2 Nephi 31:20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
*This is the 2016 mutual theme. I'll be studying it in my journal, cuz it's awesome.
*I love it. Eternal life is not just given to us. We work for it.
Moroni 10:8 And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.
*He has given us so many gifts. Each has talents we only need to explore. Do not hide them, invest in them, grow them.
Come & eat.
The table is set, we need only to partake of the bountiful gospel He has prepared for us. Alma 5:34
*Every day, with all the little things you do in your home, even in the little directions you give (wash your hands, clean your room...), in what may seem mundane, routine, and unexciting, you are actually teaching the gospel, and you can share these ideas with your children.
**I'm going to try and seek out those teaching moments.
Go ask your father.
Doc&Cov 19:38 Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing-yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.
39 Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness?
Alma 7:11-12 =The Lord eagerly awaits the invitation to come and succor us. (Succor = TO RUN TO)
Pray unceasingly, speak with Him.
Help your sister.
We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:
Faith Divine Nature Individual Worth Knowledge Choice and Accountability Good Works Integrity and Virtue
We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.
*We are children of God, we stand together, always.
Jan 2016 Presidency message:
Loving disciples of Christ pray and work for such a blessing for others and for themselves. From accounts in the Book of Mormon and, for many of us, from our own experience, we know that the gift of happiness is attainable. We know that the path to happiness is well marked. We also know that maintaining happiness is not easy unless, as with the Nephites after the Savior's visit, the love of God dwells in our hearts.
*Alma 13:28-29
Clean your room.
We have been asked to maintain a spiritual environment in our homes. We need to have a righteous environment so the Spirit of the Lord would be comfortable in the room, so that He may come to us, answer our prayers.
*Neal A. Maxwell- Just as the rising generation is here now, by divine design so are we who have been placed just ahead of them. This is not by accident.
**Welcome Him into your home, your lives and you will know peace.
Change your attitude.
Mosiah 4:O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, AND our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.
*Thru the Atonement, our sins are forgiven AND our hearts are changed and healed. He is the Healer.
Wash your hands
Alma 12:14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.
- We are not spotless but repentance is the "hot soapy water" that can make us clean and repair our souls that our
(Doc&Cov 121:45)...confidence [will] wax strong in the presence of God...
*Repentance not only cleanses our hands, but changes, heals our heart.
Uchtdorf. Happiness your heritage.
An instrument in His hands.
In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers.
*I absolutely love this.
The work of creation.
Uchtdorf, Happiness your heritage.
The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy. Our birthright and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.
*Men are that they might have joy. I've seen you create amazing things.
Moses 1:39 For behold, this is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
*Creating and being compassionate are 2 objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father's perfect happiness. These are 2 activities that we, as His spirit children, should and can emulate. Have I done any good in the world today?
Compassion : sympathetic consciousness of other's distress together with a desire to alleviate it.
Doc & Cov 6:20 Behold, thou art [Bryana], and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.
*Sometimes we undervalue our abilities. We focus on what is lacking rather than what has been accomplished.
*When we ask Him in prayer we must listen for how He answers us. He answers us each differently.
Day 21
What mean these stones?
Josh 4:6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
*History proves the love the Lord has for His people and His willingness and ability to lead them to a promised land.
*What stones have you shouldered and placed as a memorial of your journey? I hope you bear them proudly, every stone you have put on your shoulders is just another chapter in your legacy. He leads me, He leads me along.
Day 20
Art thou only a stranger
Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures
Doc&Cov 88:63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
*My life has been so busy lately I haven't recognized the blessings around me. I need to seek for Him and see.
Day 19
Seek for more
John 20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him...Master.
*She was searching for Him. Do I recognize the Lord's voice? Am I preparing to hear His voice? I must search for Him, to prepare to hear.
Day 18
After all.
Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
*I love this. Tonight it made me look at what I've been struggling with. Have I taken it to the Lord? Let Him know I'm aware of it?
Doc & Cov 64:31 And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you, and my words are sure and shall not fail, that they shall obtain it.
32 But all things must come to pass in their time.
*I have so many marvelous plans, in my head they're beautiful and they work out perfect. Most times, oh so often, my plans never ever work out even remotely close to what's in my head. I've come to recognize that the Lord's Hand is over everything and His timing is perfect, even for the little things, the little insignificant chores and tasks. He sees me, my life, my whole heart. He knows where and who I need to be and when.
Day 17
What lack I yet
Mark 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
*Do we go the extra mile when serving? Do we willingly give all we have to serve the Lord? It means that we are always on the Lord's errand. Extend your reach.
Day 16
Help thine my unbelief
Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
*Part of the promise of the Atonement is the blessing that comes after we have done all that we can do. When we aren't enough, He can make up the difference. But we must ask the Father, in Christ's name, for the added strength.
We must believe that after all we can, He can fill what's empty, straighten our bent parts, & make strong what's weak. He can make us enough.
Doc & Cov 6:14 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.
6:20 Behold, thou art [Bryana], and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.
*Put your name in 20.
I love these scriptures. They comfort me.
Day 15
The sycomore tree.
Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
*Zacchaeus removed himself from his busy life and climbed a tree to see the Savior clearly. Where is your sycomore tree, your sacred haven?
Day 14
The better part.
Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
*Martha was cumbered to serve. Each day we have the opportunity to give the better part. We too may feel cumbered and troubled about many things, but we can take the opportunity to lift and brighten the lives of others by simply doing that which we do best.
What are you best at? How can your gift bring joy to others?
Day 13
Out of darkness.
Isaiah 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.
11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
*We must continue to follow the prophets, but without apathy. We must be strong in our convictions of the gospel. We cannot lead ourselves to the Celestial kingdom, He leads us.
Day 12
The Gift.
Luke 17:18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
*If we turn to the Savior and seek His counsel, we too can be healed and given the chance to live again. Turn to Him and He can AND WILL help us to strengthen our weakness. May we thank Him for blessing us.
Day 11
Calm the waters.
2 Ne 25:26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
*To keep the focus on the Lord each day we
Talk- Do our conversations with friends and family reflect our daily experiences with Christ?
Rejoice- Do we rejoice when our prayers are answered?
Preach- FHE? Do we find opportunities to teach of Him in our home?
When we focus on Him, the stormy world around us disappears. When we take our eyes off Him, we sink.
Day 10
Stand.
