17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.
18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.
How great would it be to feel joy like this? I hope someday I do feel such joy. I love that last line.. "humble seeker of happiness". I want to be a humble seeker of happiness. I went to the temple today and the 1st counselor of the temple presidency actually came down and addressed the room. He said lots of things but what hit me most was that he said "if you want to be happy, be good." Its as simple as that. Be good and you'll be happy. I know when I'm not doing good because I am not as happy as I usually am. Not that I do terrible things, but when I lack on the basics, I feel like it effects my whole personality! I become a sullen and quiet, boing, sad person and I don't even like that person! So my goal is to be good. And that way, I will find it easier to be happy.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Alma 24-25
I decided that I am not going to try to catch up... because that would be a lot of blog posts. But to jump right into it, I love verses 7-10. It is all about thanking God. Verse 10:
"And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath forgiven us of those our many sins".
We have the option to repent over and over again. But mainly I wanted to focus on the thanking part. I need to do better about having an attitude of gratitude, which funny enough, is a talk that I read today. I take for granted a lot of things that I have and I forget to be grateful for them. I'm a brat. Let's just put it that way. And I need to change it.
"And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath forgiven us of those our many sins".
We have the option to repent over and over again. But mainly I wanted to focus on the thanking part. I need to do better about having an attitude of gratitude, which funny enough, is a talk that I read today. I take for granted a lot of things that I have and I forget to be grateful for them. I'm a brat. Let's just put it that way. And I need to change it.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Mosiah 27-28
How crazy is it that the sons of the most powerful men are the ones who decided to go astray? It shows that no matter who your parents are or how you were raised, you still have agency to choose whether or not to follow.
I love the last part of verse 30 in chapter 27 especially. It says “He remembered every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all.”
It reminds me that Christ truly does remember each and every one of us.
Chapter 28 verse 3 is pretty cool. “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 thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.”
It shows that the sons of Mosiah had compassion for all, especially after what they went through when they encountered the angel with Alma. The next verse says that they were the vilest of sinners. But the Lord still had mercy enough to forgive them and then grant them eternal life. Sometimes I feel like I need to have more compassion and charity towards others. It’s really easy to show and feel that for people I love, but how often do I show it for people I don’t know? To those who are lost, but don’t know they are lost? Good thing my new calling is on the missionary committee right!?
I love the last part of verse 30 in chapter 27 especially. It says “He remembered every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all.”
It reminds me that Christ truly does remember each and every one of us.
Chapter 28 verse 3 is pretty cool. “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 thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.”
It shows that the sons of Mosiah had compassion for all, especially after what they went through when they encountered the angel with Alma. The next verse says that they were the vilest of sinners. But the Lord still had mercy enough to forgive them and then grant them eternal life. Sometimes I feel like I need to have more compassion and charity towards others. It’s really easy to show and feel that for people I love, but how often do I show it for people I don’t know? To those who are lost, but don’t know they are lost? Good thing my new calling is on the missionary committee right!?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Mosiah 25-26
Chapter 25
I love the first and last parts of verse 10… “When they thought of the immediate goodness of God and his power...they did raise their voices and give thanks to God.”
It’s too often that I forget all of my little blessings. Really? I am such a lame-o. Today was just a rough day. I woke up feeling gross, my hair looked nasty, my skin has broken out, my stomach… well let’s not even go there. Put that together with nothing to wear except an oversized sweatshirt and jeans I loathe… Needless to say, I felt real pretty. I held back tears several times while sitting at my desk, I left early and just slept all afternoon. Sarah came home and really did help me feel better. And I went to volunteer as a mentor at an elementary school, which also helped in forgetting myself. But Satan is so good at bringing bad feelings back. He’s an evil evil being. I need to stop and remember the immediate goodness of God. I have an amazing roommate and friend in Sarah. I have food, clothes, a house, a family who does really love me, and adopted Utah family who does love me too. I am grateful for all of my blessings, and I need to be better at expressing that gratitude. Like in my blessing, it tells me to be thankful for the very breathe that I have. If nothing else seems good in my life, at least I am ALIVE right?? I need to stop being such a baby all the time!!
