I know, it has been far too long since our last post. And for that I apologize. I have been reading still, just not recording anything. I have yet to find another "always" since that first one in 1 Nephi 15; however, there are a lot of remembers for you to find Pamla. ;)
What I found significant in these chapters was found in chapter 22 verse 2, when Nephi says:
"Behold they were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit;
for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which
shall come upon the children of men"
Just as it is through the Spirit that the Prophets are able to receive revelation for the people of Nephi's time it is in this same manner that the Prophet and each individual is able to receive revelation for this dispensation and for ourselves. We, like the prophets, can receive personal revelation directly from the Lord through the power of the Spirit. If we are obedient to the teachings of the Lord, and to His commandments.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
1 Nephi 16-19
This last weekend we were blessed with the opportunity to listen to the words and prophesies of the Prophet of our day, President Thomas Spencer Monson. This man is great as are his counselors and the members of the quorum of the twelve apostles and area seventies. The lessons they taught were inspired and wonderful to listen to and learn from. I especially enjoyed Elder Richardson's talk on being a "real" teacher, at becoming "real" in any way you put your mind to. This talk really spoke to me because I will be teaching my first lesson this week in Relief Society and I will confess that I am more than a little bit nervous. However, I know that if I rely on the Spirit at least one person will learn something.
I was reading in 1 Nephi 19 when I came upon verse 10. I thought it was interesting that the sign of the death of the Lord would be three days of darkness. Not because I didn't understand or know this in the past but because of the words which followed reading that this event "should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel."
It was for the benefit of the LOST tribes that this sign was given. Because those in Jerusalem already knew that Jesus was the Christ. This sign was given not for those in Jerusalem, but for those of His people which had been scattered across the globe. He then appeared before these scattered peoples. I always wonder what they were like. These scattered peoples. Where they like the ancient families of Jerusalem, or were they more like the Nephites and Lamanites?
I was reading in 1 Nephi 19 when I came upon verse 10. I thought it was interesting that the sign of the death of the Lord would be three days of darkness. Not because I didn't understand or know this in the past but because of the words which followed reading that this event "should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel."
It was for the benefit of the LOST tribes that this sign was given. Because those in Jerusalem already knew that Jesus was the Christ. This sign was given not for those in Jerusalem, but for those of His people which had been scattered across the globe. He then appeared before these scattered peoples. I always wonder what they were like. These scattered peoples. Where they like the ancient families of Jerusalem, or were they more like the Nephites and Lamanites?
Friday, September 16, 2011
1 Nephi 14
So I'm feeling guilty for not posting in so long. I have read chapter 14 but that's it so I'll at least post what I have. Then I can have a guilt free conscience - on my birthday (you like that hint? ;)
I believe this chapter begins by talking about the Gentiles in a sense of non-believers in general. I meant to ask my other non-writing sister about it but forgot...o well.
The verse that stood out to me was verse 10.
"...Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth."
This verse is very bold and brutally, honestly, blunt. It is the truth for there is no gray. Only black and white, which means if it's not the Lord's church then it's not. Some other religions do have some truths, and the members aren't bad people; in fact I have many wonderful friends who aren't LDS; but think of it this way:
You are making cookies. You have most of the ingredients. In fact you have all of them except sugar. You can still make "cookies" but they will taste horrible. They aren't true cookies because they don't contain all of the ingredients (or truth).
I know, for sure, without a shadow of a doubt, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the one true church. The Holy Ghost has told me - and he cannot lie. My Savior gave me the greatest gift: the Atonement. I can be forgiven and have been forgiven many times for my shortcomings - because I am definitely NOT perfect. I know I lived in heaven before I came to earth and I know I can live in heaven again with my eternal family after I die. I love my Savior. I love His gospel. It brings me sanity, peace, and a sure foundation for strength in every aspect of my life.
I believe this chapter begins by talking about the Gentiles in a sense of non-believers in general. I meant to ask my other non-writing sister about it but forgot...o well.
The verse that stood out to me was verse 10.
"...Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth."
