their minds the very importance of coming unto our Savior in this life.

And help them understand and have the desire to repent of their sins in this life. It is so important for us to understand that we should not procrastinate our day of our repentance, we should learn to do it right away. Okay, now let’s review what Alma taught us about each group of people after they die.

Let's get back to our list of the Wicked and the Righteous. After you have searched through Alma 40:11-46. Write down those words and the phrases which Alma used to describe what happened to each of the groups of people he spoke about. Alma described the state of each of these groups of people safer they die. 

How can these teachings of Alma inspire each of us to repent? What can you do to help your family members and friends have a desire to repent? We can learn more about what happens in the spirit world if we read through the following scriptures: 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6 and Doctrine and Covenants 138:29–37. 

Ask your family members and friends what comes to their minds when they hear the word “restored” or “restoration”? After they give you their answers you may consider having them search through Alma 41 for just how Alma used these words. Also, find out what Alma meant by these words? 

Do you remember what will be restored to us? Why do you think that it can be helpful to see Heavenly Father’s plan as a “plan of restoration”? (verse 2). There may be some of your family members and ‘or friends who share the question that could have been on Corianton’s mind -- 

it is just not fair that a loving God would punish His children, as we find in Alma 42:1? You might ask your family members and friends to think about how they would respond to this very question and search for some answers in Alma 42:7–26. What answers did you find within these passages?

Think about your family members and friends before you move on. If you feel like it would be beneficial for them, you could ask them to find a verse in Alma 42.  Find one verse that they could make a simple drawing that tells about why we need the Savior’s Atonement. After they have finished their drawings they could share them.

  

They could hold up their pictures and see if the others could guess which verse their drawing represented. Then you and your family member and friends could discuss what they each have learned about the very importance of the Savior’s sacrifice. It’s important for us to remember the Savior’s sacrifice that He freely endured for us!!!

We can receive a testimony of Jesus Christ’s role. the following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me manual:

Alma 40–41

I will be resurrected and stand before God to be judged.

When Alma noticed that Corianton had questions about the Resurrection, he taught him about what happens after we die. What truths did Alma teach in chapters 40–41 that would have been helpful for Corianton—and anybody who has sinned—to understand? You might organize what you learn by identifying the topics that Alma addresses (such as the spirit world, resurrection, and restoration) and then writing down what Alma teaches about each one. How can remembering these truths help you when you feel tempted or are seeking forgiveness?

Alma 40

I can seek answers to my gospel questions in faith.

Sometimes we might think that prophets know the answer to every gospel question. But notice that throughout chapter 40, Alma had several unanswered questions about life after death. What did he do to find answers? What did he do when he didn’t have answers? Consider how Alma’s example might help you with gospel questions you have.

Alma 42

The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes the plan of redemption possible.

Corianton believed that punishment for sins was not fair (see Alma 42:1). But Alma taught that there is a way to escape from the “state of misery” that sin puts us in: repentance and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is both merciful and just (see Alma 42:15). As you read Alma 42, look for how the Savior’s Atonement makes it possible for you to receive mercy without “rob[bing] justice” (verse 25). What truths do you find in this chapter that help you feel His mercy?

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.

Alma 39:1–9

Would your family benefit from a discussion about the law of chastity? If so, consider using the following resources according to your family’s needs: Alma 39:1–9; “Sexual Purity,” For the Strength of Youth, 35–37; “Chastity,” Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org; overcomingpornography.org;

and the videos “What Should I Do When I See Pornography?” and “I Choose to Be Pure” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ponder how you can help your family understand the blessings of chastity and of intimacy in marriage (for example, see the video “How to Talk to Your Kids about Intimacy” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Alma 39:9–15

What do we learn from these verses about how to avoid sin?

Alma 42:4

You could play a game in which pieces of paper with Christlike attributes or gospel principles written on them are scattered around the room. You could see how many pieces of paper family members can gather in a certain amount of time, then discuss how the things written on the papers can help us become more like God. How is the “time granted” to us on earth like the time allotted in this game? How can we use our “probationary time” on earth to become more like the Savior?

