1 Nephi 9:6 - "But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words."
In this Nephi is talking about the Lord's commandment that Nephi should keep a record of his people; that he doesn't know the purpose for it, but he knows that God knows and is wise and has a purpose for everything.
I believe that's true. And this verse is applicable to more than just this particular situation. It means a lot to me at this point in my life with the things that I have going on right now. Speaking of my decision to move out west and not knowing exactly how that's going to work out. But I know that it's the right thing for me to do, and I know that God will find a way to make it happen, in a way that is best for me.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
1 Nephi chapter 8
Okay, so this one is really interesting. In this chapter, Lehi has the vision of the Tree of Life. What I noticed and wondered about was that Lehi first saw a field, and then the Tree of Life, but he didn't notice anything else, until after he partook of the fruit of the tree; after which he looked for his family, and Sariah, Nephi and Sam came forth and ate the fruit. But it wasn't until after all of this that Lehi saw the rod of iron, and the straight and narrow way. We know through Nephi's interpretation of the dream that the rod of iron is the word of God, not only contained in the brass plates, but also in the scriptures that we have today. But why would Lehi not see the rest of the vision until after he ate the fruit of the Tree of Life? I've never thought of it before, but perhaps it is because he knew of the goodness of God in his life before he actually received the plates (I can't help but think, though, that it must go deeper than that). And the same would go for his family. Or perhaps he needed to understand the goodness of God in order to understand the rest of the dream. I really don't know. That's something that I'll have to think about a little more.
1 Nephi chapter 7
This chapter talks a lot about how Laman and Lemuel wanting to return to Jerusalem because they did not believe the words of their father, Lehi and younger brother, Nephi that Jerusalem would be destroyed. It reminded me of Lot's wife, who, while leaving the unrighteous city, Sodom, looked back on the city and immediately turned into a pillar of salt. The Old Testament is filled with stories that in our day, may seem a little dramatic, but Lot's wife was specifically disobeying the commandments of the Lord. The symbolism in her looking back on the city is similar to those of Lehi's party who wanted to return to Jerusalem, and is equally as relevant in our day. Sure we won't be struck by the Lord, and we most likely will not be turned into a pillar of salt. But we sometimes look back on our sins the way Lot's wife looked on Sodom, and the way Laman and Lemuel wanted to return to Jerusalem. It's the inability to completely let go of our sins, and not look back, but to move forward with an eye single to the glory of God and the pursuit of things spiritual and to cast off the natural man. We must do this to progress in this life, and become more like our Savior. We must! I know this is something that I sometimes struggle with, and have my whole life, but I'd like to think that I'm getting better. And that's part of what this blog is for. To commit myself (with Daryl's help) to reading the scriptures regularly, but also to really ponder the meaning of those things that will add depth to the application of these teachings in my life. It is like bearing my testimony, perhaps only to myself, but by writing my thoughts, I realize that I truly have a testimony of the teachings of the prophets, both past and present. It is what keeps me going in this life, and what gives me hope in the future. How fortunate I feel to have the knowledge that I have, and how much more I want to learn to gain more. This is my pursuit in life.
1 Nephi chapter 6
This chapter is short, but the part that I really like was in verse 5, where it talks about things which are pleasing unto the world versus things that are pleasing unto those that are not of the world. This really makes me think of the "natural man" and the things that appeal to our "human nature" versus things that our spirits are drawn to. When we read our scriptures and grow our spirituality, that we may be more in tune with the Holy Ghost, we strengthen our resolve and ability to resist temptation. This is a crucial part of our test here on this earth, and this is what we agreed to when we accepted the announcement of the plan of salvation as laid out before us by our future Savior, and loving Brother, Jesus Christ. How much we must have loved Him and admired Him in that moment, before we came to this earth and our spirits were clouded with the veil. But how lucky are those of us now, who have been chosen to come to earth during the last days, when we have a true fullness of the gospel. And how important is it that we do missionary work that we might spread that good fortune and blessings to those who do not have it.
