Deliverance - Messages from Mosiah

As I make my way through the book of Mosiah there are a number of verses I've underlined that I realize have a common theme. It's that the Lord will deliver us. He'll deliver us from our enemies, from discouragement, from disappointment, from challenges and temptations, from bondage to sin, financial bondage, or any problems we are having in life we feel we can't overcome on our own. How do we tap into that power? These verses provide the answers.

Mosiah 7:32 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.

So if we are having challenges or problems in our lives (in effect being in bondage) , here's a three part formula to be delivered.

1. Turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart. I'm still pondering what "full purpose of heart" fully means but I know it means that a half-hearted attempt to turn to the Lord won't work. It's an attitude of totally "not my will, but thy will be done."

2. Put your trust in him. I think that means having faith that He'll delivery us, but it may not be immediately. In His wisdom He may have his own timetable. I've lived long enough that I can look back and see why his timetable has been for the best.

3. Serve him with all diligence of mind. I see this as magnifying our callings and serving him and others with diligence.

Mosiah 9:17 ..."for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies..."

This continues this recurring theme in the Book of Mormon about "deliverance." This verse adds a fourth step to the the first verse I mentioned - to pray, but more than just a half-hearted prayer. Crying mightily to the Lord in prayer suggests an Enos-like earnestness and intensity in prayer I'm afraid I don't have often enough.

Mosiah 10:11 - "Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they did depend on their own strength."

If we try to overcome challenges with our own strength and wisdom alone it may not be enough, but if we draw on the strength of the Lord, casting our burdens upon the Lord - then with God all things are possible. Even though the Nephites were vastly outnumbered by the Lamanites in battle, the strength of the Lord gave the Nephites the advantage.

Later Alma puts it this way: "I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be delivered at the last day."

Modern prophets have reiterated the message of delivery - nobody more simply that President Hinckley did at his wife's funeral when he said, "It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." President Hinckley knew the Lord's promises of deliverance are true.

No matter what our challenges are I, too, have a testimony that just like the Lord delivered Joseph Smith from the dark power that overcame him in the sacred grove, just as he delivered the children of Israel from the armies of Pharaoh, just as he delivered the Nephites from the Lamanites he'll deliver us from our trials.

Challenge One Month Anniversary

It's been one month since I challenged our family to read regularly in the Book of Mormon and post their thoughts on this blog that Julia set up for us. I've been so thankful for and impressed by every single contribution. Each day, sometimes a couple times a day, I log on to the blog to see if there's a new entry and I'm so happy when I see a new post. Please continue to share your comments. Whether you write a few short lines or feel prompted to write a longer article, it's inspiring and testimony building to us all. Because of your contributions, and the motivation for me to ponder a little more so I can post comments, I am feeling the spirit and power of the Book of Mormon stronger than ever. Thanks so much. I love you all.

Dad

Hearts Knit Together

As I was reading today in Mosiah 18, I came across one of my favorite scripture phrases in verse 21. As Alma was teaching the new members of the Church, he "commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another." As a mother, this has always been one of my greatest goals for our family. Although we may see things differently and have different opinions, we have always had the gift of accepting each other. There has been very little contention among us. When we were all together at Christmas, I felt so blessed that we love each other and respect each other. I feel that we are on our way to having our hearts knit together in unity and love. It is my hope that someday we will also be united in one faith and that those who do not now have a strong testimony will come into the fold of the Gospel so that we, as a family, can also be united in faith and in baptism. I am so proud of each of you and the honorable ways that you conduct your lives. I am so grateful for the close feelings of unity and love that we have for each other!

The great paradox

Throughout the scriptures we read many times that this life is a test, that there will be temptations, that there will be challenges and that there will be trials. The way will not be easy.

"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors....for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed." (Alma 34:32-34).

We know that we must prepare, we know we must repent. We understand that this life is a time to work and labour in the Lord's vineyard. Another scripture which describes this life is found in Lehi's great vision....

"And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wondered off and were lost." (1 Nephi 8:23)

We learn that there will be darkness and temptations along the path back to "the tree of life," the path to our Heavenly home. We understand that there will be sorrow and grief as we watch some of our family and our friends wonder off and get lost.

One final scriptural support for this concept. When cast out of the garden the Lord said to Eve,"...I, the Lord God said: I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children..," and to Adam, "cursed shall be the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life." (Moses 4:22-25).

Now the paradox. In 2 Nephi 2:25 we learn, "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."

What? There are so many scriptural examples and so much support that this life will be packed full of trials and tests, not to mention the fact that each of us in our own ways have hundreds of personal stories to back these examples. And yet, we learn that there is another purpose of this life, perhaps just as important as the learning and growth that comes from the tests and trials; we are to have joy.

I think that sometimes it is easy to get caught up on all the challenges we are having. I know that often times I throw personal pity parties. Sure, we may be tight on money. We may be having problems in our work. We may be struggling with a friend or a family member. We may even be facing something more serious, like the death of someone close to us, or watching a child stray from the "strait and narrow." I am not suggesting that these things are not important, that there isn't sorrow associated with them, or that there isn't a lesson that needs to be learned. But, I do suggest that the Lord gives us these challenges for our good, and that going through them helps us to appreciate more the joy in life.

Today I had the opportunity to visit a member of our ward who lost her husband in a car accident last night. As I saw the sorrow and tears on her face, it helped put this lesson in perspective for me:

This life is a time to prepare to meet God, but I need to take more time along the way to recognize and find joy. I am so blessed. I get to wake up every morning to a giant smile from my beautiful baby girl. I get to kiss my amazing supportive wife every day as I walk out the door for work. I have an amazing family. I have the gospel and a testimony of Jesus Christ, and so much more. I also believe that finding joy in this difficult and sometimes sorrowful life comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is only through the Savior and His atonement that we can truly find perspective and joy amidst trials and tests. I am grateful for this lesson.

Finally, I would challenge each of you to take a minute to remember those things in your life that bring you joy! I am confident that it is those things, along with a loving Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ that will carry you through the not so joyful times. I love you all!

Ahead of his time

2 Nephi chapter 29-30 was so fun to read, not only was Nephi so on point and ahead of his time with his word, he answered questions that weren't asked in his day but thousands of years later in our day, as well as he writes almost word for word what I've been told by people that mock the Book of Mormon. Nephi knew the power of this Holy book that he was writing and how important it was for not only his own people at his own time but the conversion of his Lamanite ancestors and Jews and how to answer some of their questions concerning its inception. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote so beautifully: “Few men on earth, either in or out of the Church, have caught the vision of what the Book of Mormon is all about. Few are they among men who know the part it has played and will yet play in preparing the way for the coming of Him of whom it is a new witness” (The Millennial Messiah, 159). I hope that I am on the verge of the knowledge that Nephi testifies of The Book of Mormon with such zeal and joy, with every page I further read.