Alma 42:12–15, 22–24

Perhaps you could illustrate the relationship between justice and mercy by using a drawing of a simple scale to discuss questions like these: What happens to the scale when we sin? What does justice require for the scale to be balanced? How does the Savior meet the demands of justice and make mercy possible?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “Repentance,” Children’s Songbook, 98.

Improving Our Teaching

Focus on principles that will bless your family. As you prayerfully study the word of God, ask yourself, “What do I find here that will be especially meaningful to my family?” Seek the direction of the Spirit as you ponder how to help your family discover these truths.

I pray that something that I have shared with you and your family members and friends has enlightened your understanding and uplifted you in some small way. Alma has taught us some powerful things again in this week’s lesson. It’s amazing to me that teachings from so long ago apply to us equally today.

Remember who you are!!! You are each one a child of God!!!  Remember to keep up with your prayers every day at least morning and night, remember that there is great power in prayer, remember that you are loved more than you know!! Until my next post please stay safe and make it a great week!

Post # 243 -- Come, Follow Me -- Week # 29 -- July 20–26 -- Alma 36–38 -- “Look to God and Live”

Dear Family and Friends

As you are preparing for a new week, what is your first thought for this new upcoming week? Is it a positive thought or a negative one? Why do you feel this way?  

I was hoping to receive news from my oncologist today from the last test that I had done last week. I received no news today even though we were scheduled to have a phone call visit. 

As I always say no news is good news, right?  I think that I mentioned that he saw with the latest bone scan that the spots that have been lit up bigger than before in the last tests that they did.

My doctor is hoping that the CT Scan that was done on Friday will clear it up for him. You see my breast cancer was growing so fast at its onset that it relocated itself before they could catch it. 




It moved to two places in my body so far. Those two places being my right hip and the middle of my spine. I have been doing chemotherapy for five years now and  this treatment that i receive every three weeks has kept the cancer from growing  up to this point. 

I wonder if maybe my body has become immune to this particular treatment or if that is possible. 

My peace which the Savior has given me is still intact so therefore I am not anxious about any of this even if the news is that the cancer has begun to grow again. 

I know that the future is in the Lord’s hands and He is in control of my life. I am very grateful for each hour that I am able to spend with my own family and friends. 

I try not to complain or be a burden to anyone. I will continue to work and carry my own weight as long as the Lord allows me to do so. I have been so blessed throughout this whole process from my diagnosis forward!!!  

And I still feel very blessed !!!  I feel like the Lord is with me always. I know my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me.


As a Parent, grandparent, and great grandparent, I know how much love I have for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

I know what I would do for them to help them, to protect them and to provide for them. Having felt this love myself for my family,  I know that the love my Heavenly Father has for me is  so much more!!!

Does this make any sense to you? I remember when my first child was born and when I first looked at her I felt so much love for this little stranger child. 

I never knew that you could feel so much love for a single being before.  I would imagine you could take those feelings that I had at that very moment and multiply them many, many times.

Even in that multiplication you would not begin to scratch the surface of how much love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for each one of us individually. 

As much love as we can feel for one another is still only a particle of the love that our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ have for each one of us!!! 



Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us completely and unconditionally. In their love for us They want each one of us to return to live with Them when our mortal lives are over...

As you probably know there are things that we must do while we are here living on this earth. We must repent of our sins and ask our Heavenly Father for His forgiveness. 

I have found that often our ‘little’ sins require only His forgiveness. I don’t know about each one of you, but I make mistakes everyday. I have harsh thoughts that cross my mind or a nasty word that escapes my mouth or those times when my lead foot doesn’t get me in trouble but it is still wrong, or silently judging others, oh, I am so guilty of these!

I think that these ‘little’ sins we often forget, I know that I do, and I am trying hard to be better and to do better. I believe that no matter what your sin may be, no matter how small or how big, your Heavenly Father loves you and He is happy to help you through the repentance process.




Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help you every time you come to Him through the repentance process. He will be there with you. He is ever reaching out to you, to lift you up to higher ground, to a place of safety.  

The road to repentance can be painful and difficult but when you have reached the point of His forgiveness, it is well worth the effort you have given! 

I know when I was baptized and completely washed clean and forgiven of my past sins . I guess I felt as did Alma the younger when his sins were forgiven him. 

I know as did he that “I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.” 



This next section comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Record the spiritual impressions you receive as you study Alma 32–35. What do you feel inspired to do because of what you learn?

For the Zoramites, prayer was a self-centered, routine practice that happened only once a week. It consisted of standing where all could see and repeating vain, self-satisfied words. 

Perhaps worse, the Zoramites lacked faith in Jesus Christ—even denied His existence—and persecuted the poor (see Alma 31:9–25). By contrast, Alma and Amulek boldly taught that prayer has more to do with what happens in our hearts than on a public platform. And if it doesn’t lead to compassion toward those in need, it is “vain, and availeth … nothing” (Alma 34:28). 

Most important, it is an expression of faith in Jesus Christ, who offers redemption through His “infinite and eternal sacrifice” (Alma 34:10). Such faith, Alma explained, is born of humility and a “desire to believe” (Alma 32:27). It grows gradually, like a tree, and requires constant nourishment. 

As you read Alma 32–35, you might consider your own faith and prayers; do you ever feel any Zoramite-like attitudes creeping in? How will you nourish your faith in Jesus Christ so it will become “a tree springing up unto everlasting life”? (Alma 32:41).



Have you and/or your family members and friends had meaningful experiences with any of the teachings found in these chapters in Alma that we are studying this upcoming week? If you have then here is a question for each of you: 

What can you do to build upon those experiences? How can you help one another to build upon those experiences you have had?

You could have a short review of each of the chapters one by one with your family members and friends, just to see what they have remembered from their reading, if your family members and friends are old enough for this. 

If they are not you can check out the Primary section for ideas here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-primary-book-of-mormon-2020/28?lang=eng

Alma 36

We can be born of God as we are humble and repent.

Are you ready to begin our lesson? You do realize that there are a lot of people who have not ever had a dramatic experience like Alma’s with the angel reprimanding him of his unsavory choices in his life. 

Some people expect that they should have some sort of dramatic experience and they do wonder why they have not had such experiences themselves. 



If any of your family members and friends feel this way you may want to share the following statement as it could be helpful for them: Elder David A. Bednar taught: 

“For many of us, conversion is an ongoing process and not a one time event that results from a powerful or dramatic experience” (“Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 107–8). 

You know that it is through Alma’s experience that we learn many principles even though his experience is uncommon. Alma’s experience teaches us principles that we all need to apply into our daily lives.

As well as into our daily ongoing conversion. You and your family members and friends can search through Alma 36.

In your search you should be looking for these principles of which alma has taught us in this chapter. Then you should get out your poster board and make a list of these principles as you find them. Writing them down on your poster board where they can then be used for further discussion with your family members and friends




Begin with this question: What else has helped us become more converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ? 

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you might want to contact the missionaries for more information. You can even get your own copy of the Book of Mormon  here: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/

One of the phrases that Alma often used to describe his conversion was “ born of God.” Do you know what it means to be born of God?

You might want to consider doing the following activity to help your family members and friends to better understand this concept of being “born of God.” You can ask your family members and friends to read the following verses listed below.

In reading through these verses either together or in pairs you should be looking for what it means to be born of God. Here are those verses for you: 1 John 4:7; Mosiah 5:7; 27:25–26; and Alma 5:14; 22:15. When you and / or they are finished with your reading you should all share what you have learned from these verses. 



The next thing you should do is to have your family members and friends search through Alma 36, again. This time you should be looking for answers to the following question: 

How do people feel and act when they are born of God? Be sure to share with your family members and friends how you felt at your baptism.