This verse is very bold and brutally, honestly, blunt. It is the truth for there is no gray. Only black and white, which means if it's not the Lord's church then it's not. Some other religions do have some truths, and the members aren't bad people; in fact I have many wonderful friends who aren't LDS; but think of it this way:
You are making cookies. You have most of the ingredients. In fact you have all of them except sugar. You can still make "cookies" but they will taste horrible. They aren't true cookies because they don't contain all of the ingredients (or truth).
I know, for sure, without a shadow of a doubt, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the one true church. The Holy Ghost has told me - and he cannot lie. My Savior gave me the greatest gift: the Atonement. I can be forgiven and have been forgiven many times for my shortcomings - because I am definitely NOT perfect. I know I lived in heaven before I came to earth and I know I can live in heaven again with my eternal family after I die. I love my Savior. I love His gospel. It brings me sanity, peace, and a sure foundation for strength in every aspect of my life.
1 Nephi 11-15
Sorry that it has been so long. With school starting back up again things have been a little more hectic. Nevertheless, I have still been able to read every now and then. These chapters consist of Lehi's vision of the tree of life, and Nephi's diligent desire to understand, and subsequent visions which he is also able to see. I love these stories, because they not only speak of the truthfulness and coming of the Bible, but of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and even the current Ensigns which we receive monthly. :) Nephi is blessed with the opportunity to see the coming of these books and it is a comfort to know that the Lord's plan is whole, and can lead us in these the later days.
Isn't it wonderful that He has a plan for us? That he knows what is to come, and is constantly preparing a way for His saints to get through the trials? I love that He cares enough for us that He is willing to help us along the way.
Oh, and guess what... I found my first ALWAYS!!!!!! YAY!!!! :D
It is found in 1 Nephi 15:25:
"Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments ALWAYS in all things."
Isn't it wonderful that He has a plan for us? That he knows what is to come, and is constantly preparing a way for His saints to get through the trials? I love that He cares enough for us that He is willing to help us along the way.
Oh, and guess what... I found my first ALWAYS!!!!!! YAY!!!! :D
It is found in 1 Nephi 15:25:
"Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments ALWAYS in all things."
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
1 Nephi 7-10
I loved reading about faith and thinking about the strength that can come when we apply this verb in out lives. For that is what faith is, not just a regular word, but an action word. It is something that we must apply and continually strive to achieve. This act of being faithful. However when I think about faith I also tend to think about trust. These two go hand in hand, for when we have faith in someone we are trusting them to follow through with their end of the deal. This is a personal struggle for me. I really struggle trusting other people to follow through with their side of things. I know that this is wrong, and it really is something that I am working on. The problem with this struggle is the fact that sometimes it is simply so much easier to try and come up with a solution yourself instead of relying on someone else to help you figure things out. Sometimes I think that this way of thinking could be a good thing, but in others it can be a bit of a fatal flaw. For instance (as a small example) when you are rock climbing you have to trust someone to belay for you. Personally I love going up, however, I really struggle trusting someone to help me get down, and half the time simply climb down the same way I climbed up. I need to learn to have more faith and trust in those that surround me.
Later on while reading 1 Nephi 7:17 Nephi prays to the Lord to give him the strength to break the bands with which his brothers have confined him. This reminded me that we are not meant to simply pray for things; not simple or vauge things but for specific desires and needs. For instance the desire to be freed from bounds, to be forgiven for a specific sin, even for something as simply as growing up to be 5 foot and 4 inches tall. Silly, but the Lord will grant even your silly requests in your prayers.
Reading chapter 8 I was curious as to the transition between the seeds which Lehi's family took with them, and then the sudden transition to that of the seed and generations of his family to come. I completely get the idea of talking about his vision of his family, but why mention the seeds in verse 1? Not quite sure about this yet.
Anyway, I don't really know how to tie all these thoughts and ideas together, but I figures I should still record these thoughts. So there you have it. Pam, if you can explain what that first verse was for, go ahead and try. I certainly don't quite understand it. So I may have to read it again. Night!