The Grandeur of God

I used to always skim over Jacob 5.  I dreaded having to read 77 vs. about pruning, digging and dunging.  That all changed for me on the mission when I read a talk given by Jeffrey R. Holland called "The Grandeur of God".  I would like to include the link, and hope that each of you take the chance to read it:

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=93d174536cf0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

It is my testimony that as you do you will come to understand better the true nature of God.  Let me know what think! 

Simple Instructions

Both today in our family BoM study in the 36th and 37th chapters of Alma and in my personal study of the last chapter of 1Nephi, I read the promise that if we keep the commandments and endure to the end, we will be blessed. Although keeping the commandments and enduring to the end feel like a challenge, it is really all we need to do. Heavenly Father does not give complicated formulas for eternal life or make us guess what we need to do. The instructions are so simple, keep the commandments and endure to the end and we will be blessed.

Eat, drink and be merry....

I am impressed, once again, as I look over chapter 28 in 2nd Nephi. I have seen the false doctrines in a very abundant way and I have fell victim to the lies of the great deceiver. In verse 7 it reads "eat drink and be merry for tomorrow be die..". I cant even explain the number of times I have heard phrases like "live it up" or "your only young once". I specifically remember this when an old friend of mine was desperately trying to convince me to use steroids and he used the justification of "you only live once so live it up". The world has become victim of this justification.

I am even more impressed when I read chapter 8. Even more common are the folks discussed in this chapter who take the attitude of "eat, drink and be merry; nevertheless, fear God-he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God." There are so many of these people and I know many like this. I actually believe that many LDS folks run into this situation and try to justify. Justification is the lie the Devil tells. I remember Mom saying to me once how justification, is the small lie that sets off the course that eventually leads to us being far away from our intended destination. Just like how an airplane can just be off by a couple degrees in the beginning of a flight and end up hundreds of miles away from the intended destination. I once heard some claimed christians justifying smoking weed by saying that "if it does not change the way that I feel about God, then it is okay to do." This is the lie of the Devil.

On this same note I wanted to share an excerpt out of a book that Kent gave me a while back. While it is not a religious book, I really took heart to the following; "The word God has become empty of meaning through thousands of years of misuse. I use it sometimes, but I do so sparingly. By misuse, I mean that people who have never even glimpsed the realm of the sacred, the infinite vastness behind that word, use it with great conviction, as if they knew what they are talking about. Or they argue against it, as if they knew what it is that they are denying. This misuse gives rise to absurd beliefs, assertions, and egoic delusions, such as "My or our God is the only true God, and your god is false."

It is my challenge to myself to not justify beyond any of God's teachings. It is also my challenge to myself to find testimony about what this word means to me and how I can improve my life.

A Great Leader

I've started reading in Mosiah this week and I am so impressed with the great leadership of King Benjamin. I'm sure that he saw his share of difficulty but what a great feeling he must have had to have all his people believe his words. I was thinking that if all the world would accept the teachings of Christ and live the Gospel, war would end and the world would leave peacefully. King Benjamin promises that if we stand steadfast in the faith, "ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably." He also promises that we would not suffer our children to go hungry or naked (which I think means child neglect) or to fight or to sin. Instead, we would teach them to "love one another and serve one another." He also promises that we would help those in need and share of our substance with others. In chapter 5, he tells us that the Spirit of the Lord will cause a mighty change in our hearts so that we will "have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually". What a great world this would be if everyone could live this way. We can't change other people, but we can start in our homes and families to be sure we are following the Savior and then branch out to our extended families, wards, workplaces, and communities to set an example and share these teachings with those around us. I am going to try harder to be an "example of a believer" in all I do and with whoever I have contact.

The Blessed and Happy State

You know how there are some chapters in scripture where you may underline a verse or two that stands out to you, and then there are chapters where it seems the number of verses you mark surpass the number you don't mark. That's how Mosiah chapter 2 was for me as I was reading it tonight. I was again impressed with the verses about service like verse 17 where it says "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God. But tonight there were some new highlights and insights for me toward the end of the chapter. I was struck by the stark contrast between the joy people feel when they are doing what they should and the misery they feel when they are not. It starts in verse 36:

"After ye have known and have been taught in all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw ourselves from the spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom's paths that ye may be blessed, prospered and preserved .... the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples."

I got a couple of lessons out of that. First that we're the ones who withdraw ourselves from the spirit. It's like the old saying - if you feel far away from God it isn't Him who has moved. And second that when we do that, we don't have the spirit to guide us in making wise choices (wisdom's paths). That's a scary place to be. In verse 38 it talks about the lively sense of guilt a person feels in those situations.

But then verse 41, in marked contrast, talks about those who are doing what they should:

"And moreover I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness."

I guess the Lord really wanted to drive this point home to me tonight because right after reading in the Book of Mormon, I picked up my book by Sheri Dew "God Wants a Powerful People" and began reading from where I had left off. Guess what? She quoted that same scripture, Mosiah 2:41, and then made this observation in words better than I could have chosen.

"It is so much easier to be righteous than to sin, so much easier to deal with a clear conscience than one ravaged by guilt, so much easier to feel peace of mind and heart when we are living up to who we are, rather than coping with the emotional and spiritual ravages of regret, knowing we have lived beneath our divine nature."

It motivates me to always choose the right and to always be able to feel like King Benjamin did in the this chapter "walking with a clear conscience before God" (verse 27) , knowing the happiness that comes from doing so.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Live

As I was reading Jacob 7 about how Sherem denies Christ. In verse 2 it says:

"And it came to pass that he began to preach among the people, and to declare unto them that there should be no Christ. And he preached many things which were flattering unto the people; and this he did that he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ."

As I read this verse it made me think. How many times in the scriptures or even in life have people turned their hearts away or tried to make people come away from what they know to be true. It again re-firmed my testimony that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live, because no matter what if someone is trying to take the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints off the earth they will never succeed. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will let people fall away if they choose to turn their hearts away but if at anytime anyone tries to do anything with completely destroying the church they will not allow it. It is because this is the true church. Prophet Joseph Smith restored the gospel so that we could have it in our lives as long as we do what is right and choose to have it in our lives and the wonderful thing is there won't be another apostasy. 

Pity Party in Review

It amazes me how my prayers are constantly answered through the scriptures. Recently Riley and I received a huge blessing in our lives that allows us to now owe less in bills and payments than we make each month. This is the first time in over two years that we have been in this position. If fact, for the first time in our marriage, I came up with a budget. I'm so blessed, right?

