WARNING: If you don't want to hear my view on politics then don't read this post.
This chapter is awesome! It is the story of Amilici and his attempt to reinstate a monarchical government and become king by using his cunningness and wisdom of the world. In the manual it says "this is another example of how wicked men sometimes seek governmental power in order to enforce their will on others. It also teaches that there are times when righteous people must take up arms to defend their laws and liberty."
I know that I shouldn't bring politics into my scripture reading, but I am today...sorry for those of you that don't agree with me, but I have to get this off my chest.
Amilici had intentions to change their government to ways of the world and in a way that would compromise the churches laws and liberties. Now, I know that in America we don't need to worry about our freedom of religion. However, when laws keep being put in place to not use certain religious words or actions in public (including schools) it makes me a little frustrated. You can see numerous examples of this in the last few years especially. America is not the nation our forefathers intended it to become.
Another thing that worries me is the current situation we are in. Right now our leaders are supporting abortion, gay marriage, etc. and we are all going along with it! The media is so liberal and so corrupt that when anyone stands up for their values they are slaughtered!! Look at Miss America. Yes, I know that she is not the best example of a virtuous woman, but at least she stood up for the Christian values she had, after which she was called all sorts of profanities on t.v. I know that a LOT of people LOVE our current president. I just really don't see how you can believe in the gospel and the standards and morals of the church and support him!! Honestly!
Okay, I will move onto more about this chapter. Obama, I mean Amlici got all of his followers together (and there were a lot) and led them to war against the righteous Nephites. The Nephites started out with the upper hand, however, soon the Amlicites joined the Lamanites and had the advantage. But, the Nephites had the Lord on their side and "did pursue them with their might, and did slay them." The remainder of the Lamanites were driven into the wilderness and eaten by wild beasts. :)
I think that we need to learn from the Nephites. We need to pursue righteousness with all our mights. We need to stand up for our values and standards and be the examples. We need to pray mightily for the Lord's direction and help and be strengthened by Him in all of our righteous endeavors.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Job
Yesterday I read a scripture out of Job 19:25-26:"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God."
Ever since my brother, Brian, has gotten to his mission in El Salvador he has been sick. He has been throwing up, weak, and some weeks are worse than others. I thought that once he was used to the food and water he would be getting better. But, he has been out since November and he is still sick. He recently went to a "doctor" who said he has some sort of virus and he gave him some pills to "try out." I caught myself thinking "Why isn't the Lord blessing him with his health so he can do his work?" I think that in situations like these, we need to look at Job.
Job is a perfect example of the Lord trying and teaching us through tribulation. I think that the Lord does everything for a reason, and I think that we can learn from every trial. Maybe Brian will learn patience, perserverence, and have more empathy for people he will bless in the future...I don't know the reason. But, I hope that when I am faced with trials like these I will face them with an attitude of patience and determination, and look for what lessons I can learn through them.
I would like to ask those of you that read my blog if you don't already have something to fast for this upcoming Sunday if you could please fast for Brian. We are trying to get a lot of people to fast and pray for him this Sunday that he can get better and be done with all of this sickness so he can start working hard! Thanks so much!
Ever since my brother, Brian, has gotten to his mission in El Salvador he has been sick. He has been throwing up, weak, and some weeks are worse than others. I thought that once he was used to the food and water he would be getting better. But, he has been out since November and he is still sick. He recently went to a "doctor" who said he has some sort of virus and he gave him some pills to "try out." I caught myself thinking "Why isn't the Lord blessing him with his health so he can do his work?" I think that in situations like these, we need to look at Job.
Job is a perfect example of the Lord trying and teaching us through tribulation. I think that the Lord does everything for a reason, and I think that we can learn from every trial. Maybe Brian will learn patience, perserverence, and have more empathy for people he will bless in the future...I don't know the reason. But, I hope that when I am faced with trials like these I will face them with an attitude of patience and determination, and look for what lessons I can learn through them.
I would like to ask those of you that read my blog if you don't already have something to fast for this upcoming Sunday if you could please fast for Brian. We are trying to get a lot of people to fast and pray for him this Sunday that he can get better and be done with all of this sickness so he can start working hard! Thanks so much!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Church & Politics
Alma 1:17-18 : Capital Punishment (also Gen.9:6)
The church's position on capital punishment was delared in 1889 by the first presidency
"...we regard the killing of human beings, except in conformity with the civil law, as a capital crime which should be punished by the shedding of blood of the criminal, after a public trial before a legally constituted court of the land..."
I like that the church tries to stay out of politics, but I like it when they do too. I thought it was really neat when they encouraged members in California to vote against same sex marriage. It just illustrates how strong the church really is when we have influence over things like that.
I think that as members we should be involved in our schools and community. We need to try to keep up at least a little with what's going on in the world, but especially in our community and schools. We need to take a stand when issues come up that compromise our standards.
