You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 15 HERE.
This chapter is Nephi explaining to his brothers about the meanings of their father's dream. A couple of things were in my mind when reading this chapter. I'll start with the first.
In the beginning of this chapter it talks of how after the Messiah the fullness of the gospel will come unto the gentiles. The first thing that came in my mind was Joseph Smith. Was this talking about what would come through Joseph Smith?
The other thing I was thinking was evil vs good. How can a soul gain so much power? The Devil has so much power on people and I don't understand fully how this is possible. I know there's so much more that I need to learn, but this one has always boggled my mind. How can 1 soul have so much impact on this world. He originally was just a spirit child right?
If you have any input on this, please comment. I love to hear others chime in, because it helps me to learn on my journey.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
First Calling
My husband got his first calling as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is a Ward Missionary. Honestly I was totally stoked! I can't think of a better calling for him. The missionaries came over yesterday and dropped of a copy of Preach My Gospel and I've been looking through it and am so excited to start using this manual in our scripture study and to help our faith grow stronger.
Today we didn't go to church. So, I'm buckling down right now to move forward on my Book of Mormon reading (as soon as I finish this post). I'm kindof glad we didn't make it to church, because it's snowing so bad right now and I would have had to drive home in it, and I'm PETRIFIED of driving in the snow.
Today we didn't go to church. So, I'm buckling down right now to move forward on my Book of Mormon reading (as soon as I finish this post). I'm kindof glad we didn't make it to church, because it's snowing so bad right now and I would have had to drive home in it, and I'm PETRIFIED of driving in the snow.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Atonement
The day Jayden graduates High School (or maybe even Ella) will probably be the day I finally finish reading the BOM. Yes, I'm totally over exaggerating, but I really am taking forever. I'm going to talk about a something that I have a really hard time grasping.
I know that Jesus died for us and suffered for our sins, but that isn't a very simple thing to grasp. I struggle with understanding why. How is it that through Jesus we can be forgiven for the sins that we commit. Well, I grabbed my trusty Gospel Principles book and read Chapter 12 (you can read it HERE) and set out to hopefully grasp something that I'm missing. I think I did.
Towards the end of a chapter it gives a parable which you can read at the end of this blog post in italics. Reading this put into perspective in a way as to why we should be so grateful for Jesus. I have a long way to go in understanding the atonement, but hopefully through scripture steady and attending church I can get there.
"There once was a man who wanted something very much. It seemed more important than anything else in his life. In order for him to have his desire, he incurred a great debt.
"He had been warned about going into that much debt, and particularly about his creditor. But it seemed so important for him to do what he wanted to and to have what he wanted right now. He was sure he could pay for it later.
"So he signed a contract. He would pay it off some time along the way. He didn't worry too much about it, for the due date seemed such a long time away. He had what he wanted now, and that was what seemed important.
"The creditor was always somewhere in the back of his mind, and he made token payments now and again, thinking somehow that the day of reckoning really would never come.
"But as it always does, the day came, and the contract fell due. The debt had not been fully paid. His creditor appeared and demanded payment in full.
"Only then did he realize that his creditor not only had the power to repossess all that he owned, but the power to cast him into prison as well.
" 'I cannot pay you, for I have not the power to do so,' he confessed.
" 'Then,' said the creditor, 'we will exercise the contract, take your possessions and you shall go to prison. You agreed to that. It was your choice. You signed the contract, and now it must be enforced.'
" 'Can you not extend the time or forgive the debt?' the debtor begged. 'Arrange some way for me to keep what I have and not go to prison. Surely you believe in mercy? Will you not show mercy?'
"The creditor replied, 'Mercy is always so one-sided. It would serve only you. If I show mercy to you, it will leave me unpaid. It is justice I demand. Do you believe in justice?'
" 'I believed in justice when I signed the contract,' the debtor said. 'It was on my side then, for I thought it would protect me. I did not need mercy then, nor think I should need it ever. Justice, I thought, would serve both of us equally as well.'
