Friday, April 3, 2009

End of Another Journey


I finished The Book of Mormon a few days ago. Finishing The Book of Mormon is always anti-climactic for me. I always think that there will be fireworks and a a large celebration springing out of The Book of Mormon as I read through Moroni's final admonitions. None of those things happened this time. What did happen is a renewed peace and knowledge that The Book of Mormon is true. I love this book. I love its words and the comfort they provide in my life. The admonitions in The Book of Mormon on how to live a better life help me to improve and to be more charitable. I am grateful for this book and the opportunity that I have to read it again and again. Each time I read it, I realize something new. Here's to another beginning of The Book of Mormon!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Overcoming Revenge and Hard Feelings


We know the outcome of the Book of Ether long before we even begin reading the book. In fact, we find out the outcome of the Jaredite people earlier in the Book of Mormon (Omni 1:21) when Coriantumr is found with the 24 Jaredite plates.

However, as I approach the end of the Book of Ether for the 20-something time, I am still surprised and shocked at the destruction that takes place. I guess what has shocked me most this time reading is that the reason this civilization ended is that these people became so blinded in their hatred. These people were blessed of the Lord and allowed themselves to get so caught up in their pride and love of riches/power, that it became the achilles heel to their civilization.

The most poignant example of this is with Shiz and Coriantumr. In Ether 14, Coriantumr battles all men who are opposed to him, killing off all of them in order to retain his power in the land. Finally, he kills off Lib. Shiz, Lib's brother, decides to continue the war against Coriantumr and avenge his brother's death. Millions of people are forced to join the cause and/or die because of the greed for power. Dead, rotting, smelly bodies were strewn all over the land because there were so many dead and not enough people to bury them. "Nevertheless, Shiz did no cease to pursue Coriantumr; for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother, who had been slain" (Ether 14:24). It's amazing to me that with all of this blood and carnage, how selfish Shiz was. He could have stopped the war and tried to save his people. Yet, he was so overcome with revenge rather than forgiveness that he (and OF COURSE Coriantumr) allowed an entire race to be killed off. He had the power to forgive, but decided instead to sacrifice his life and the lives of millions of people in order to exact revenge.

Now, I know that we HOPEFULLY won't be forced to make a decision in such circumstances during our lifetimes. But, we are forced daily to deal with other people in situations where it may be easier to be angry and spiteful than to forgive others. I know that forgiving others and overcoming our anger for someone who has wronged us will not only help to alleviate hard feelings, but it will provide an example for which others will gladly follow.

Shiz had the opportunity to end the war, but he continued fighting out of revenge.

Power of Scriptural Knowledge

Ether chapter 12 is one of the most quoted chapters of the Book of Mormon. As I read through it, however, I recognized an aspect about that chapter I hadn't before.

The chapter begins with an account of Ether, a Jaredite prophet, who went forth preaching unto the Jaredite people of faith and hope. And "Ether did prophesy great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they saw them not" (Ether 12:5). Moroni then pauses the record of Ether to recount the wonders and marvels Heavenly Father has done by faith. In his account, Moroni includes references to a wide array of scriptures not only from the Book of Mormon, but from The Bible also.

As I read through this chapter, I not only felt of Moroni's admonition for us to have faith, but I also felt the power of scriptural knowledge. Because Moroni knew the scriptures well, he was able to use them to share his testimony and admonish others to do so. He recalled specific stories and was able to use them as faith-inspiring examples.

We can learn a lot from Moroni, whose love and knowledge of the scriptures is evident. He not only abridged the scriptures, he studied them and understood them. Because of that, his words are able to bless our lives today. His example exhibits true faith and power.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Brother of Jared, Part II

One of my favorite parts of The Book of Mormon is the account of the Brother of Jared. A few years ago, I was struggling between several different decisions. I felt like I was begging and pleading Heavenly Father to give me an answer to a situation I was going through. No matter how much I begged and plead, I still felt like I wasn't receiving an answer. This was so hard for me!

And then I began rereading the account of the Brother of Jared in my scripture reading. He asked Heavenly Father for help in two aspects: 1, what to do so that they could breath in their ships; 2, what to do in order for them to have light crossing the ocean. Heavenly Father answered the first of Jared's requests and then turned the second request into a question by saying, "Therefore what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea?" (Ether 2:25).

Rather than giving the Brother of Jared a direct answer, Heavenly Father asks him to study it out for himself and come to Heavenly Father with an answer. I realized after reading this that is how Heavenly Father often answers my prayers. I come to Him without having done the proper research myself. I ask questions without having thought of what I think would be the best solution or answer, expecting to be enlightened when I haven't given any "thought save it were to ask" him. What can I say? I'm lazy like that. I want everything handed to me on a silver platter rather than actually having to work for it.

