January 10, 2011

I read Helaman 5 which is an astounding account of a really incredible spiritual experience that happened among the Lamanites as a result of Nephi and Lehi's missionary work. At the very beginning of the chapter it says that those people who chose evil were more numerous than those who chose good. Nephi was weary because of all the iniquity and he left the judgment seat to preach the gospel with his brother because of what he remembered his father teaching them. I wonder if, in our country, I will live to see a day when there are more who are choosing evil rather than good. I really admire Nephi and Lehi's example of their decision to dedicate their lives to missionary work. It is a reminder of what is most important. I am amazed at their success, especially among the Lamanites and those Nephites who had dissented. The two of them converted 8,000 Lamanites!! It reminds me of Wilford Woodruff in these latter days who was also an incredible missionary, baptizing thousands. But apparently there were those who were still not convinced because Nephi and Lehi were thrown into prison. 

I absolutely love the account of what happened to them while they were in prison, along with about 300 Lamanite and Nephite dissenters whose initial intention was to kill Nephi and Lehi. What stood out to me as I read the account this time was the way the voice of the Spirit was described. "It was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect milkdness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul" (verse 30). In verse 46 it says the voice was "a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper." I love the voice of the Holy Ghost and am very grateful for the times when I am privileged to hear this beautiful voice. It fills me with such peace and a wonderful thrill. It really does "pierce to the very soul."

January 9, 2011

Tonight I read Helaman 4 which tells how within just the space of ten years the Nephites go from being strong in the faith to becoming lifted up in pride and consumed with their riches, which brings contention and dissension among them. The dissenters join the Lamanites and battle against the Nephites, taking over many of their lands. Verse 13 stood out to me which says that the Nephites boasted of their own strength, so the Lord left them to their own strength, which truly wasn't much after all and they ended up loosing possession of their lands. There were many different forms their wickedness took, such as oppressing the poor, not caring for the hungry and the naked, mocking sacred things and those who were humble, denying the Spirit, murdering, plundering, lying, stealing, and committing adultery... but it all began as a result of pride in their hearts and that pride started because of their great riches. 

I think we still experience these same pride cycles in our society today. Our country right now is in a state of economic depression and so there are not much riches to be proud over. Perhaps some of the best times of life are those when we are deprived of wealth because of how it helps us to remain humble and teachable. I, for one, am grateful for the important things I've learned as a result of our economic struggles and I really do feel that I've been able to use this time to draw closer to the Lord. I hope that I would not follow the Nephites' example, and that I would also use times of wealth and plenty to draw closer to the Lord as well. I trust that He knows my strengths and weaknesses well enough that if I am to be blessed with riches, I will be in a place emotionally and spiritually where I would not be distracted by them but would use them to bless the lives of others and help accomplish the Lord's work. That is my desire.

January 8, 2011

Tonight I studied the Plan of Salvation as I helped John with preparing his lesson for church tomorrow. It is one of my favorite things to study and teach because it just puts life into perspective for me. I read scriptures in D&C 76, Alma, and read from the Gospel Principles manual on the various parts of the plan. What stood out to me is the importance of the ordinances of the gospel. They are prerequisites for entrance to the Celestial Kingdom. They are absolutely, non-negotiably required. This really brings out how important temple work is since it is giving a key of entrance to those who have accepted the gosepl and are waiting to receive their ordinances. There is so much work to do and it is so important! That is one of my goals for this year: to focus more on attending the temple more frequently. I am so blessed to have one so nearby.

January 7, 2011

Tonight I read and thought about one verse in The Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 18:18. It says, "ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." The phrase that I thought about was that Satan desires to have me so he can sift me like wheat. I am not totally sure what it means to sift wheat and would like to learn more about it so as to understand this analogy better. But as far as I can think, one sifts wheat to separate the good kernels from the bad. The bad is tossed aside, not good enough to be used for anything. So why would Satan desire to sift me like wheat? The analogy could mean he desires to divide us against each other. Or it could be that he desires "the good wheat" as much as God does, but for different reasons... perhaps so he can take that good wheat and toss it out and make sure it is never used for anything good. Pondering this verse really makes me want to learn more about sifting wheat so I can understand what this scripture is saying. Why does Satan want me so much? I know he wants to keep me separated from God, love and anything that brings eternal happiness. I am grateful for the gospel and the protection I have of the Spirit so as not to "enter into Satan's temptations."

January 6, 2011

Tonight I read a beautiful talk from the last General Conference by Elder Per G. Malm called Rest Unto Your Souls. Finding this rest includes a "peace of mind and heart, which is the result of learning and following the doctrine of Christ, and becoming Christ's extended hands in serving and helping other." I can say with total honesty of heart that I do feel such a constant daily peace in my soul. I feel such calm and comfort and I know it is a gift from God as a result of my willingness to be obedient to His commandments. I am so grateful for this gift of peace when there is so much confusion, worry, doubt, fear and calamity swarming around on every side. I know this is a gift I've received because of my faithfulness and obedience and I want to always be worthy of it. I want to spend the days of my probation being productive, improving upon my weaknesses, working hard, showing faith and diligence, and serving others. I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It truly does give me "the strength to stand tall and strong and to have [my] soul filled with light, understanding, joy and love." This is a wonderful, beautiful place to be.