I was talking with my sister, Caroline this morning, as we both dreamt of our Papa last night. She told me of a dream that many in our family have had about our Papa and the work that he is doing in the spirit world right now. We know that it is just as crucial for those who have returned to life beyond the veil to do the work of the Lord to prepare for His coming. I have a testimony of that work, that as it says over and again in the Doctrine and Covenants, that God's work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. It is our work through Him to help, by serving our fellow man. And so that is what I will try to do.
I was talking with my sister, Caroline this morning, as we both dreamt of our Papa last night. She told me of a dream that many in our family have had about our Papa and the work that he is doing in the spirit world right now. We know that it is just as crucial for those who have returned to life beyond the veil to do the work of the Lord to prepare for His coming. I have a testimony of that work, that as it says over and again in the Doctrine and Covenants, that God's work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. It is our work through Him to help, by serving our fellow man. And so that is what I will try to do.
1 Nephi chapter 5
The only thing I really made note of in this chapter is Sariah's mourning for her sons, as they waited for them to return from Jerusalem with the brass plates. I couldn't help but draw a parallel to Emma Smith's suffering as she lost child out of child during the hardships that the pioneers faced as they were driven out of each city and had to start over. I've noticed the same kind of mourning in my own mother at times, as she worried about the many difficulties that her own children have gone through (which has seemed to be an awful lot for one family). I couldn't help but wonder what motherhood must be like and how hard it must be to watch your children go through hard times, or even worse to lose a child. I think that is one of my biggest fears in this life.
Anyway, that's what I noticed in this chapter.
Anyway, that's what I noticed in this chapter.
1 Nephi chapter 4
Two things stood out to me in this chapter:
First, Nephi reasoned within himself the words of the angel and the justification in slaying Laban when the Lord delivered Laban into his hands. Specifically he realizes that in order for his posterity to have the law of Moses, that they might be obedient to the Lord in the promised land, they need to actually have the words of the law of Moses with them to be able to teach it to the people. I just find it interesting the thought process that Nephi goes through in order for him to understand this particular commandment of the Lord, even after the angel gives him a reason as well. I know that sometimes I need to understand why the Lord would have me do something in order to have the faith to do it, while other times I follow the commandment blindly, trusting that things will work out and I will understand them later. Even earlier in the chapter, Nephi leaves his brothers outside the city walls to go into the city himself. He even states that he "was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do," (vs 6).
The other thing that stood out to me was the faith of Zoram, after he follows Nephi outside the city walls to his brothers, and Nephi invites him to join them. The scriptures do not tell us the thought process that Zoram must have gone through in considering whether or not he should go with Nephi and his brothers. Was he afraid? Or did he simply have the faith to know that this what the right thing for him to do? It seems in the scriptures that he accepts the invitation immediately, and I think it is impressive that he does not seem to hesitate. We know, through further reading, that Zoram remains righteous and obedient with Nephi and his people whenever Laman and Lemuel and part of Ishmael's family rebel against Nephi and Lehi. I think such faith is to be admired, and I would like to aspire to be more like that.
First, Nephi reasoned within himself the words of the angel and the justification in slaying Laban when the Lord delivered Laban into his hands. Specifically he realizes that in order for his posterity to have the law of Moses, that they might be obedient to the Lord in the promised land, they need to actually have the words of the law of Moses with them to be able to teach it to the people. I just find it interesting the thought process that Nephi goes through in order for him to understand this particular commandment of the Lord, even after the angel gives him a reason as well. I know that sometimes I need to understand why the Lord would have me do something in order to have the faith to do it, while other times I follow the commandment blindly, trusting that things will work out and I will understand them later. Even earlier in the chapter, Nephi leaves his brothers outside the city walls to go into the city himself. He even states that he "was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do," (vs 6).