That's why I love this story. The Brother of Jared thought about and made up his mind to act, and then in humility he came to Heavenly Father letting him know of his decision. Because of this, the Brother of Jared as blessed for his faith and humility. He was so blessed that he was able to see first the finger of the Lord and then the entire body of the Savior. In fact, the Savior said of this, "Never have I shown myself unto any man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast," (Ether 3:15). What a powerful example of what faith, work, preparation, and humility can do to bless our lives and provide answers to prayers.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The Brother of Jared, Part I

(Please refer to President Eyring's article about the Brother of Jared)

Every time I begin reading Ether, I am impressed by the Brother of Jared. He is such a faithful, humble man. Because of his exceeding faith, he was able to do and see many wonderful things. But, I'm getting ahead of myself...

In Ether chapter 1, the account of the Jaredite people begins at the Tower of Babel. The Lord has begun to confound the language of the people and sworn "in His wrath that [the people] should be scattered upon all the face of the earth" (Ether 1:33). Jared did not want his language and the language of his family to be confounded. He knew that his brother (hereafter Mahonri Moriancumer) was a "large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord." Therefore, Jared said unto his brother, "Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words" (Ether 1:34). And, listening to the advice of his brother, Mahonri did so.

Because he did so, the Lord had compassion on them and did not confound their language. In fact, Jared again entreated his brother to pray to stop the Lord from confounding the language of their friends (and I'm sure loved ones). Mahonri did so and the Lord again blessed them that the language of their friends were also not confounded.

And a third time, Jared asked his brother to pray to the Lord about where they should go saying, "And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth? And if it so be, let us be faithful unto the Lord that we may receive it for our inheritance" (Ether 1:38).

Mahonri listens to his brother, prays, and is instructed of the Lord to gather animals, seeds, and provisions and to journey into the wilderness. Because Mahonri listened to his brother, their whole family was blessed.

This account tells me a few things about Jared and his brother. First of all, Jared was a wise man too, who probably felt and was guided by the spirit to ask his brother to inquire after these certain blessings. I'm not sure, however, why he asked Mahonri to speak with the Lord and why Jared himself did not do it. It could have something to do with a patriarchal order. Either way, Mahonri inquired with faith and received an answer. He was humble enough to allow his brother to counsel him and to also be counseled of the Lord. Through his humility and faith, he changed all the lives around him for the better. I need to work on my humility, allowing myself to be counseled of the Lord and even by family and friends. Sometimes I get so stuck in my ways, that I won't allow myself to change, even if it is for the better. Thanks for your example, Mahonri!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tools to Improve

Heavenly Father has provided a plan for us to come down to earth, live for a short time, experience life, be tested, (hopefully) make righteous choices, and return back to Him. Yes, it's true that while we're here, we don't remember anything about the time before this life. But, He has provided some wonderful tools to assist us in improving ourselves while we're here. Sadly, we don't always use the tools and knowledge we have been given to assist ourselves.

The situation with the Nephites in Moroni chapter 5 reminded me of this conundrum. Why is it that we complain about our situation, yet don't use the tools available to us in order to change our situation? The Nephites are awaiting further battle with the Lamanites. They know that they're outnumbered. They know that they are most likely going to die. They've been told what they need to do in order to win the battle and survive, yet they don't do it. "... for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them" (Mormon 5:2). All they had to do was turn towards God and change their ways. These Nephites were aware of the prophecies and what it took to improve themselves and their situation. But they struggled and died because they didn't use those tools.

How often do we want to change things and seek to improve our own situation without calling on Heavenly Father to do so? How often are we unwilling to repent and change our ways, yet if we did so, we know we'd be happier and more at peace? I know that I complain about situations in my life that only I am in control of. If I changed myself, my life would be better. I'd have more peace and those around me would too. So, why don't I change? I know I do change, albeit VERY SLOWLY. I could improve myself faster if I stopped being lazy and took the time to do so. Change certainly is not easy, especially when we're dealing with our own issues that have been around for years. But positive change is possible. I know that I need to get up off my lazy butt to make it happen! I am the only one who can improve my life. I may not be able to change my situation, but as Viktor Frankl said, "When we cannot change a situation... we are challenged to change ourselves."