Now you can share the following statement to help you and your family members and friends to ponder how they are being born again . 

Below this statement you will find ideas for individual scripture study which comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual. Here is the statement by President Ezra Taft Benson:

Conversion is like a new birth.

President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “When we have undergone this mighty change, which is brought about only through faith in Jesus Christ and through the operation of the Spirit upon us, it is as though we have become a new person. Thus, the change is likened to a new birth. 

Thousands of you have experienced this change. You have forsaken lives of sin, sometimes deep and offensive sin, and through applying the blood of Christ in your lives, have become clean. You have no more disposition to return to your old ways. You are in reality a new person. This is what is meant by a change of heart” (“A Mighty Change of Heart,” Ensign, Oct. 1989, 4).




Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Alma 36

I can be born of God as I am humble and repent.

Few will have experiences as dramatic as Alma’s conversion. But there are principles in his experience that we can all learn from and apply, because everyone must be “born of God” (Alma 36:23). 

As you read Alma 36, look for principles you can apply. For instance, how does someone who has been born of God feel about sin? about Jesus Christ? 

You could also look for changes you might expect to see in the beliefs and actions of someone who is born of God.

See also Mosiah 5:7; 27:25–26; Alma 5:14; 22:15; Helaman 3:35; “Conversion,” Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.



Alma 36

Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world.

You may notice some repetition in Alma’s account of his conversion in this chapter. That’s because Alma 36 is a great example of a form of Hebrew poetry called chiasmus, in which words or ideas are presented in a certain order, leading to a central idea, and then repeated in reverse order. 

In Alma 36, the idea in verse 3 is repeated in verse 27, the idea in verse 5 is repeated in verse 26, and so on. The central idea is the most important message of the chiasmus. 

See if you can find the central idea in verses 17–18. Notice how catching “hold upon this thought” affected Alma and changed his life. How has this truth affected you? What other repeated ideas do you find in this passage?

How does this account of repentance and forgiveness inspire you to follow Alma’s example and turn to the Savior?

For more information about chiasmus, see Book of Mormon Student Manual (Church Educational System manual [2009], 232–33).




Alma 37

The scriptures have been preserved “for a wise purpose.”

Have you and your family members and friends ever shared with one another how you have felt the power of the scriptures m your lives? 

Can you describe to one another how this has felt to you? In your sharing these things did you notice anything? Anything at all? What about your desires? Have you noticed a bit of a change in those?

Possibly in studying Alma’s words to his son Helaman as he gave to him the sacred records could help your family members and friends in sharing their thoughts on having felt the power of the scriptures in their lives. 

What have you learned from this discussion in sharing how you have felt the power of the scriptures in your lives?

If you have felt the power of the scriptures in your life you could share with them. In order to find the messages that Alma gave to Helaman about the scriptures you and your family members and friends might want to have a review of Alma chapter 37. 

You may want to focus especially verses 1–19 and 43–47.  Be sure to share what you find there



More questions for you and your family members and friends: How do we show that the scriptures are sacred to us? How can we, like Alma, teach our loved ones to “keep all these things sacred” as we find in Alma 37:2? 

How do the scriptures “show forth [God’s] power” to us as we find in Alma 37:14? Be sure to check out each scripture

If you and your family members and friends study what Alma said to his son in Alma 37. You are looking for what Alma said about the sacred records and other the items that he entrusted to Helaman. 

This could be one way that you and your family members and friends can learn about the blessings of having our own scriptures to study.

We are truly blessed to be able to read and study them whenever we want, no matter where we are!! Are you ready to get out your poster board again? Okay then, here we go… moving on. 

Oh, so you need to find out where you put your marker? Alright, i guess we will pause for just a moment to let you find it again You got it? Here we go again. ….