Chapter 26 verse 30
“Yea, and as often as my people repent, will I forgive them their trespasses against me.”
I love that it says AS OFTEN AS. No matter how many times we sin, the Lord will ALWAYS let us repent. ALWAYS. And if we are sincere in our repentance He will ALWAYS forgive us! What a great blessing!! It’s such a comfort to know that no matter what I do, how bad I mess up, I can always fix it.
I love the first and last parts of verse 10… “When they thought of the immediate goodness of God and his power...they did raise their voices and give thanks to God.”
It’s too often that I forget all of my little blessings. Really? I am such a lame-o. Today was just a rough day. I woke up feeling gross, my hair looked nasty, my skin has broken out, my stomach… well let’s not even go there. Put that together with nothing to wear except an oversized sweatshirt and jeans I loathe… Needless to say, I felt real pretty. I held back tears several times while sitting at my desk, I left early and just slept all afternoon. Sarah came home and really did help me feel better. And I went to volunteer as a mentor at an elementary school, which also helped in forgetting myself. But Satan is so good at bringing bad feelings back. He’s an evil evil being. I need to stop and remember the immediate goodness of God. I have an amazing roommate and friend in Sarah. I have food, clothes, a house, a family who does really love me, and adopted Utah family who does love me too. I am grateful for all of my blessings, and I need to be better at expressing that gratitude. Like in my blessing, it tells me to be thankful for the very breathe that I have. If nothing else seems good in my life, at least I am ALIVE right?? I need to stop being such a baby all the time!!
Chapter 26 verse 30
“Yea, and as often as my people repent, will I forgive them their trespasses against me.”
I love that it says AS OFTEN AS. No matter how many times we sin, the Lord will ALWAYS let us repent. ALWAYS. And if we are sincere in our repentance He will ALWAYS forgive us! What a great blessing!! It’s such a comfort to know that no matter what I do, how bad I mess up, I can always fix it.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Mosiah 23-24
Chapter 23 verses 10-11
10 Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth.
11 Nevertheless, in this I do not glory, for I am unworthy to glory of myself.
Alma is such a great example of being humble. I love that he explained to them that even he sinned and he had to repent, admitting he wasn’t perfect as they thought he was. The phrase “after much tribulation” is awesome. Elder Hales said in his talk during Conference, “Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, “all these things shall be for our experience, and our good”.” After our trails and our repentance process, is when we can become a better instrument for the Lord to use. If we didn’t have any tough experiences, then we wouldn’t be able to relate and to teach.
Chapter 24 verses 12-16
12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.
There’s a lot going on in these verses that I could write a lot about… But mainly, I love that the Lord knows your thoughts and the intent of your heart. Even if you can’t, or even won’t cry out loud to the Lord, He knows us. He knows what we desire and what we need. Most importantly He asks us to be patient. I have bouts of discouragement and impatience all the time. I get tired of being alone, not having someone to love me and for me to love in return. Sometimes it doesn’t seem fair that all these young girls are getting married and starting their families. It’s hard to see sometimes. But I know I need to be patient and believe that my time will come too. If I keep my mind set on the Lord and what He wants and needs from me, things will be better. I need to submit to the Lord and accept that it’s not time yet for me to be blessed with those things. I need to “be of good comfort” and be of good cheer. I need to be patient.
10 Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth.
11 Nevertheless, in this I do not glory, for I am unworthy to glory of myself.
Alma is such a great example of being humble. I love that he explained to them that even he sinned and he had to repent, admitting he wasn’t perfect as they thought he was. The phrase “after much tribulation” is awesome. Elder Hales said in his talk during Conference, “Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, “all these things shall be for our experience, and our good”.” After our trails and our repentance process, is when we can become a better instrument for the Lord to use. If we didn’t have any tough experiences, then we wouldn’t be able to relate and to teach.