Today I read an e-mail that reminds me of this. Here is the link:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/confessions.asp
The church's position on capital punishment was delared in 1889 by the first presidency
"...we regard the killing of human beings, except in conformity with the civil law, as a capital crime which should be punished by the shedding of blood of the criminal, after a public trial before a legally constituted court of the land..."
I like that the church tries to stay out of politics, but I like it when they do too. I thought it was really neat when they encouraged members in California to vote against same sex marriage. It just illustrates how strong the church really is when we have influence over things like that.
I think that as members we should be involved in our schools and community. We need to try to keep up at least a little with what's going on in the world, but especially in our community and schools. We need to take a stand when issues come up that compromise our standards.
Today I read an e-mail that reminds me of this. Here is the link:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/confessions.asp
Alma 1
The beginning of this chapter talks about Nehor... He was "noted for his much strength (used his strength to get attention, along with "costly apparel") He was teaching false doctrine and making a living off of it. He declared "unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular..." In the footnote under popular it references another scripture in 1 Ne. 22:23:
"For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity...are they who need to fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet."
Sounds like we are living that right now...
"For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity...are they who need to fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet."
Sounds like we are living that right now...
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Mosiah 28-29
Today I read these chapters...
Points in them to ponder:
The voice of the people (wisdom of mass is greater than wisdom of the individual)
Free agency & responsibility
The new way they recorded their time - the reigh of the judges
Points in them to ponder:
The voice of the people (wisdom of mass is greater than wisdom of the individual)
Free agency & responsibility
The new way they recorded their time - the reigh of the judges
Friday, May 22, 2009
"The Marvelous Light of God"
Reading: Mosiah 27
In my manual there is a great quote about Mosiah 27:25 that I wanted to post.
"As far as we degenerate from God, we descend to the devil and lose knowledge, and without knowledge we cannot be saved, and while our hearts are filled with evil, and we are studying evil, there is no room in our hearts for good, or studying good. Is not God good? Then you be good; if he is faithful, then you be faithful. Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, and seek for every good thing."
"The church must be cleansed, and I proclaim against all iniquity. A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge, and consequently more power than many men who are on earth. Hence it needs revelation to assist us, and give us knowledge of the things of God" (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p.217)
This quote makes me really want to study and learn more about the gospel...
In my manual there is a great quote about Mosiah 27:25 that I wanted to post.
"As far as we degenerate from God, we descend to the devil and lose knowledge, and without knowledge we cannot be saved, and while our hearts are filled with evil, and we are studying evil, there is no room in our hearts for good, or studying good. Is not God good? Then you be good; if he is faithful, then you be faithful. Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, and seek for every good thing."
"The church must be cleansed, and I proclaim against all iniquity. A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge, and consequently more power than many men who are on earth. Hence it needs revelation to assist us, and give us knowledge of the things of God" (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p.217)
This quote makes me really want to study and learn more about the gospel...
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Scripture Mastery cont...
I wanted to go over the scriptures I've already done and then do a couple more today...
Gen. 1:26-27: God created man in His own image.
Gen. 39:9: Flee from temptation
Exodus 20:3-17: The ten commandments
Exodus 33:11: The Lord spoke to Moses face to face
Leviticus 19:18: Love thy neighbor as thyself
Deut. 7:3-4: Don't marry outside the covenant
Joshua 1:8: Meditate on the scriptures day and night
Joshua 24:15: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
In the footnotes there are a lot of references I thought were interesting for this scripture:
choose - agency, commitment (we have our free agency to choose and once we do we need to make a commitment to it)
this day - procrastination (don't "procrastinate your day of repentance")
house - family, children, responsibilities toward (it is a major responsibility as parents to teach our children the gospel and mostly teach by example)
serve the Lord - example, loyalty, objectives, service, sustaining church leaders (I thought the sustaining church leaders was an interesting footnote for this scripture)
Gen. 1:26-27: God created man in His own image.
Gen. 39:9: Flee from temptation
Exodus 20:3-17: The ten commandments
Exodus 33:11: The Lord spoke to Moses face to face
Leviticus 19:18: Love thy neighbor as thyself
Deut. 7:3-4: Don't marry outside the covenant
Joshua 1:8: Meditate on the scriptures day and night
Joshua 24:15: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
In the footnotes there are a lot of references I thought were interesting for this scripture:
choose - agency, commitment (we have our free agency to choose and once we do we need to make a commitment to it)
this day - procrastination (don't "procrastinate your day of repentance")
house - family, children, responsibilities toward (it is a major responsibility as parents to teach our children the gospel and mostly teach by example)
serve the Lord - example, loyalty, objectives, service, sustaining church leaders (I thought the sustaining church leaders was an interesting footnote for this scripture)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Born Again
I have always been a little confused about this term - to be born again. I understand what it is implying and understand when I hear conversion stories and experiences. But, what about those of us that don't have a major change, who go throughout their lives living the gospel the best we can and don't need to make major changes to come unto Christ?