Later on while reading 1 Nephi 7:17 Nephi prays to the Lord to give him the strength to break the bands with which his brothers have confined him. This reminded me that we are not meant to simply pray for things; not simple or vauge things but for specific desires and needs. For instance the desire to be freed from bounds, to be forgiven for a specific sin, even for something as simply as growing up to be 5 foot and 4 inches tall. Silly, but the Lord will grant even your silly requests in your prayers.
Reading chapter 8 I was curious as to the transition between the seeds which Lehi's family took with them, and then the sudden transition to that of the seed and generations of his family to come. I completely get the idea of talking about his vision of his family, but why mention the seeds in verse 1? Not quite sure about this yet.
Anyway, I don't really know how to tie all these thoughts and ideas together, but I figures I should still record these thoughts. So there you have it. Pam, if you can explain what that first verse was for, go ahead and try. I certainly don't quite understand it. So I may have to read it again. Night!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
1 Nephi 5-6
As this is my first entry on any blog I hope that it is acceptable to any who read it. I certainly admire my sister for coming up with this idea and being so steadfast in it thus far. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to post anything Pam, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts. Anyway, there is no better way to start then to just go for it...so here I go. :)
Reading through chapter 5 I came to a think of my ancestors and what they have done for me. For a moment I had the quick thought that it would be nice to simply have one book with all of our family history in it. That would be terribly convenient; however, I think we would loose our purpose as to what genealogy is for. It is to draw us closer to our ancestors and to help us feel a love for those who came before us. To feel the same closeness with them that we feel with our living relatives. To feel a respect for the hardships, and struggles they had to face in order to bring us the blessings which we are able to enjoy.
Another thought that came to me in this chapter is this: how would I feel, if I had discovered that I just killed my distant cousin? I understand that what was done had to be done. But at the moment I am grateful that Nephi's trial in this area has not been my own.
I love what Nephi says in verse 21 that "we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children." Isn't it wonderful that even through the ages, and not just to the children of Nephi, but all of the Lord's children now have the opportunity to read these documents. These testimonies. That we can have such a close account as to the commandments of the Lord, and can use them to draw nearer unto Him.
This is what our Journals need to be like. Or at least our spiritual journals. Or even this blog. Anything which will help draw others nearer unto God. I think so often we forget to see Him in our everyday lives. I hope that I can strive to see Him and remember that sight at least once a day. For instance the other day my friends and I were driving home from church and it was raining. The rain fell so quickly that we had to pull over and wait for it to slow because our windshield wipers didn't move quickly enough to help us see the road. Nevertheless, when we finally got onto the highway we were just at the right angle to see a beautiful rainbow. You could see every layer. It started on the side of the highway, and ended right in front our our car. We drove home, at the end of the rainbow. There was no pot of gold but there was a gratitude for the wonders of God, the fact that the three of us could share it, and that the world still has the promise of the Lord that it will not be completely flooded again. Isn't it amazing. That even in our weakness, and wickedness, we have a God that loves us, and is willing to forgive us. I hope I can show Him the gratitude I have for these blessings.
Reading through chapter 5 I came to a think of my ancestors and what they have done for me. For a moment I had the quick thought that it would be nice to simply have one book with all of our family history in it. That would be terribly convenient; however, I think we would loose our purpose as to what genealogy is for. It is to draw us closer to our ancestors and to help us feel a love for those who came before us. To feel the same closeness with them that we feel with our living relatives. To feel a respect for the hardships, and struggles they had to face in order to bring us the blessings which we are able to enjoy.
Another thought that came to me in this chapter is this: how would I feel, if I had discovered that I just killed my distant cousin? I understand that what was done had to be done. But at the moment I am grateful that Nephi's trial in this area has not been my own.
I love what Nephi says in verse 21 that "we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children." Isn't it wonderful that even through the ages, and not just to the children of Nephi, but all of the Lord's children now have the opportunity to read these documents. These testimonies. That we can have such a close account as to the commandments of the Lord, and can use them to draw nearer unto Him.