Chapter 24 verses 12-16
12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.
There’s a lot going on in these verses that I could write a lot about… But mainly, I love that the Lord knows your thoughts and the intent of your heart. Even if you can’t, or even won’t cry out loud to the Lord, He knows us. He knows what we desire and what we need. Most importantly He asks us to be patient. I have bouts of discouragement and impatience all the time. I get tired of being alone, not having someone to love me and for me to love in return. Sometimes it doesn’t seem fair that all these young girls are getting married and starting their families. It’s hard to see sometimes. But I know I need to be patient and believe that my time will come too. If I keep my mind set on the Lord and what He wants and needs from me, things will be better. I need to submit to the Lord and accept that it’s not time yet for me to be blessed with those things. I need to “be of good comfort” and be of good cheer. I need to be patient.
Mosiah 21-22
It’s really sad how the Nephites were treated by the Lamanites. I couldn’t imagine treating another human being like that, and it’s so sad that it happens over and over again in the history of our world. It still happens today, which totally boggles my mind. They fight back, but almost always lose and suffer great loss.
Verse 13 says “they did humble themselves even to the dust”. It sounds like they pretty much gave up fighting. They “submitted” themselves. But in these times, when things are tough is when most people turn to God. Why is that? Why is it so easy to remember God when we are suffering? Why can’t we remember him ALWAYS? Even when times are so good. When times are good, we forget that all of this good is coming from Heavenly Father.
Chapter 22-
How simple was it for the people of Limhi to get away? After all that time of being abused? Just get the guards drunk enough so they don’t notice anything. It shows right there that alcohol is bad right?!
Verse 13 says “they did humble themselves even to the dust”. It sounds like they pretty much gave up fighting. They “submitted” themselves. But in these times, when things are tough is when most people turn to God. Why is that? Why is it so easy to remember God when we are suffering? Why can’t we remember him ALWAYS? Even when times are so good. When times are good, we forget that all of this good is coming from Heavenly Father.
Chapter 22-
How simple was it for the people of Limhi to get away? After all that time of being abused? Just get the guards drunk enough so they don’t notice anything. It shows right there that alcohol is bad right?!
Mosiah 19-20
First of all, I would be ticked if my husband ditched me and our children while running from the Lamanites. Really? That’s just rude. I know some of them came back for their wives and children, but I feel like that could’ve been hard to get over.
The Lamanites do a lot of talk about “oaths”. Making oaths to the Nephites that they would no longer slay them, but how long do these oaths last? Two years. Not very long.
Chapter 20 teaches us what assuming means… Remember what it means Ash?
The Lamanites do a lot of talk about “oaths”. Making oaths to the Nephites that they would no longer slay them, but how long do these oaths last? Two years. Not very long.
Chapter 20 teaches us what assuming means… Remember what it means Ash?
Friday, October 7, 2011
Mosiah 17-18
Even in the face of death, Abinadi would not deny what he had taught. Joseph Smith did the same thing, Christ did it. I am reading this book called "Be Your Best Self" by President Monson and in it, he talks about all the reformists who stood by their words. All those who tried to provide the word of God to the common man, who were put to death. All of them did not deny or recant their teachings. In one part of the book, President Monson is quoting William Tyndale, where he said "If God spare my life, I will cause a boy that driveth the plough shall know more of the scripture than thou doest." Seriously? Little did he know that he was actually PROPHESYING that a young farm boy WOULD know more than the Catholic priests who killed Tyndale because of his determination. The reformation happened so that Joseph Smith would have access to the Bible so he could find the scripture that led him to pray in the Sacred Grove... And that ties back to Abinadi not denying his teachings, and being put to death for it.
I also love how in Chapter 18, verse 30, it talks about the place of Mormon. It says "how beautiful are they (the forests and waters of Mormon) to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer..." Do you ever feel like that? For me, places where I have felt the Spirit really strongly become extra special. For example, I will always love the Sacramento Temple because of the strength of the Spirit I felt while sitting in the sealing rooms and celestial room during the open house. It wasn't even a dedicated temple yet, but I felt so amazing in that building and I will always remember it...