Well, due to human nature and character flaw, I found myself pouting last night because our budget is so tight. "I'm 30," I thought, "aren't I entitled to vacations in Hawaii or even a enough money to afford to buy a new bedspread?" I knelt down to pray and expressed some of my frustrations to my Father in Heaven.

After my prayer, I opened my scriptures and this was what I read,

And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness...And did travel and wade through much affliction...and our women did bear children in the wilderness. And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did eat raw meat in the wilderness, our women did have plenty of suck and...they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings (1 Nephi:17:1&2).

Needless to say, I was humbled. My afflictions seemed so small and I have the nerve to murmur! Here I was sitting in my huge, warm master suite with a full belly reading about women having babies in the wilderness with nothing to eat but raw meat, and yet they were not complaining. Nephi actually referred to the circumstance they were in as a huge blessing! I continued to read, and received this counsel,

And thus we see that the commandments or God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God, He doth nourish them and strengthen them and provide means whereby they can accomplish the things which he has commanded them (17:3).

As I pondered verse 3, I realized how many blessings my family has received in the past two years, which have allowed us to serve the Lord and take care of our children. Both of which are commandments. My heart was changed and I turned from an ungrateful state to one of thankfulness. In other words, I ended my pity party.

I have so many blessings, a wonderful and hard working husband, a fantastic support system from extended family and friends, beautiful and healthy children just to name a few. I know as I continue to live righteously, the Lord will keep blessing and taking care of me.

How Blessed Are They Who Have Labored Diligently

Driving back to work in Idaho Falls after teaching my classes in Rexburg I listened to all of Jacob chapter 5. It's a long one. It took the narrator 21 minutes to read it. But listening to it all at one time I got a clearer understanding of the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees. I was impressed with the hard work and the caring of the lord of the vineyard and his servant over a long period of time in doing everything they could to save the olive trees. But what really struck me was verse 5 of chapter 6 where Jacob explains the allegory and he says, "And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard." I thought of so many of my family and love ones who have labored diligently and have indeed been blessed. I thought of my mother and father and their dedication to their Milwaukee Stake callings that often required them to travel a hundred miles to visit small branches throughout southeast Wisconsin, and how blessed they were for doing so. I thought of Sally and how for years she went week after week as part of the Relief Society presidency making visits to the sisters in the ward, truly caring about them, and what a rewarding experience that was for her. I thought of my children and their spouses and their service and dedication to their callings, and how I see them grow. I also see their children blessed with testimonies and the spirit in their homes. I thought back on the overwhelming spirit of joy I had when I fulfilled my mission, knowing I had given my all to the Lord for two years. Then I thought that part of "laboring diligently in his vineyard" meant not only magnifying church callings, but day to day diligence in scripture study, prayers, sharing the gospel and teaching and raising children. It's so amazing how one little phrase in the Book of Mormon can have such power to make a person reflect. It gives me motivation to always be diligent in laboring in the Lord's vineyard, knowing the promised blessings will come.

Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Wow! I think I may have just found one of my new favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon. All my life I have known the Book of Mormon to be true. The one thing I have always wanted to know how to do is how to tell someone else it is true and where to find a perfect examplet. I've always been able to tell people I know that it is true and it's another testament of Jesus Christ. I could always tell people the way it made me feel when I read it, but I always wanted somewhere I could go to and show someone exactly that it is another Testament of Jesus Chirst. Reading 2 Nephi 29 I found that. Here are few things that really stood out to me in this Chapter. 

• "Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have you obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?"
• "Know ye not that there are more nations than one?"
• "Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word?"
• "I am the same yesterday, today and forever"
• "And because I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man,"

It of course would need to be the spirit to teach someone fully that the Book of Mormon is truly Another Testament of Jesus Christ. That is why when you are done reading the Book of Mormon in Moroni in Chapter 10 you are encouraged to...

"ask of God, the Eternal Father in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

Right before I pulled out my scriptures this morning to read this chapter I had the thought that when I was done with the Book of Mormon this time around I was going to take Moroni's challenge again and get down and ask. So it was neat to sit down and read and have to known unto me again in a different way that the Book of Mormon is true and is Another Testament of Jesus Christ that is the keystone of our religion. 

A Testimaony of My Very Own

As I read chapter 15 of 1st Nephi, I pondered again over Laman and Lemuel and their attitude towards their fathers, both earthly and heavenly. In this chapter, Nephi describes to his older brothers the meaning of the dream their father had about the tree of life. Nephi had gained an understanding of the dream after asking the Lord to enlighten him. In other words, he asked the Lord in faith and recieved his own witness and testimony that the things he had been told were true.

Laman and Lemuel, however, refused to ask the Lord. When Nephi asked them why they refused to inquire of the Lord, their reply was that, "the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us." They had no faith. Nephi's reply to their skeptisism was, "If ye will not harden your hearts and ask...in faith, beleiving that ye shall recieve, with dilligence in keeping (the) commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you." Yet, Laman and Lemuel did not ask.

Lehi's two oldest sons refused to gain a witness for themselves that the things their father told them were true. And, even though they were told the meaning of the dream, they still choose not to hold to the iron rod. These two men, even after being visited by an angel, raised by a prophet, and experiencing many other miracles, still strayed from the path.

After reading chapter 15, I think, in part, it might have been because they never gained a testimony of their own. They were taught what to do, but never asked to recieve a testimony of why they should be doing it. When we are younger, we all rely on the testimony of our parents or others, but that will only go so far. I am thankful for my testimony and that I was never afraid to ask for my own witness that the gospel is true.

Lehi's Vision of the Tree of Life (Annabelle)

I was reading in the eighth chapter of Nephi about Lehi's vision of the tree of life. Here is what I think the content of the vision meant. I thind the darkness is wandering before you come to the church or before you decide what religion you are going to be. The fruit of the tree is the gospel. the iron rod is holding steady to the gospel. The forrbidden paths are other churches that do not persay mock us but do not have the gospel or have left it. The big and spacious building is like the people and possibly things that mock us. Such as beer cigarretes and inmodest people/clothing. The straight and narrow path is also the gospel and the wonderful things of the world. I hope you stay on the straight and narrow path holding strong to the iron rod.

Could A Man Have Written This Book?

As we study the Book of Mormon I am reminded of a question we often told investigators on my mission in Germany to ask themselves as they read it. Haette ein Mensch dieses Buch schreiben koennen? Could a man have written this book?