This is what our Journals need to be like. Or at least our spiritual journals. Or even this blog. Anything which will help draw others nearer unto God. I think so often we forget to see Him in our everyday lives. I hope that I can strive to see Him and remember that sight at least once a day. For instance the other day my friends and I were driving home from church and it was raining. The rain fell so quickly that we had to pull over and wait for it to slow because our windshield wipers didn't move quickly enough to help us see the road. Nevertheless, when we finally got onto the highway we were just at the right angle to see a beautiful rainbow. You could see every layer. It started on the side of the highway, and ended right in front our our car. We drove home, at the end of the rainbow. There was no pot of gold but there was a gratitude for the wonders of God, the fact that the three of us could share it, and that the world still has the promise of the Lord that it will not be completely flooded again. Isn't it amazing. That even in our weakness, and wickedness, we have a God that loves us, and is willing to forgive us. I hope I can show Him the gratitude I have for these blessings.
1 Nephi 13
I had to read this chapter very carefully. After figuring out what "gentile" means I had to make sure I understood which group of people Nephi was referring to, because he calls several groups Gentiles.
In the first verses he is talking about non-Israelites. So those Gentiles were in Europe. Nephi witnesses the formation of the great and abominable church. These dark ages did not have the truth. Christ was killed and the truth and light were removed from the children of men.
Verse 6 "And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it." Any and all churches established before Christ's church was restored falls into this category. Other religions could not be true, because they could not have the whole truth. It wasn't on the earth anymore. Some have partial truths but without Christ as their head an the proper authority to act in His name they can not be true and therefore fall into the category of the devil's church. He s the master of deception. To mix good with bad and then make you believe it is all good is his specialty.
Verses 8-10 Shows us the Gentiles (Europeans) were still in Europe trying to escape from religious persecution.
Verses 11-12 Nephi sees the Europeans "discover" America. They find what's left of Nephi's lineage - the Lamanites. (Native Americans/Indians)
Verse 13 The pilgrims leave Europe and come over to what is founded as the United States.
Verse 14 Because of the wickedness of the Lamanites the Gentiles (now in America) are allowed to drive them out of the land and they become scattered. This is the French/Indian War (the trail of tears, etc.)
Verse 15 Nephi sees the pilgrims prosper. He observes they are "white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain." -Personally this verse stands out to me and makes my heart ache for Nephi. We can clearly see his sorrow for his people.
Verse 17 talks about the Revolutionary War and how the Lord delivers the Gentiles (USA) from England.
The chapter continues to explain that the Gentiles (USA) brought with them a book. This is the Bible. When it was written by "the mouth of a Jew" it was true and pure. The great and abominable church edit the book. They remove "plain and precious truths". It becomes confusing for people to understand when it was originally easy and simple.
Verse 34 explains the restoration of the gospel.
Verse 35 is talking about Nephi's ancestors writing the Book of Mormon like he is doing.
The last verses talk about the coming forth of The Book of Mormon and how it will "make known the plain and precious things." I had to read these verses several times to feel like I understand them. Missionary work is bringing the truth to all the world. To every a nation - not China - but we will be in China soon! The scriptures are coming true right before our eyes! What a blessed time to be on Earth! The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Just like the Bible is a record of people in Jesus' time in Jerusalem and countries over there, the Book of Mormon is a record of Nephi's time and the people in the Americas. They work hand in hand to teach us the truths of history and of the gospel. It will bring us eternal life and eternal happiness.
This chapter is jam packed! Wow! Nephi must have felt overwhelmed by it all. He was a stronger man - spiritually - than I am but he was still a man. I'm sure it took some time to soak in. At least I would imagine - maybe he will talk about it after the vision is over. I hope he does.
In the first verses he is talking about non-Israelites. So those Gentiles were in Europe. Nephi witnesses the formation of the great and abominable church. These dark ages did not have the truth. Christ was killed and the truth and light were removed from the children of men.
Verse 6 "And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it." Any and all churches established before Christ's church was restored falls into this category. Other religions could not be true, because they could not have the whole truth. It wasn't on the earth anymore. Some have partial truths but without Christ as their head an the proper authority to act in His name they can not be true and therefore fall into the category of the devil's church. He s the master of deception. To mix good with bad and then make you believe it is all good is his specialty.
Verses 8-10 Shows us the Gentiles (Europeans) were still in Europe trying to escape from religious persecution.
