Did animals die in Garden of Eden?

22 January 2018 - Alma 42 – Alma continues his talk with Corianton. 

I’m always in awe when I read that Alma perceived that his son was still somewhat worried about something he didn’t understand.  This is so different from my journey.  I didn’t spend a lot of time chewing on things I didn’t understand.  I mostly wanted to get back on track.  I’m still not bothered by much.  The Spirit made it known to me early on in my return that this is God’s true church upon the earth and that works for me.  I love it when I learn new things and when I have something to really chew on that is gospel meat, but I don’t stew.

As Alma explains the Lord’s plan concerning the justice of God as it pertains to punishment of the sinner, it generates in me some questions that I have concerning the fruit of the tree of life?  Cherubim was placed around that tree to keep Adam and Eve from eating it and living forever in their sins.  Does is seem obvious that the fruit of this tree prevents a person from dying?  Had they been eating it freely before the fall?  These questions don’t bother me.  We know the Lord didn’t tell them not to eat it.  So did it perhaps have something to do with the fact they existed, not knowing anything about death? 

In SS yesterday, someone mentioned that there was no death in the Garden of Eden.  Even the animals did not die.  But we know the animals and every living thing procreated.  They obeyed the Lord.  They had been told to be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters.  This was to the life in the waters.  He doesn’t make the same command on the beasts of the field.  Were they commanded to be fruitful and multiply as well?  These questions come from Moses 1:20-25.  If there was multiplying, was there also death?  Were the animals eating freely of the Tree of Life?  Just some interesting questions that take me nowhere, and it doesn’t matter. 

Do You Want to Be Happy?

18 January – Alma 41 – If you like who you have become and want to be this person throughout the eternities, then this is the chapter for you.   If you don’t like who you are, then here is the place where you learn what to do about it.

This could be a bit of a disturbing chapter.  If you’re not happy, read it carefully. 

V13 – “O, my son, . . . the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal or devilish for devilish – good for that which is good; righteous for that which is good; righteous for the which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.”

V15 – “For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not all.” 

Sobering indeed.  I remember an acquaintance who was resisting the teachings of the church that he was happy with himself.  He liked who he was and had no desire to change.  He wasn’t a horrible person, but the things he liked that he did not want to forfeit were things of this world, and he will not have access to them after this life.  Will he be happy with himself when he can’t sit on the deck drinking his margarita and smoking a cigar?  Somehow, I don’t think that will be the case.  Will he be happy knowing that he has done little to help the life of another and that those opportunities are not his now?  I see no joy in that life at all.

Death, Resurrection, Good, and Evil

17 January 2018 – Alma 40 

I love this chapter.  It is so full of valuable information.  What do you tell a person who is dying and wants to know what will happen to them?  Go to Alma 40.  Read it out loud.  The same for someone who has lost a loved one, although I’m not certain how much comfort they would gain if that loved one had died as a rebellious spirit.  I do know there will be some repenting that can be done after death, but that it will be very difficult without the body.  I think that might be in chapter 41. 

I find comfort knowing we all return to Christ when we leave this earthly existence.  Isn’t Christ the creator of our Spirits?  It says in v11 “. . . good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.”  I know I’ve been in a class where this has been discussed. 

I might add, that I have some thoughts on the spiritual and emotional state of Corianton.  I know a thing or two when it comes to talking religious matters with children who have strayed far from those things the Lord would have them do, and I don’t think Corianton was to the rebellious stage.  There is no way in this world this conversation could be had with any of my rebellious daughters – or those who have strayed far from those things the Lord would have them do.  Maybe it’s just a different point in time. 

Yearn to Return to the Warmth of the Gospel

15 January 2018 – Alma 39 – Alma speaks to his son, Corianton who has sinned as a missionary and as a member of the Church.  In his poor behavior, he has caused many of the Zoramites to disbelieve the things Alma is teaching and brings a bad light on the church.

How many times have I seen this similar scenario in my own life?  Too many!  The temptation to write about them is strong, but if you look around (and it's not that difficult to find), you will see them in your own life.

I was reading Pres. Monson’s counsel in this month’s Ensign (January 2018) on repentance.  Nobody is ever out of reach of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  This blessing is available to anyone willing to leave the past behind and embrace the teaching of Jesus Christ.  It is work.  It takes time, but it is a sweet experience and worth every effort.  Pres. Monson said, “One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final.”  That quote came from an Ensign article in May of 1987!  It is still true today.  We can try again.  Corianton went on after this interview with his father and became a wonderful and successful missionary.  Obviously, he paid the price of repentance and became an instrument in God’s hands for good.  I have had this same blessing in my life.  My years prior to my efforts to come unto Christ seem to me today as if a dream.  I have strong faith that those of my children who have strayed far from those things they were taught to do when they were growing up will some day yearn to return to the warmth of the gospel once again.  It will be work, but I have faith they will come back.  I have faith that anyone can have this same experience.  It is not for a select few.  It is available to all of God’s children who will turn their lives over to Christ. 

Alma 38:12 - Bridle Your Passions

14 January 2018 – Alma 38 – Shiblon must have been an amazing person.  Alma’s blessing on him was not nearly as long as those of his brothers, but was filled with praise for his goodness and willingness to serve the Lord, even in some pretty bad situations.  I would think being stoned would be rather uncomfortable.  But knowing you’re doing it for God’s sake, maybe that would make it more tolerable. 

I like Alma’s words to him to bridle his passions in v12.  What is the purpose of the bridle as Alma uses it in this verse?  To be filled with love.  How does being bridled create a bigger capacity to love?  Well, I would imagine that if our head is in the right place, we could see that the way we are being lead is more away from danger than into things won’t bring us joy.  Without exception, anything in my life I’ve done that I’ve known was God’s will has brought me joy and happiness.  It was only when my passions were not bridled that I was being led into harm’s way.  Being bridled is not a bad thing. 

God loves us and wants us to be happy.  He wants us to keep his commandments so that we can find joy in the simplest things in this life as well as all the wonderful opportunities the Lord longs to give us that enrich our lives.  These things can’t happen if we are out of control, aka not bridling our passions.  I know this is a truth that each of us has to find on our own.  I’m grateful to have discovered this truth while I still had time to have a pretty good and fulfilling life.