Also remember how we each put a strand of hair in the cornerstone? Hahah wow, we are cool.
I also love how in Chapter 18, verse 30, it talks about the place of Mormon. It says "how beautiful are they (the forests and waters of Mormon) to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer..." Do you ever feel like that? For me, places where I have felt the Spirit really strongly become extra special. For example, I will always love the Sacramento Temple because of the strength of the Spirit I felt while sitting in the sealing rooms and celestial room during the open house. It wasn't even a dedicated temple yet, but I felt so amazing in that building and I will always remember it...
Also remember how we each put a strand of hair in the cornerstone? Hahah wow, we are cool.
Mosiah 17-18
18:9 Awesome verse!
I hope that someday i can live up to everything that is encompassed in that verse. I love how it lays out everything you need to do to gain eternal life...
The End:)
I hope that someday i can live up to everything that is encompassed in that verse. I love how it lays out everything you need to do to gain eternal life...
The End:)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Mosiah 15-16
Ch. 15 Verses 15-18
15. And O how beautiful upon the mountains are their feet!
16. And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
17. And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!
18. And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people
I love these verses. It speaks of missionary work. To me at least. How beautiful missionary work is and how beautiful are those who serve missions proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you haven't listened to Elder Holland's talk he gave in Priesthood session, you need to. You need to LISTEN to it, not just read it. It is SO powerful. It is such a strong call for missionaries, a plea for them. I wish that all young men would listen up and follow the prophets of the Lord. I love that up until verse 18 Abinadi is speaking of those who go to proclaim the peace of the word of God, and then in verse 18, he talks about Christ Himself, the one who redeemed us. Redeem means to pay up, or give something for something else. Christ gave us His life for us, so that we can return to Him and our Father in Heaven. And those who go out and teach it are so blessed and so BEAUTIFUL. I am so grateful for those who serve worthily and readily.
Ch. 16 verse 13
"And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved?"
I know I ought to.
15. And O how beautiful upon the mountains are their feet!
16. And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
17. And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!
18. And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people
I love these verses. It speaks of missionary work. To me at least. How beautiful missionary work is and how beautiful are those who serve missions proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you haven't listened to Elder Holland's talk he gave in Priesthood session, you need to. You need to LISTEN to it, not just read it. It is SO powerful. It is such a strong call for missionaries, a plea for them. I wish that all young men would listen up and follow the prophets of the Lord. I love that up until verse 18 Abinadi is speaking of those who go to proclaim the peace of the word of God, and then in verse 18, he talks about Christ Himself, the one who redeemed us. Redeem means to pay up, or give something for something else. Christ gave us His life for us, so that we can return to Him and our Father in Heaven. And those who go out and teach it are so blessed and so BEAUTIFUL. I am so grateful for those who serve worthily and readily.
Ch. 16 verse 13
"And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved?"
I know I ought to.
Mosiah 13-14
Abinadi is a stud. I loved that he could not be touched by King Noah's men until he had finished with what the Lord sent him to do. He knew that he had to get the message across, and then he knew that they would then do whatever they wanted with him. In verse 7-8 it says "Ye see that ye have not power to slay me, therefore I finish my message. Yea, and I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts because I tell you the truth concerning your iniquities. (8) Yea, and my words fill you with wonder and amazement, and with anger."