January 5, 2011

Today I read an excellent article in the Ensign called Ancient Examples, Modern Promises. The author was anonymous, but shared a personal struggle of wanting to find someone to marry but having been unable to for the past 10+ years. He's been promised he will marry in his patriarchal blessing. He shares how he has found comfort in his situation through examples in the scriptures. The three examples he uses are those of Joseph in Egypt, Abraham and Isaac, and Zacharias. As I read over these familiar stories I really felt a sense of connection to these individuals in imagining what they may have felt while struggling through their particular trials. Their stories are wonderful examples to remember when I am faced with my own trials. As I read this article I thought of my gratitude for the scriptures and the stories of faithful individuals contained in them. I am so grateful to have these examples to turn to, to learn from and to emulate.

January 4, 2011

Tonight I read an Ensign article by Dallin H. Oaks that he gave to the faculty and students at Harvard early last year. It is called Fundamental to Our Faith and talks of 3 basic fundamental truths that are the foundation of our beliefs as Latter-day Saints. The three are:

1. the nature of God
2. the purpose of life
3. sources of truth

I really enjoyed this article. It was interesting to read, knowing it was directed towards those who may be unfamiliar with my religion. In the first part he talked of our "unique belief" in the separate identities of the Godhead as well as the fact that God and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bones. What he said next stood out to me. This belief is "vital to us" but according to interviews with those not of our faith, "we have not effectively conveyed this belief to others." I want to make a point of really internalizing this truth and strengthening my relationship with the Godhead so that when I have the opportunity to share my testimony with others, they will recognize that this truth is "vital" to me. 

In his second section he talks of the purpose of life and I love this part: "We look on bearing and nurturing of children as part of God's plan and a sacred duty of those given the power to participate in it. We believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity." I really do believe this and I am so thankful for the power I've been given to bear children. I love being pregnant and knowing I am involved in the Lord's work in helping to bring His spirit children to earth. I am honored and humbled by the responsibility to nurture my children and to teach them to walk in the ways of the Lord. It is such a blessing and I really do want to have as many children as possible... as many as God feels to bless me with. 

In the third section he talks of sources of truth. I am a truth-seeker. I loved this quote: "We respect our leaders and presume inspiration in their leadership of the Church and in their teachings. But we are all privileged and encouraged to confirm their teachings by prayerfully seeking and receiving revealatory confirmation directly from God." I am so thankful for this privilege and for righteous leaders. I am grateful to be a member of this Church and to be encouraged to seek after knowledge and truth. I am especially grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost to help me discern between the teachings and truth of God and the teachings of man. I hope to always be a good example and a faithful disciple of Christ. I am thankful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I treasure it.

January 3, 2011

Tonight I used the New Testament study guide, lesson 1. In John 1:1-13, it teaches that Jesus Christ is the word of God and that it was through Him that everything was created. He was and always has been completely obedient to every word spoken by God. I think His name/title of The Word is completely appropriate due to His perfect obedience in carrying out God's will. In verse 9 it says Christ is the light which "lighteth every man that cometh into the world." The Savior has given me life because of His gift of the resurrection and the Atonement. Because of the resurrection I have the hope of an immortal life. And because of the gift of the Atonement, the possibility of eternal life, or life with God, is a reality for me. He has shown me the way to go so I can obtain this eternal life. The hope that is a part of my life because of the resurrection and Atonement give meaning to my mortal day to day life. He has given me light as well through His example. It is a shining light to me of how to act, how to be obedient, submissive to the will of God and humble, and how to love and serve others. Following His light enriches my life immensely for how it helps me to strengthen relationships with the people I love and how it teaches me to be the best person I am capable of being. I am so thankful for the light and life of Jesus Christ, my Savior.

January 2, 2011

Tonight I read an Ensign article from this month by Elder Paul V. Johnson called Make Yours a Great Life. Two things really stood out to me from it. The first is this quote: "Your future is not determined by the conditions around you. It is determined by your faith, your choices, and your efforts." I know this is true and am grateful to be living in this time. The second part that stood out to me is when he says that by living righteously we "will have the protection of a worthy life." I loved that phrase and find such comfort in knowing that the Lord's path of faith and obedience truly does offer protection. I am thankful for His protective power that is upon me and my family and I always want to continue to do what is necessary to always be worthy of that protection.

January 1, 2011

I read Helaman 3: more history of the Nephites abridged by Mormon. My favorite verses were those written by Mormon which give insight to the message of The Book of Mormon and why he included what he did. They are verses 27-30 and begin with "thus we see that..." These are the truths he points out, which are so wonderful:

1. "The Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon His holy name."
2. "The gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God."
3. "Whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God... and land their souls at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven."

I love that the gospel is available for every single person and I am so grateful for the Lord's mercy. And wow, the power of the word of God! It can "divide asunder the cunning and snares and wiles of the devil" and lead us straight to the kingdom of God "to go no more out." I am grateful for the scriptures and their amazing power.