Mosiah 27:25 says "...Marvel not that all mankind...must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters."
When reading Alma the Younger's conversion experience we can compare the state he was in before and after his conversion. Before he was secretive, destructive, in a dark abyss, rejecting the Lord, in exquisite pain, bitter, and sinful. Afterwards he was public, constructive, filled with a marvelous light, testifying of the Lord, filled with exquisite joy, sweet, and forgot his sins. We can also see the kind of thoughts he had in Mosiah 28:3:
"Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thought that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."
Bruce R McConkie said "We die as pertaining to the things of this world and we become alive in Christ."
Reading all of this gives me two ideas: One, we need to constantly push away the things of the world and be mostly concerned with the gospel and sharing it with others. Two, maybe I won't be born again unless I can eventually become like Christ. Maybe I won't truly be born again until after this life. Does anyone have any insights on this topic they could share?
Mosiah 27:25 says "...Marvel not that all mankind...must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters."
When reading Alma the Younger's conversion experience we can compare the state he was in before and after his conversion. Before he was secretive, destructive, in a dark abyss, rejecting the Lord, in exquisite pain, bitter, and sinful. Afterwards he was public, constructive, filled with a marvelous light, testifying of the Lord, filled with exquisite joy, sweet, and forgot his sins. We can also see the kind of thoughts he had in Mosiah 28:3:
"Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thought that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."
Bruce R McConkie said "We die as pertaining to the things of this world and we become alive in Christ."
Reading all of this gives me two ideas: One, we need to constantly push away the things of the world and be mostly concerned with the gospel and sharing it with others. Two, maybe I won't be born again unless I can eventually become like Christ. Maybe I won't truly be born again until after this life. Does anyone have any insights on this topic they could share?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Know the Lord
Mosiah 26: This chapter focuses on a couple different topics. I liked reading the scriptures 24-28 and the manual's interpretation of them. It talks about knowing the Lord, which is something that has been hard for me to grasp. I feel like I could never REALLY know the Lord until I meet him and see him. Here is what the manual says:
"The kind of knowing referred to in these scriptures involves obeying the Lord's commandments and becoming like him"
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said "To know God in that full sense which will enable us to gain eternal salvation we must...obey those laws that will enable us to acquire the character, perfections, and attributes that he possesses. And before we can obey those laws, we must learn what they are; we must learn of Christ and his gospel..."
This makes a lot of sense. The only way we can truly know the Lord is by studying His teachings and obeying his commandments. It seems like every time I am wondering what I need to be doing to please the Lord the answer is always those same primary answers: read the scriptures, pray, go to church, love one another, etc. But, they really are the answers! The gospel is simple! We just need to do the things we know we should be doing!
"The kind of knowing referred to in these scriptures involves obeying the Lord's commandments and becoming like him"
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said "To know God in that full sense which will enable us to gain eternal salvation we must...obey those laws that will enable us to acquire the character, perfections, and attributes that he possesses. And before we can obey those laws, we must learn what they are; we must learn of Christ and his gospel..."
This makes a lot of sense. The only way we can truly know the Lord is by studying His teachings and obeying his commandments. It seems like every time I am wondering what I need to be doing to please the Lord the answer is always those same primary answers: read the scriptures, pray, go to church, love one another, etc. But, they really are the answers! The gospel is simple! We just need to do the things we know we should be doing!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mosiah 25
Trey and I started reading the scriptures together when we first got married. We would read a chapter a night. Last night I told him I wanted him to read the same scriptures I am reading during the day so we can discuss it later, since we don't always get a chance to read at night with a noisy baby :) He has the scriptures on his Ipod so I am going to just start where we left off last...Mosiah 25.