I want you and your family members and friends to make a list on your poster board of the sacred items which are mentioned in chapter 37: 

the plates of Nephi and the brass plates which are mentioned in Alma 37:2–20, the 24 plates of Ether and the interpreters which are mentioned in Alma 37:21–37, and the Liahona which is mentioned in Alma 37:38–47. 

You and your family members and friends might want to consider reading these verses to learn what Alma taught about each of these items. In what ways can the scriptures enlarge our memories as said in see Alma 37:8? 

What can we learn from Alma’s words about the blessings of having the scriptures in our lives today?

“The scriptures teach us how to follow God.” There is a picture in the manual with these words under it, but I found them appropriate to this section about how the scriptures teach us how to follow God. 

This next section comes to us again directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:



Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Alma 37

The scriptures have been preserved “for a wise purpose.”

Have you ever thought about what a miracle and blessing it is to have the scriptures today? God has “entrusted [us] with these things, which are sacred” (Alma 37:14). 

As you read Alma 37, look for the blessings that come from having the scriptures. How have you experienced these blessings? How can we use the scriptures to help “show forth [God’s] power unto future generations”? (Alma 37:18).

In Alma 37:38–47, Alma compares “the word of Christ” to the Liahona. As you ponder this comparison, reflect on the ways you have experienced the miracle and power of Christ’s teachings “day by day” (Alma 37:40).

See also D. Todd Christofferson, “The Blessing of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 32–35.

Alma 37:6–7, 41–42

“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

You may have noticed that Alma gave us two examples, that of the scriptures and that of the Liahona as found in the following passages of scripture: Alma 37:6–7, 41–42;  1 Nephi 17:41 

These examples teach us about just how important the “small and simple things” are in God’s work. You may want to review these with your family members and friends.




Now, after you and your family members and friends have finished with your review of these passages of scripture maybe you could share some examples from your own lives of some small and simple things in God’s work. 

You might also want to share the following statement by President Dallin H. Oaks:

Small and simple things

President Dallin H. Oaks taught:
“I was reminded of the power of small and simple things over time by something I saw on a morning walk. … The thick and strong concrete sidewalk [was] cracking. 

Is this the result of some large and powerful thrust? No, this cracking is caused by the slow, small growth of one of the roots reaching out from the adjoining tree. …

“So is the powerful effect over time of the small and simple things we are taught in the scriptures and by living prophets. Consider the scripture study we’ve been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. 

Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints. … Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. 

This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth” (“Small and Simple Things,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 90).



You or your family members and friends could bring an object that is small but has brought about great things in your/their lives to share with the rest of your family study group. 

You could ask questions like the following to help your family members and friends to better personalize this principle.

Here are your questions: Why do we sometimes fail to do the small and simple things? How can we inspire ourselves and our families to overcome this tendency? 

The next section with ideas for personal scripture study come to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:



Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Alma 37:6–7

“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

Sometimes we may feel like our problems are so big and complicated that the solutions must be big and complicated too. Yet time and time again, the Lord chooses to use “small and simple things” (Alma 37:6) to accomplish His work and bless the lives of His children.

As you read Alma 37:6–7, ponder and record ways you’ve seen this principle at work in your life. What are some small and simple things the Lord uses to bless you and accomplish His work?

See also Alma 37:41–46; Dallin H. Oaks, “Small and Simple Things,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 89–92.



Alma 37:38–47

The words of Christ can guide us day by day.

You know there may be one thing that could inspire you and your family members and friends to be a lot more diligent and more consistent in your scripture reading and study. 

Alma gave us this answer when he compared the Liahona to the word of God. now could be a very good time to dive right into another discussion.

You might want to consider dividing your family members and friends into pairs then have them read the following passage of scripture Alma 37:38–47. 

In reading this passage have them be looking for any similarities between the Liahona and the word of God. you may ever want to challenge them to find a similarity in each verse

You will need your poster board again Write out each verse number on the poster board in the first column. In the second column have your family members and friends write down the similarities that they found for that verse. 

And now a question for you:  What does this comparison suggest about how we should approach our scripture study?




