Preparing for Christ

Again, I am using this blog as a place to do some homework. At first I felt weird, like maybe my personal blog wasn't the right place for these assignments, but then I thought about it and realized, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a HUGE part of the person that I am, and even more part of the person I am trying to become. So I think this is the perfect place for some of these thoughts. Today's assignment revolved around understanding what I can do to be prepared for the Second Coming of Christ. I was sent to several scriptures, which I will link below and then explain what I learned from them.
Mark 13
I started in this chapter because it is a parable about the Second Coming, offered by the Savior. I found some interesting things in it. I specifically read with the point of understand two words: heed, and watch.
I think the word heed means, to listen, obey and also to be aware that you have been warned. It is frequently used to help us understand when some kind of council has been offered. It is really a signal that something important has been offered to us, and  we would be wise to follow it.
The word watch in this chapter signified to me that we have been shown expectations of what will happen before the Savior returns. I think this because if there was nothing to watch for, why would we be instructed to "watch?"
Doctrine and Covenants 87:8
This verse is the last in the chapter and the phrase the stood out to me was "Stand in Holy Places" because we must first find good and holy places to put ourselves. Then we must stand up for the good and holy things we believe in. The second part that I also liked was "And be not moved." I like this part because I think too often I get comfortable and feel like, hey, I made it to church on Sunday, good enough! Well it isn't good enough! Finding the holy place is only the first step! It is equally important that we refuse to budge from the good and holy things and places that we know are true.
Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57
The part of this section that I really liked was the reminder that those who received and accepted the truth, were also able to use the Holy Ghost as their guide. I thought this was very comforting. As we strive to find the truth in anything, we can be lead and assured of the accuracy through the Holy Ghost.

I loved studying this part of the scriptures. I sometimes get afraid of the Second Coming because I worry that I won't be good enough, but I just know that Heavenly Father knows my heart and all I can do is the best that I can do. And I have faith that as I try to follow the teachings I have been given, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will provide a way for the Second Coming to be a great and happy day for me and my family.