I love to read with the student manual I got while I was at BYU. It has so many insights I would never see if I didn't read with it. Here is one of the topics in my manual from Mosiah 25:5-11
"Struck with wonder and amazement"
These verses show the importance and value of keeping records. They "enlarge the memory of the people...and convince many of the error of their ways, and bring them to the knowledge of God unto their salvation" (paraphrased)
A couple sundays ago we were talking about things we do to make ourselves happy when we are down. I realized that keeping a journal gives me pages and pages of happy/exciting experiences that definitely make me happy to read. It also reminds me of times when I thought my life couldn't be worse and I can read what I did and how I overcame that feeling. Or, I can just see that I was making a mountain out of a molehill. I also think it is very beneficial to keep a spiritual journal (or just add spiritual experiences in my journal) I am always mad at myself and a little embarrassed when I read my journals and they are mostly about boys rather than spiritual experiences and more of my hopes/dreams/thoughts about life :)
I love to read with the student manual I got while I was at BYU. It has so many insights I would never see if I didn't read with it. Here is one of the topics in my manual from Mosiah 25:5-11
"Struck with wonder and amazement"
These verses show the importance and value of keeping records. They "enlarge the memory of the people...and convince many of the error of their ways, and bring them to the knowledge of God unto their salvation" (paraphrased)
A couple sundays ago we were talking about things we do to make ourselves happy when we are down. I realized that keeping a journal gives me pages and pages of happy/exciting experiences that definitely make me happy to read. It also reminds me of times when I thought my life couldn't be worse and I can read what I did and how I overcame that feeling. Or, I can just see that I was making a mountain out of a molehill. I also think it is very beneficial to keep a spiritual journal (or just add spiritual experiences in my journal) I am always mad at myself and a little embarrassed when I read my journals and they are mostly about boys rather than spiritual experiences and more of my hopes/dreams/thoughts about life :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
For some reason our internet wasn't working yesterday...
2 Ne. 32:3 - "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore I say unto you feast upon the words of Christ, for behold the words of Christ will tell ye all things that ye should do."
This was my scripture to think about yesterday...notice how it says the words of Christ will tell you ALL things that you should do. Not just SOME things or not just the IMPORTANT things. The scriptures really can give us the answers to ALL of our problems, especially with the help of the Holy Ghost and the power of prayer.
Today in church I got little tidbits of each lesson (since I was out in the hall most the time with Allie) But, I noticed that I heard little tidbits of things I had been thinking about a lot lately and things that I needed to be reminded of. In Relief Society I was reminded of how blessed we are in these latter days and that I need to be more grateful for my extremely fortunate circumstances. In Sunday School we learned about temples while reading in D&C a lot about the Kirtland temple...there are around 139? temples now!! I was reminded that I need to go as much as I can to do the ordinances for the dead, but to also bless and strengthen my family. In sacrament meeting we had two really good speakers. The first talked a lot about teaching -knowing what we are teaching and loving those we teach. The second talked about service. He talked about how living the gospel is a lifelong process...the church is like a school. In my ward of the elderly and newleyweds he said some here are almost ready to graduate, while others have just begun. I just thought that was an interesting way to look at it.
2 Ne. 32:3 - "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore I say unto you feast upon the words of Christ, for behold the words of Christ will tell ye all things that ye should do."
This was my scripture to think about yesterday...notice how it says the words of Christ will tell you ALL things that you should do. Not just SOME things or not just the IMPORTANT things. The scriptures really can give us the answers to ALL of our problems, especially with the help of the Holy Ghost and the power of prayer.
Today in church I got little tidbits of each lesson (since I was out in the hall most the time with Allie) But, I noticed that I heard little tidbits of things I had been thinking about a lot lately and things that I needed to be reminded of. In Relief Society I was reminded of how blessed we are in these latter days and that I need to be more grateful for my extremely fortunate circumstances. In Sunday School we learned about temples while reading in D&C a lot about the Kirtland temple...there are around 139? temples now!! I was reminded that I need to go as much as I can to do the ordinances for the dead, but to also bless and strengthen my family. In sacrament meeting we had two really good speakers. The first talked a lot about teaching -knowing what we are teaching and loving those we teach. The second talked about service. He talked about how living the gospel is a lifelong process...the church is like a school. In my ward of the elderly and newleyweds he said some here are almost ready to graduate, while others have just begun. I just thought that was an interesting way to look at it.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Well, I missed a day...so today I am writing the second I get a chance...Allie is watching Wonder Pets. Usually she lasts about ten minutes so hopefully I'll have time to finish. :)
I'll do some more scripture mastery to make it quick:
Deut. 7:3-4: Do not marry outside of the covenant ( I read the Bible Dict. on Marriage too)
Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the scriptures day and night.
Reading this scripture actually gives me an idea. For days like yesterday, when i just cannot find the time to sit down and study the scriptures, I can just grab them and read one scripture. I don't have to be sitting down, I can be feeding Allie at the same time, and it will literally only take one minute. I figure as long as I have something to be thinking about, I can lengthen my scripture study throughout the day. Scripture study doesn't always have to be sitting down with your scriptures and other books laid out, pen in hand. You can see gospel principles in action if you are looking for them in every day life. Meditating isn't always sitting cross-legged on the floor in silence. It can also happen while you are taking care of a crying baby, with noisy cars driving by and obnoxious toys going off at the same time! Wow Allie has almost watched a full episode of Wonder Pets.
I'll do some more scripture mastery to make it quick:
Deut. 7:3-4: Do not marry outside of the covenant ( I read the Bible Dict. on Marriage too)
Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the scriptures day and night.
