Helaman 6-7

Quote "Every [convert] needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with the 'good word of God.' It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things."

~President Gordon B. Hinckley

Question "What kind of friend are you to converts, members who are new to your ward, or the less-active? What things do you do to nourish others with the word of the Lord?"

I love this quote by Pres. Hinckley. I think many converts can feel overwhelmed when they join the church because a lot of times they are given a calling right away, and they are like "whoa, I just joined this church, I don't know what I'm doing, or how to do this job". But it is through serving in the church that you develop your testimony, and learn that we are all just humble beings trying the best we can, and even those that are born and raised in the church feel inadequate for their callings at times.

As far as befriending new members, I think for me, it is a case by case basis. Not because I don't feel it is important to welcome all new members, but because in all honesty, I am not going to be the difference for every person that comes to church. There is a lot of diversity in every ward, and that is important because everyone needs friends, and everyone clicks with certain people. So, I personally don't feel pressure that as soon as I see someone new to rush up and introduce myself....I will eventually sit by them, or see them somewhere, and then I will talk to them. I like it to feel natural, I don't like that forced friendship feeling. But that is just me. In any case, following your promptings by the spirit is what is going to make the difference. If I feel prompted, I try to act. The Lord knows better than I do what and who will make the difference for each one of His children.

Helaman 4-5

Quote "We have an increasing number who have been convinced, through the Book of Mormon, that Jesus is the Christ. Now we need an increasing number who will use the Book of Mormon to become committed to Christ. We need to be convinced and committed."

~President Ezra Taft Benson

Question "What are some things you can do to build upon the sure foundation?"

Building a sure foundation requires faith, repentance, and a desire to do God's will. The best way to build upon it is to do the work that we've been asked to do, read our scriptures, say our prayers, preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, go to church, pay our tithing, love our neighbors as ourselves, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, lift up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees, be willing to do what the Lord asks us to do, and not seek after the things of the world.

The more I read the Book of Mormon, the more my testimony of Jesus Christ is strengthened. The more I learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more I realize how little I know, and have even a greater desire to know more. I can't even imagine the faith that Nephi and Lehi had in today's reading, to have those amazing things happen to them. Today's world is just as evil, however, the deliverers of the message are not cast into prison just for trying to teach their beliefs. But if a similar situation could happen today, it would be interesting to see how many people would stop their selfish lifestyles, and repent.

Helaman 1-3

Quote "If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives."

~Elder Marvin J. Ashton

Question "How can you avoid contention in your family and other relationships?"

I think, even though it sounds cheesy, is to live by the Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I know that when I really stop and think about what I am doing, and how I am treating others, I think about whether or not I would want to be treated that way. The other things are, of course, prayer, scripture study, and going to church, and just trying to be righteous overall. It is more difficult to be harsh and mean, and have contention when you are trying your best to invite the Spirit of God to guide you in your life.