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Stand by faith-Rom 11:20
Stand fast in the faith-1 Cor 16:13
Stand and testify-Alma 5:44
Stand spotless-3 Ne 27:20
Stand in the place of our stewardship-D&C 42:53
Stand in holy places-D&C 45:32
Stand as a witness-Mosiah 18:9
Take upon us the Lord's whole armor, that we may be able to stand-D&C 27:15
Having done all to stand for truth, righteousness, peace & faith-Eph 6:13
Day 9
Ancient Keys.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. (I love this scripture, we talked about it in institute, in class, after class & now in my reading!)
Hinckley-It is the opportunity, the responsibility of every man & woman in this church to obtain a conviction of the truth of this great latter-day work & those who stand at its head, even the Living God and the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Recognize His voice.
John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
*He leads us, protects us, heals us, defends us, and comforts us. We show our devotion to the Shepherd when we choose to listen to His voice & to come when we are called. His concerned and consistent call will beckon to us daily.
We must remember there is only One who has set aside everything to seek us.
Day 7
Promise without a parallel.
Moroni 7:26... Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you.
*Not many people can run 6 miles the 1st time they take up jogging. So it is with answers. We learn to receive them, a step at a time, until we become familiar enough with the answers to prayer to appreciate them everywhere around us. As we become more familiar with the way He answers us, we will learn to pray more often.
** Favorite -> D&C 6:14
Day 6
When hope is gone.
Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
*When Christ was suffering in the garden, the last of His strength fleeting, He was sent an angel to strengthen Him. In our darkest hours, when we require strength to just exist, He will send us angels to help us through. The Lord will be always near you.
Day 5
Who is this Jesus?
John 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
*It started as just a mundane daily chore, she got water from the well. But she was taught a lesson and given the Living Water. Some of our greatest learning moments come as we go about our ordinary daily tasks. Seek the "pearls in the field" every hour. See the heavenly blessings that surround you.
Day 4
Never stopping, ever searching.
Matt 9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. (Woman with the issue of blood)
Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith... Be not afraid, only believe. (Jairus' daughter is dead, what now?)
*There are times when we had to stretch & search for the Savior to find strength beyond our own. By Scripture study & meaningful prayer we were led to Christ. Stretch.
Day 3
2 Nephi 25:21 Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand.
23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
*I have my patriarchal blessing but have I written down my testimony for my boys? I will.
Day 2
Take His name. Each of us bears a last given to us by our parents and then our spouse. Every word we speak, every act we perform represents the entire family. We have also been given the name of Christ. Each Sunday we take His name upon us, so that we might remember Him in all things. Every word and every act also represents Him, our Savior.
Just as the disciples did, we can consecrate our lives to serve the Lord. Serve, speak, act, witness, remember.
21 Days Closer to Christ by Emily Freeman
Day 1
Come and seek. The Lord has extended the invitation for each of us to come unto Him. It is the same invitation that was given to the fishermen of Galilee, but will we leave behind our nets, which are so full of other interests and everyday challenges?
Holland. May 2006
My desire today is for all of us to have more straightforward personal experience with the Savior's example.
I'm determined to have an attitude of gratitude tomorrow. I have so much to be thankful for. There are so many blessings in my life. And you are one of them. :)
Attitude determines altitude!
There are many gifts we just have to seek for. We have to ask Him for the blessings of gifts in our life, and we can't hide the talents that He has already given us.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton lists a few less conspicuous gifts : to ponder, to look to God, to hear and respond to the still small voice, to be calm, to study, to listen, to offer prayer, to bear mighty testimony, to be a disciple, to have charity.
What are some gifts you are seeking?
President George Q. Cannon : How many of you are seeking for these gifts that God has promised to bestow? If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect.
Elder Hales : One [gift of the Spirit] that I believe has impact on each of our lives is the gift of prophecy or revelation. This gift is different from the priesthood office of prophet. The gift of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.
Ensign, Feb 2002
D&C 46:8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
Eyring. Oct 2012.
God knows our gifts. My challenge to you and to me is to pray to know the gifts we have been given, to know how to develop them, and to recognize the opportunities to serve others that God provides us. But most of all, I pray that you will be inspired to help others discover their special gifts from God to serve.
*Seek for the gifts He has given us. Ask for them to be shown to us.
Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
*Most times we forget that He has commanded us to not be afraid!
Hinckley. 10/03. To the women of the church.
-Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord; then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do.
*I'm going to share a bit of my testimony with you. I know that having faith and trusting Him can mean ALL the difference in the world. At times, having faith is the only thing that keeps us going. But I have a testimony of action, of works. Yes, He will bless us, but only when we get up & take action can He pour His blessings upon us.
Hinckley. April 2001. The B's.
Be grateful.
Be smart.
Be clean.
Be true.
Be humble.
Be prayerful.
Read. Jan 2000. Golden plates & feast of trumpets.
For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not (D&C 4:4). As modern prophets have said, the Book of Mormon is the major instrument the Lord prepared to initiate His final harvest.
*As with any instrument, we must practice and study. Study the BofM so that we may bring in the harvest.
Monson. Oct 90 The Lighthouse of the Lord.
Do we in attendance tonight know who we are and what God expects us to become? Remember that the recognition of a power higher than oneself does not in any sense debase; rather, it exalts. If we will but realize that we have been created in the image of God, we will not find Him difficult to approach, for God did create man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Gen. 1:27.) This knowledge, acquired through faith, will bring inner calm and profound peace.
*I've been searching for peace and calm. I just found it.
Benson. 11-1986
It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called the words of life, and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.
*I love this. Read with me.
Jackson. Aug 1990. Moroni visits Joseph Smith.
When Moroni visits Joseph,he quoted Bible verses. Christ did the same when He visited the Americas. There's the pattern. We must teach from the scriptures.
I have completely beside myself when thinking of Joseph Smith's quest to find his answers. I grew up reading the story: he had a question, he read the scriptures, he prayed, he got his answer. But in reading the recitals, I know it didn't happen that way exactly. It took time. He searched for 2-3 years for his answer. His experience gives me strength, I know my prayers will be answered, even if not as soon as I want.
Workman. Nov 2001. Beware of Murmurings.
God has blessed His children with prophets to instruct them in His ways and prepare them for eternal life.
The adversary whispers the deceptive invitation to murmur to thus destroy the power that comes from obedience.
*I love this talk, and it rang true to what is going on in the world today. It made me want to watch conference again! It made me think of what I struggle to obey.
Oaks. May 1995
Our understanding of the nature and purpose of God the Eternal Father explains our destiny and our relationship in his eternal family. Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them. Under the merciful plan of the Father, all of this is possible through the atonement of the Only Begotten of the Father, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As earthly parents we participate in the gospel plan by providing mortal bodies for the spirit children of God. The fulness of eternal salvation is a family matter.