" 'It is justice that demands that you pay the contract or suffer the penalty,' the creditor replied. 'That is the law. You have agreed to it and that is the way it must be. Mercy cannot rob justice.'
"There they were: One meting out justice, the other pleading for mercy. Neither could prevail except at the expense of the other.
" 'If you do not forgive the debt there will be no mercy,' the debtor pleaded.
" 'If I do, there will be no justice,' was the reply.
"Both laws, it seemed, could not be served. They are two eternal ideals that appear to contradict one another. Is there no way for justice to be fully served, and mercy also?
"There is a way! The law of justice can be fully satisfied and mercy can be fully extended--but it takes someone else. And so it happened this time.
"The debtor had a friend. He came to help. He knew the debtor well. He knew him to be shortsighted. He thought him foolish to have gotten himself into such a predicament. Nevertheless, he wanted to help because he loved him. He stepped between them, faced the creditor, and made this offer.
" 'I will pay the debt if you will free the debtor from his contract so that he may keep his possessions and not go to prison.'
"As the creditor was pondering the offer, the mediator added, 'You demanded justice. Though he cannot pay you, I will do so. You will have been justly dealt with and can ask no more. It would not be just.'
"And so the creditor agreed.
"The mediator turned then to the debtor. 'If I pay your debt, will you accept me as your creditor?'
" 'Oh yes, yes,' cried the debtor. 'You saved me from prison and show mercy to me.'
" 'Then,' said the benefactor, 'you will pay the debt to me and I will set the terms. It will not be easy, but it will be possible. I will provide a way. You need not go to prison.'
"And so it was that the creditor was paid in full. He had been justly dealt with. No contract had been broken.
"The debtor, in turn, had been extended mercy. Both laws stood fulfilled. Because there was a mediator, justice had claimed its full share, and mercy was satisfied" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1977, pp. 79-80; or Ensign, May 1977, pp. 54-55).
Our sins are our spiritual debts. Without Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and Mediator, we would all pay for our sins by suffering spiritual death. But because of him, if we will keep his terms, which are to repent and keep his commandments, we may return to live with our Heavenly Father.
I know that Jesus died for us and suffered for our sins, but that isn't a very simple thing to grasp. I struggle with understanding why. How is it that through Jesus we can be forgiven for the sins that we commit. Well, I grabbed my trusty Gospel Principles book and read Chapter 12 (you can read it HERE) and set out to hopefully grasp something that I'm missing. I think I did.
Towards the end of a chapter it gives a parable which you can read at the end of this blog post in italics. Reading this put into perspective in a way as to why we should be so grateful for Jesus. I have a long way to go in understanding the atonement, but hopefully through scripture steady and attending church I can get there.
"There once was a man who wanted something very much. It seemed more important than anything else in his life. In order for him to have his desire, he incurred a great debt.
"He had been warned about going into that much debt, and particularly about his creditor. But it seemed so important for him to do what he wanted to and to have what he wanted right now. He was sure he could pay for it later.
"So he signed a contract. He would pay it off some time along the way. He didn't worry too much about it, for the due date seemed such a long time away. He had what he wanted now, and that was what seemed important.
"The creditor was always somewhere in the back of his mind, and he made token payments now and again, thinking somehow that the day of reckoning really would never come.
"But as it always does, the day came, and the contract fell due. The debt had not been fully paid. His creditor appeared and demanded payment in full.
"Only then did he realize that his creditor not only had the power to repossess all that he owned, but the power to cast him into prison as well.
" 'I cannot pay you, for I have not the power to do so,' he confessed.
" 'Then,' said the creditor, 'we will exercise the contract, take your possessions and you shall go to prison. You agreed to that. It was your choice. You signed the contract, and now it must be enforced.'
" 'Can you not extend the time or forgive the debt?' the debtor begged. 'Arrange some way for me to keep what I have and not go to prison. Surely you believe in mercy? Will you not show mercy?'