The other thing that stood out to me was the faith of Zoram, after he follows Nephi outside the city walls to his brothers, and Nephi invites him to join them. The scriptures do not tell us the thought process that Zoram must have gone through in considering whether or not he should go with Nephi and his brothers. Was he afraid? Or did he simply have the faith to know that this what the right thing for him to do? It seems in the scriptures that he accepts the invitation immediately, and I think it is impressive that he does not seem to hesitate. We know, through further reading, that Zoram remains righteous and obedient with Nephi and his people whenever Laman and Lemuel and part of Ishmael's family rebel against Nephi and Lehi. I think such faith is to be admired, and I would like to aspire to be more like that.
1 Nephi chapter 3
Of course the first thing in this chapter that I marked and took note of is scripture mastery: "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," (vs 7). There are so many times in life that this scripture is crucial to remember. So many times have I felt like the path set before seems impossible, and yet I need to remember that when the Lord commands us to follow a road that is not easy, He does not do so without giving us a way to accomplish the task. That doesn't always mean that he makes the path clear for us, but that sometimes he merely gives us strength to climb over the rocks and even mountains in our way.
1 Nephi 3:31 talks about how easily Laman and Lemuel complained even after being visited and reprimanded by an angel for not having faith that they could obtain the brass plates from Laban. Again it's easy to point a finger at Laman and Lemuel, who in my opinion were indeed very lost in their understanding of the gospel and power of God, but I still think a parallel can be drawn between them and ourselves. There are times when it is easy to forget the blessings and manifestations of God that He is real and present in our lives, and we sometimes succumb to the discouragement and doubt that the world and Satan would have overcome us. I have known that discouragement all too well. And yet, I can also say that I have experience the power of God in my life in ways that I know He loves me and has never forsaken me. It has not been easy to learn this, but it has definitely been worth it. I had a blessing once when I was in the middle of just such a troubled time that explained that my pain and suffering was allowed by God so that I would be able to help those whom I may come across in my life that need the same kind of understanding that I have gained through the gospel. I'll probably say it more than once, but it has been the price I've paid to know God, and I would not give it up for anything in the world.
1 Nephi 3:31 talks about how easily Laman and Lemuel complained even after being visited and reprimanded by an angel for not having faith that they could obtain the brass plates from Laban. Again it's easy to point a finger at Laman and Lemuel, who in my opinion were indeed very lost in their understanding of the gospel and power of God, but I still think a parallel can be drawn between them and ourselves. There are times when it is easy to forget the blessings and manifestations of God that He is real and present in our lives, and we sometimes succumb to the discouragement and doubt that the world and Satan would have overcome us. I have known that discouragement all too well. And yet, I can also say that I have experience the power of God in my life in ways that I know He loves me and has never forsaken me. It has not been easy to learn this, but it has definitely been worth it. I had a blessing once when I was in the middle of just such a troubled time that explained that my pain and suffering was allowed by God so that I would be able to help those whom I may come across in my life that need the same kind of understanding that I have gained through the gospel. I'll probably say it more than once, but it has been the price I've paid to know God, and I would not give it up for anything in the world.
1 Nephi charpter 2
In 1 Nephi verses 12-13, we read about Laman and Lemuel doubting the words of their father, Lehi, who had seen a vision that Jerusalem would be destroyed. We read consistently throughout the history of this family of Laman and Lemuel constant murmuring and doubt in the dealings of the Lord, "because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them," (vs. 12). It's easy to look at Laman and Lemuel and point a finger at they're inability to understand that God can do all things, but how often do we also misunderstand the work of the Lord and doubt things, both great and small. I know I have. I've read my patriarchal blessing numerous times, and yet still wondered if the blessings laid out in it will ever become a reality. It's childish to believe in certain aspects of the gospel, and yet doubt others. But that is the point of this life; to learn and grow in the gospel, and increase our understanding and testimony of all of the works of God. Even Christ, in all his divinity, had to learn one principle at a time.
