Layne's Lunch

At the end of Chapter 6 in  Preach My Gospel , there is a self assessment to help you understand how you are developing Christ-like attributes.  During a recent priesthood leadership meeting our stake president asked us to each take the self assessment and identify an attribute we could work on.  The statements in the self assessment in Preach My gospel say this: I feel a sincere desire for the eternal welfare and happiness of other people. (Mosiah 28:3) When I pray, I ask for charity—the pure love of Christ. (Moroni 7:47–48) I try to understand others’ feelings and see their point of view. (Jude 1:22) I forgive others who have offended or wronged me. (Ephesians 4:32) I try to help others when they are struggling or discouraged. (Mosiah 18:9) When appropriate, I tell others that I love them and care about them. (Luke 7:12–15) I look for opportunities to serve other people. (Mosiah 2:17) I say positive things about others. (D&C 42:27) I am kind and patient with others, ev

The other day I had the opportunity to sit and ponder on a profound question.  I asked myself, "What do you want?”.  It caused me to think about what I am praying for.  We often pray to have some trial or stress removed from our life.  We pray for peace and protection so we can avoid the challenges that might come to us.  These are worthy things to pray for.  (see Alma 34:218-27).  But do our prayers really match the desires of our hearts.  What is the greatest desire of your heart? What do you really want?   There is a great story in the 8th chapter of the Book of Ether about Jared.  Now this isn’t the Jared that has a brother and was at the tower of Babel when the languages were confounded.  This is another Jared.  This is the Jared with the dancing daughter.  As you recall, Jared was forced to give up his kingdom in order to save his own life. Then you find this profound statement:    'And now Jared became exceedingly sorrowful because of the loss of the kingdom, f