Reading this scripture actually gives me an idea. For days like yesterday, when i just cannot find the time to sit down and study the scriptures, I can just grab them and read one scripture. I don't have to be sitting down, I can be feeding Allie at the same time, and it will literally only take one minute. I figure as long as I have something to be thinking about, I can lengthen my scripture study throughout the day. Scripture study doesn't always have to be sitting down with your scriptures and other books laid out, pen in hand. You can see gospel principles in action if you are looking for them in every day life. Meditating isn't always sitting cross-legged on the floor in silence. It can also happen while you are taking care of a crying baby, with noisy cars driving by and obnoxious toys going off at the same time! Wow Allie has almost watched a full episode of Wonder Pets.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Love Thy Neighbor
To review my scripture mastery...
Moses 7:18 - Zion, Unity
Genesis 39:9 - Flee from wickedness
Exodus 20:3-17 - Ten Commandments
Exodus 33:11 - "And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend..." (this was Jesus speaking - I always get confused as to who is being referred to in the scriptures as the Lord. I know that it is different in every book so its hard to remember. Does anyone have a good way to determine/remember that?)
Leviticus 19:18 - Love thy neighbor as thyself.
Its funny that I am reading this scripture today. We just got some new downstairs neighbors that aren't from the US (they are from the mid east I think) and they have two toddlers. Everyday since they have moved in they have cooked really smelly food that makes my apartment smell bad and makes me feel sick. Their kids are really loud too and they are always out on their balcony (or at least whenever me and Allie are out on ours) It has been a frustrating couple of days adjusting to the way its going to be from now until they move and I have definitely not been loving my neighbors.
I think that this commandment is definitely hard in the "dog eat dog" world we live in today. There is so much contention and everyone has a strange idea of entitlement to the American dream with no work or effort. It seems like the world is becoming more and more selfish and I think we need to step back and look at how we view our own lives and remember that God has given us everything. I think it is important to not say "what can this country/ward members/neighbors do for me, but what can I do for them?"
Moses 7:18 - Zion, Unity
Genesis 39:9 - Flee from wickedness
Exodus 20:3-17 - Ten Commandments
Exodus 33:11 - "And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend..." (this was Jesus speaking - I always get confused as to who is being referred to in the scriptures as the Lord. I know that it is different in every book so its hard to remember. Does anyone have a good way to determine/remember that?)
Leviticus 19:18 - Love thy neighbor as thyself.
Its funny that I am reading this scripture today. We just got some new downstairs neighbors that aren't from the US (they are from the mid east I think) and they have two toddlers. Everyday since they have moved in they have cooked really smelly food that makes my apartment smell bad and makes me feel sick. Their kids are really loud too and they are always out on their balcony (or at least whenever me and Allie are out on ours) It has been a frustrating couple of days adjusting to the way its going to be from now until they move and I have definitely not been loving my neighbors.
I think that this commandment is definitely hard in the "dog eat dog" world we live in today. There is so much contention and everyone has a strange idea of entitlement to the American dream with no work or effort. It seems like the world is becoming more and more selfish and I think we need to step back and look at how we view our own lives and remember that God has given us everything. I think it is important to not say "what can this country/ward members/neighbors do for me, but what can I do for them?"
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Be of Good Cheer
Well, I have been in a bad mood the last 2 days so I decided to read President Monson's conference talk in the ensign today...
2 Tim. 1:7 - "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Ne. 2:25 - "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."
D&C 68:6 - "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you."
2 ne. 9:18 "Behold the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in [Him], they who have endured the crosses of the world,...they shall inherit the kingdom of God,...and their joy shall be full forever."
This talk was such an awesome one - I just love to listen to Pres. Monson speak. In it he tells three stories of people that have perservered during difficult times. The last story about a young mother of four children living in Europe, widowed by war and forced to travel during the winter on foot accross Prussia to Western Germany. It made me cry! It is the saddest story, but, like waking up from a nightmare, it gives me perspective on my life and how blessed I am! I don't even deserve to have a bad day or two with how blessed I am!
Anyone with the gospel in their lives should be shouting for joy every day. I need to be doing that and I need to be looking for ways I can share the gospel with more people.
2 Tim. 1:7 - "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Ne. 2:25 - "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."
D&C 68:6 - "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you."
2 ne. 9:18 "Behold the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in [Him], they who have endured the crosses of the world,...they shall inherit the kingdom of God,...and their joy shall be full forever."
This talk was such an awesome one - I just love to listen to Pres. Monson speak. In it he tells three stories of people that have perservered during difficult times. The last story about a young mother of four children living in Europe, widowed by war and forced to travel during the winter on foot accross Prussia to Western Germany. It made me cry! It is the saddest story, but, like waking up from a nightmare, it gives me perspective on my life and how blessed I am! I don't even deserve to have a bad day or two with how blessed I am!