Backman. 01/1985 1st vision
The four surviving recitals of this theophany were prepared or rendered through different scribes, at different times, from a different perspective, for different purposes and to different audiences.
Of utmost importance was not the specific language in which the truths were unfolded but the truths themselves.
My favorite thing I learned :
The First Vision did not occur after a brief quest but took place following a 2-3 year inquiry initiated by Joseph's concern for the welfare of his soul.
(I love technology. I read the talks on my Kindle cuz it's bigger, I highlight awesome things, then I sync my scriptures app. I open the app on my phone and the copy and paste the awesome quotes into a text that I send to my family. I have not missed a single day this year. <3 )
Benson. 6-1981
God's revelation to Adam did not instruct Noah how to build the Ark. Noah needed his own revelation. Therefore the most important prophet so far as you and I are concerned is the one living in our day and age to whom the Lord is currently revealing His will for us.
*Follow the Prophet, he will never lead us astray. We will always ALWAYS be blessed for following the words of the Prophet.
I am now doing my reading for my Institute class.
Oaks. 5/04
We are not commanded to gather to a place, but gather to Christ. In this way, the stakes of Zion are for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.
What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow-thru our premature death or thru His unexpected coming-what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we stop? What accounts would we settle? What forgivenesses would we extend? What testimonies would we bear?
If our lamps of preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to replenish them.
Moroni 10
I finished the Book of Mormon today. And I absolutely love it. I feel so good that I was able to set this goal and accomplish it. I have a deeper understanding and love for my Savior and the Atonement.
In church, I've struggled feeling the Spirit because I get frustrated with wrestling my boys. Today, we sat in the chapel the whole time. Today it hit me. I have this family, my eternal family, because of the Atonement. I am blown away. I feel so loved by that thought. I know the Atonement is a very personal thing for each of us, but that thought just made it more personal to me.
I love you.
Moroni 9:25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.
*Don't stress about the past, nothing will change it. All you can do is live, prepare for the future, trust Him.
Moroni 7:9 And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.
*I've heard it all before, good cannot give evil and evil cannot give good. But today it clicked. It has to do with the INTENT. If we believe in Christ, we will pray with real intent, always, once we have that faith and belief it's hard for us to give up that REAL INTENT.
(Today is day 97, I only have 3 chapters left, technically it's 2 days of reading and then I am going to do my institute class reading list of conference talks.)
All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him. The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devils takes power. - Joseph Smith in Nauvoo (Teachings of Presidents)
*I love this. I have never thought of it this way, and it completely makes sense. I will try harder to not allow the devil any power.
Ether 12:29 And I, Moroni, having heard these words, was comforted, and said: O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I know that thou workest unto the children of men according to their faith;
*ok, honestly, all of 12. It's such a faith building, beautiful chapter. His grace is sufficient.
Ether 8:26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved.
*Some of our responsibilities and choices will have no affect on this generation, but will affect so many of our posterity.
(I am just going to say : I absolutely, without a single hesitation or doubt, HATE the words affect and effect. Seriously. Who's idea was that?)
Ether 6:9 And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.
*I am grateful for music, and how many emotions are evoked with music. I love quite a few of the hymns we sing, and I love piano hymns. It put me at peace and makes me feel loved.
I'm still thinking about Ether 3:4-5. I love those. Today is the first day of November and many are starting a Month of Gratitude. The first thing I always think of is doctors. I am so grateful for modern medicine that has made it possible for me to be here. And has made it possible for me to have 2 beautiful, strong and healthy children. I am so amazed and blessed. I see His Hand in my life. I need to remember the miracles that I have been given.
Ether 3:5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.
*I love this! We know the story, Jared's bro goes to the Lord, asking Him to touch the rocks so they'll have light. The bro has such strong faith that the Lord can and will do this that he sees Him! There have been many times I've seen His hand in my life.
Another line stood out in 4: And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man.
*He will do anything and everything He can to benefit and help us. He loves us. I need to look harder for His hand in my life and be more positive about the things that have yet to reveal their benefits.
Mormon 9:31 Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.
*I've been thinking of my weaknesses and imperfections lately and how, in seeing them, I'm working on making them strengths. It also helps me to ignore the imperfections of others, because they may be working on theirs, and I can't see where they started from. I'm grateful for my point of view and extended understanding.
Mormon 5:13 And this is the commandment which I have received; and behold, they shall come forth according to the commandment of the Lord, when he shall see fit, in his wisdom.
*It's difficult to have our plan work when, more often than not, our plan doesn't align with His plan. We have ideas of what we want, but He knows what we need to become. I'm working on aligning myself with His plan, the more excellent way.
Mormon 2:19 And wo is me because of their wickedness; for my heart has been filled with sorrow because of their wickedness, all my days; nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day.
*For this time, the Lord commanded Mormon to be a silent witness, to NOT preach and cry repentance unto the people. Mormon is to pray for his people. The Lord knows the hearts of all men. Sometimes, ok MOST times, it's best to keep quiet when we see others acting in a way we don't agree with. Pray for them and for peace for you.
4 Nephi 1:3 And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.
*This one made me think. Suddenly, it hit me. It wasn't that they had everything is common, is was that they saw each other as THEMSELVES, and as CHRIST. They loved one another completely and purely.
3 Nephi 27:28 And now I go unto the Father. And verily I say unto you, whatsoever things ye shall ask the Father in my name shall be given unto you.
*This only works if you ask the Father like this :
D&C 9:8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
*It's not about asking which choice to pick, it's about asking if your choice is the right one. :)
(I have been doing my 100 day challenge along with my conference challenge. Today is #86.)
Bennett. Priesthood.
Your loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, invite you to take your next step toward Them. Don't wait. Take it now.
I promise that each faith-filled step will be met with help from heaven. Guidance will come as we pray, rely on our Savior and follow Him, and listen to the Holy Spirit. Strength will come because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Healing and forgiveness will come because of God's grace. Wisdom and patience will come by trusting in the Lord's timing for us. Protection will come by following God's living prophet.
Reeves. Women's.
We will be exceedingly blessed if we exercise faith and patience and go to our Heavenly Father, the source of all truth, with our concerns. So many answers and assurances can come through daily searching and studying the scriptures and with sincere and pleading prayer.
There are so many of us who are thrashing around with feelings of guilt, not knowing quite how to escape. You escape by accepting the Atonement of Christ, and all that was heartache can turn to beauty and love and eternity.
*This is what I needed to hear today.
Bednar. Sun PM.
When you cannot do what you have always done, then you only do what matters most.
