.A.S.T.O.N.I.S.H.I.N.G.

Astonishing. Extremely surprising or impressive

Christ Healing the Blind Man. Carl Bloch

The other day I was blessed with a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a training that us Visitors' Center sisters received here in Mesa Arizona. We had Brother Lusvardi from Salt Lake City come and visit us for a wonderful training on how to utilize the Visitors' Center a bit more. 

In the meeting we spoke about the potential we have to become astonishing teachers. Jesus Christ is the best example of being an astonishing teacher. In all he did he taught with charity and clarity. The love he shared helped all to see the power and truth behind the gospel message.

In the Book of Mormon there are many wonderful astonishing teachers. One of my personal favorites is named Alma, who is continually desiring to be better. He had his own personal conversion to the Gospel in the form of an angel coming to help him see what was truly correct. His account states:

"the angel of the Lord appeared unto [him]... and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood. 

And so great was [his] astonishment, that [he] fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto [him]." -Mosiah 27:11-12

At one time in the life of Alma he was against Christ and any teachings that would be given about him. He was on his way to "destroy the church" when the angel appeared and changed his whole view on things. After that experience he changed. He had become personally converted.

In order to be astonishing we must be personally converted.

Once that happens we have a desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. By the Holy Ghost leading and guiding us we can help others feel a portion of the love that Heavenly Father has for them.

Back to Alma... 

After he was converted to the Lord he went around and shared what he knew to be true. He was only able to do this after searching scriptures diligently, praying, and fasting (Alma 17:2-3). 

In order to be astonishing we must study, pray, and fast.

Alma went through a period of time when he wished he could be better... but then again, who doesn't feel that way at least once if not a lot more in their life... He remembered his converting experience and how it shook the earth, it changed his heart, and he wanted to do the same to others. He remarks 

"O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with a trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

Yeah, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth" -Alma 29:1-2

Now, who wouldn't want that!!! As Alma declared his hearts desires he realized that this was not necessarily the best way for him to share the gospel. Sure, that was how he was converted, but others may have needed a different approach. He remarks how he is just man, how he "ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto [him]" (Alma 29:3). He realized and came to the understanding that it was up to him to listen to the people and then to bring the spirit into their lives in a unique way for each one to hear the gospel message.

In order to be astonishing we must listen and act by the spirit.

I can not even begin to explain all the things that this meeting taught me. Looking at the picture above I see there are many different people, they have different emotions and problems. We are different and can become our own kind of astonishing as we let the Lord lead and guide us.

Let us all become astonishing