As I continued to read, I also noticed that Nephi had to develop his own testimony of the words of his father. Instead of relying on his father's testimony and believing, without knowing, that what he said was true, Nephi went to the Lord to know for himself the truthfulness of the gospel. (1 Ne 2:16-19)
In verses 23-24, we read the Lord's words to Nephi, who prayed to the Lord with humility and "lowliness of heart" (vs 19), in which the Lord told him basically that if his people did not keep the commandments, then those who would later be known as the Lamanites would be a "scourge unto [his] seed, to stir them up in the ways of remembrance," (vs. 24). This is one of multiple times that I can think of where I know that the Lord knows all things that will come to pass, and is very specific in the explanation of what will happen should we choose to obey or not obey His commandments; and yet in spite of knowing all things past, present and future, the consequences are laid out on a contingency basis. In other words, though He knows what will happen, we still have a choice. I can't help but say that that kind of baffles me. I do not completely understand that, and yet in a way I do. It is interesting that although Nephi will see for himself that Laman and Lemuel's posterity will rebel and be cursed by the Lord, he still prays that they will choose to obey.
I had a friend once whom I deeply cared about, who investigated the church and then walked away from it. Over the years he became more and more rebellious, and more lost in the things of the world. I prayed for him over and again, and believe that I received revelation at times that he would one day come back unto Christ and be baptized. Nevertheless, I continued to pray for him that he would change sooner rather than later, that he may be spared the additional pain that he would experience living a life without the truthfulness of the gospel and the comfort of the Holy Ghost. He has not yet come back to the church, and yet I know that somehow the Lord will prepare him again to receive the gospel into his life, and he will be faced with the decision of whether to accept or reject what I know he knew at one time to be true. I can only hope and believe in the best. I suppose it's similar, though a different situation, to Nephi's experience with his own people and with those of his brothers.
As I continued to read, I also noticed that Nephi had to develop his own testimony of the words of his father. Instead of relying on his father's testimony and believing, without knowing, that what he said was true, Nephi went to the Lord to know for himself the truthfulness of the gospel. (1 Ne 2:16-19)
In verses 23-24, we read the Lord's words to Nephi, who prayed to the Lord with humility and "lowliness of heart" (vs 19), in which the Lord told him basically that if his people did not keep the commandments, then those who would later be known as the Lamanites would be a "scourge unto [his] seed, to stir them up in the ways of remembrance," (vs. 24). This is one of multiple times that I can think of where I know that the Lord knows all things that will come to pass, and is very specific in the explanation of what will happen should we choose to obey or not obey His commandments; and yet in spite of knowing all things past, present and future, the consequences are laid out on a contingency basis. In other words, though He knows what will happen, we still have a choice. I can't help but say that that kind of baffles me. I do not completely understand that, and yet in a way I do. It is interesting that although Nephi will see for himself that Laman and Lemuel's posterity will rebel and be cursed by the Lord, he still prays that they will choose to obey.
I had a friend once whom I deeply cared about, who investigated the church and then walked away from it. Over the years he became more and more rebellious, and more lost in the things of the world. I prayed for him over and again, and believe that I received revelation at times that he would one day come back unto Christ and be baptized. Nevertheless, I continued to pray for him that he would change sooner rather than later, that he may be spared the additional pain that he would experience living a life without the truthfulness of the gospel and the comfort of the Holy Ghost. He has not yet come back to the church, and yet I know that somehow the Lord will prepare him again to receive the gospel into his life, and he will be faced with the decision of whether to accept or reject what I know he knew at one time to be true. I can only hope and believe in the best. I suppose it's similar, though a different situation, to Nephi's experience with his own people and with those of his brothers.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Starting Over
Daryl and I have decided to read the Book of Mormon together, so I am starting over. I have read through the first few chapters and have already noticed a lot that I didn't pick up on the last time I read through it. That is the great thing about the Book of Mormon - every time I read it, different things stand out to me that are relevant to what is going on in my life at the time. I've noticed in my scripture study that if we study with a mind and heart open to the Spirit, then we will find the answers to the questions in our hearts, whether through the words in the scriptures themselves, or through personal revelation that comes with the Holy Ghost when we are keeping the commandments.