*This week's lesson in class was about making goals and figuring out your priorities. I think I have a better view of what I need to do vs what I want to do. Also, what HE needs me to do.
Holland. Sat PM.
Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are. In fact, you are saviors on Mount Zion, and like the Master you follow, your love never faileth.
<3
Anderson. Priesthood.
Faith emits a spiritual light, and that light is discernible. Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it. Your faith is either growing stronger or becoming weaker.
You no longer stand on neutral ground. How we live our lives increases or diminishes our faith. Prayer, obedience, honesty, purity of thought and deed, and unselfishness increase faith. Without these, faith diminishes.
*I'm almost done with the BofM. And I will be starting to read it again. I encourage you to read it again.
Rasband. Sun AM.
(I'm a day behind, yesterday was rough)
He basically bore his testimony, which was awesome. He always gets asked When did you receive your testimony? He replied that it wasn't just one thing, but many spiritual experiences to build his faith.
Think of all the faith-building, testimony-growing experiences that you've had in your life. I bet it's a lot. I know it was for me. It made me realize that I'm stronger than I believe I am. Today was hard, and I was thinking of giving up, then I read this. He builds our faith, our testimony, our strength bit by bit, not all at once. :)
Moroni 10:3-5 The Promise.
Read. Ponder. Receive. Ask.
the Book of Mormon is about Christ, the Atonement of Christ.
Read THESE THINGS: Book of Mormon.
Ponder IT: Atonement.
Receive THESE THINGS: Book of Mormon.
Ask of the truth of IT: ATONEMENT.
We're not asking about the truth of the Book, we're asking, with a sincere heart, real intent, and having faith in Christ, the truth of the Atonement.
And the truth is He is there, He loves you.
Oaks. Sat PM
He therefore knows our struggles, our heartaches, our temptations, and our suffering, for He willingly experienced them all as an essential part of His Atonement. And because of this, His Atonement empowers Him to succor us-to give us the strength to bear it all.
Sometimes His power heals an infirmity, but the scriptures and our experiences teach that sometimes He succors by giving us the strength or patience to endure our infirmities.
Hales. Sat PM.
The Lord will always keep His promise: "I will lead you along." The only question is, will we let ourselves be led? Will we hear His voice and the voice of His servants?
Only your faith and prayers will cause you to lift yourself and have the mighty change of heart. Only your resolve to be obedient can change your life.
*He says we need to begin exercising our faith in EVERY area of our lives. I know I need to be better, my goal this week.
Wixom. Women's.
The Family: A Proclamation teaches that each one of us is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents and each has a divine nature and destiny. Heavenly Father generously shares a portion of His divinity within us. That divine nature comes as a gift from Him with a love that only a parent can feel.
Because you are His child, He knows who you can become. He knows your fears and your dreams. He relishes your potential. He waits for you to come to Him in prayer. Because you are His child, you not only need Him, but He also needs you. The world needs you, and your divine nature allows you to be His trusted disciple to all His children. Once we begin to see the divinity in ourselves, we can see it in others.
*I am a child of God.
Aoyagi. Sun PM.
Isn't your purpose for being on this earth to experience this trial? Isn't it to accept all the trials of this life for what they are and then leave the rest up to the Lord? Don't you think that this problem will be resolved when we are resurrected?
In Abraham, the Lord God declared, "And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."
The principle is that the God who created the heavens and the earth knows the grand design of this earth that He has dominion over all things, and that in order to bring to pass the plan of salvation, He provides us with many different experiences-including some trials-while we are on this earth.
*Men are that they might have joy, not wallow in misery. He loves you and wants you to be like Him. I know I need to be stretched so that I can learn and grow. I don't like it, but I learn from it.
Marriott. Sat AM.
Scripture says, "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good." This doesn't mean all things are good, but for the meek and faithful, things-both positive and negative-work together for good, and the timing is the Lord's.
*I love her talk, so beautiful. Each on of you has had struggles and trials. More than you thought you could bear. But I know that each every one of you have made "all things work together for your good." I know you are stronger for it, and more blessed for it. You are amazing. We can't have joy without sadness.
Martino. Sat PM.
Consider Nephi's counsel. Be obedient, remember the times when you have felt the Spirit in the past, and ask in faith. Your answer will come, and you will feel the love and peace of the Savior. It may not come as quickly or in the format you desire, but the answer will come. Do not give up! Never give up!
*It is His timing, and His plan. Turn to Him and He will answer us, He will guide us, He will strengthen us, He will comfort us.
Helaman 12:2-3
*These ones say that we need to remember the Lord our God when we are going thru time of peace and happiness, not just thru trials and tribulations. He is with us. We must have an attitude of gratitude and cry unto Him in joy and in sorrow. Express our thanks and seek His aid.
**I guess I got super excited for the General Conference Challenge and read today's talk yesterday. :)
Monson. Sun AM.
My brothers and sisters, our opportunities to shine surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others, whether they be our own family members and friends, our co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers.
*I love this discourse. Even listening to it, I could hear the struggle in his voice, the weakness. I want to just write the whole talk but this part is my favorite. We have the light of Christ within us.
Henry J. Eyring:
Your life is carefully watched over. The Lord knows both what He will need you to do and what you will need to learn in preparation for the device you will give. God cares about you and your education. He will not only help you he the education you need, He will take you to the people He wants you to encounter.
*The life we are preparing for is Eternal life. We are preparing to become Gods! All-knowing beings just as our Father. We must never stop learning. He has a plan for us, and where we are at THIS moment is HIS plan A. It may not be what we pictured, but it's where we need to be.
Helaman 6:3 Nevertheless, the people of the church did have great joy because of the conversion of the Lamanites, yea, because of the church of God, which had been established among them. And they did fellowship one with another, and did rejoice one with another, and did have great joy.
*I've felt very strongly that my role as a visiting teacher is to be my sister's friend, I need to be there for them at all times, and I need them to feel like they can turn to me whenever they need something. I share the message, or a part of it that touched me. The sisters I visit have called me for all sorts of reasons and emergencies.
Growing up, I didn't feel like I really connected with any of the girls my age. But now that I'm in RS, I try really hard to chat with the sisters and get to know new ones. That feeling of BELONGING is so very important, it's part of what makes us feel loved.
Helaman 5:43 And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire.
*When we repent, pray often, and keep His commandments, we each will be encircled by a pillar of fire and the heavens will open, and angels will minister unto us. Have faith, do not doubt what you know to be true.
Helaman 3:35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.
*in the verse before this, it says how the faithful members we're being prosecuted and going thru afflictions. NEVERTHELESS....