One of the evidences that the book comes from God and not something Joseph Smith made up is found in 2 Nephi 12:16. For the most part the chapter is like Isaiah chapter 2, but in in the King James version verse 16 says, "And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures." In the Book of Mormon it says, " And upon all the ships of the sea, and upon all the ships of Tarshish and upon all pleasant pictures." It adds the phrase, "and upon all the ships of the sea." In the Book of Mormon footnote it explains, "The Greek (Septuagint) has "ships of the sea." The Hebrew has "ships of Tarshish" The Book of Mormon has both, showing the Brass Plates had lost neither phrase." As one BYU publication says. "Since Joseph Smith did not know Hebrew or Greek prior to 1830 (the year the Book of Mormon was published), he obviously did not check ancient versions of Isaiah as he produced the Book of Mormon. Latter-day Saints therefore accept that the text of 2 Nephi 12:16 must have come from the plates Joseph Smith received from Moroni.

While that's one evidence of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, a greater evidence to me is the powerful teachings of the book itself and the spirit I feel while reading it. I agree with apostle George Cannon who said, "No wicked man could write such a book as this; and no good man would write it, unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so." As I read the Book of Mormon again and think of how to apply it to my life, and I read all your comments about how it's message is blessing your lives, and I ask myself , "Could a man have written this book?" the answer is clear - No! It's a divine work of scripture that comes from God and was translated by a true prophet of God!

How to know what to do..

In 2Nephi 32, Nephi says, "..I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way". Later in the chapter he tells us that the words of Christ will tell us what to do. He says that after we have received these words, if we cannot understand them, it is because we haven't asked or "knocked". He promises that if we enter in the way and receive the Holy Ghost, "it will show unto you all things what ye should do." This is a really wonderful promise because the world is such a confusing place where right is called wrong and wrong is called right. It is so hard to know what we should do if we just rely on our own knowledge and experience. It's almost as if we are blindfolded and are just trying to feel our way around in our lives. It is such a blessing to have the promise of the Holy Ghost to help us know what we should do if we just ask for that help. I know for myself that the Holy Ghost not only helps us in church and family matters, but he also will tell us what to do at work and in other situations. I had a very difficult meeting at work this week. I spent hours trying to think of ways to help one of my students. I talked to several people and still didn't have a good solution as I went into the meeting. I had prayed ahead of time to have guidance. As the parent and then the teacher began to talk about the problem this student was having, it was like a light went on in my head and the ideas just came flowing into my mind. We were able to use those ideas to make a really great plan for this student and I know that it was the Holy Ghost who gave me those thoughts. I hope that I can always be worthy of this guidance in my life.

Always Learning

As I read 2 Nephi 28 tonight. I was reading verse 29 and 30. It says:

"Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!"

"For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have."

Each and everyday we have new challenges and new task that we face. I can't even manage saying I have enough. I look at the days that I miss reading my scriptures or saying my prayers and I wasn't as happy or willing to do things or didn't learn the best I could have. It is so neat to know that if we are willing to accept and learn from our Heavenly Father he will continue to give us more. I look back at the manual for Relief Society and Priesthood this year. We look at it as basic information but as long as we are willing to learn then we will be blessed with new information and knowledge, or a new outlook on something.  As long as we are willing to do our part, we can be blessed with so much. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. It is amazing to me that the days I am diligent in reading my scriptures and saying my prayers I am the happiest. That is because the Lords way is the only way to true and everlasting happiness.

Late is better than never :)

Reading the first few chapters if Nephi again made me some think about how I should fear God more than I fear man. In order to do this, I need to have total faith in God, and not care what men think. Even in scary situations, were I may get hurt emotionally by people, I need to remember that what God thinks of me is the most important thing. I thought about it this morning when I was working at the bookstore. There was no one there and the other employees were busy. I was hungry and wanted this little hersheys santa that was only 44 cents, but I didn't have any money on me. I asked if they could write it down and deduct it from my paycheck but they said no. It is such a cheesey example but I would've felt so guilty for sneaking that candy bar and eating that. Fearing God doesn't have to be in just monumental decisions. It is simple things too.

The Great Deliverer

We are a bit past this point in our study but I have been meaning to come back to chapter 9 of 2 Nephi and reflect on verse 19 that really hit me hard. "O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy one of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment." That first sentence followed by a powerful exclamation point rings joy in my heart. I think it is so important to remember the eternal and sincere mercy that the Lord has for all of us. It is so comforting to know that his mercy is greater and more forgiving than anything else we could receive. Following this sentence, the verse turns to the eternal threat that faces us without taking advantage of the mercy available to our imperfect souls. It is frightening and yet extremely encouraging to be reminded of the awful eternity that faces those who deny the great gift of the All Mighty. The next verse goes on to say again, "O how great the holiness of our God! for he knoweth all things and there is not anything save he knows it." Again, a powerful sentence following the fact that we can not pass his judgement. It is my prayer that I will always have the faith to rely on the great mercy of God to cleanse me of my wrong doings so that I may stand pure before him at the judgement day.

Come to the Temple

Reading this chapter made me think of one thing, the temple. In Isaiah's day the phrase "mountain of the Lord's house" mentioned in verse 2 specifically referred to the the temple in Jerusalem. But through studying I've found that prophets of our day refer to this description as all Temples. President Howard W Hunter gave this beautiful challenge and promise to us, “make the temple, with temple worship and temple covenants and temple marriage, our ultimate earthly goal and the supreme mortal experience,”...“May you let the meaning and beauty and peace of the temple come into your everyday life more directly in order that the millennial day may come, that promised time when ‘they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more . . . [but shall] walk in the light of the Lord." After reading that it makes me feel how important the temple is and how I need to always be willing and able to go . Although I haven't gone through the temple yet I cant wait for the day when I can receive and proffer from all the blessings it has to offer entering it in full worthiness with my eternal companion. And also be able to always share those blessings with my husband and family. I hope and pray I can always "walk in the light of the lord" and teach my children to WANT to do the same.

Men are that they might have joy

Even as I proceed into the latter chapters 2nd Nephi my mind reflects back on chapter 2. In particular I've been pondering verse 25: "Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy." Joseph Smith echoed that thought when he said, "Happiness is the object and design of our existence." If the whole reason we exist is to be happy, why is it that we aren't always happy? How do we reconcile this notion of joy with the trials and challenges we sometimes have that Jeffrey wrote about. As I was thinking about this, my eye went up to verse 23 where it says had Adam and Eve not partaken of the forbidden fruit they would have remained in innocence "having no joy, for they knew no misery." There's the answer! We wouldn't know how good the good times are without having experienced some bad times for comparison. And it's a win-win situation, because when times are good, we're happy and when the trials come along, they refine us and make us appreciate the good times more. So whether our lives are rosey or not, it's all a blessing as long as we know we're doing what we should.

One other verse that impressed me was in verse 26 where it says men are free to "act on themselves and not to be acted upon." It struck me that that means we can set our own course. We can be "creators" of our circumstances and not "creatures" of circumstance. We can chose our own actions and attitude, no matter what is going on around us.