Anyone with the gospel in their lives should be shouting for joy every day. I need to be doing that and I need to be looking for ways I can share the gospel with more people.
Monday, May 11, 2009
I have been in such a tired, annoyed, and frustrated mood today...I literally had no time to do anything until now...I was feeling like the last thing I wanted to do was read my scriptures. I opened them up and noticed my patriarchal blessing in the front of them. I decided I would read that today as my scripture study since I desperately need a nap and only have a minute...As soon as I started reading it a feeling of peace came over me and I knew that everything that has been frustrating today doesn't matter. Keeping an eternal perspective is the best way to not let the little things get to you. I love the gospel.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day
Since today is Mother's Day I wanted to find scripture that related:
When Nephi was delivered from the bondage of his brothers on his ship at sea he a few words of advice (1 Ne. 17:55)
First, they said "We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us." And they fell down before Nephi and were about to worship him... Nephi said,
"I am...thy younger brother; wherefore worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee."
If I was Nephi I would probably have said "Don't worship me, but please stop being so stiffnecked about the gospel and stop hurting me!!!" The fact that Nephi said first worship the Lord and then honor thy father and mother shows how important it is to show your parents the honor and respect they deserve.
I know most of us have probably had some rough patches with our parents growing up, but I hope that we all let our parents know how much we love them and how grateful we are to them for what they have done for us.
When Nephi was delivered from the bondage of his brothers on his ship at sea he a few words of advice (1 Ne. 17:55)
First, they said "We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us." And they fell down before Nephi and were about to worship him... Nephi said,
"I am...thy younger brother; wherefore worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee."
If I was Nephi I would probably have said "Don't worship me, but please stop being so stiffnecked about the gospel and stop hurting me!!!" The fact that Nephi said first worship the Lord and then honor thy father and mother shows how important it is to show your parents the honor and respect they deserve.
I know most of us have probably had some rough patches with our parents growing up, but I hope that we all let our parents know how much we love them and how grateful we are to them for what they have done for us.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Scripture Mastery cont...
For a quick study today, since Saturdays are always busy, I am just going over more of my scripture mastery scriptures:
Genesis 1:26-27 - God created man in His own image
Genesis 39:9 - Fleeing from temptation
I was wondering why this was a scripture mastery scripture...I think probably because we are told many times to "flee from temptation." Not to just stand around and think about it for a minute, not to weigh out our options and decide on what we know will make us happy, but to "flee" from it. How many times would we make better decisions in our lives when, instead of standing around and either following the crowd or just making the easier decision we actually fled the entire situation? I think that sometimes we need to take this literally and get away from places that will influence us to make bad decisions. It is so much easier to make good decisions when we surround ourselves with good people and in good environments!
Genesis 1:26-27 - God created man in His own image
Genesis 39:9 - Fleeing from temptation
I was wondering why this was a scripture mastery scripture...I think probably because we are told many times to "flee from temptation." Not to just stand around and think about it for a minute, not to weigh out our options and decide on what we know will make us happy, but to "flee" from it. How many times would we make better decisions in our lives when, instead of standing around and either following the crowd or just making the easier decision we actually fled the entire situation? I think that sometimes we need to take this literally and get away from places that will influence us to make bad decisions. It is so much easier to make good decisions when we surround ourselves with good people and in good environments!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Know the Scriptures
So, one of my goals in my scripture study (besides actually reading them everyday) is to know my scriptures better. Although I did do my scripture mastery in seminary, for some reason only a few out of the hundred I "mastered" stuck with me :) So, I am going to start with the scripture mastery scriptures and "remaster" them the best I can. This time I am going to learn the reference and topic of the scripture rather than just memorizing it.
Starting from the beginning:
Moses 1:39 - This is my work and my glory...(the plan of salvation)
Moses 7:18 - The Lord called His people Zion...(Zion, Unity in the church)
Abraham 3:22-23 - These I will make my rulers...(Council in Heaven, Intelligences, Foreordination)
If anyone has any good ways of remembering these please share :)
Starting from the beginning:
Moses 1:39 - This is my work and my glory...(the plan of salvation)
Moses 7:18 - The Lord called His people Zion...(Zion, Unity in the church)
Abraham 3:22-23 - These I will make my rulers...(Council in Heaven, Intelligences, Foreordination)
If anyone has any good ways of remembering these please share :)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Talents...