We must seek Him in all things, while going thru all things. If we pray, fast, seek and study, our hearts will be softened, contentions will cease, and His Spirit will be our companion.
Alma 62:41 But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.
*The war was the same length for them all. But some hearts were hardened and some were softened. It comes down to what they thought of God & Christ. They either saw Them as the cause or the rescuers.
When you have trials, is your heart hardened or softened? Do we turn to Him or away?
Alma 60:20 Have ye forgotten the commandments of the Lord your God? Yea, have ye forgotten the captivity of our fathers? Have ye forgotten the many times we have been delivered out of the hands of our enemies?
*Have you forgotten when the Spirit touched your heart? I try to write down my experiences, but I've lost track of many journals over the years.
This scripture also stuck out.
29 Behold it is time, yea, the time is now at hand, that except ye do bestir yourselves in the defence of... your little ones,
*This hit me hard. :)
Alma 57:27 Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually.
*Hold to the rod with all your might, mind and strength. Stand firm, as a witness at all times, and in all things, and in all places.
Bednar. A Disciple Preparation Center. BYU-I dev. 8-04
http://www2.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2004_08_31_BednarDavid.htm
*This was from class this week. I love this talk. It made me think about my short time at BYU-I, and how I failed horribly because I wasn't ready. Since leaving, my short lived college career has always been a WHAT IF. Things would definitely be different. But while reading this talk, it hit me, I wasn't ready for what I need to learn. Finding Pathways thru BYU-I has been an answer to prayer. I need this and I need it now. I'm ready to learn. I'm ready to teach.
Alma 56:48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
*Oh the army of Helaman. I love this. They were true at all times in whatsoever things they were entrusted.
The strength and testimony of their mothers is amazing. It makes me think about the small things I could be/should be teaching my boys thru my example, to show them that I know...
JST Revelation 12:11 For they have overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; for they loved not their own lives, but kept the testimony even unto death. Therefore, rejoice O heavens, and ye that dwell in them.
*In this chapter of Revelation, the devil is called a dragon. This verse lists the 3 things you can do for DRAGON REPELLENT.
1- blood of Lamb = Atonement
2- testimony = testimony and faith
3- love not their own lives = we're All In, we sustain the Father and we also sustain His timing and His plan.
Alma 50 - Moroni is still prepping for war. He's still building and fortifying his weak cities, and it's been peaceful for a while. He even chases some Lamanites out of Nephite land and starts to build. He starts building a city IN THE WILDERNESS.
This instantly hit me.
1- Never stop working on and strengthening yourself.
2- Stretch yourself, challenge yourself. Don't be afraid to build a city in the wilderness just because of some Lamanites.
Alma 47-49
War talk. Lamanites are stirred up to war, meanwhile, Moroni has been rebuilding and strengthening the cities. Finding the weakest spots and fortifying and strengthening them so when the Lamanites come to battle, they are terrified and fear for their lives.
While reading this past year, I've been more in tune with my strengths and weaknesses, been able to see clearer. I know where my weak spots are and I'm working on strengthening them.
Alma 46:12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it-In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children-and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
*Title of Liberty! It's short, sweet, and to the point. We must always defend our God, our religion, our freedom, our families at any and all cost. We must stand up for what we believe in. And we must be willing to give all so we remain true and faithful. I believe that if we pray daily for these things, to be strengthened in these categories, we will be. :)
Alma 43, battle. The Lamanites come to war against the Nephites. But they end up retreating to the wilderness. Moroni sends his spies to see where they're going, but he also sends messengers to Alma, who receives revelation and prophecy about the plan of the Lamanites. Moroni is a man of faith and a man of action. He doesn't just send messengers, he does something to help himself and his armies. He doesn't just sit around waiting for Alma to reveal the plan, he acts on his faith.
The Holy Ghost can and will guide us in EVERY aspect of our lives, but we have to make a decision first. Decide, then pray.
Alma 41:10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
11:..they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.
*I keep seeing a pattern, and it was spoken in the Women's Conference tonight. Happiness. Joy. Men are that they might have JOY. We are designed BY GOD to have happiness. We are created in His image. God is happiness! Oh this makes me smile. I love this.
Alma 40:12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.
*These verses give me so much peace & comfort, both for myself & for my loved ones have passed on.
Alma 37:46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
*Just because the way is easy, doesn't mean we can take it easy. We still need to exercise our faith, study, learn, teach, pray. I've been working on praying out loud more and often, to help ease the tension and stubbornness between the boys and I. Today was a good day, but by lunch Korbin was all out of prayers. Tomorrow...
Alma 34-36
One scripture in particular, stuck out for me right now :
36:27 And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions;... yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.
*I've come to realize I need to strengthen my prayers. And pray more. I need to cry unto Him in all things, and at all times. I need to show my boys the power of prayer. I need them to see the comfort and peace that prayer can bring. I keep worrying about things down the road, and I need to give my boys all the tools possible to handle everything and anything.
Alma 32:27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
*I love this one. I love how it starts with just a particle, just a desire to believe. It is the simplest instructions, the beginner's guide. And it's not about believing everything all at once, it about opening your heart to receive the words. I never thought of it this way.
I have a desire to feel the Spirit and be taught by the Prophet and leaders during conference. I need to exercise faith and prepare myself to receive His Spirit.
Alma 30:2...but it came to pass after they had buried their dead, and also after the days of fasting, and mourning, and prayer, ...there began to be continual peace throughout all the land.
*I can't help but think of Ruth (my MIL who passed away in May) this week and all the sadness the family holds. I read this and instantly felt peace. I know it'll take time (months maybe years) but we will again have peace after the passing of a loved one.
Alma 27:27...And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men...
Zeal = passion love fire devotion energy
*I think sometimes I lose my zeal and just trudge thru my responsibilities. But I need to focus more on this (29:9) ...but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
*Maybe my going to church when my boys are fussy and my head hurts will make someone smile. Maybe my comment will touch their heart. Maybe I'll be able to console a crying child or mother. I pray to be zealous.
Catch up day.
Alma 26:17 Who could have supposed that our God would have been so merciful as to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted state?
*I have always felt a connection to Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah. I love their conversion story. I feel a connection because, even tho there wasn't a shaking of the earth or an Angel, I feel like their story is my story. (I was not out to destroy anything tho.)
There are not words to describe how I feel. Every word I think of seems so weak and plain. Ammon says it best (end of 16) Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
Alma 26:6 Yea, YOU shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall YOU be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh YOU shall be gathered together in YOUR place, that the storm cannot penetrate to YOU; yea, neither shall YOU be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry YOU.
7 But behold, YOU are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and YOU are his; and he will raise YOU up at the last day.
