Free to Choose

“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend . . . when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”

Sarah Ban Breathnach, in John Cook, comp., The Book of Positive Quotations, 2nd ed. (2007), 342. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG9XfJxMY8A

3 Nephi 7 Choices

3 Nephi chapter 6 begins with a united people, and ends with a divided people. In chapter 7, the choices the people make create further divisions.

8 And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire.

When I was young, I remember thinking how "gross" this verse was, but never really giving it any thought.

Recently I met a young girl who continually chooses to stay with her abusive boyfriend.

I think of physical addictions that, once overcome, are still all too easy to return to.

Chapter 7 also discusses those who chose to follow the great prophet Nephi.

vs 17 And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.

vs 19 is short, but tells an amazing story: 19 And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people.

Can you imagine witnessing that?

He did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus.

vs 21: as many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they believed.

People were healed, repented, were baptized, and received a remission of their sins.

We always have a choice.