Verses 11-12 Nephi sees the Europeans "discover" America. They find what's left of Nephi's lineage - the Lamanites. (Native Americans/Indians)
Verse 13 The pilgrims leave Europe and come over to what is founded as the United States.
Verse 14 Because of the wickedness of the Lamanites the Gentiles (now in America) are allowed to drive them out of the land and they become scattered. This is the French/Indian War (the trail of tears, etc.)
Verse 15 Nephi sees the pilgrims prosper. He observes they are "white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain." -Personally this verse stands out to me and makes my heart ache for Nephi. We can clearly see his sorrow for his people.
Verse 17 talks about the Revolutionary War and how the Lord delivers the Gentiles (USA) from England.
The chapter continues to explain that the Gentiles (USA) brought with them a book. This is the Bible. When it was written by "the mouth of a Jew" it was true and pure. The great and abominable church edit the book. They remove "plain and precious truths". It becomes confusing for people to understand when it was originally easy and simple.
Verse 34 explains the restoration of the gospel.
Verse 35 is talking about Nephi's ancestors writing the Book of Mormon like he is doing.
The last verses talk about the coming forth of The Book of Mormon and how it will "make known the plain and precious things." I had to read these verses several times to feel like I understand them. Missionary work is bringing the truth to all the world. To every a nation - not China - but we will be in China soon! The scriptures are coming true right before our eyes! What a blessed time to be on Earth! The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Just like the Bible is a record of people in Jesus' time in Jerusalem and countries over there, the Book of Mormon is a record of Nephi's time and the people in the Americas. They work hand in hand to teach us the truths of history and of the gospel. It will bring us eternal life and eternal happiness.
This chapter is jam packed! Wow! Nephi must have felt overwhelmed by it all. He was a stronger man - spiritually - than I am but he was still a man. I'm sure it took some time to soak in. At least I would imagine - maybe he will talk about it after the vision is over. I hope he does.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
1 Nephi 11-12
1 Nephi 11
This chapter goes into greater depth of the vision of the tree of life. Which pleases me because I learned much more about it all! Nephi sees Jesus' birth, crucifixion, and the fall of any who oppose the Lord. My favorite verse:
1 Nephi 11:36 "And it came to pass that I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great...Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
* I also learned that the fruit is the LOVE of God.
1 Nephi 12
I didn't actually finish 12 so this is only part of it. But it's so interesting that I need to write it all down. I'm am very pleased to find my scriptures starting to look like they are used. I have markings all over them, explaining what verses mean and likening events to "modern day" names for the mentioned events. But that's to come...
* The river in the big gulf is the depths of Hell.
The angel showing Nephi the vision of the tree also shows Nephi the fall of his people into wickedness and the Lamanites overtake them and then there are only wicked Lamanites left. I can only imagine it would have been sad for Nephi to see his people go from being righteous to being "overcome" by the Lamanites and destroyed.
*SIDE NOTE: I am constantly confused by the term/name "gentiles". Is it Nephi's lineage? Was he an Israelite? I must research this more....
OK - I talked to my sister (not the onenot doing the blog with me...), who served a mission, and I read the Bible Dictionary. Basically "gentile" in the Book of Mormon is generally referring to people without the gospel. Unless quoting from Isaiah, and then it's usually people who are NOT Israelites. It gets confusing in Nephi because technically - lineage wise - Nephi is an Israelite and therefore IS a gentile. But then after they are gone and "split up" by going to the promised land Nephi starts referring to anyone without the gospel as a gentile. It makes much more sense now. There is so much more to chapter 12 that I'm going to have to write carefully and lay it out to it's not confusing..... another post then. :)
This chapter goes into greater depth of the vision of the tree of life. Which pleases me because I learned much more about it all! Nephi sees Jesus' birth, crucifixion, and the fall of any who oppose the Lord. My favorite verse:
1 Nephi 11:36 "And it came to pass that I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great...Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
* I also learned that the fruit is the LOVE of God.