I feel this with my family. Whenever I try to talk about anything gospel related, they get angry, and defensive. It's not with all of my siblings, but mainly the ones who really know. Things are starting to slowly change with Hannah, but in the past, she would strike out and try to hurt me and make me feel like a horrible person for believing the gospel. Mainly because she was fighting against the light of Christ inside of her. I was talking to her the other day and I just told her how excited I was to hear that there would be a second temple in Provo. She said something about how she never felt good about going into the temple, and I explained to her that it was because she was not ready. Amazingly she didn't take offense, so I continued with talking about church stuff. Then I just said "I know you feel something for the church Hannah, and yet you fight against it" and she said that she has recently been thinking about the church a lot, and how she knows she needs to go back, but is afraid to. I told her that because she was so afraid, that meant she needed to go the most. She said she knew that. "Randomly" she ran into the missionaries the next day and they invited her to call them. Hopefully she will follow through with the small promptings of the Spirit and she can get on the right track again. I pray for it every day.
I feel this with my family. Whenever I try to talk about anything gospel related, they get angry, and defensive. It's not with all of my siblings, but mainly the ones who really know. Things are starting to slowly change with Hannah, but in the past, she would strike out and try to hurt me and make me feel like a horrible person for believing the gospel. Mainly because she was fighting against the light of Christ inside of her. I was talking to her the other day and I just told her how excited I was to hear that there would be a second temple in Provo. She said something about how she never felt good about going into the temple, and I explained to her that it was because she was not ready. Amazingly she didn't take offense, so I continued with talking about church stuff. Then I just said "I know you feel something for the church Hannah, and yet you fight against it" and she said that she has recently been thinking about the church a lot, and how she knows she needs to go back, but is afraid to. I told her that because she was so afraid, that meant she needed to go the most. She said she knew that. "Randomly" she ran into the missionaries the next day and they invited her to call them. Hopefully she will follow through with the small promptings of the Spirit and she can get on the right track again. I pray for it every day.
Mosiah 2-12
Chapter 4 verse 30:
"But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not"
Easy enough right?... All listed out, that is a lot of things to keep tabs on.. But the reality is, if you are watching yourself, you're already watching your thoughts and your deeds. Observing the commandments is an obvious no brainer if you want to make it back to God in the first place. I love that it says "continue in the faith". It reminded me of Elder Eyring's talk in Conference. That we need to promise to endure. Keep the commandments as longs as we live. Savor the moments as if time stops, appreciate all the miracles in our lives, even the smallest ones. He said to always be ready for our interview with the Master, no matter where we are in life. This scripture really ties that all together. We need to have a fixed determination to live the gospel. Like it says in chapter 5 verse 15: "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable..." The scriptures speak the straight up truth!!
Chapter 7 verse 19
"Therefore, life up your heads and rejoice, and put your trust in God..."
Totally related to Elder Hales talk in Conference (Don't worry, I took 19 pages of notes...I don't think I've ever paid as much attention as I did this conference than ever before and I LOVED IT) He said that we need to TRUST THE LORD. We need to understand that we're not going to get all of our answers right away and that we need to be patient. We need to sincerely pray, and trust that our answers will come. The Lord has put a great deal of trust in us, to come here and have our agency. So we need to be trustworthy and then put our trust fully in Him.
"But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not"
Easy enough right?... All listed out, that is a lot of things to keep tabs on.. But the reality is, if you are watching yourself, you're already watching your thoughts and your deeds. Observing the commandments is an obvious no brainer if you want to make it back to God in the first place. I love that it says "continue in the faith". It reminded me of Elder Eyring's talk in Conference. That we need to promise to endure. Keep the commandments as longs as we live. Savor the moments as if time stops, appreciate all the miracles in our lives, even the smallest ones. He said to always be ready for our interview with the Master, no matter where we are in life. This scripture really ties that all together. We need to have a fixed determination to live the gospel. Like it says in chapter 5 verse 15: "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable..." The scriptures speak the straight up truth!!
Chapter 7 verse 19
"Therefore, life up your heads and rejoice, and put your trust in God..."
Totally related to Elder Hales talk in Conference (Don't worry, I took 19 pages of notes...I don't think I've ever paid as much attention as I did this conference than ever before and I LOVED IT) He said that we need to TRUST THE LORD. We need to understand that we're not going to get all of our answers right away and that we need to be patient. We need to sincerely pray, and trust that our answers will come. The Lord has put a great deal of trust in us, to come here and have our agency. So we need to be trustworthy and then put our trust fully in Him.
