Lessons Learned from Alma 47

I want to share a story I read this week, about Amalickiah and Lehonti (Alma 47:13).  I'm sure we all know the story.  In Alma Chapter 47 it starts off by talking about Amalichiah, who is an apostate Nephite ... and what does he want?  He wants to be king.  As the king that would give him control of the army to attack the Nephites, Lehonti and his men break off because they are scared to attack the nephites and are scared to disobey the king.  They go into a mountain and in verse 6 amalickiah sends his men to tell lehonti to come down, but he says no.  This goes on for 3 more times.  Finally, after he realizes that he can't get him to come down, what does Amalickiah decide to do?  He decides to go up and get him.  He tells him, "come down with your guards", I just want to talk, I'm your friend.  He then tells him his plan, "come down with your big army in the night surround my little army and when they wake up we will surrender and all I want is to be second in command."  So he does exactly that.  Amalickiah is second in command and lehonti is first.  Just as he wants.  So, if someone wants to be first in command what do they do if they are second?  They kill the first one in command.  So, it continues and amalickiah poisons lehonti, but not suddenly.  He says, "by degrees" and as i heard from a talk "if someone were to murder him they would know, if someone were to stab him they would know, but if someone were to poison him no one would even notice especially if it were by degrees.  So, what i learned is that Amalickiah is a form of satan.  Amalickiah is a break off from the good.  Satan broke off from his father.  Amalickiah took followers, so did satan.  Amalickiah, after not being able to get him to fall, has to come up with another plan.  Satan tries to trick us through others, if he can't he tries to get us to fall on our own by "small degrees."  So, don't ever give into temptation no matter how small it may be!

Happy Birthday Cody

It's so hard not to call you and wish you a Happy Birthday ...I guess there are plenty more years for that. I hope you enjoy your birthday week ... And it is just amazing! To see that package in your hands and that smile on your face ...brings this mom no greater joy! You are amazing: an amazing son, amazing missionary, amazing brother, amazing leader ... Just amazing! We miss you here ... but know you are exactly where your Heavenly Father needs you to be, at this time in your life! We know you are serving him with all your might, mind, and strength ... I'm sure many will be eternally grateful for your love, service, and example! We LOVE you!!

Packages have Arrived

Cody and I emailed on Sunday night and he said he hadn't gotten his package for his birthday, yet.  But they were traveling to Bacolod for their Missionary Training for a couple of days.  He said it will probably be there and both was he right ... look at all those packages! And look at Cody's happy face!! Man I love this kid!!!    

Missionary Training Binalbagan Area

What did I get to do for an hour Tuesday morning... Go through 600 pictures of Cody's Missionary Training Pictures. I LOVED it! Just to see a glimpse into the life they are living, is a wonderful tender mercy of our. Heavenly Father. I just love him, love seeing his face, and love seeing that smile! Enjoy! 

Breakfast

Ice Cream To finish things up.

Pictures

Investigator that they are helping prepare for baptism

Inactive came to church with her new baby

Helping build a house

Teaching ...all investigators but one.

Cody's area in the Philippines ... I said, I don't see many houses.