1 Nephi 12
I didn't actually finish 12 so this is only part of it. But it's so interesting that I need to write it all down. I'm am very pleased to find my scriptures starting to look like they are used. I have markings all over them, explaining what verses mean and likening events to "modern day" names for the mentioned events. But that's to come...
* The river in the big gulf is the depths of Hell.
The angel showing Nephi the vision of the tree also shows Nephi the fall of his people into wickedness and the Lamanites overtake them and then there are only wicked Lamanites left. I can only imagine it would have been sad for Nephi to see his people go from being righteous to being "overcome" by the Lamanites and destroyed.
*SIDE NOTE: I am constantly confused by the term/name "gentiles". Is it Nephi's lineage? Was he an Israelite? I must research this more....
OK - I talked to my sister (not the one
Monday, August 22, 2011
1 Nephi 10
In 1 Nephi 10 Lehi speaks of the scattering of the olive branches. The ten tribes of Israel were scattered over all the Earth. I understand now why the Lord sent Lehi and his family into the wilderness, far from Jerusalem, eventually settling much of South and North America.
One: it saved them from the destruction in Jerusalem and becoming enslaved to Babylon.
Two: The Lord, in all His perfect knowledge, was using Lehi as His tool. Lehi provided the means for our Savior to have another witness of Him on this earth. After Christ was crucified He came to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were in America. The Gentiles were the direct descendants of the Nephites and Lamanites (Or Lehi).
I have found my first REMEMBER!
1 Nephi 10: 20-21 "Therefore REMEMBER, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgement." " Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, (your time on earth) then ye are found unclean before the judgement-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever."
I pray I can be good. I strive to be better every day. I repent of my sins. I want to be a good example to everyone around me; people I don't know, my friends, my family - especially my children.
One: it saved them from the destruction in Jerusalem and becoming enslaved to Babylon.
Two: The Lord, in all His perfect knowledge, was using Lehi as His tool. Lehi provided the means for our Savior to have another witness of Him on this earth. After Christ was crucified He came to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were in America. The Gentiles were the direct descendants of the Nephites and Lamanites (Or Lehi).
I have found my first REMEMBER!
1 Nephi 10: 20-21 "Therefore REMEMBER, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgement." " Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, (your time on earth) then ye are found unclean before the judgement-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever."
I pray I can be good. I strive to be better every day. I repent of my sins. I want to be a good example to everyone around me; people I don't know, my friends, my family - especially my children.
1 Nephi 8-9
In 1 Nephi 8 Lehi sees a vision of the tree of life. In the vision there is a straight and narrow path (of righteousness). Next to the path is an iron rod (the word of God, or our holy scriptures). At the end of the path is a "spacious field" and in the field is a tree, "whose fruit was desirable to make one happy" (eternal life). Alongside the path runs "a river of water". On the path there is "a mist of darkness" (temptations or the influence of Satan to confuse you and make you lost). Many lose their way in this mist but if they hold fast to the iron rod and stay on the path then they will reach the tree, or eternal life. Even then, some, after partaking of the delicious fruit will notice a large and spacious building on the other side of the river filled with evil people, or prideful people, mocking those at the tree. If you hold true to your faith and your testimony you will know the mockers are sad because they are living a sinful life and you are choosing the right. We must have a strong testimony of the gospel to avoid feeling ashamed when those around us mock us for choosing the right.
There is much more of the vision but my testimony is this: I know that choosing the right always brings happiness. If we stay on the path by choosing the right and study the scriptures, or hold to the rod, then the Lord will bless us with Eternal Life and we will live with our families in Heaven with our heavenly parents and our Savior, even Jesus the Christ.
There is much more of the vision but my testimony is this: I know that choosing the right always brings happiness. If we stay on the path by choosing the right and study the scriptures, or hold to the rod, then the Lord will bless us with Eternal Life and we will live with our families in Heaven with our heavenly parents and our Savior, even Jesus the Christ.
Friday, August 19, 2011
1 Nephi 1-7
So far there isn't mention of the word remember - but studying from beginning to end for the first time since High School, I will admit the impact of reading this time is completely different for me! Call it maturity, wisdom, or whatever, the spirit is much stronger as I read and I am getting much more out of the story of Nephi than I ever did before. I'd like to think it's because my focus is to enrich my spirit and gain a stronger testimony for myself of the scriptures that makes it better. "With pure intent" as they say.
