New Journal Format & Thoughts on 1 Nephi 19

I'm trying a new scripture journal format, which includes writing my thoughts as I read and includes a section at the end of WAYS I CAN IMPROVE based on what I read that day. In that way, I hope that I can be able to better myself by truly pondering and implementing ways I can improve based on my insights while reading the scriptures.

Here are some thoughts as I read in 1 Nephi 19:
*Verse 9 says, “And because of their iniquity, the world shall judge Him to be a thing of naught…” Even though this scripture was written about the time period when Christ actually lived on the earth, this scripture, sadly, captures how the world is today. Because of iniquity, people judge Christ and say that He really didn’t live, or that His sacrifice wasn’t as great as the scriptures say it was. Some people don’t even believe in Christ and instead mock and scorn those that do believe. There are those who say that they believe, when in reality their actions speak differently.
*I want to live my life so that the Savior’s suffering was worth it. I don’t want to waste what He did through actions and an unrepentant attitude. I want to live my life so that those who know me want to know Jesus Christ. I know that we can live as examples to the world, even in this world of sin and iniquity. I can be better.
*There is yet time to repent and to change. There is time to come unto our Savior and better ourselves for eternal life.
*Verse 23- Like Nephi, we also need to liken all scriptures unto us. If we don’t, we’re not using the scriptures correctly. These scriptures were given unto us for our profit and learning. They were given unto us to better us and to help us to improve ourselves in this life. We can only improve ourselves IF we are trying to liken them unto ourselves.

WAYS I CAN IMPROVE: Be more diligent at scripture study. I can TRULY apply the scriptures to my life in order to repent and better myself.
*I can remember my Savior and His suffering for me. I can use the power of the atonement in my life, not only to repent, but also as a source of comfort and strength.
*I can live my life according to the covenants I have made with Heavenly Father and I will make with him in the temple.

Asking in Humility

As I read last night in 1 Nephi chapter 15, I had a few insights that I’d like to write down. In the beginning of the chapter, Nephi talks about how, after he saw a vision about the tree of life, he returned to the tent of his father to find his brothers disputing over his father’s words. Nephi said, “For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought” (1 Nephi 15:3).

Nephi inquired of his brethren the reason for their contentions. They responded saying, “Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken…” (1 Nephi 15:7). And Nephi said unto them, “Have ye inquired of the Lord?” (1 Nephi 15:8). The reason for their misunderstanding becomes evident in their response, “We have not; the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us” (1 Nephi 15:9).

Laman and Lemuel lacked faith. In spite of all they had been taught, in spite of all the miracles they had seen, in spite of an angel of God coming to speak to them, they still doubted the validity of God. Because they lacked faith, they didn’t take the time to ask Heavenly Father, assuming that He wouldn’t answer them. Was this an excuse? Were they just lazy?

There are ways that we all are like Laman and Lemuel. At times, we fail to call on our Heavenly Father for answers or for clarification. However, Nephi provides a way for us all to improve, “Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said? – If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you” (1 Nephi 15:11).

I know that Heavenly Father is there and wants to bless us, but we must choose to come unto Him through our words and our actions. If we are doing out part, in His own time, He will clarify any questions we have concerning the gospel or our lives.

This Morning's Scattered Bullet Points...

Here are some thoughts as I read in Doctrine & Covenants, Section 5:
*Heavenly Father has provided a wonderful plan for us!
*The most important gift of that plan is that we have the ability to receive eternal life.
*In addition to that supreme gift, He provides us with other gifts along the way. He provides us with peace and comfort. He provides us with earthly and spiritual comforts and knowledge.
*How can people say that God doesn’t love us, or that there isn’t a God, when it is evident in everything around us? How ungrateful can people be to say that there is no God?
*People struggle with finding the purpose of this life, if there be any. We’re blessed with the knowledge that there is a God and He has masterfully created a plan for us. The odds are stacked on our side. We only have to do our best, to overcome our faults and mistakes, in order to return to Him. Sure, life isn’t always easy, but God is there to love and protect us, if we are living worthy of that love and protection.

Thoughts as I read 1 Nephi chapter 6:
*The scriptures are important… Nephi states that his purpose in writing is to persuade men to come unto God. He also says that he “will give a commandment unto [his] seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men” (1 Nephi 6:6). The scriptures are important to us in our day to provide knowledge, strength, and comfort. We need to use them in order to have power in our lives, for knowledge (especially spiritual knowledge) is truly power.