"The creditor replied, 'Mercy is always so one-sided. It would serve only you. If I show mercy to you, it will leave me unpaid. It is justice I demand. Do you believe in justice?'
" 'I believed in justice when I signed the contract,' the debtor said. 'It was on my side then, for I thought it would protect me. I did not need mercy then, nor think I should need it ever. Justice, I thought, would serve both of us equally as well.'
" 'It is justice that demands that you pay the contract or suffer the penalty,' the creditor replied. 'That is the law. You have agreed to it and that is the way it must be. Mercy cannot rob justice.'
"There they were: One meting out justice, the other pleading for mercy. Neither could prevail except at the expense of the other.
" 'If you do not forgive the debt there will be no mercy,' the debtor pleaded.
" 'If I do, there will be no justice,' was the reply.
"Both laws, it seemed, could not be served. They are two eternal ideals that appear to contradict one another. Is there no way for justice to be fully served, and mercy also?
"There is a way! The law of justice can be fully satisfied and mercy can be fully extended--but it takes someone else. And so it happened this time.
"The debtor had a friend. He came to help. He knew the debtor well. He knew him to be shortsighted. He thought him foolish to have gotten himself into such a predicament. Nevertheless, he wanted to help because he loved him. He stepped between them, faced the creditor, and made this offer.
" 'I will pay the debt if you will free the debtor from his contract so that he may keep his possessions and not go to prison.'
"As the creditor was pondering the offer, the mediator added, 'You demanded justice. Though he cannot pay you, I will do so. You will have been justly dealt with and can ask no more. It would not be just.'
"And so the creditor agreed.
"The mediator turned then to the debtor. 'If I pay your debt, will you accept me as your creditor?'
" 'Oh yes, yes,' cried the debtor. 'You saved me from prison and show mercy to me.'
" 'Then,' said the benefactor, 'you will pay the debt to me and I will set the terms. It will not be easy, but it will be possible. I will provide a way. You need not go to prison.'
"And so it was that the creditor was paid in full. He had been justly dealt with. No contract had been broken.
"The debtor, in turn, had been extended mercy. Both laws stood fulfilled. Because there was a mediator, justice had claimed its full share, and mercy was satisfied" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1977, pp. 79-80; or Ensign, May 1977, pp. 54-55).
Our sins are our spiritual debts. Without Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and Mediator, we would all pay for our sins by suffering spiritual death. But because of him, if we will keep his terms, which are to repent and keep his commandments, we may return to live with our Heavenly Father.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 14
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 14 HERE.
We are told in this chapter of how we should follow the light of Christ. That we should not be swayed away by the devil. There are promises and blessings that come from this. Everyday we are faced with challenges that tempt us towards choosing the wrong. It talks of how there are only 2 churches on this earth. The church of Christ and the church of the devil. Anything that is taking us away from the Church of Christ is the church of the devil.
Basically, we have to stay away from the things that tempt us away from Jesus.
This chapter is the end of Nephi's vision where he is carried away by the spirit to understand what his father saw. It is revealed unto Nephi that an apostle will talk of the end of the earth, and that is John in Revelations.
I don't have a lot of words with this chapter.
We are told in this chapter of how we should follow the light of Christ. That we should not be swayed away by the devil. There are promises and blessings that come from this. Everyday we are faced with challenges that tempt us towards choosing the wrong. It talks of how there are only 2 churches on this earth. The church of Christ and the church of the devil. Anything that is taking us away from the Church of Christ is the church of the devil.
Basically, we have to stay away from the things that tempt us away from Jesus.
This chapter is the end of Nephi's vision where he is carried away by the spirit to understand what his father saw. It is revealed unto Nephi that an apostle will talk of the end of the earth, and that is John in Revelations.
I don't have a lot of words with this chapter.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Gospel Principles
I got up this morning and went to re-read Chapter 14 in the BOM again so that I could write about it, but I picked up my Gospel Principles book instead. I just opened up and the chapter I opened up to was Chapter 16, The Church of Jesus Christ of Former Times. I actually looked up every scripture that it referenced and was pretty amazed at literally how in sync with the LDS church it was. Our church is designed EXACTLY how Jesus had designed His church when he was on our earth.