Nephi had to be one faithful dude! For him to put up with Laman and Lemuel baffles me. Sometimes I find myself annoyed by such trivial things. They literally beat Nephi and he still put up with them. I'll admit I've wondered why they weren't "accidentally" drowned at sea. How easy would it have been for Heavenly Father..."Whoops...look at that huge wave that just took Laman and Lemuel overboard!" Opposition in all things had something to do with it I'm sure, but also if there's anything else good to come of them is this: My goal in life is to NOT be like Laman and Lemuel. They had to be reminded of God's power, touched by the spirit, visited by angels all the time to stay on the straight and narrow. I have reflected on this fact since I read these chapters and I regrettably can recall the spirit testifying that Heavenly Father will always take care of me and I still struggle to believe it all the time. *sigh* I am a work in progress.
The story of Nephi cutting of Laban's head has always bothered me. How can the commandment be "Thou shalt not kill." and murder be an unforgivable sin and yet God commands Nephi to do just so? 1 Nephi 4:13 states, "Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief." Laban had to go. Plain and simple. We would not have these sacred scriptures because Jerusalem was to be destroyed. Laban wasn't going to keep them safe - He was wicked. Somehow Nephi HAD to get them. The Lord provided the way. How faithful Nephi had to be to be able to do everything the Lord asked of him. I hope I can be that faithful. I want to get to the point where when I get a prompting I don't even second guess at all. I just DO!
My favorite verse 1 Nephi 7:12 "Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to His will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in Him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to Him."
That is going to go in vinyl on my living room wall. "Wherefore, let us be faithful."
Nephi had to be one faithful dude! For him to put up with Laman and Lemuel baffles me. Sometimes I find myself annoyed by such trivial things. They literally beat Nephi and he still put up with them. I'll admit I've wondered why they weren't "accidentally" drowned at sea. How easy would it have been for Heavenly Father..."Whoops...look at that huge wave that just took Laman and Lemuel overboard!" Opposition in all things had something to do with it I'm sure, but also if there's anything else good to come of them is this: My goal in life is to NOT be like Laman and Lemuel. They had to be reminded of God's power, touched by the spirit, visited by angels all the time to stay on the straight and narrow. I have reflected on this fact since I read these chapters and I regrettably can recall the spirit testifying that Heavenly Father will always take care of me and I still struggle to believe it all the time. *sigh* I am a work in progress.
The story of Nephi cutting of Laban's head has always bothered me. How can the commandment be "Thou shalt not kill." and murder be an unforgivable sin and yet God commands Nephi to do just so? 1 Nephi 4:13 states, "Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief." Laban had to go. Plain and simple. We would not have these sacred scriptures because Jerusalem was to be destroyed. Laban wasn't going to keep them safe - He was wicked. Somehow Nephi HAD to get them. The Lord provided the way. How faithful Nephi had to be to be able to do everything the Lord asked of him. I hope I can be that faithful. I want to get to the point where when I get a prompting I don't even second guess at all. I just DO!
My favorite verse 1 Nephi 7:12 "Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to His will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in Him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to Him."
That is going to go in vinyl on my living room wall. "Wherefore, let us be faithful."
Welcome to Our Blog
This blog is a story of how two sisters fall in love with the scriptures all over again.
The goal for us? - Read the Book of Mormon all the way through from beginning to end. To help us with this task we are highlighting specific words along the way which we feel have meaning.
Pam will highlight the word "Remember". Written in dark blue.
Raeanne will highlight the word "Always". Written in dark purple.
We're allowed to post about other experiences with our scripture study and impressions we have along the way; and every time we read we will pick a new word or way of reading to change it up a bit.
The goal for the blog: To make a record of spiritual testimonial of our impressions and thoughts while we read.
We're just two average women wanting to enrich our spirits through personal scripture study. If there's anyone out there willing to read along we pray that our testimonies will touch your heart, plant a seed, and help you grow to love the scriptures too.
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