Easter's Reminder of the Comfort Jesus Provides

Here are some thoughts about Easter I wrote in my journal:

Today is Easter Sunday, and as such, I’d like to talk my Savior. I’m am eternally indebted and grateful for His atoning sacrifice. I know that He died for me and loves me. I listened to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s recent talk about Jesus Christ and his complete (and then some!) understanding of us because of His infinite atonement. He felt lonely and pain such that we’ll never feel. He went through so much in his short 34 years that we will NEVER have to experience. And he did it all so that we might live. He did it all for the glory of others, not for himself. It’s amazing and unfathomable to me that He gave his life for everyone around Him, save himself. “Glory be to God,” he said. He was the most selfless person that walked the earth and He invites us to partake of His atonement, to utilize that power in our lives so that we can be comforted, so that we can hope. I know that my Redeemer lives. He loves me as an individual. I thank my God for that sacrifice of His son. I know that allowing His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON to die feeling utterly alone was difficult, but He allowed it to happen because God loves us. He saw the bigger picture. He knew what the outcome would be. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for thy love, for thy care, for this atonement that provides me with hope, strength, and the gift of eternal life. I am trying my best to live up to the gift I’ve been given.

Praise for General Conference

Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for General Conference this past weekend. Like many, General Conference always seems to happen exactly when I need the spiritual sustenance it provides without fail. I am thankful for the leaders of our church who prayed and studied laboriously to create messages Heavenly Father wanted ME to hear. I downloaded all of the talks on Sunday and created CDs. I'm excited to listen to these messages over and over to remind myself how I can better my life and draw closer to my Heavenly Father and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Here are some talks I particularly enjoyed:

*Elder Robert D. Hale's talk on overcoming debt- This is something I've really been working on this year. Although I only have a car loan and student loans to pay, I feel the need to be careful of my spending in order to save and have no debt. This talk was very insightful and provided a good guide for me (as well as for Evan and I together) to determine that I will not spend my money on things that I don't need to.

*Elder D. Todd Christopherson's talk on keeping our covenants- I am preparing to go to the temple to receive my endowments this year. Recently, I've really been contemplating and praying about the temple. This talk helped me to see the power that is given to those who make AND KEEP sacred covenants with Heavenly Father.

*Along those same lines were two talks about the temple, Elder David A. Bednar's talk (see posting about last general conference) and Elder Gary E. Stevenson's talk. As Elder Bednar would say, these two talks in particular were a tender mercies from the Lord. He knew what I needed to hear about the temple, He knew that I needed Elder Bednar to speak about the temple. I gained so much power, strength, and understanding because of these words. I know that, as Elder Bednar said, there is protecting power in the covenants made and kept in the temple. And that, as Elder Stevenson said, we are never lost (proverbially) when we can see the temple.

There are a million other talks I also loved... Elder Holland's talk on the Savior's atonement and how because he suffered, He can now help us to NEVER feel alone. Or, President Uchtdorf's talk on the path of discipleship. Elder Oaks talk about service and love also inspired me to look outside of myself to work on improving the charity I have for others.

Time will not allow me to mention all of the insights I gained from general conference. I do want to say that I know that these men and women are called of God to lead our church in these latter days. I know that President Monson is a prophet of God. I appreciate his words, his cautions, and his guidance, for I know that they come from God, Our Heavenly Father. I want to adhere my life to the principles mentioned during conference. I hope that little by little I can progress as I try to so do.

Beginning Again...

Here are some thoughts as I’m reading in 1st Nephi, chapter 1 this morning:
*Because Nephi’s parents taught him well, he was able to have faith in his father’s words.
*Nephi’s father, Lehi, expressed exceedingly LOVE and faith as he prayed for his people. Because of this great love and faith, he was able to feel the spirit and see a vision.
*Version 14 Lehi says to the Lord, “Because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!” I have faith that this is true in our lives still today. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will not spare us from suffering and trials, but I do know that they will be there to guide us and comfort us along the way.
*In verse 18, Lehi goes forth prophesying unto the people of the things he saw. Imagine how hard this would be! I bet Joseph Smith related to this passage of scripture particularly because he understood what it meant to proclaim to the people the vision you had, even though people mocked and scorned.
*They were able to do this because “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” (1 Nephi 1:20). Heavenly Father delivered Joseph Smith time and again just as He delivered Lehi from death in Jerusalem. Heavenly Father also will provide tender mercies for us as we strive to follow Him and do what He has asked us to do, in spite of the hardships that may arise because of it.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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).

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.

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.