Understanding the Atonement


Last Sunday morning was a little bit tough for me. An issue I've been dealing with for quite some time seemed harder than ever. And I broke down in sobs. I prayed and asked for strength and guidance of how best to deal with this problem. I was heartbroken and emotional. I prayed and fasted and waited for the comfort and peace that I know the Lord provides to all of us when we ask.

As I drove to church, it came. You see, on Sundays, I don't listen to music in my car. Instead, I listen to CDs from past general conferences. The CD I happened to pop in the night before began with the talk by Elder Wirthlin entitled, "Come What May and Love It." I listened to it twice on the way to church. (In fact, I probably listen to that talk at least once or twice a week!) But somehow, I heard different messages this time that I hadn't heard before. Heavenly Father answered my prayer. He provided the comfort and peace I needed through the words of His humble servant and disciple, the late Joseph B. Wirthlin. I'm so grateful for the righteous and humble men that lead and guide our church.

In Elder Wirthlin's talk, the message that really stuck out when all was said and done was a message of the atonement. Not only can we receive strength through Christ's atonement, but we can also get to know Christ better through His atonement. Let me explain. When we go through trials, as all of us do, we are able to draw on the atonement for strength. We're able to turn to Jesus Christ, the ONE PERSON who knows EXACTLY how we're feeling, because he went through all things. We can find much strength and comfort in that.

Additionally, however, we learn to be more like Christ through our trials. When we go through struggles, we understand even more what He went through. And we're able to relate to others better as well. What an amazing blessing that comes from those struggles we deal with daily! I feel truly grateful.

I know that as we experience trials, we can improve ourselves and those around us. As Heavenly Father said to Joseph Smith about all of the trials that he would deal with,
"... know thou, my son [or daughter], that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for they good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way... Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever" (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9).

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Standing at Judgment

Recently, I had a discussion with a friend about the judging that will take place after this life. She and I both have family members who've gone through some hard times and may not have made the best decisions. However, we both remain fairly confident that these people will be able to repent of their sins and return to live with God after they die. I know that God will not judge us based on the worst thing that we've ever done, but will judge us based on all of our deeds, both good and bad. Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to return unto Him. I feel strongly that if we're trying to live as He has asked us, that He will help us to return to live with Him again.

As I was reading in Mormon chapter 3, it provides a little more insight into the judging that will take place after this life. In this chapter, it mentions that former (and probably even current) apostles will also act as judges for the people. In fact, it mentions in verse 19 that the Nephites will be judged by Christ's first apostles as well as by the apostles Jesus chose while on the American continent.

Will we also be judged by apostles both current and past? What is the reasoning behind this judging from multiple apostles, if we ALL must stand before the judgment seat of Christ as well (Mormon 3:20)? Is the order of judges set up by the Nephites indicative of the type of judging that will happen hereafter?

It's interesting to consider the "judgment" that is mentioned so many times throughout the scriptures. We know that we will be judged, but I know that I don't always live my life as if I will be. I guess I need to better myself in order to get ready for the eventual judgment that will take place.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Serve Based on Need

In 3 Nephi chapter 17, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, teaches us all a valuable lesson about preparation and service.

Jesus came to visit the Nephites after his resurrection and had spent much time teaching them about his laws and gospel. One day, after teaching them, he asks them, "Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again" (3 Nephi 17:3). We can learn so much from this simple scripture about meditation and PREPARATION to hear the Lord's word, be it at general conference, while reading the scriptures, or during sacrament meeting. We need to take time to ponder His words in order to improve our minds and allow ourselves to receive line upon line, precept upon precept.



Shortly after this verse, the Savior mentions how He now has plans to go unto the Father and then to show Himself unto the lost tribes of Israel. However, after looking out at the multitude and seeing them in tears, they ask Him to forgo His plans and stay with them a little longer. And he does. He gives up His plan to stay and administer unto the people. He heals their sick, prays for the people, blesses their children, angels are seen - in short, miracles happen.

Through this story, we can see that The Savior of the World sacrificed His time for these people. He dropped His plans and served these people in the way they needed Him to serve. Hopefully we all learn through this example to serve willingly, even when we may have other demands pressing upon us. Taking time to do what we should and be guided by Heavenly Father's Spirit oftentimes requires sacrifice, but it ALWAYS provides blessings.

