To Live With Real Intent

Today I'm going to do something I don't usually do on my blog. I'm going to quote from my journal. I think maybe if I write it down twice it will stick. Plus I always feel more accountable when I share things.

Yesterday we attended one of the best stake conferences I have ever been to. There were many words spoken on conversion and testimony and the difference between the two. Conversion is change. Not a once in a lifetime change, but rather a constant and living, breathing change. It requires action. It is inspired by testimony, but testimony alone is not enough. Stephen and I agree that of course we have testimonies, but we do not consistently work to improve spiritually. We have been content for much of our marriage to sit still in many ways. But of course that isn't enough.

We want more for our family. I am often reminded of a book I read (or should have read) for one of my HFL courses. It's title is The Intentional Family. I often think of that title and remember that the little things that hold a family together don't just happen. We have to do them intentionally; on purpose and with purpose. Our personal and family prayers and scripture studies must be more than habit. If family home evening is going to happen, we must plan it on purpose. We have definitely struggled with that as a couple. Maybe we assume it will be more important later, but it won't happen later unless we do it now. And we should acknowledge that we need it now for ourselves.

This morning we started the day with real intent. I prayed before my scripture study and felt that I should read from the Book of Mormon. I've been working my way slowly though the Old and New Testaments and only reading the Book of Mormon with Stephen each night. Today I decided to read backwards, so Moroni first, then Ether, and so on. I read through Moroni 7, in which Mormon speaks to the peaceable followers of Christ about faith, hope, and charity. The end of verse 6 says, "for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing." So there is my proof that the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, are written for me every day.

My goal for this day, this week, this year, and for the rest of my life is to live and act on purpose, with real intent. And when I forget, I hope that I will read this and remember.