When you read the scriptures that it references you learn how we lost the authority that Jesus had given us through the Holy Spirit back in his days. How it all became corrupt and the following chapter talks about how Jesus restored the church.
I love starting my mornings out by reading the scriptures. It sets this tone for my day that is peaceful, and I find I have much more patience. Gospel Principles is an amazing place to start if you are curious about the church. CLICK HERE to read it online. I'm still learning so much from the book and loving all that I am learning. I think I'm going to restart from the beginning of this book and read all the scripture references and really take it in.
There's so much I want to read and never enough time.
When you read the scriptures that it references you learn how we lost the authority that Jesus had given us through the Holy Spirit back in his days. How it all became corrupt and the following chapter talks about how Jesus restored the church.
I love starting my mornings out by reading the scriptures. It sets this tone for my day that is peaceful, and I find I have much more patience. Gospel Principles is an amazing place to start if you are curious about the church. CLICK HERE to read it online. I'm still learning so much from the book and loving all that I am learning. I think I'm going to restart from the beginning of this book and read all the scripture references and really take it in.
There's so much I want to read and never enough time.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 13
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 13 HERE
I've read this chapter a couple of times. The first time I didn't really grasp a lot of it, but this morning I opened up my Book of Mormon and re-read it again and I think I got the main points here.
First off I wanted to talk about this abominable church. The church that the devil is the founder of. Read this verse, which is 13:7-8
And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlot. (Harlots means Immoral persons or prostitutes)
And the angel spake unto me, saying: behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.
This makes me think of when we put object, and desirable things above God. So, this "church" isn't even so much a "church", but the way that society is. Choosing the wrong things as your priorities, like going to the club, having the best of everything, doing the things that are wrong, yet are fun.... those are what makes up this "church". Sadly, society is here right now. The majority is all about these things. It's easier to be bad then good, and it might be a lot funner. Yet, once you get a taste of the joy of being good, and listening to the words of God, it's so much better. A lot of work, but like the vision ~ it is the sweetest fruit.
Next I want to talk about Nephi's vision of the Latter Days.
This chapter talks about how the Gentiles take away parts of the bible, so that basically they don't have to follow the rules. We are so blessed today to have the fullness of the gospel restored. We know the fullness of the words that God had for us. Nephi saw in his vision that the fullness of the gospel will be restored. Now we have it, and it is up to us to live by it and follow the words that God has given us.
I can tell you, by my experiences, that following the words of God have brought me so much more joy. I've had a lot of fun in my days. I've done things that I am not proud of, and these things have NEVER brought me joy. I'm so thankful for the opportunity of being able to have the fullness of the gospel in my life.
Verse 37 says:
And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.
That verse is enough for me to want to strive hard in my life to follow God's words. I say things things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I've read this chapter a couple of times. The first time I didn't really grasp a lot of it, but this morning I opened up my Book of Mormon and re-read it again and I think I got the main points here.
First off I wanted to talk about this abominable church. The church that the devil is the founder of. Read this verse, which is 13:7-8
And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlot. (Harlots means Immoral persons or prostitutes)
And the angel spake unto me, saying: behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.
This makes me think of when we put object, and desirable things above God. So, this "church" isn't even so much a "church", but the way that society is. Choosing the wrong things as your priorities, like going to the club, having the best of everything, doing the things that are wrong, yet are fun.... those are what makes up this "church". Sadly, society is here right now. The majority is all about these things. It's easier to be bad then good, and it might be a lot funner. Yet, once you get a taste of the joy of being good, and listening to the words of God, it's so much better. A lot of work, but like the vision ~ it is the sweetest fruit.
Next I want to talk about Nephi's vision of the Latter Days.