I found some notes I had taken about Talents
Talents - responsibility/stewardship
1. Discover (try new things)
2. Willing to spend time & effort
3. Faith that the Lord will help us
4. Faith in ourselves
5. Learn skills necessary
6. Practice our talent
7. Share it
I also looked up some more scriptures:
Ether 12:35 - If Gentiles have not charity, the Lord will take away their talents
D&C 60:2 - the Lord is not pleased with those who hide talents
D&C 82:3 - of him who much is given, much is required
D&C 82:18 - saints to be equal, that every man may improve his talents and gain other talents
The Lord really does give us everything we have - even talents, and we should be looking for ways we can use them to help others, or just share them and lift others. I think that we can be utilizing the talents we already have while we are also gaining other talents. I think that part of sharing our talents is teaching others how to gain the talents we have too.
Talents - responsibility/stewardship
1. Discover (try new things)
2. Willing to spend time & effort
3. Faith that the Lord will help us
4. Faith in ourselves
5. Learn skills necessary
6. Practice our talent
7. Share it
I also looked up some more scriptures:
Ether 12:35 - If Gentiles have not charity, the Lord will take away their talents
D&C 60:2 - the Lord is not pleased with those who hide talents
D&C 82:3 - of him who much is given, much is required
D&C 82:18 - saints to be equal, that every man may improve his talents and gain other talents
The Lord really does give us everything we have - even talents, and we should be looking for ways we can use them to help others, or just share them and lift others. I think that we can be utilizing the talents we already have while we are also gaining other talents. I think that part of sharing our talents is teaching others how to gain the talents we have too.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Weaknesses, Strengths, and Talents
Lately I've been thinking about the parable of the talents (Matthew 25)...I don't really have any areas I am really talented in. I usually can do many things, but I am just okay at them. I was thinking about this today because of the economy and if i were to get a job in the future I was wondering what I would want to do and if I would want to go back to school or not. I also thought of 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.
Now, I know that this scripture refers mostly to our spiritual weaknesses, but I also think it refers to physical, mental, social, etc. weakness. This scripture comforts me in knowing that the Lord will be there for me and help me in my life. When thinking about this economy and not knowing what my family's future holds, this reassures me that if I did need to get a job at any time the Lord would help me in areas that I am not so strong and things will be okay.
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.
Now, I know that this scripture refers mostly to our spiritual weaknesses, but I also think it refers to physical, mental, social, etc. weakness. This scripture comforts me in knowing that the Lord will be there for me and help me in my life. When thinking about this economy and not knowing what my family's future holds, this reassures me that if I did need to get a job at any time the Lord would help me in areas that I am not so strong and things will be okay.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Controlling Our Thoughts
There was an article in the Ensign called "Think About What You Are Thinking" by Bruce K Fordham...here is my quick summary:
Satan wants us to be "miserable like unto himself" (2 Ne 2:27) so he makes us think we cannot control our thoughts.
Alma 50:1-6, 10:
Captain Moroni built fortifications ahead of time to defend his people against their enemies.
We can do the same thing to protect us from evil thoughts... There are two techniques we can use.
1. Treat the thought with indifference, preventing it from developing or becoming engaging to our minds.
2. Replace the thought with a wholesome thought or activity.
He suggests having a go-to hymn to think about when we have a bad thought.
Personally, when I start thinking about something negative or evil I think about my family. I try to remember the last really fun thing I did with family or friends, or I think about my to-do list. And, I try not to watch any movies that would burn any bad images in my brain. :) If there is something that is especially bothering me I ask Heavenly Father to help me not think about it. We can always ask for forgiveness and help daily in prayer!
Satan wants us to be "miserable like unto himself" (2 Ne 2:27) so he makes us think we cannot control our thoughts.
Alma 50:1-6, 10:
Captain Moroni built fortifications ahead of time to defend his people against their enemies.
We can do the same thing to protect us from evil thoughts... There are two techniques we can use.
1. Treat the thought with indifference, preventing it from developing or becoming engaging to our minds.
2. Replace the thought with a wholesome thought or activity.
He suggests having a go-to hymn to think about when we have a bad thought.
Personally, when I start thinking about something negative or evil I think about my family. I try to remember the last really fun thing I did with family or friends, or I think about my to-do list. And, I try not to watch any movies that would burn any bad images in my brain. :) If there is something that is especially bothering me I ask Heavenly Father to help me not think about it. We can always ask for forgiveness and help daily in prayer!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Feast Upon the Words of Christ
A scripture quoted often:
2 Nephi 32:3
"Feast upon the words of Christ"
This reminds me of a lesson my dad gave in church one Sunday. It was a fast Sunday so his class was especially hungry (I think it was a younger Sunday School class but I can't remember.) He brought in pictures of food - really yummy-looking food. Of course his lesson was about feasting on the words of Christ. He helped them understand the real meaning of feasting when they thought about how much they wanted to eat and how good food would taste to them. He reminded them that we should be studying the scriptures like we feast after fasting on Sunday. We shouldn't just pick at our "food" or just take one bite and call it good. We should be excited to study the scriptures, dive right into them and enjoy every bite until we are full. (These definitely aren't his exact words)
I think that I have been a casual eater lately, and much more picky that I used to be. I hope this blog will help me feast on the scriptures, and hunger for them like I used to.