*Write this down. Remember it. Study it. YOU ARE HIS! YOU are in His hands, He knows where you are, what you need, He knows your heart. He knows YOU!
Alma 22:15-18
Aaron teaches Lamoni about repentance, and Lamoni is praying to God, saying he would give away all his sins to know God. He believes there is a God because Aaron told him.
*I've leaned on quite a few testimonies over the years, and I can proudly say now, that I have found my own. The foundation was built with the aid of others, but I think everyone's is. It is thru the strength of others that we find our own. I'm grateful for the strong testimonies of my family and friends. Thank you for sharing with me. I love you.
Alma 19:31...as many as heard his words believed, and were converted unto the Lord. 32 But there were many among them who would not hear his words.
*How many times did Laman and Lemuel hear the words with their ears but not their hearts? When we hear His words, we need to make sure our hearts are open that we may hear. Most Sunday's I go just to get thru it, but I'm going to try and go prepared to feel the Spirit and hear what He would have me hear.
Alma 17:2...yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently... 3. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation...
*I love this. These are the simple basics that we learn as children. Read, pray, fast. I love love LOVE it. And I've noticed how quick I am to lose focus on the simple basics. I'm slowly getting back to them as I'm starting to teach the boys.
Alma 14:10-11 Adversity
There are so many hard things in life - and each person's difficulty and struggle is different than the next. I try to be positive about my life and to see where I can lose myself by helping others. I've noticed that I've crossed paths with people who are helped and lifted by my experiences.
Alma 13:2-4 (being foreordained)
*I know I was saved for this particular time, I wouldn't have survived if I had been born in an earlier time. But it makes me smile when I hear people that say my generation is a chosen one, that we have been saved for the last days because of our strength. I smile because now, as a mom, I think "Dang! How much stronger than me are my kids?"
*Like Alma, I think, I hope, I pray: Would to God that (the Second Coming) might be in my day; but let it come sooner or later, in it I will rejoice. Alma 13:25
Elder Nielsen. Waiting for the prodigal. 4/15
His instruction to those who have 10 pieces of silver and lose one is to search until you find it.
After all we can do, we love that person with all our hearts and we watch, we pray, and we wait for the Lord's hand to be revealed.
All of us fall short of the glory of the Father. All of us need the Savior's Atonement to heal us. All of us are lost and need to be found.
*I enjoyed this talk, and rereading it was amazing. My A-ha moment was waiting for the Lord's hand to be revealed. Our timelines are often mortal, His is eternal. It's His plan, His time.
Alma 11:42-44 ...The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form...and even there shall not be so much as a hair of their heads that is lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame...
*I absolutely love these scriptures. For me personally, it hold so much hope and joy for the resurrection. I absolutely cannot wait for the time when I will be perfected in Him and standing in front of Him. Right now, my father in law is holding tight to this scripture because of the promise it holds : he'll see his beautiful and perfected wife again. So much hope. Such a promise.
Alma 7:12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the band's of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according g to the flesh, that he may know how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
To succor means to "run to." I testify that in my fears and in my infirmities the Savior has surely run to me. I will never be able to thank Him enough for such personal kindness and such loving care. -Elder Holland, 10/97 He hath filled the hungry with good things.
*Beautiful. That He may know how to RUN TO His people. One of our duties, as Saints, is to succor (RUN TO) His children to help them. I never thought of it like that, but I'll never stop.
Alma 5:26 And now behold, I say unto you, my breathren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
*I love this chapter, Alma Jr is so wonderful and powerful at bearing his testimony. These are amazing questions.
I can see the His image in the countenance of others but cannot see it really in myself. But I think that's a good thing. I think if I were looking for it, than I certainly wouldn't find His image. We must look to and serve others before we can find ourselves in Him and find Him in us.
Alma 4:3 And so great were their afflictions that every soul had cause to mourn; and they believed that it was the judgments of God sent upon them because of their wickedness and their abominations; therefore they were awakened to a remembrance of their duty.
*I desire that spirit: when I have struggles, trials, and bad days, to be reminded of my duty and covenants rather than wallow. I want to look around and work harder at being faithful, fulfilling my callings, and following the commandments. There are some days it's really hard, but I know those are the days I NEED to read, pray and have His Spirit.
Alma 1:6 And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching.
*In the BOM, apostasy is often identified with the wearing of costly apparel. My thoughts are that the first thing we want people to think about us is : "Gosh, they look so good! Look how successful they are!" A testimony, a temple recommend or a winning FHE aren't visible from afar.
27 And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.
*But, we can still show our success in our appearance without being vain.
Mosiah 27:29 My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.
*I love the conversion of Alma the Younger. I love how he wasn't a Nephi, wasn't always a good guy, but still grew to be an amazing instrument in the Lord's hands. If Alma Jr. can do such amazing things, than so can I. I didn't seek to destroy anything, or see an Angel, but I could see the way my life was headed, and I needed to change. I'm grateful I saw both sides of the fence, for only by knowing the sorrow and pain can we know the true joy. I've found my true joy.
The Temple Garment. Aug 97. Asay.
Garments are given to remind the wearers of the continuing need for repentance, the need to honor the binding covenants, & the need to cherish & share virtue in our daily lives.
Garments are the Lord's way of letting us take part of the Temple with us when we leave.
Our salvation depends SYMBOLICALLY on the condition of our garments. Our garments must be washed, cleansed & made white thru the blood of Christ.
*My reading for class. This had so many A-ha thoughts that I had to share them. I need to remember my covenants and to think, really think about the garments.
Mosiah 24:14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
*I have a testimony of this principle. If we turn to Him in our struggles, despair, depression, trials - He will visit us. He will bless us with His Spirit. During my heart surgery, and with my pregnancies, everyone around me was panicking (thank you all for hiding it!) But I was at peace, I had comfort and was not worried thru any of it. Looking back, I probably should have been. But I received blessings, and He was there.
Monson. 09/02. Patience a heavenly virtue.
Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.
*I was saying a prayer to have my headaches go away soon. This is the quote for tonight's reading. I needed this right at that moment. The challenges we face are truly but a small moment.
Mosiah 23:21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
*I often ask Korbin if he trusts me when going and doing things. He does, he has to. And so too must we trust Father.
Mosiah 18:8...ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.
*Our responsibilities as members of the Church of Christ are laid out right there! And the blessings are too! I have a testimony of bearing one another's burdens. I know it is a calling from God and the desire to do it is truly a Gift. But I also know, when I'm helping and lifting others, my burdens are light, and I can get thru my day easier. He strengthens me.