Finally, all the blog comments praising Lehi have been an eye-opener to me. I had always seen Nephi as the hero of 1st and 2nd Nephi - and felt a tad bit critical of Lehi because of the one time it mentions that he murmured. But many of you have pointed out how remarkable Lehi was too. And now that I notice Lehi is one speaking in chapter 2 - one of the greatest chapters of the Book of Mormon - I see him in a new light.

The Joy of Being a Parent

It is incredible to me to see all the post about parents and their children. I love the fact that the start of the Book of Mormon starts out with so many scriptures of Lehi following his Heavenly Father and listening to him. Also Nephi having such strong faith and following his father Lehi and his Heavenly Father. It was kind of funny, I was sitting at home playing with Hannah and being very grateful to have her in my life and to be able to be her mom, and I just had a feeling that I needed to write about how incredible Lehi was and how much love you could see he had for kids (even if they weren't following Heavenly Father). When I got on I had realized that Allison had posted something about Lehi and being a parent. Being a Mother is a true reward in my life. I have an incredible daughter who I get to stay home with all day long and play with. How could life get any better than that. It makes me hope more than anything that I can do the things through out the rest of my life that make my children look up to me and want to follow my example. As we saw with Laman and Lemuel though even after their father's strong faith and trust in the Lord they chose not to listen. I know in my life that my kids may not agree with me fully, but as long as I am keeping the commandments and teaching them all they need to know that we will all be together for eternity. What a great thing it is to know that because Jeff and I were married for time and all eternity in the Lords house, that my family can be together forever. I can't even imagine how incredible it will be in the next life in the celestial kingdom where we are all perfect and we are with our families forever. I will get to "play" with Hannah and all my other children and all their children everyday. It will be such an incredible feeling, but I know that in order to see that and get there I have to do my part. I have to rely on my Heavenly Father and follow his commandments and all that I have promised to do. You would think knowing the end result somewhat and imagining what it would be like that you wouldn't want to sin or go astray but that is why Satan is here, is to test us and to make sure that we are completely on the Lord's side and following the things that will make us happy. 

The Love of a Parent

Lehi's account of his vision of the tree of life has meant something different to me as I have become a parent. In his dream, Lehi partakes of the fruit and finds it filled his soul with, "exceedingly great joy." The first thing he desires after partaking is that his family experience the same joy by also eating the fruit.
As a parent I can relate to Lehi's great desire. I have experienced so much joy as I have lived the gospel, had my prayers answered and felt of God's love for me. I want so much for my children to have those same experiences! But, as I learned about 10 years ago, you can't force feed a child. No matter how many times you try to shove something down their throat, they don't have to swallow.
To his delight, Nephi, Sariah and Sam choose to partake of the fruit. Laman and Lemuel did not. After he woke, Lehi was so concerned about his two eldest sons that he, "did exhort them with all the feeling of a tender parent." In the end, however, they just didn't swallow and Lehi kept teaching and exhorting them all his life, even as he lay on his death bed. I can only imagine the heartache that he felt.
I wonder if this is how our Father in Heaven, the perfect parent, feels when His children choose not to partake of the fruit. He could have forced us to obey, to swallow the fruit. But, that was not the best way, not His plan. Just as the iron rode provided a way for the people in Lehi's dream to get to the tree of life, Heavenly Father has provided the tools that we need to return to Him. In the end though, we all must choose for ourselves.

And he shall consecrate thine afflictions...

I found a few one line gems today while reading that I wanted to spend a moment writing about.  In the first Lehi is talking to his son Jacob and says...

"Nevertheless, Jacob, my first born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain." (2 Nephi 2:2).

    

  It is interesting that almost this same language is used in D&C 121 when Joseph Smith was suffering in liberty jail.  There the Lord said in response to his pleas,

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well God shall exalt thee on high..." (D&C 2127-8)

  In both Jacob and Joseph Smith's examples they grew closer to the Lord through their "afflictions." In both cases the Lord chose them in the "furnace of affliction." (1 Nephi 20:10)

Lehi then goes on to teach another important principle in this chapter which if understood helps bring comfort in times of afflictions,

"But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things." (2 Nephi 2:24)

Understanding these scriptures may not make afflictions easier, but they will help us to understand why we have them and how we should respond. Is it any wonder then, that Jacob, who had so many afflictions, and actually learned from them went on to write one of the most profound discourses on the atonement of Christ (2 Nephi 9)?  Or, that Joseph Smith, the great prophet of the restoration, came out of his experience more compassionate and closer to his Father in Heaven?  

It is not....

The Lord gives us challenges and "afflictions" because he loves us, and because he "knoweth all things," including what we need and when we need it.  It is my hope and prayer as our family has afflictions and challenges that we can face them in such a way that the Lord will consecrate them for our gain; and that we can grow from them instead of letting them slow us down.  Then we, like Joseph and Jacob, having passed through the furnace of affliction can go on to accomplish great things!

I would like to comment on 2Nephi 15 20-21. The world is a very confusing place and I think Isaiah describes that when he says, ""Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Sometimes in the world, the lines between right and wrong seem blurry and confusing. What used to be clearly and universally accepted as wrong, is now being embraced as okay or even right. I think same-sex marriages is a great example. Just 10 years ago, there would have been no debate at all. There were no same-sex displays of affection on television or in the newspaper. Now, it seems like people who advocate for traditional marriage are being called bigots and are scorned. Another example I read about recently is a minister somewhere in the Midwest who told his congregation that it was okay to steal from stores, as long as you really needed the items and as long as it was from a big chain store like Walmart or Target. I see the children I teach at school confused by the discrepancy between what some of them see at home and what they are taught in DARE. One little 10-year old girl doesn't even know how many brothers and sisters she has because her mother has been with so many partners over the last several years. I hope that we can be clear in our own minds about right and wrong and teach the children we have and will have about how to discern between good and evil and about how important it is to follow the counsel of the living prophets.

"Have Ye Inquired of the Lord?"

Sometimes the principles of the gospel are so simple that we overlook them. It's like when Nephi's brothers couldn't understand what their father had taught them about the Olive tree and the Gentiles. (1Nephi 9:8) Nephi simply asks them, "Have ye inquired of the Lord?" It seems to me the Lord is eager to bless us with knowledge and answers but we have to ask. In fact that's just what Nephi tells his brothers in verse 11 " The Lord saith ...If ye will harden not your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you." The Lord will answer, but there are three conditions:

1. Faith

2. Believing that we shall receive

3. Keep the commandments

Let me just share two occasions in my life where I was faced with a major question and asked of the Lord and received an answer.