Mosiah 13-14
It amazes me how much strength, courage and faith people can have when filled with the Holy Ghost. I know that I have a strong testimony but I dont think it compares to Abinadis. It are people like him who encourage me to be a better person, to work on building my testimony, and to continue to strive to live with my father in heaven again. The modern day people who are my Abinadis are-
Brock
My Kids
My Parents
My Siblings
All my Family
My Friends
All these people inspire, encourage, strengthen, and love me. I am a better person because of all of these people. Thanks everyone!
Brock
My Kids
My Parents
My Siblings
All my Family
My Friends
All these people inspire, encourage, strengthen, and love me. I am a better person because of all of these people. Thanks everyone!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Mosiah 9-12
12:3 And yet, I being aover-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our bjourney into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God.
I think it is so dumb of me sometimes when i am having a hard time with life or just things just seem to not be going well for some reason. I am so dumb because almost every time those things happen if I happen to look at my life i can guarantee that I am not doing the basics consistently daily... like reading my scriptures, saying my prayers, and stuff like that... I dont know why I ever stop or make excuses to not do those things because really when i put those things first everything else is so much easier. I still have trials in my life but when I put the Lord first i am blessed with the strength and patience to overcome whatever comes my way.
I also LOVE Abinadi.... he is such a great example of strength and faith to me. I love his story and I love his love for the Lord. He is an amazing man whom I look up to so much.
Happy Reading!
I think it is so dumb of me sometimes when i am having a hard time with life or just things just seem to not be going well for some reason. I am so dumb because almost every time those things happen if I happen to look at my life i can guarantee that I am not doing the basics consistently daily... like reading my scriptures, saying my prayers, and stuff like that... I dont know why I ever stop or make excuses to not do those things because really when i put those things first everything else is so much easier. I still have trials in my life but when I put the Lord first i am blessed with the strength and patience to overcome whatever comes my way.
I also LOVE Abinadi.... he is such a great example of strength and faith to me. I love his story and I love his love for the Lord. He is an amazing man whom I look up to so much.
Happy Reading!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Mosiah 7-8
I like how in chapter 8 it talks about seers and how they can know of things that are to come. I believe that this is what we see twice a year at conference when we listen to our prophet and other general authority. It truly is amazing that we have a living prophet and that he can lead and guide us today!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Mosiah 5-6
8 And under this head ye are made afree, and there is bno other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other cname given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should dtake upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
I really love this chapter because it is SO true... especially that first line... " under this head ye are made free". I had so many friends in high school that would say that I was so restricted and held back because of my religion and all the rules i had to follow. What they dont realize is that i am so much more free in this life because of my faith and I am so much more blessed because of my faith. I am so thankful for the guidelines in my life that has kept me safe, healthy and worthy to reach my eternal goals!
Sorry this blog thing got crazy... here is to recommitting myself to daily blogging!!! and Welcome Sarah to the awesomeness we call reading the BOM:)
I really love this chapter because it is SO true... especially that first line... " under this head ye are made free". I had so many friends in high school that would say that I was so restricted and held back because of my religion and all the rules i had to follow. What they dont realize is that i am so much more free in this life because of my faith and I am so much more blessed because of my faith. I am so thankful for the guidelines in my life that has kept me safe, healthy and worthy to reach my eternal goals!
Sorry this blog thing got crazy... here is to recommitting myself to daily blogging!!! and Welcome Sarah to the awesomeness we call reading the BOM:)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Mosiah 1
(I seem to have a thing for verse 7s but they are all so good!!)...
7. And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.
How many times am I going to be drawn to these types of verses really? You are probably getting sick of it. But President Uchtdorf said in one of his talks last conference that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Keep it simple. Read and study your scriptures and keep the commandments. It can't be that hard right?? Even though it totally ends up being one of the harder things to do. Prayer I think has always been a little more difficult for me to keep up on. Sometimes I find it hard to talk to an unseen person.. But as soon as I do actually pray diligently, I always feel peace and not necessarily relief, but kind of. Like I let a bunch of stuff off my chest, and I don't have to worry about it I guess. So it's a sense of relief yes.