Every time I've read 1 Nephi 1:1, I've always thought it interesting how Nephi starts his history by describing his background as "having been born of goodly parents." I decided to look up the footnote to "goodly" which took me to Proverbs 22:1 which states "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." How interesting that we should read later in the next chapter of the faith of Lehi that he leaves all of his riches behind to journey into the wilderness because the Lord commands him to. Nephi also says in the same verse that he has been "highly favored of the Lord...having had a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God." I will probably never in this life know the mysteries of God to the extent that Nephi did, but I have to say that it made me realize that I have still experienced the Lord's favor in the knowledge and revelations that I have received in my life. Thinking about them now, I remember just how precious that knowledge is to me, and how grateful I am for it. Indeed, I mention it in every prayer to my Heavenly Father, because without such knowledge I would be completely lost.
With that said, I couldn't help but wonder about verse 14 where Lehi is speaking to the Lord after he has seen a vision. He says "and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!" I know this has been true in my life. God has stepped in more than once to save me from a fate worse than death, but I can't help but think of others who have not been so fortunate, and my heart goes out to those, and their loved ones, who are righteous, and yet they suffer. But I know that our Heavenly Father is infinitely merciful in that He gave us His Son that we might not suffer a spiritual death that would keep us from Him forever. And in that He truly will not suffer those who come unto Him to perish, but they will be judged righteously, as only an all-knowing, yet loving Heavenly Father would. Meaning, our Heavenly Father knows what is in our hearts, and He knows the weaknesses that we struggle with, and the hardships and trials that He allows us to experience, and therefore He knows how we should be judged. And with a loving Savior as our mediator, sent to us by that same God who knows us and wants us to join Him our our Savior to be with Them for eternity, Christ makes intercession for us, that our spiritual debt may be paid if we will but sacrifice our sins and become more like Him.
Every time I've read 1 Nephi 1:1, I've always thought it interesting how Nephi starts his history by describing his background as "having been born of goodly parents." I decided to look up the footnote to "goodly" which took me to Proverbs 22:1 which states "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." How interesting that we should read later in the next chapter of the faith of Lehi that he leaves all of his riches behind to journey into the wilderness because the Lord commands him to. Nephi also says in the same verse that he has been "highly favored of the Lord...having had a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God." I will probably never in this life know the mysteries of God to the extent that Nephi did, but I have to say that it made me realize that I have still experienced the Lord's favor in the knowledge and revelations that I have received in my life. Thinking about them now, I remember just how precious that knowledge is to me, and how grateful I am for it. Indeed, I mention it in every prayer to my Heavenly Father, because without such knowledge I would be completely lost.
With that said, I couldn't help but wonder about verse 14 where Lehi is speaking to the Lord after he has seen a vision. He says "and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!" I know this has been true in my life. God has stepped in more than once to save me from a fate worse than death, but I can't help but think of others who have not been so fortunate, and my heart goes out to those, and their loved ones, who are righteous, and yet they suffer. But I know that our Heavenly Father is infinitely merciful in that He gave us His Son that we might not suffer a spiritual death that would keep us from Him forever. And in that He truly will not suffer those who come unto Him to perish, but they will be judged righteously, as only an all-knowing, yet loving Heavenly Father would. Meaning, our Heavenly Father knows what is in our hearts, and He knows the weaknesses that we struggle with, and the hardships and trials that He allows us to experience, and therefore He knows how we should be judged. And with a loving Savior as our mediator, sent to us by that same God who knows us and wants us to join Him our our Savior to be with Them for eternity, Christ makes intercession for us, that our spiritual debt may be paid if we will but sacrifice our sins and become more like Him.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Catch up
I have a few pages of notes already so far from my brief studies of the Book of Mormon and from other thoughts outside of that study, so this might be a lengthier post. I should go ahead and mention, also, that I have also been reading through Jesus the Christ and will be adding bits and pieces from what I've read out of there in this blog as well from time to time.