2 Nephi 32:3
"Feast upon the words of Christ"
This reminds me of a lesson my dad gave in church one Sunday. It was a fast Sunday so his class was especially hungry (I think it was a younger Sunday School class but I can't remember.) He brought in pictures of food - really yummy-looking food. Of course his lesson was about feasting on the words of Christ. He helped them understand the real meaning of feasting when they thought about how much they wanted to eat and how good food would taste to them. He reminded them that we should be studying the scriptures like we feast after fasting on Sunday. We shouldn't just pick at our "food" or just take one bite and call it good. We should be excited to study the scriptures, dive right into them and enjoy every bite until we are full. (These definitely aren't his exact words)
I think that I have been a casual eater lately, and much more picky that I used to be. I hope this blog will help me feast on the scriptures, and hunger for them like I used to.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sabbath
Today in Sunday School we had a GREAT lesson by Bro. Sanderson - I always really like his lessons... There were a lot of comments about the importance of coming together to worship and partake of the sacrament. There was a scripture I particulary liked in D&C 59:9-14:
"And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy holy sacraments upon my holy day; For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times; But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord..."
The Sabbath is a day to me that should always be different from the rest of the week and a day of rest. I always believed it was important to go to our meetings every Sunday. I think today what i was reminded was that it is the Lord's day. Just like we give back 10% in the money we earn (of course everything we have is already the Lord's) we should give back one day of the week... In a way it is like tithing on our time...
Another thing I thought was interesting was the part about "confessing thy sins unto thy brethren" I see this 2 ways:
1. confessing to the bishop
2. humbling ourselves with the other members of the church and talking about our imperfections in the attitude of looking for ways we can better ourselves. I don't even know how many times I have heard someone comment about one of their imperfections and how they work on it and I have the same imperfection! I ALWAYS get ideas from others on how I can better myself through hearing others examples.
"And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy holy sacraments upon my holy day; For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times; But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord..."
The Sabbath is a day to me that should always be different from the rest of the week and a day of rest. I always believed it was important to go to our meetings every Sunday. I think today what i was reminded was that it is the Lord's day. Just like we give back 10% in the money we earn (of course everything we have is already the Lord's) we should give back one day of the week... In a way it is like tithing on our time...
Another thing I thought was interesting was the part about "confessing thy sins unto thy brethren" I see this 2 ways:
1. confessing to the bishop
2. humbling ourselves with the other members of the church and talking about our imperfections in the attitude of looking for ways we can better ourselves. I don't even know how many times I have heard someone comment about one of their imperfections and how they work on it and I have the same imperfection! I ALWAYS get ideas from others on how I can better myself through hearing others examples.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Asking for Blessings
The Bible Dictionary has always been one of my favorite parts of the Bible. You can learn so much from it! I was reading about prayer in the BD and I really liked this part:
"The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them."
Why did I never think of it this way before? I knew that Heavenly Father blessed those that humbled themselves and asked for blessings. But, I have been in the mind frame that we should be thanking Him for our blessings more than asking for others. For some reason I never realized that many of our blessings "are made conditional on our asking for them." I am looking back in my life at times where I had needs/wants for blessings and maybe didn't go to the Lord for them. I think that every time I need something now I will evaluate it and if it is a righteous desire I will definitely ask!
"The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them."
Why did I never think of it this way before? I knew that Heavenly Father blessed those that humbled themselves and asked for blessings. But, I have been in the mind frame that we should be thanking Him for our blessings more than asking for others. For some reason I never realized that many of our blessings "are made conditional on our asking for them." I am looking back in my life at times where I had needs/wants for blessings and maybe didn't go to the Lord for them. I think that every time I need something now I will evaluate it and if it is a righteous desire I will definitely ask!
Welcome!
I have a confession to make... Ever since I have had my one-year-old daughter, Allie, I have been horrible about doing my daily personal scripture study. I don't know about all of you new moms out there, but scripture study was just one of the many things that I have had to adjust since having another person to take care of. I used to be excellent about reading my scriptures every night, but now that nights are a little crazy, and so are mornings, oh and every other part of the day Allie is awake, I just don't have a set time of the day I read my scriptures and a lot of the time I don't get to them. When Allie takes her naps is usually when I shower and clean up our messy house. So, I thought that maybe if I had other people to hold me accountable (anyone that looks at my blog) I would try a little harder to find the time. Hopefully this blog will help me study my scriptures more regularly (even if its just a short study a day) and will lift others that look at it once in a while too! I hope that it will and I look forward to discussion and insight from anyone who feels the need to! Thanks! Oh, and don't be afraid to get at me if I miss a day or two here or there!
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