7. And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.
How many times am I going to be drawn to these types of verses really? You are probably getting sick of it. But President Uchtdorf said in one of his talks last conference that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Keep it simple. Read and study your scriptures and keep the commandments. It can't be that hard right?? Even though it totally ends up being one of the harder things to do. Prayer I think has always been a little more difficult for me to keep up on. Sometimes I find it hard to talk to an unseen person.. But as soon as I do actually pray diligently, I always feel peace and not necessarily relief, but kind of. Like I let a bunch of stuff off my chest, and I don't have to worry about it I guess. So it's a sense of relief yes.
Words of Mormon
7. And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; But the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore he worketh in me to do according to his will.
We need to trust in the Lord. He trusted us enough to send us here, to gain a body and to create children, and struggle through life, in order to find our way back to him. He trusted us to do that. We need to trust Him, especially in times when we don't know why we are here. We need to remember that He does know what He is doing, and that He has a specific plan for each and everyone of us. Sometimes I lose sight of that plan, or get impatient with what the Lord wants of me, so I need to work on my trust and faith in the Lord.
We need to trust in the Lord. He trusted us enough to send us here, to gain a body and to create children, and struggle through life, in order to find our way back to him. He trusted us to do that. We need to trust Him, especially in times when we don't know why we are here. We need to remember that He does know what He is doing, and that He has a specific plan for each and everyone of us. Sometimes I lose sight of that plan, or get impatient with what the Lord wants of me, so I need to work on my trust and faith in the Lord.
Omni
7. Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies.
If we continue to do what is right, the Lord will bless us. Like President Uchtdorf said, it doesn't matter to Heavenly Father where we are, what our calling is. What matters to Him is that we are doing the best we can, that our hearts are inclined towards Him and we are willing to help those around us. We just got to continue to be good people!!
If we continue to do what is right, the Lord will bless us. Like President Uchtdorf said, it doesn't matter to Heavenly Father where we are, what our calling is. What matters to Him is that we are doing the best we can, that our hearts are inclined towards Him and we are willing to help those around us. We just got to continue to be good people!!
Jarom
11. Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them."
I love that is says "Believe in him to come as though he already was". Act everyday as if He is already here! Isn't that what we should be striving to do in the first place??
I love that is says "Believe in him to come as though he already was". Act everyday as if He is already here! Isn't that what we should be striving to do in the first place??
Enos
Enos is pretty good, really. I love that it explains that he "struggled" and "wrestled" in his prayers. It wasn't easy. It wasn't easy for him to accept the answers to his prayers, or to even GET the answers to his prayers. He prayed all day to get comfort. I love that in verse 4 it says "my soul hungered and I kneeled down before my Maker and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul and all the day long did I cry unto him, yeah and when the night came did I still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens" The answers didn't come automatically. Just like our answers rarely come automatically.
In my patriarchal blessing, it tells me to have patience for my answers and to accept them with courage and determination. And to know that they are always heard and will be answered. Elder Packer said today that the voice of the spirit is a feeling rather than a sound. The answers rarely come in a loud booming voice, but with a feeling in your heart and mind. Now I just need to work on recognizing that as it happens!!
In my patriarchal blessing, it tells me to have patience for my answers and to accept them with courage and determination. And to know that they are always heard and will be answered. Elder Packer said today that the voice of the spirit is a feeling rather than a sound. The answers rarely come in a loud booming voice, but with a feeling in your heart and mind. Now I just need to work on recognizing that as it happens!!
Jacob 1-7
Again in verse 11 of Chapter 2, Jacob says "Wherefore, I must tell you the truth according to the plainness of the word of God." I felt like a lot of Conference today was just back to basics. Do these easy things, and you'll be fine! At least be striving for something! Work towards something. It's sad that in most of these Chapters, things are kind of falling apart. Everyone is sinning like crazy and Jacob and Joseph are trying desperately to call them to repentance. Much like today I feel.