Sunday April 18, 2010
I started my goal of reading the Book of Mormon everyday. This is what stood out to me that particular day:
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."
I've always liked the phrase "tender mercies of the Lord" because I feel like that captures the essence of the balance between Justice and Mercy that has been created by a loving Heavenly Father who must obey the laws of Justice, and therefore allowed His Son, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ to suffer for us - not only our sins, but all of our sorrows - in order to be able to extend unto us Mercy that we may overcome our "natural man" and this mortal existence, including death, both spiritual and temporal, that we may gain eternal life.
Another note that I made from my readings that night is actually from pages 438-439 in Jesus the Christ:
Here Elder Talmage touches on the parable of the Unprofitable Servant and how it applies to the disciples of Christ. To summarize, "when [we] shall have done all those things which are commanded [us], say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." Reading this really humbled me, and changed my view of service and keeping the commandments. I often feel like when I obey the commandments that that entitles me to certain blessings, or at least that's what I want to think. But the truth is that we are forever indebted to our Savior for all the blessings that we have, including our very existence. It made me really grateful for the blessings that I do have, and realized that the commandments are blessings also, in that they offer us the chance to prove to our Heavenly Father that we are grateful of all that He has given us.
Sunday, April 25th 2010
This is the price we pay to know God...
I realized this day that we have to strengthen our testimonies in trial and humble ourselves in order to keep our relationship with our Heavenly Father when things get better.
1 Ne 7:11-13 (first part of 13) - "Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us... ...And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise..."
As I was reading this, I couldn't help but draw a parallel between myself and Laman and Lemuel. How often do I forget the things that the Lord has done for me? How often do I choose to be rebellious, not necessarily even in my actions, but also in my thoughts? I cannot count how many times the Lord has revealed His hand in my life, and yet, there are times when I am like Laman, and I murmur against what I may think is too hard, or things that I just don't feel like doing.
I want to change that, not only in my personal life, but in everything I do; my work, my friendships and relationships, my family relationships, everything. That is my goal for the next week. I want to work like I have a testimony of the blessings and revelations that have been given to me, and that I am grateful for them, and will continue to work on them to grow them, and grow myself in them.
1 Ne 8:37 - "And [Lehi] did exhort them with all the feeling of a tender parent..."
As I read this I realized that our Heavenly Father is a loving, tender parent, and that he has given us blessings and tools, along with the Mercy of the Atonement, to help us gain eternal salvation that we might live with Him one day. I love thinking of my Heavenly Father that way. It helps strengthen my testimony that He loves me, and that strengthens my resolve to do what is right.
1 Ne 9:6 - "But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words."
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
1 Ne 10:18 - "For he is the same yesterday, today and forever." I've always loved this scripture, and it is reiterated throughout the scriptures, not only in the Book of Mormon, because it is important that we remember it. Basically it means, that when we read about how God worked in the times of the scriptures, we can gain faith by knowing that He still gives the same revelations to us today, and that we can receive a testimony of that for ourselves.
Sunday April 18, 2010
I started my goal of reading the Book of Mormon everyday. This is what stood out to me that particular day:
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."
I've always liked the phrase "tender mercies of the Lord" because I feel like that captures the essence of the balance between Justice and Mercy that has been created by a loving Heavenly Father who must obey the laws of Justice, and therefore allowed His Son, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ to suffer for us - not only our sins, but all of our sorrows - in order to be able to extend unto us Mercy that we may overcome our "natural man" and this mortal existence, including death, both spiritual and temporal, that we may gain eternal life.
