notes from devo

Elder Richard G. Scott:
Sarah: "Oh, yeah, this is the apostle that's all about writing stuff down."

• Alma 7:23--"An extremely effective formula for success"
• "Ye should be humble:" taught by the Spirit
• "Be submissive and gentle:" deal with others gently; stubbornness...is a barrier to spiritual guidance
• "Easy to be entreated:" one of the most vital principles taught by Alma. Be easy to be entreated in every worthy aspect...& you'll be amazed at how many problems dissipate
• "Full of patience and long-suffering"
• "Being temperate in all things:" be reasonable, use restraint--but not wishy-washy
• "Being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times:" you can't be diligent once. Be steady, constant, and keep full compliance with the law of the Lord
• "Asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need:" ye shall be given all things that are expedient, meaning beneficial, that ye ask of in my name; "rather than ask that your desires be fulfulled, I suggest that you ask to understand his will, and then do it."
• "Always returning thanks unto God:" confess His hand in all things.
  
• Your regular application of these principles will garner you satisfaction & peace.
  

• 3 Nephi 17: Christ has limitless compassion for our trials and weakness
• "The depth of how they [Christ and the Father] feel when they see us make mistakes...is beyond our capacity to understand, ... as is their joy when we are faithful."
• It's impossible for us to fully understand the significance of the atonement, but we must try
• Make your testimony of it your foundation for your life--this is critical
• Will provide strength to face, capacity to endure, and peace within our trials
• Can be strengthened by related classes, discussions with fellow students, service as a full-time missionary
• Establish for yourself as a "must-be-accomplished goal" to strengthen your testimony of the atonement while you're at BYU
• This can seem like a huge burden, but apostolic witness ("and I don't use those words lightly"): your understanding of the atonement will "enhance the productive use of all of your skills and knowledge" that you get here
• Imagine what the atonement required of both the Father and the Son
• Required of Christ:
• a knowledge of the depth of his responsibility
• had to personally experience all that man will ever experience
• had to endure "the vicious attack of Satan's horrors"
• the Father withdrew his support
• He lives!

Oh, and Jared Evans--old Campus Plaza pal--said the closing prayer. Oh snap!