Chapter 4 verse 6 "Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have man revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses, we obtain a hope and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea". How cool to have that kind of faith?? I know I obviously do not have that, but it's a good thing to work towards. And we do have all these witnesses today, modern prophets and apostles, our church leaders, conference, the scriptures, to show us the way to gain this faith, and strengthen it daily. Hope is a requirement of faith.. or is it faith is a requirement of hope. They are almost the same thing, but you can't have one without the other.
Chapter 4 verse 6 "Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have man revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses, we obtain a hope and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea". How cool to have that kind of faith?? I know I obviously do not have that, but it's a good thing to work towards. And we do have all these witnesses today, modern prophets and apostles, our church leaders, conference, the scriptures, to show us the way to gain this faith, and strengthen it daily. Hope is a requirement of faith.. or is it faith is a requirement of hope. They are almost the same thing, but you can't have one without the other.
2 Nephi 31-33
First off I am SO SORRY I AM A HORRIBLE PERSON!!! I have been so bad at blogging. So therefore, these posts will probably be short, since it's kind of been a week since I've read most of these chapters, but I skimmed through to see what I had thought.
There is one line in chapter 31 verse 3 that I love. "For my soul delighteth in plainness". The gospel is pure and simple. If you think about it in reality, there is not a lot to do to make it back to the kingdom of Heaven you know? Kind of like what Sister Thompson said in Conference this morning "study the scriptures, follow the prophets, and seek to live righteous lives". Really it's simple as that. Of course, we need to make and keep specific covenants in the temple, but that comes with living righteous lives right?
Loved how chapter 32 talks about prayer. Pray always and not faint. I was having a weird time the other night, feeling like I was super duper dumb for coming out here to Missouri.. So I prayed for some sort of reassurance that I wasn't crazy, or that I was doing an okay thing, at least that it was okay for me to even come and see what was up, you know? And I felt like I got an answer to my prayer. That night, weirdly enough, I found comfort in my dreams. When I woke up, I felt reassured that I was not wrong in coming, even if nothing exactly comes of this visit.. At least I came.
I like in 33 how Nephi admits that he is not strong in writing, like unto speaking. Seeing how amazing his writing is, imagine what it would have been like to actually HEAR him speak!? He had the power of the Holy Ghost when he spoke. Maybe someday, we will hear that!! And again, he speaks about the "plainness of the truth". Love it. Nephi again says in verse 4, "I glory in plainness; I glory in truth..."
There is one line in chapter 31 verse 3 that I love. "For my soul delighteth in plainness". The gospel is pure and simple. If you think about it in reality, there is not a lot to do to make it back to the kingdom of Heaven you know? Kind of like what Sister Thompson said in Conference this morning "study the scriptures, follow the prophets, and seek to live righteous lives". Really it's simple as that. Of course, we need to make and keep specific covenants in the temple, but that comes with living righteous lives right?
Loved how chapter 32 talks about prayer. Pray always and not faint. I was having a weird time the other night, feeling like I was super duper dumb for coming out here to Missouri.. So I prayed for some sort of reassurance that I wasn't crazy, or that I was doing an okay thing, at least that it was okay for me to even come and see what was up, you know? And I felt like I got an answer to my prayer. That night, weirdly enough, I found comfort in my dreams. When I woke up, I felt reassured that I was not wrong in coming, even if nothing exactly comes of this visit.. At least I came.
I like in 33 how Nephi admits that he is not strong in writing, like unto speaking. Seeing how amazing his writing is, imagine what it would have been like to actually HEAR him speak!? He had the power of the Holy Ghost when he spoke. Maybe someday, we will hear that!! And again, he speaks about the "plainness of the truth". Love it. Nephi again says in verse 4, "I glory in plainness; I glory in truth..."
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