Mosiah 17:11 And now king Noah was about to release him, for he feared his word; for he feared that the judgments of God would come upon him.
12 But the priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him, saying: He has reviled the king. Therefore the king was stirred up in anger against him, and he delivered him up that he might be slain.
*Noah almost let Abinadi go. But those dang priests reminded him that action needed to be taken against him.
Sometimes it's hard to turn and make different choices when those around you have come to know you to be a certain way.
Mosiah 13:29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God;
30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.
*We don't know the WHAT, HOW, WHY or understand all of the commandments given to us, but I think sometimes, they are mostly about obedience and being brought to remember Him when we obey.
Mosiah 9:17 Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers.
*Not all of our battles will be physical ones where brute strength is needed. But, if we are awakened to remember Him in all things (good and bad) we will have His strength, and His Spirit to guide us. We must be strong enough in our conviction to ASK for His help.
**Catch up day, I did other reading**
But if Not. Bro Simmons. 4-04 Ensign
Faith is believing that although we do not understand all things, He does. Faith is knowing that although our power is limited, His is not. Faith in Jesus Christ consists of complete reliance on Him.
Our God will deliver us from ridicule and persecution, but if not. Our God will deliver us from sickness and disease, but if not. He will deliver us from loneliness, depression, or fear, but if not. Our God will deliver us from threats, accusations, and insecurity, but if not. He will deliver us from death or impairment of loved ones, but if not, we will trust in the Lord.
Our God will see that we receive justice and fairness, but if not. He will make sure that we are loved and recognized, but if not. We will receive a perfect companion and righteous and obedient children, but if not, we will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will, in His time and in His way, be delivered and receive all that He has.
*Sorry it's long, but it's sooooo amazing. I love you.
Mosiah 6:3...appointed priests to teach the people, that thereby they might hear and know the commandments of God, and to stir them up in remembrance of the oath which they had made...
*Our Prophet and leaders are to teach us, that we might never forget the commandments and covenants we've made. I love this. One more thing I've known all along but was still an AHA moment.
Mosiah 4:30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.
*My kids are copying me more and more. And they see everything. I need to be more aware of myself, my thoughts, my deeds, my words, for me and for them.
27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.
*My to-do list isn't always the same as His to-do list for me. He gives me strength to do what He needs me to do.
Mosiah 2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
*Points in Mosiah
1)serving others- I need to prayerfully approach teaching my sisters. I can't just wing it, sometimes we're their only lifeline.
2)eyes on the temple starts at home- I need to show the boys my faith and testimony, I need to teach them. Let them see me reading and praying.
3)Liahona was created to lead them based on heed and diligence to Father- Holy Ghost, prayer. I may not have a compass of curious workmanship, but I can pray and feel the Spirit when I need something. It doesn't work so well when I'm not choosing the right.
4) He wants us to learn.
Jarom 1:11 Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them.
12 And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance.
*This was a righteous time for the Nephites and the Prophets never ceased to teach the people and exhort them to be diligent. I love this because our Prophets are doing the same now.
Enos 1:4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.
*I've had a few prayers last a log time, but never ever a day... Most times I get distracted part way thru. I'm getting better at praying. Lately, my soul has been hungering for the gospel, and I love it. I've noticed by diving into the gospel, all the other principles start to follow and I just do them. It's amazing.
Jacob 5:22 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not; I knew that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much fruit.
*I love this. We may not always be where we want to be, but the Lord knows exactly where we are, He has never and will never forget us, He nourishes us thru it all, and if we are willing (D&C 20:77,79) to allow His nourishment into our hearts, we will bring forth much fruit. He has put us in our spots for a reason, He knows our needs and the needs of others. Trust him.
Jacob 4:12 And now, beloved, marvel not that I tell you these things; for why not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him, as to attain to the knowledge of a resurrection and the world to come?
Footnote for SPEAK : 2 Ne 25:26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
*By seeking to attain that perfect knowledge of Him, we bring ourselves so much closer to Him., and we sincerely start to walk His path.
**Today was a catch up day, and I got to catch up to the end of Jacob 4. (Which is good cuz Jacob 5 is a monster.) But I absolutely love the insights I'm getting while reading. I'm underlining all sorts of phrases that stick out. I've read the BOM a few times before but I handled it more as a chore than a challenge. I put this 100 day challenge upon myself. (I do have it on my 101 in 1001, but that's not completely why I did it.) I have been wanting to strengthen my testimony, I've felt it waning a bit lately and I felt I needed to boost it up. I have been getting excited to read my scriptures, which has never really happened for me, and even when I'm really tired I'll finish the challenge for the day. (Last night was an exception, Husband and I agreed, family before reading because I can always take time and read but my family is always moving.) I love that I'm reading with a purpose. And I'm excited as I look deeper. :)
Jacob 3: 1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
*To have a firm mind means to be focused on the gospel and on Christ. Let virtue garnish (prepare to defend, equip for battle, defend) our thoughts! He has given us the Sword of Spirit (our mobile devices), swords can be used for good or evil. Read the words of the Prophets any chance. Firm up your mind!
2 Ne 28:29 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!
30... 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.
*I have been learning so much this week and I absolutely love it. I wish I could dive in head first and study ALL the topics endlessly, but my boys would run naked. I must learn and study, and it doesn't matter how little I study at a time, the Lord gives line upon line. I will continue to learn and soak it in.
2 Ne 26: 8 But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution-behold, they are they which shall not perish.
*look to Him, ask of Him with real intent and an open heart, heed the promptings and follow the Prophet.
2 Ne 25:23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
*WE labor diligently. It hit me who WE is. It's the Prophets, our parents, our families and now us. We prepare the way for ours, just as it was prepared for us.
26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
*WE!
Reading in 2 Nephi 19-23. One phrase is repeated over and over :
And his hand is stretched out still.
Then there's this : 2 Ne 22:1 And in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
*He loves us, and He will comfort us even when we are not choosing the right. He will never turn from us. Never.
2 Ne 9:50 Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.
51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.
*This scripture points out exactly what we need to focus on. Turn to Him, and all will be provided. I need to remember this. Always.
2 Nephi 2:2 Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.
*I love this whole chapter, the promises made, the explanations given, awesome. I know that if we are faithful, He shall consecrate our afflictions for our gain. I know He doesn't give us afflictions, but He allows challenges into our lives that make us stronger, that benefit us, His work and others.
1 Ne 20:10 For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
11 For mine own sake, yea, for mine own sake will I do this, for I will not suffer my name to be polluted, and I will not give my glory unto another.