Another note that I made from my readings that night is actually from pages 438-439 in Jesus the Christ:
Here Elder Talmage touches on the parable of the Unprofitable Servant and how it applies to the disciples of Christ. To summarize, "when [we] shall have done all those things which are commanded [us], say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." Reading this really humbled me, and changed my view of service and keeping the commandments. I often feel like when I obey the commandments that that entitles me to certain blessings, or at least that's what I want to think. But the truth is that we are forever indebted to our Savior for all the blessings that we have, including our very existence. It made me really grateful for the blessings that I do have, and realized that the commandments are blessings also, in that they offer us the chance to prove to our Heavenly Father that we are grateful of all that He has given us.
Sunday, April 25th 2010
This is the price we pay to know God...
I realized this day that we have to strengthen our testimonies in trial and humble ourselves in order to keep our relationship with our Heavenly Father when things get better.
1 Ne 7:11-13 (first part of 13) - "Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us... ...And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise..."
As I was reading this, I couldn't help but draw a parallel between myself and Laman and Lemuel. How often do I forget the things that the Lord has done for me? How often do I choose to be rebellious, not necessarily even in my actions, but also in my thoughts? I cannot count how many times the Lord has revealed His hand in my life, and yet, there are times when I am like Laman, and I murmur against what I may think is too hard, or things that I just don't feel like doing.
I want to change that, not only in my personal life, but in everything I do; my work, my friendships and relationships, my family relationships, everything. That is my goal for the next week. I want to work like I have a testimony of the blessings and revelations that have been given to me, and that I am grateful for them, and will continue to work on them to grow them, and grow myself in them.
1 Ne 8:37 - "And [Lehi] did exhort them with all the feeling of a tender parent..."
As I read this I realized that our Heavenly Father is a loving, tender parent, and that he has given us blessings and tools, along with the Mercy of the Atonement, to help us gain eternal salvation that we might live with Him one day. I love thinking of my Heavenly Father that way. It helps strengthen my testimony that He loves me, and that strengthens my resolve to do what is right.
1 Ne 9:6 - "But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words."
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
1 Ne 10:18 - "For he is the same yesterday, today and forever." I've always loved this scripture, and it is reiterated throughout the scriptures, not only in the Book of Mormon, because it is important that we remember it. Basically it means, that when we read about how God worked in the times of the scriptures, we can gain faith by knowing that He still gives the same revelations to us today, and that we can receive a testimony of that for ourselves.
A New Beginning
This blog is supposed to mark the beginning of my reading of the Book of Mormon (not for the first time, but nevertheless), but is not limited to my study of that particular narrative. It will encompass all of my thoughts and insights, whether at church, in the car, at home, or any other location that I may experience personal revelation. I have titled it "The Pursuit of Happiness" partly because that was the movie I was watching when I was trying to think of a title for this blog. But also, and more importantly, because I feel like that is what this life is. A pursuit, both of knowledge and of joy, and we can find that joy by a pure and constant study of the things that are most important in this life as outlined for us by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I'd like to start by saying that I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, and I have read the Book of Mormon often enough to know that it is indeed another testament of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Savior, with whom it is my goal to know personally, more and more each day, through my studying and through my prayers to my Heavenly Father. This testimony has come through many years of my own work, blood, sweat and tears and I cannot deny it any more than I could deny that the color of my eyes are brown. I know this gospel to be the truest and most profound and powerful force on this earth; My testimony of that is as President Joseph Smith said about his revelation in the Sacred Grove: that I know it to be true, and I know that God knows it, and I cannot deny it, neither do I dare (refer to JSH 1:25)...and so it is. And so it begins.
I'd like to start by saying that I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, and I have read the Book of Mormon often enough to know that it is indeed another testament of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Savior, with whom it is my goal to know personally, more and more each day, through my studying and through my prayers to my Heavenly Father. This testimony has come through many years of my own work, blood, sweat and tears and I cannot deny it any more than I could deny that the color of my eyes are brown. I know this gospel to be the truest and most profound and powerful force on this earth; My testimony of that is as President Joseph Smith said about his revelation in the Sacred Grove: that I know it to be true, and I know that God knows it, and I cannot deny it, neither do I dare (refer to JSH 1:25)...and so it is. And so it begins.
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