12-30-11 “He did deliver me from bondage” p.159, Day 5 continued

12-30-11    “He did deliver me from bondage” p.159, Day 5 continued

I didn’t notice this yesterday about the Book of Mormon, “Encouragement to seek and obtain this “mighty change” is the very plea of the Book of Mormon.”  I never realized that.  I knew it’s purpose was to testify of Christ and invite all men to come unto Him, but ‘seek and obtain this mighty change?’  How come I’ve missed it all these years?  It’s not as if I never read the book before, I have- a few different times.  It really just amazes me that I staggered around half asleep in the gospel for so long.  Why did I awaken now?  It that an internal thing that happens when someone is ready and ‘the baby fully developed’?  Or is it really a process of being awakened by God, somewhat of an involuntary thing?  I had never equated being born again with being baptized before.  I’m not sure that it is essential or prerequisite to receiving a mighty change.  King Lamoni had a mighty change when Alma taught him.  He hadn’t been baptized yet, but I’m sure was soon thereafter.  I’m sure there are many people who are not baptized members of this church who have begun to have a mighty change.  I think baptism may be a key, and after we are baptized with one who has been given authority from God then we still have to learn to use the key to open the door.  I’m not sure.  I still don’t understand in my heart the real separation between the light of Christ that is initially given to every person born into this life and actually receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I know the missionary explanation about the glove and the hand (is that the one?) but my heart doesn’t “Get” it.  I guess I don’t see people outside the church as so different than myself.  I believe that if we are both Christians then we are siblings.  Any friend of Christ, where ever they may be found, what ever stage of life or learning, is a friend of mine.  If we both want the same thing (to seek to know Christ and learn of Him) then we are on the same team, regardless of one’s official status of baptism. 

My thoughts about my baptism:  I was still so young and unprepared.  It is awe inspiring to me to think that 8 years old is the young age that God has ordained for one to be accountable and be baptized.  I was in a primary teacher’s training once when the teacher asked something about “Is 8 yrs old enough to be accountable and be baptized?”  She asked it in such a way that really made us wonder.  There was about a half and half split with people who thought 8 yrs old was old enough to be accountable, to others that did not.  The teacher affirmed that if we as parents prepare our children properly then they will be ready to receive the Holy Ghost even at this young age.  I just think of all the things I didn’t do or become because I wasn’t prepared.  I was born into a generational cycle of acceptable Mormon addictions and the effects of them.  Mine is a life time to change all that I can.  My children?  I have such hopes that they will be able to fly as I never could.  I know it is their choice and their responsibility, but I have such great hopes and I am working to be the example I hope for them to follow. 

D&C 93 looks like it has a lot of answers to what I was just wondering.

http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/93.31?lang=eng#30

I feel like this was written for me right now in my path.  I just search ‘agency’ in the scriptures so that I could figure out how to better understand and avoid anger.  I love the part about truth, and seeking learning; And being friends in Christ.  I never knew that we had a record of John the Baptist’s record of Jesus’ baptism!  I guess it is really appropriate for this day about baptism hum?  It is amazing how the Spirit can lead learning.  It is a true marvel to me and I love it.

Hilary Weeks “Closer”   One more step closer to Him is one step, regardless weather or not that step is baptism.  I could be wrong but I just figure all that will be worked out eventually and is not the main point.  The point is to grow closer to Him, one day; one step at a time.

Hilary Weeks “Give ye to me”