I remember clearly after Sally and I had been dating for a number of weeks and both feeling a strong attraction and bond, both of us were wondering if our relationship should lead to marriage. We kneeled together to pray about it and each felt a warm, somewhat overpowering, undeniable feeling that we should get married. We had asked and the Lord and He answered. (Those of you who have heard the story will know that because of my hesitation to make such a huge commitment, I wavered and it was another year and a half before we got engaged, but I could never deny the feeling I had in answer to that prayer. In fact, in asking again before getting engaged the answer was kind of like the Lord said to Oliver Cowdery in D&C section 6 "If you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know the truth of these things. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?") I agree with my Dad who always said that meeting and marrying Sally was the best things that ever happened to me.

I also remember inquiring of the Lord back in 1984 if our family should move from Fort Wayne to Idaho Falls. It was not a great move career-wise. Even though I would be news director, as well as anchor, Idaho Falls was a smaller TV market - not the direction someone climbing the career ladder in TV news would normally go. I had prayed about it and not received an answer at first, but this time it came as I was driving the car. I remember vividly driving on Sherman right where it curves around Franke Park on my way to work and getting a calm, peaceful feeling that we should make the move. I'm glad I did because if we hadn't moved to Idaho I probably wouldn't have the wonderful son and daughters-in-law and beautiful grandchildren I have now. It's kind of like when Allison mentioned how she and Riley felt good about moving to the job in Boise, and later realized why that decision was a blessing.

All these blessings for me and for Larsens came from "inquiring of he Lord."

Repeating

As I have been reading each day. I go back to Allison's entry about the new Gospel Principles lesson manual, and how she had some people complain that it was basic and they learn it so many times. As I have been reading in the scriptures you could say that they have been repeated. I don't know how many times I have seen, "Follow the Commandments," "Come unto Christ." How many times the atonement has been brought up, and many other things. I think that in our lives with the way of the world and our views being attacked at times, we need to have things repeated over and over. I know also that I was growing up, I sometimes did not pay close enough attention as I probably should have to lessons in Sunday School or Seminary. Even now with Hannah in Relief Society and Sunday School it is harder to pay attention. I have been praying for added knowledge of the church and to be able to understand the scriptures more. I have also been working with Jeff since we got married to better understand the scriptures and the history of our church. This scripture challenge has already brought me so much knowledge and now it is perfect timing for this Gospel Principles manual to come out for the basics but some of the most important things of the church. I know that I will learn a lot and at the end of this year I will have a greater knowledge of the church. I believe that 2010 is going to be a growing year for me and a year to strengthen my testimony even more. 

Joseph Smith: Divine Prophecy

As I read Chapter 1-3 of 2 Nephi, I cant help but be over whelmed with the thoughts of a sad, and excited prophet Joseph Smith Jr.. In the start of 2 Nephi I can only feel an inkling of what Joseph was feeling as he translated Lehi's dying words to his sons. How prophetic did Lehi speak? I'm amazed at his wording, he was truly a prophet of God and was trying to relay all his feelings of the Lord and that his posterity may find redemption through Jesus Christ before he left his "probation" . After hearing all these amazing and beautiful words, my mind is directed toward D&C 3. This chapter was a revelation given to Joseph Smith jr. through the Urim and Thummim about the lost 116 pages of the manuscript which was called "Book of Lehi". Joseph had given this translated portion of the BOM to his scribe Martin Harris, and he asked to be lended these pages to show his wife and family. The Lord knew what would happen and answered Joseph in prayer not to let Martin H. borrow these pages not once, but twice. Joseph asked once again because of the pressure Martin H. was giving him to show his family of the "proof" of the translation. Finally the third prayer to the Lord, he gave him permission to lend Martin H. the papers. I know that Joseph was sick in body and spirit after finding out that Martin H. had lost these sacred pages of Lehi. And after I read more of Lehi's words in 2 Nephi, I wonder what more we could have learned through this Holy prophet which words were lost in 1828? Although I'm sure Joseph was hurting through the translating of those pages, Heavanly Father knows how to reactivate Joseph's confidence through the prophesying in chapter 3. In this chapter I believe Joseph was feeling alot better about the good he was doing for this world, as it prophecies of his life and trials. How clear are the words in verses 14- 15 ? It calls Joseph by name speaks of his fathers name as well as talks about all the people that seeked to destroy him and how they will be confounded (to put to shame, or bring to ruin)! I know if I had been translating this section what an AWESOME vote of confidence that would have been! I cant even begin to think of what it would feel like to have a prophet from thousands of years before me calling me by name and naming me to " bring my people to salvation". What a great experience for Joseph after feeling so horrible about those lost pages of Lehi.

Laman and Lemuel

I really liked what Jeffery said in his last post about Laman and Lemuel. Their reaction to the news that they would be leaving behind their comfortable lifestyle to "rough it" in the wilderness was so different than that of Nephi's. As I was pondering why this might be, I wondered if their age might have played a roll in their attitude. Laman and Lemuel were older and probably were more involved in the Jeruselum "scene" than was Nephi. Nephi was younger and more trusting of his father.

Joseph Smith was also young, just 14, when he had the first vision. Having had the opportunity to work with the children and youth of the church over the past 10 years, I have noticed how trusting these young people are. The scriptures tell us that, "we should become as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him (Mosiah 3:19), " just as Nephi did.

As I pondered the first couple of chapters of Nephi, I found myself reflecting upon my past reponses when the Lord has asked me to do something; fullfilling a calling, following a prompting I have recieved, etc. Have I murmured like Laman and Lemuel or have I been humble, submissive and willing? And, what would my attitude be if I were asked to give up everything that I had? Would I react as Nephi or as Laman and Lemuel?

"Liken All Scriptures Unto Us"

In 1 Nephi 19:23 Nephi says "I did like all scriptures unto us that it might be for our profit and learning." I'm so pleased to be seeing a lot of that on this blog; people writing about what those scriptures written in 600B.C. can mean to us in our daily lives in 2010. I thought about that as I was reading 1 Nephi 17:51. Laman and Lemuel were murmuring about Nephi not being capable of building a ship. In response verse after verse Nephi recounts the great this the Lord has done for His people in the past, like saving the children of Israel from the Egyptians, parting the Red Sea, preserving them in the wilderness. Nephi then says. "And now if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that He cannot instruct me how to build a ship?" And so it is with us. If He can do all those miracles surely He can help us be a better home teacher or visiting teacher, or an inspired Elder's Quorum president or primary leader. He can heal relationships, give us inspiration as parents, and provide guidance and strength in the challenges we face.

As we "liken the scriptures to ourselves" we can find the answers to all our needs and questions. I know that's the case because time after time it's happened to me. A scripture just pops out at me with remarkable clarity as an answer to a prayer or concern. A general authority once said words to this effect: "When we want to speak to God we pray. When He wants to answer He does it through the scriptures."