Alma 38

Sharing our testimonies of Jesus Christ can strengthen those we love.

In Alma chapter 38 we find a very good example of how we are to strengthen those whom we love and encourage them into living the gospel. Where do we find this, you ask? 

We find it in Alma’s words to his son Shiblon as they do provide a good example of how to strengthen and encourage those we love in living the gospel.

Since  Alma 38 is such a short chapter you may want to read it together aloud. Have your family members and friends listen very carefully as you are reading. 

Have them listen for any verses, any words or phrases that stand out to them or are meaningful in any way to them. You could write these down on your poster board to discuss later if you wanted to.

Then you  could share passages that you have found to be meaningful or that gave you ideas for strengthening your own family members and friends. 

You could ask your family study group to share anything that they have found with the others. You might even have your family members and friends to identify how Alma strengthened Shiblon.




I pray that I have made everything in this lesson clear enough for you to understand the principles taught and are able to apply those principles into your lives. 

This next section with the ideas for family scripture study and family home evening ideas also comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.

Alma 36:5–26

Although Alma’s experience was extraordinary, his conversion illustrates several principles that apply to all of us. Invite each family member to select a verse from Alma 36:5–26 that teaches about being “born of God.” 

What do we learn from these verses? Perhaps family members could share how they have applied the principles Alma described.

Alma 36:18–21, 24
How could we use these verses to help someone see that repentance is a joyful experience, not a dreadful one? How can repentance inspire us to share the gospel with others?




Alma 37:6–7, 38–46

What are some of the “small and simple things” (Alma 37:6) that bring about great things in our lives? In what ways is the word of Christ like the Liahona? How can we help each other study the scriptures more diligently?

Alma 37:35

Why is it wise to learn to keep the commandments while “in [our] youth”?

Alma 38:12

Does your family know what a bridle is? Maybe you could show them a picture of one and talk about how it is used to control an animal. 

What does it mean to “bridle [our] passions”? How does bridling our passions help us be “filled with love”?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “As I Search the Holy Scriptures,” Hymns, no. 277.

Have you or your family members and friends ever wondered just how to give counsel to a loved one who has made a very serious mistake? 

In our readings for this upcoming week we will find some very helpful insights as they are taught in Alma 39–42. I have included the following teaching tip from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:




Improving Our Teaching

Invite learners to teach each other. When class members bear testimony or share insights, they may be able to reach or inspire another class member in a way you may not be able to. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 30.)

Here we are and as Bugs Bunny used to say: “That’s All Folks!!!” this lesson is done as well as my post for today. I pray that this post finds you and those you love all healthy and doing well!!
Remember to do your best to stay safe and healthy in these still uncertain times that we are working through together.

So far my close encounters with this COVID 19 have been my Oldest Son’s mother-in-law passing away from it, and now one of my little preschoolers has been diagnosed positive with it!    

This nasty virus claims any age, so my prayer for you and your family members to be safe and healthy and doing well

Make sure that you and your family members each remember that you are a child of God! A child of a loving, merciful, forgiving, ever present Heavenly father who is only just a prayer away. 

Your Heavenly Father only wants for each of you to become what He knows that you can become, with His help.




Remember too, that it was His Son who died for you and your family members and friends as well as for me and everyone who has ever lived or who will ever live here upon this earth. 

Which earth He created for us, under Heavenly Father’s direction. Together They created this beautiful, wondrous world for us to live in.

In your readings did you happen to notice how many times Alma used the word ‘remember’ to his sons? I heard something about this word remember, that it could be the most important word in the scriptures. 

Maybe if we pay attention to this word it will make a difference in our lives if we apply what fellows this word. What do you think?

I guess my ramblings are done for today. I hope and pray that my ramblings have been helpful to each one of you in some small way. That possibly you have been uplifted and inspired to act on one of the teachings 

Alma has taught in today’s lesson. Until my next post, keep praying and continue studying the Book of Mormon with me