*The Lord has chosen YOU for your path. He has refined you, purified you in the furnace of affliction. He has done this because He needs YOU at your strongest, He needs the Warrior He knows you to be, He needs the Warrior who was chosen in Heaven to show the world His glory. Only YOU can walk the path He has put you on.
1 Nephi 17:50 And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.
*Oh how I admire the faith of Nephi! I need to stand firm in my testimony of God's commandments. He has commanded us to have families, and to raise them in righteousness (Proclamation of the Family) and how on Earth can I think for 1 minute that He wouldn't have a way for me to follow His commandments?
1 Nephi 14:14 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.
*This is us! We are the saints, the covenant people! So often we see covenant and think only temple, but we make covenants at baptism! This power of God in great glory is for all! And it is ours! We are glorious!
1 Nephi 11:20-23
23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.
25 I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.
*I instantly thought of FAMILY TREE. Our families represent the love of God, shown unto us in the flesh, for us to see and hold EVERY DAY!
Boom! Mind blown!
1 Ne. 8: 12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.
* I know that I need to be better at holding to the rod when it gets dark and dreary, and when the mists roll in. The building was seen from everywhere, even when they couldn't see horizontally thru the mist, they could see the building above them. Sometimes we just need to close our eyes and just hold to the rod.
*BONUS*
Bednar. Seek learning by faith. Liahona 9/07
This is absolutely amazing, and it opened my eyes and heart with a greater understanding of my role as a child of God. I need to be actively preparing myself for what the Holy Spirit teaches.
"In our personal lives, in our families, and in the Church, we can and will receive the blessings of spiritual strength, direction, and protection as we seek by faith to obtain and apply spiritual knowledge."
https://www.lds.org/liahona/2007/09/seek-learning-by-faith?lang=eng
Moroni 10:32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
*I have always loved the promise this scripture holds. Be perfected IN Him, not LIKE Him. It strengthens my testimony of the atonement, and of relying on Him in all things. We cannot get thru this life without Him, and we cannot achieve eternal glory without Him.
Alma 4:14 Looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their sins; being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead, according to the will and power and deliverance of Jesus Christ from the bands of death.
2 Ne 2: 25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
*There is so much pain that we each live with on a daily basis. I take great comfort in these scriptures. First, it gives me relief and hope for my own eternity, I will be perfected, no backwards heart, no pacemaker, no migraines, no depression, no pain. I will be made whole, and I will be perfect. Second, I know that thru God's plan of Happiness, that we are to have joy. Joy is part of the plan! Not just a lucky surprise! Not every day is a happy one, not every situation is happy. But I have a testimony that if we search our days and situations, we can find a bright side, we can find joy.
1 Ne 1:20 But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.
* Today K2 fell and needed stitches, ok it was just one, but it helped put me in my place a bit. We got home, and K1 spilled BBQ sauce, he and Husband frantically tried to clean it up. I realized 2 things in that moment. 1- My things don't matter, my family does. BBQ sauce on the carpet is really no big deal. 2- My family was terrified of setting me off and launching me into a bad mood (it's happened often lately). The Lord took that moment to show me how much my family really means to me, and what I need to do to strengthen my relationships with them.
Mosiah 4:14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil...
15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.
*Some days are good ones, full of giggles and smiles and playing. Some days have few smiles and lots of yelling and impatience. Today was one with few smiles. But rather than see today as a failure, I see it as a few is better than none. Both my boys giggled today. Tomorrow is a chance to make them giggle and laugh again, and a little more, and show a lot more love.
From Faith. The power of faith by Romney.
Blessed is he who has unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He has an anchor to his soul, and a motive for action.
1. The possessor of such faith has a sound understanding of the purpose of life.
2. The possessor of such faith has a sure test by which to distinguish truth from error.
3. The possessor of such faith is fortified in his courage to resist temptation and live true to his convictions.
4. The possessor of a well-informed faith enjoys peace of mind in the days of trial.
Lift up your hearts and rejoice...and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day.
From the book Faith: Faith precedes the miracle by Kimball.
We cannot harvest the grain before planting, sowing and cultivating.
It takes faith -unseeing faith- for a mom to bear her family instead of accepting employment, to observe the Sabbath when profit can be made, to pay tithes when money is tight, to have fasts and family prayers, to do home and visiting teaching, to fill fulltime missions. But know this : all these are of the planting, while faithful devout families, spiritual security, peace and eternal life are the harvest.
Remember, no one of this earth has ever seen the end from the beginning.
And there were no clouds in the sky when Noah started building the ark.
Shark took the boys and played on the mountain, giving me a whole day to myself. I crocheted and watched tv and thought about my little family.
I know that each of my boys is a miracle, and that each of those little spirits were handpicked by a loving Father to be mine and Mark's, to raise and to teach.
I'm blessed to be their mother, and I'm blessed to be Shark's wife. It's not all perfect, but I love how it is. I'm grateful for the gospel and I'm grateful for all my friends and family. I'm grateful for the atonement and for a loving Savior and Father in Heaven.
Scott. The power of scripture. 10/11
He provided tools to help us be successful in our mortal probation. One set of those tools is the scriptures.
Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high.
To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.
*Starting in Aug, I'm going to try to read the BOM in 100 days (the challenge will end on Nov 9th) if you're interested, let me know and I'll send you a link to the challenge.
2 Nephi 1:21-23
23 Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust.
*The armor of righteousness is not just for the sons of God, but for all His children! He gives us this protection, we need only ask for it and we shall have it. And we need it, every day. The world is only going to get darker, the Adversary is only going to get bolder. We are the lights on the hill, we need the armor of God to protect us, and we need to remember that we were saved for THIS day because of our strength! Please, never forget that.
Holland. Because of your faith. 10/10
*I know I have read and posted about this talk recently (it's already highlighted and I remember it!) but I needed a pick me up, and a high five today. I've been feeling really stressed, overwhelmed, and just frazzled lately. Reading this talk again helped calm my whole being.
I have struggled to find an adequate way to tell you how loved of God you are and how grateful we on this stand are for you. I am trying to be voice for the very angels of heaven in thanking you for every good thing you have ever done, for every kind word you have ever said, for every sacrifice you have ever made in extending to someone-to anyone-the beauty and blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Eyring. Mountains to climb. 4/12
*We each ave struggles and trials in this life. None of them are because of something we did wrong, it is that God just wants to be polished a little more.
If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to shape and guide our lives if we choose it. And with prophets revealing to us our place in the plan of salvation, we can live with perfect hope and a feeling of peace. We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved in the Lord's service because we never are. We can feel the love of God. The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up. And He always keeps His word.