2Nephi 2

I was listening to 2Nephi 2 yesterday on my way to work. I was impressed with the amazing summary of the Gospel plan found in that one chapter. It explains so clearly and concisely so many of the doctrines of salvation. I will remember that this chapter is a great one for investigators or those of us who need a review of who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. Lehi truly was a great prophet and reading this chapter strengthened my testimony of the

Book of Mormon. Love, Mom

Goodly Parents

I find it particularly interesting that of all of the things that Nephi could have started his account with, that of all the phrases he could have used, he chose this poignant and powerful message:  

"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents . . ."

Perhaps it is because I am now a parent, or maybe it is that I was impressed at my parents recently; either way as I have been reading the Book of Mormon this time I have paid particular attention to the powerful example of parents that Lehi and Sariah were.  And, after reading only half of first Nephi it is little wonder that Nephi started his account the way he did.

Here is an important lesson I have learned on this subject:

-Listen to a righteous parents council:

 In first Nephi 1 and 2 Lehi has a vision where the Lord commands him to leave Jerusalem and take his family into the wilderness.  Understandably, this must have been difficult for Laman and Lemuel to hear, not to mention the rest of the family.  After all, we learn later that they had great wealth which they were now being asked to leave behind. To this and the following tasks that came with it the children had very different reactions.

Laman and Lemuel we read in 1 Nephi 2:12 "...did murmur against their father.  And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them." You see, they did not understand that Lehi, their father, was a righteous priesthood holder who had received revelation from the Lord for their family.  Which is, after-all, his right as the patriarch of the family.  They did not understand the dealings of God that came through their righteous father.

 

  Contrast this now with Nephi's response in chapter 3:7 when asked by his father to return to Jeruselam, no easy task, and get the plates of brass, "And it came to pass that I, Nephi said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."  What absolute faith in his fathers ability to receive direction for their family.

...And later, Nephi showed the ultimate respect and submission to the great patriarch of the family and the priesthood he held, when even after Lehi in a temporary moment of weakness had murmured about a broken bow, Nephi still turned to his father and asked "whither shall I go to obtain food?"  He was humble enough to ask his father, who had the right to receive revelation for his family, where to go to obtain food.  

 

Now the lesson:  It is and always has been easy to accept council from a righteous father/parents when it is convenient for us, or when it is in accordance with that which we already had decided on.  However, the true test of faith and character is to listen to and obey parents council even when it is not convenient, or when it goes against that which we "want," or "think" is best for us.  

    It is my testimony that I have been born of goodly parents who have taught me righteous principles.  Furthermore, I am lucky enough to have righteous in-laws who have taught my wife.  I hope that I can always be as humble as Nephi and follow the council of my righteous parents.  Thank you mom and dad, and thank you to Julia's parents for living the gospel and being righteous enough, and in tune enough to receive revelation concerning us your children!  

Finally: Thank you mom and dad for always being brave enough to have the difficult conversations with me, which were always what I "needed" to hear, even if they weren't always what I "wanted" to hear.

I love you!

2 Nephi: 1

I just enter into 2 Nephi. I am so excited to continue through the Book of Mormon. It is helping me learn so much by knowing I get to add a blog. In second Nephi 2 it's Lehi basically pleading to his sons to Keep the Commandments and enjoy the promised land that was given to them and that as long as they Keep the Commandments that no other nation can posses the land for themselves. I love hearing Lehi talk to his sons and telling them to "awake." I think on occasion Heavenly Father is probably doing this with us in our lives. As long as we are Keeping the Commandments we will prosper. It is so great to know as long as I follow my Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ and listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost that I can as well prosper in the end.

First week of scripture challenge

It was just one week ago tonight that we began the Hildebrandt scripture challenge at home evening. So far is succeeding beyond my expectations. I don't know about all of you, but I've felt closer to the spirit in just one week because of daily study and really trying to get insights into how the scriptures relate to us in our daily lives. It's just like Annabelle said in her quote from President Benson - the Book of Mormon is a gift that we can learn from every day. I've learned so much from each of your insights and experiences too. From your comments I've gained a greater perspective of how the Lord's way is often not man's way and how we need to keep an eternal perspective. I've learned that family members really have experienced that "being led by the spirit" not knowing beforehand the things they should do, actually works and brings blessings. I've been impressed with extent the of the Lord's mercy as it was pointed out that He forgave Laman and Lemuel again and again and again, and he'll do it for us too because of the atonement. And I've been comforted by the insight that keeping the commandments brings peace to our lives. I appreciate all of you and your posts on this blog. Please keep it up. Thanks too to Julia for creating the blog and making it look so great with the pictures and music. Dad.

Joseph's visit by the angel Moroni (Allison)

I found it interesting as I read Joseph Smith's account of his visit by the angel Moroni found in the beginning of the Book of Mormon, that he was given the same instructions repeatedly before being led to the hill Comorah. This same pattern of repeated instruction is found in several important places in the church. We hear the same words each Sunday as the sacrament is blessed, each time we go to the temple, during baptisms etc. The interesting thing is that I can be taught something new by the spirit each time I attend the temple or listen to the sacrament prayer.
Recently I heard someone complain about the new Gospel Principles lesson manual that is being used in the Priesthood and Relief Society classes this year. The complaint was that the material was too basic and many members have been taught the same material repeatedly throughout their lives. As I read Joseph Smith's account and remembered what I had overheard, it hit me that no matter how many times I hear the same teachings in the gospel, I can always learn something new as long as I am open and have the Spirit with me as a teacher. After all, if a great man like Joseph Smith needs to hear instructions repeatedly, I definitely do!

1 Nephi Ch 4 (Annabelle)

I was reading in the beginning of chapter 4 in 1 Nephi and was thinking about how hard it must have been for Nephi to kill Laban. All his life he had probably been taught not to kill and when he learned of his father's vision and of Heavenly Father it must have been made even more clearly not to kill. Yet, here he his with the spirit of the Lord prompting him to kill this man. Though in the end he did it and was blessed. I think the Lord blessed him so that he wouldn't be guilty of his kill. The Lord always knows what is best. He loves us and always will. Amen

from Sally (aka Mom, Grandma)

I was reading this morning in 1Nephi 20. I never look forward to the Isaiah chapters because they are hard for me to understand but today I was impressed with verse 18 where it says, "Oh that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments-then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea". I think that everyone in the world is seeking peace, both inner peace and peace in their surroundings. I think this scripture gives us the key to inner peace which is keeping the commandments. In verse 22, it says, "...there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked". If everyone kept the commandment and had this inner peace, then we would also have peace in the world.

