ARP Meeting

Cyndee, Jim and I went together to our first meeting last night.  I was relieved to see that they were on Step 12.  Now we can start fresh with Step 1 study this week, culminating with the meeting about that step on next Sunday.  It was obvious that some of the members of our group (including the facilitator) have gone through huge life changes with the help of the ARP program.  After the sharing time, the man who led the group shared his testimony and thoughts that every single member of the church should be required to go through this program at some time.  We all have cycles and addictions to break.  That hit me. 

I loved this quote from President Ezra Taft Benson in the ARP workbook: 

“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.  Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life.”

This is the end product I would love to see more abundantly.  I want an improved and Real relationship with my Heavenly Father.  Those promised blessings are profound and reach far beyond the spiritual aspect of life - physical, mental, social and emotional welfare are also at stake. 
 
I pondered over this at the meeting, and then in my book reading, I was particularly struck by the author's point about spiritual and physical changes.  We are spiritual creatures,  so any physical (emotional, mental or social) change we try to make MUST be accompanied or preceded by a spiritual change.  That was something I need to hear.  We must create ourselves spiritually before the blessings pour into the other aspects of our lives.