8.31.15

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.

8.30.15

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.

8.29.15

**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.

8.28.15

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.

8.27.15

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.

8.26.15

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.

8.25.15

**BONUS**

September Ensign, First Presidency Message :

Families & Prayer by Henry B. Eyring

Think of what that can mean to those who kneel with you in family prayer. When they feel that you speak to God in faith, their faith will increase to also speak with God. When you pray to thank God for blessings they know have come, their faith will grow that God loves them and that He answers your prayers and will answer theirs. That can happen in family prayer only when you have had that experience in private prayer, time after time.

*This whole message was AMAZING, but this part in particular stuck out to me. I love it.

8.25.15

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.

8.24.15

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.

8.23.15

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.

8.22.15

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. :)

8.21.15

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!

8.20.15

2 Ne 31:7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

*When He was baptized, it was never ever about Him needing to be baptized, it was always about His complete obedience to Father.

It's like I'm reading the BOM for the first time.

8.19.15

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.

8.18.15

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.

8.17.15

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!

8.16.15

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.

8.15.15

2 Ne 15:20 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!
21 Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!

*I had my class reunion today, I told them we lived in UT. Oh, did you become Mormon? I wasn't a good example of a Mormon in HS, but they acknowledged my choice of soda. They said Mormons can't do anything "fun" BUT every Mormon they've met has been incredibly happy. I know I'd take happiness over their "fun" because I chose it. I'm grateful my eyes are open and I have joy.

8.14.15

2 Ne 11:8 And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.
12:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

*I'm in the Isaiah chapters and I'm so confused. BUT I read this about the temple. We go to be taught HIS ways.

8.13.15

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.

8.12.15

2 Nephi 4:15 And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.
16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

*I've been reading the BOM daily and trying to journal about everything too. Some days it's lots, some it's not. But I do write something every day. I'm trying to delight in and ponder the scriptures more.

8.11.15

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.

8.10.15

1 Nephi 22:26 And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth.

*I look forward to the time when Satan is bound. But I also know, he can be banned from my home and myself if I am righteous. I choose who I let in my home. I need to keep a better eye on who I let in, and get better at keeping him out. I need to focus on dwelling in righteousness.

8.9.15

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.

8.8.15

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?

8.7.15

1 Nephi 15:3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord;

*When the Prophets speak to us, in conference or in the scriptures, if we ever have any questions, or don't understand something, we can ALWAYS ask the Lord. He wants us to ask Him, to turn to Him. He will always answer you. Seek Him.

8.6.15

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!

8.5.15

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!

8.4.15

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.

8.3.15

1 Nephi 3:7 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.

*Tonight's question to ponder was : Why did Laman and Lemuel murmur? A thought hit me : Nephi was a daddy's boy, he did whatever Lehi asked, I can see them reading thru the plates together. If Nephi was my brother, I'd be annoyed and think, "Even if I do good, I'll never be as good as Nephi, the Lord chose him to rule over me." I know their choices made a huge difference, but Nephi loved them and forgave them every time they beat him. Sometimes you have to look past the bad and see there might be a possibility for good, that's faith.

8.2.15

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.

*We are the chosen ones, we fought for Him, we chose this path, and we have been faithful. He will make us mighty to continue the fight.

Bednar : the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord. Truly, the Lord suits his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.

8.2.15

*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

8.1.15

I'm reading the BOM. From the Introduction :
Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”
*I love rereading this book, and hope I've picked a challenge that will help me study it better.
This is the 100 Day Challenge I'm doing :
http://www.mormonshare.com/lds-clipart/100-day-book-of-mormon-reading-chart