Today’s reading: 2 Nephi 9:27-48
28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.
I am a planner. I enjoy knowing what I have to do each day, and how I’m going to do it. I love writing lists and day-dreaming about things I desire and want to see happen in the future.
Sometimes everything goes according to plan, other times they do not. I am sure everyone can relate. There have been many times in my life where I thought I knew what was best for me or my family. I knew what I wanted, or what I needed, but sometimes those things did not happen in the way I expected.
Satan has a way of making me feel that I know what is best for me. That can lead to a slippery slope of doubt. Satan’s plan for us is to always be miserable. When I start to resent the way things happen in my life, it can lead to me feeling how Satan wants us to- angry and bitter.
But the Lord’s plan always leads to happiness. Even if I don’t understand the timing or the reasoning behind certain things in this life, I know that if I have faith and stay close to Him, everything will work out. I need to be in tune to the spirit so I can discern between what Satan is trying to get me to believe and what Heavenly Father wants me.
As I stay close to the spirit I allow Satan fewer opportunities to influence my decisions and feelings. As a mom of two young children I am always trying to find ways to stay close to the spirit during the week. With so many distractions in my day I have to find the time to say my personal prayers, read my scriptures, and actively tune out the things that negatively impact me.
In Elder Stanley G. Ellis’ talk, The Book of Mormon and God’s Plan For Us, he says:
One of the common themes of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that God has a plan. It is described with various names reflecting its various parts—the plan of happiness, the plan of mercy, the plan of redemption, the plan of salvation
The prophet Lehi taught that “it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). And so it is with God’s plan. As a result, Satan has a plan (2 Nephi 9:28), the world has many plans, and, unfortunately, we may even have our own plans. We “are free to choose” (2 Nephi 2:27) which plan we will follow—God’s or someone else’s.
I testify that the Lord’s plan is better than any other. He knows us, loves us, and desires to bless and help us. He knows best! God has more than a plan—He has the plan. I pray that we will choose it.
I have found that I must include the Lord in my plans, rather than doing just what I want to do. As I have done this I have found peace and gained a better understanding of the love He has for me. I am able to put my faith in the Lord and know that I will have greater joy and happiness in my life.
I was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado but now call Bountiful, Utah home. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband (we met on a blind date!) and two beautiful daughters. I get to be a stay-at-home mom which I love. I’m also a Netflix binge watcher and an avid reader. I love shopping at Target, dark chocolate and spending time with our friends and family. Surviving the Columbine High School shooting as a teenager , battling infertility as an adult and knowing I am a daughter of God has helped me to look for the good in the world and focus on the tender mercies in my life. My passion is writing and sharing my heart and soul with others.