Another important aspect of this story is that the people ASKED when they were in need. We all want to be tough and act like we don't need anything or help from anyone. This just isn't true. Sometimes we need to ask for help. We need to communicate a need so that we can bless someone else's life through the service we allow them to offer to us.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Two Paths, Two Choices

3 Nephi Chapters 5-6 are rich with missionary work, true repentance and ultimate conversion. Sadly, however as the people begin to be righteous and to prosper in chapter 6, we read, "And now there was nothing in all the land to hinder the people from prospering continually, except they should fall into transgression" (3 Nephi 6:5). And fall into transgression they did... within a year, some people began to be prideful because of their wealth "even unto great persecutions" (3 Nephi 6:10). Eventually, the church was broken up because of riches and class distinctions, except for "a few of the Lamanites who were converted to the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord" (3 Nephi 6:14).

And then in verse 15, we find out the reasons for the iniquities and problems,
"Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this -- Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world."


And this, friends, is the clencher: "Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they KNEW the will of God concerning them, for it had been brought unto them; therefore they did willfully rebel against God" (3 Nephi 6:18). They knew that they were going against God's will for them. How many of us do the same?



We have a choice to make: we can either allow constant advertisement of Satan's temptations to influence us and follow down that path of iniquity (which ultimately leads to unhappiness), or we can follow the soft-spoken voice of our Heavenly Father and Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Satan wraps his empty promises in a huge package with lots of bows and ribbons. Satan's package is empty: He wants us to spend eternity in misery with him. Satan seeks to take away our agency and choice.

While on the other hand, Heavenly Father will NEVER take away our choices. His package appears to be subtle and humble, but it contains the greatest gift of all: the opportunity of eternal life spent with our Father in Heaven and our family and friends.

So, which path will YOU follow? There are only two choices.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Obeying God's Commands

In the beginning of 3rd Nephi, we find the land and people in a frightened state. The Gadianton robbers (a group of plundering, murdering thieves) has begun to take over the land and the righteous Nephites and Lamanites fear that nowhere is safe from these murderers who were coming against them in open war and rebellion.

Rather than continuing to fear, the Nephites (including Lamanites turned Nephites) called Gidgiddoni as their chief captain, "someone that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy" (3 Nephi 3:19). Because the Nephites had repented and were strong in the gospel, they recognized it was important to be led by a righteous man who called upon God for strength and guidance. They had faith that God would lead this righteous man and, as a result, them.



Some of the people asked Gidgiddoni to pray unto the Lord to protect as they rashly went up into the mountain to fight against the Gadianton robbers. Understanding that at this point, they would die if they went to fight against the Gadianton robbers, he said that they needed to prepare themselves first. And they did. They listened to Gidgiddoni as he told them to all gather in the center of the land with their flocks and all of their sustenance. They fortified and strengthened themselves physically and spiritually (through repentance, faith, and prayer).

I do not think it was easy for them to do this. I'm sure it was not easy to move everyone to one place and to leave your homes, not knowing if you would ever return. But, the people had faith and it won them the war. Because they had the Lord on their side, they won the war against the Gadianton robbers and were able to erase them entirely from their lands and people (for a time).

Moral of the story: It is not always easy to obey Heavenly Father and his commands. Sometimes we don't even know why we're told to do something (just like the Nephites), but we know that we should do it. If we have faith and prepare ourselves in every way possible, Heavenly Father will use our obedience to open doors for us. He will teach us lessons, He will help our faith to grow beyond what we thought we were capable of.

Monday, January 19, 2009

The Impact We Have

In our own way, we all impact those around us. Sometimes people will tell us what something we said or did meant to them. And sometimes we will never know the impact we had on a life. That doesn't mean that we should get discouraged or give up. You never know what you've done to help someone else.



I bring this up courtesy of Samuel, the Lamanite. He is a good example to us of doing what Heavenly Father asked of him, without knowing what the effect of his actions would be. Samuel was told to preach to the Nephites, even though it could cost him his life (they were very angry at him for preaching to them and were seeking to kill him as a consequence). Although it was difficult, he did so and was protected. As soon as he was finished preaching, the scripture says that he got off the wall, walked out of the land, and "He was never heard of more among the Nephites" (Helaman 16:8). Samuel did what he was asked to do and never was able to see the fruit of his labors. He converted many people unto the gospel of Jesus Christ. Chapters later in 3rd Nephi, Samuel, the Lamanit is mentioned again when the prophecies he made came to pass. The people remembered Samuel and his preachings. He had an impact on the people, even though he was never aware of the impact he had.

Has that happened to us? Have we helped someone without even knowing it? Or, have we been helping without letting that person know what he/she has done for us?

I want to strive to help those around me a little more, to be a little bit more Christlike in my actions. I also want to remember to say thank you to those who have helped me, even in small ways. Showing gratitude helps people to know the impact that they have had in our lives.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Lessons Learned from the Lamanites

Generally, when the term "Lamanites" is mentioned, I am apt to think of a wild, ferocious, and a wicked people. However, in the end of the book of Helaman Samuel, the Lamanite, proves me wrong in that regard and reminds us all that repentance is possible for anyone, if we truly believe.