1 Nephi: 18

As I was reading chapter 18 tonight and reading over the part where Laman and Lemuel bind Nephi with cords. I decided to go back through 1 Nephi and see how many times I could see that Laman and Lemuel either murmured or turned their hearts away from the Lord. I may have missed some but in just the first few chapters there were 5 or 6. I was thinking of how this reminds me of the atonement for us. Everytime Laman and Lemuel murmured as long as they repented and turned their hearts back to the Lord, the Lord forgave them and was always by their side. I know that later down the road Laman and Lemuel go down the wrong path but if they had continued to make the right choices and turn their hearts back to the Lord he would have been there for them.  This relates to us because no one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes, but as long as we are doing our best and following the right path and turning our hearts to the Lord he will not leave us behind. The atonement is an incredible thing and the Savior felt every feeling and pain for us, so that we could work through life and repent and return back to Heavenly Father.  

1 Nephi 17-18

Terrica and me have recently got up to this point in our scripture study. Nephi is commanded to build a ship. Not only is is laughed upon and scorned for wanting to build a ship but the way he goes about constructing the ship is mocked as well. Verse 2 of chapter 18 says "Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men." I think this is very relevant to daily life in many ways. The way of the gospel is not the way of men. It is very easy to give into the world when it questions the differences in lifestyle that the worthy members of the church abide by. It takes a great deal of faith and humility to follow the commandments we have been given even if others question the sensibility of the decisions. If we maintain an eternal perspective on life and the decisions it entails, we too can be blessed for making decisions in accordance with the commandments of the gospel.

Jan 1, 2009 "Softening Hearts"

This is Dad ( Jay) . I'm still learning how to use this blog and I think I have it figured out thanks to Julia. Most of us were just adding comments to Julia's initial entry rather than adding our own post that shows up on the home page. (see Julia's instructions below). I've really been enjoying those comments, by the way. Anyway, I have a new post and then I will copy and past the comments made by everyone here on the main blog page.

I was thinking, just imagine being Ishmael and getting a visit from Nephi and his brothers telling you to pick up and leave everything to go into the wilderness to join their family and marry Nephi's sons and travel to who knows where? How would Ishmael and his family ever agree to such a crazy idea? Verse 5 in 1Nephi chapter 7 gives the answer. "The Lord did soften the heart of Ishamel and also his household." I thought, if the Lord can soften Ishmael's heart to do such a big thing - surely he can soften the hearts of family loved ones or others to do things according to his will. Do we know someone who's heart needs softening? (we probably all need to an extent for that matter) The Lord can make it happen! In fact verse 12 tells us the Lord is able to do all things according to His will, for the children of men (and here's the key) if it so be that they will exercise faith in him." Dad

Here are the other great comments I'm copying and pasting from the comments section:

This is Dad.
I underlined several things in the first 6 pages of the Book of Mormon I read tonight. I was impressed that "heart" was mentioned several times. Lehi prayed with "all his heart" giving us an example of how to pray. A few verses later "his whole heart was filled" because of the things he'd seen in a vision in answer to his prayer - teaching us the feeling we can have as our prayers are answered if we pray with or whole heart.
I was also impressed with 1 Nephi 4:6 "And I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." In trying to relate that to us I think it means that if we're prompted to to do something where the exact course and the end product is not clear, if we that that first step into the darkness, relying on the Lord, he will let us know what we need to do. It just takes faith that you are being led by the spirit. Hope to hear your thoughts on scriptures you're reading. Dad

DECEMBER 28, 2009 11:26 PM

alli said...

Dad,
Thanks for your thoughts on being led by the spirit. When we were contemplating what job Riley should take after he graduated, we felt really good about the job in Boise, but we weren't sure why. We heeded the promptings of the spirit and it was such a blessing. When Riley got really sick a few months after starting his job here, we were so grateful that it included really good insurance. The other job didn't have any.

JANUARY 1, 2010 8:27 PM

alli said...

So, I began the Book of Mormon again today is response to this challenge (thanks Jeff and Julia!).

I didn't always read the intro. to the BoM and I can't even remember who inspired me to start doing it, but I have found so many treasures in those first couple of pages and I would like to share my thoughts on a few.

The purpose of the BoM is laid out so clearly in these pages. Those I have found are to:
1. Witness of Christ
2. Give us the doctrine of Christ (4 Nephi)
3. Testify of Christ.

The Book of Mormon truly is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ."

I found a certain quote particularly interesting as I reread the Introduction this evening, because I hear of so many people searching for peace in their lives. This, the Book of Mormon, "tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come (Introduction to the Book of Mormon, par. 3)."

As I live by the teachings found in the Book of Mormon, I have peace. The best self help book I have ever read is the Book of Mormon. My best counselor; Christ.

JANUARY 1, 2010 8:39 PM

alli said...

This is Annabelle's comment:
I was reading the introduction in the Book of Mormon and I saw a little slip of paper my class had glued in front of the introduction. It is a quote by Ezra Taft Benson. He said,"Heavenly Father wants you to continue to learn from the Book of Mormon every day. It's Heavenly Father's special gift to you.By following it's teachings, you will learn to do the will of our Father in Heaven." What that means to me is, you should always strive to read the Book of Mormon every day. As you read you should strive to learn the teachings. I know that it will help you in your troubles so much if you take the time to read the Book of Mormon every day. Each time I start over again I get something new out of the Book of Mormon. My favorite scripture is the Book of Mormon, and I will strive to follow the teachings I read in this book.

Adding New Post

**Mom posted a post right below this one, so make sure to check it out**

Hey Everyone! I've noticed that people have been adding to the blog which is GREAT.  I love reading everyones thoughts and insights. One thing Dad and I noticed was that it's getting put in the comments under my first post. I was just going to add on here how to add a new post so it can be seen right when you go to the blog and you don't have to click on the comment section. Then if you want to leave a comment specifically for someone's post then you can use the comment section.

1. go to blogger.com

2. sign in using your email and password

3. click on little blue button that says New Post

4. It will then bring up a two separate boxes: one for a Title (smaller one) second for main composing area (bigger box). Once you are done typing what you want hi publish post and will show up on the main page of the blog. 

I hope this helps a little....please let me know if you have any questions! 

1Nephi 1-15

Dad and I listened to the first 15 chapters of 1st Nephi on our trip to Utah this week. I was interested in a few ideas that came to me. First, I was thinking about how little material wealth matters in the long run. Lehi and his family left everything they had and traveled in the wilderness in order to be obedient. In an effort to get the plates, the brothers brought all their gold and silver to Laban. They took all they had as far as material wealth and lost it but they obtained a greater treasure... the plates that had their genealogy and the commandments. I have also been thinking about Lehi's vision of the iron rod. When Nephi was shown the same vision, he explained that Lehi had not noticed that the river was filled with filthy water. I think that we get so busy sometimes and so distracted that we miss very obvious dangers in our lives. It is such a blessing to have loved ones and church leaders who can help us see things we might have missed.