As Samuel continues his preaching from the wall, he reminds the Nephites (and us all) of the reason why Heavenly Father chastens us: because He loves us and wants us to return to Him.

And then Samuel reminds us of the true nature of the gospel and the true nature of the God we love. Samuel tells us of the repentance and CHANGE of the Lamanites and how, through true conversion, they have changed their lives and their ways. It's amazing to hear how much the gospel has changed the lives of the Lamanites and their families. These Lamanites had such a strong testimony that they had such an aversion to sin (like their predecessors) that they'd rather die than to go to war against anyone again.

Of their righteousness, Samuel said, "And now, because of their steadfastness when they do believe... for because of their firmness when they are once enlightened, behold, the Lord shall bless them and prolong their days, notwithstanding their iniquity" (Helaman 15:10).

After church on Sunday I began writing about my gratitude for the gospel and for the opportunity I have to go to church. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has changed my life for the better. I hope that I can remain true and steadfast, that I can repent as the Lamanites repented, with true conversion and with a true desire to change for the better.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Strength as Samuel the Lamanite



The nature of man is interesting to me. Sometimes we are so slow to forget our own convictions! This is seen time and again in The Book of Mormon, specifically throughout the book of Helaman. The people are chastened, they are humbled, the repent, begin to prosper again, again are prideful and forget their conversion. This cycle repeats itself so often that it's hard to keep track of how many times the Nephites adhere to the gospel and then stop because of temptation.

Enter Samuel the Lamanite. Because of the preaching of Lehi and Nephi many Lamanites (including Samuel) was converted. Once he was converted and saw the wickedness of the Nephites, he was told that he should preach to them. After trying once and being thrown out of the city, he was set on leaving and going to another place to preach. However, we felt strongly what he needed to say and that it needed to be said to the people of this city. So he got on top of the city wall and preached to the people according to what the Lord told him.

Imagining the difficulty of Samuel in this situation is crucial to seeing how hard it sometimes can be to DO what we are told to do. It is not always easy to stay strong. It is not easy to maintain a close, real relationship with our Father in Heaven. Choosing to sacrifice rather than to indulge selfishly can be very difficult. But, Heavenly Father will bless us and does bless us as we are trying to do what he asks us to do.

We will be tempted and we won't be perfect, but as long as we keep our resolve to do what we've been asked to do, we can overcome and make the best of our circumstances and lives. The gospel of Jesus Christ is about repentance, meaning positive change. It is about the love of a Savior who died so that we can have the opportunity to repent and a Father in Heaven who provided and allowed that sacrifice for us. We can and must take strength in that sacrifice and that Godly love.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Humility Brings Blessings



Recently I've been thinking about pride. My own pride and the hindrance it brings upon me and my relationships with others. I know that we all have pride in some form. I also know that we have the ability to better ourselves. I really am striving to stop being prideful towards others and to begin improving myself. I know that I can do this as I humble myself and seek to put Heavenly Father first in my life.

Having said that, a big reason why pride has been on my mind relates to the scriptures. The "pride cycle" is continually recurring in the part of The Book of Mormon I'm reading. For those of you who don't know, the pride cycle basically consists of prospering, then having pride (in many forms... forgetting God, giving credit to yourself for blessings given from God, etc.), being chastened, becoming humble (once again searching for God and recognizing his hand in your life), and then once again prospering. The cycle usually repeats time and again.

Helaman chapter 4, is a perfect example of the pride cycle. The Nephites forget God, become prideful and contentious, are chastened (through a war with the Lamanites), and then repent and humble themselves because of their loss and hardships. Verse 13 is the culmination of the pride cycle: "And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten..." Once they realize their hardships and see that the prophecies given by former prophets are now coming to pass, the people decide to repent and to change their ways.

Through this experience, the Nephites realized that when they allowed pride to enter in to their hearts, they "had become weak... the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them" (Helaman 4:24). I have felt this way before. Although my own pride has never led me to the extent of the Nephites' wickedness, it has had an effect on my life. It also has kept me from having the Spirit as my guide, similar to the Nephites.

All of this serves as a reminder to me that I need to be better about keeping myself in check. Rather than being compelled to be humble because of my circumstances, I should become humble because I want to be closer to God. I know that if I am humbly trying to serve God and am keeping him as a BIG priority in my life, I will be blessed.