This chapter talks about how the Gentiles take away parts of the bible, so that basically they don't have to follow the rules. We are so blessed today to have the fullness of the gospel restored. We know the fullness of the words that God had for us. Nephi saw in his vision that the fullness of the gospel will be restored. Now we have it, and it is up to us to live by it and follow the words that God has given us.
I can tell you, by my experiences, that following the words of God have brought me so much more joy. I've had a lot of fun in my days. I've done things that I am not proud of, and these things have NEVER brought me joy. I'm so thankful for the opportunity of being able to have the fullness of the gospel in my life.
Verse 37 says:
And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.
That verse is enough for me to want to strive hard in my life to follow God's words. I say things things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
It's been a while...
I got sidetracked in life. I've been going to church, but I'll be honest and say I haven't opened up my Book of Mormon since I've last updated. Things here have been so busy with summer and everything, but things with my family are still on the same path. My testimony is growing and my love for the gospel is as well. Today I was faced with a situation where I felt this overwhelming feeling inside of knowing that this church is true.
I will get back to my priorities and I will continue on my journey. Hopefully I finish the Book of Mormon before the end of the year LOL :)
I will get back to my priorities and I will continue on my journey. Hopefully I finish the Book of Mormon before the end of the year LOL :)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 11 & 12
I'm combining these two chapters since they flow together. You can read Chapter 11 HERE and Chapter 12 HERE
First off, I need to apologize for taking so long on moving on to Chapter 11 & 12. I've actually read and re-read and re-read again. I really needed to take these chapters in and figure out my feelings and questions on them before I posted. So here it goes.....
I'm actually pretty proud of myself on my personal interpretation on Lehi's dream. There were areas that I was missing, but for the most part I was right on. I'm mostly inspired to talk about the building. I was listening to a rap song on the radio today called Lollipop by Lil Wayne. Listening to this song makes me think about going clubbing. Going clubbing makes me think about drinking. Something about this music pulls me into almost missing something I rarely even did.
Do I think rap is evil? No. That is a type of music I've listened to for years, however, I think that rap stands for the building for me. I hope this is making sense. The devil works in some sneaky ways. I've actually been trying to keep soft hip hop (Mariah Carey, stuff like that) and I have a church CD that my cousin Jenna made me and I listen to that A LOT. I feel like that type of music keeps me on track with what I'm working towards.
My aunt Rayna is an active Mormon as well and she used to love to go dancing at clubs without drinking. She told me the other when we were talking about these chapters that she's always looked at clubs as "the building". We all have different things in our lives that can stand for the building. It's all the temptations out there to pull you into what going against the tree of life - the love of God.
Now I want to talk about how Nephi was getting visions of everything that would happen to Jesus. First question I have is.... he saw a vision of a virgin. How does one know that someone is a virgin? That just kindof struck me as funny, so if someone could leave a comment here and explain that one to me :)
Next questions... the fact that Nephi is getting visions of the future and they're exactly what happens. That must mean that God knows a lot about the future and that leads me to question free agency. We have the gift from God for the right to choose. We make our own choices. How can God know the future if we're the ones making the choices? Does he already know which choices we're going to make?
First off, I need to apologize for taking so long on moving on to Chapter 11 & 12. I've actually read and re-read and re-read again. I really needed to take these chapters in and figure out my feelings and questions on them before I posted. So here it goes.....
I'm actually pretty proud of myself on my personal interpretation on Lehi's dream. There were areas that I was missing, but for the most part I was right on. I'm mostly inspired to talk about the building. I was listening to a rap song on the radio today called Lollipop by Lil Wayne. Listening to this song makes me think about going clubbing. Going clubbing makes me think about drinking. Something about this music pulls me into almost missing something I rarely even did.
Do I think rap is evil? No. That is a type of music I've listened to for years, however, I think that rap stands for the building for me. I hope this is making sense. The devil works in some sneaky ways. I've actually been trying to keep soft hip hop (Mariah Carey, stuff like that) and I have a church CD that my cousin Jenna made me and I listen to that A LOT. I feel like that type of music keeps me on track with what I'm working towards.
My aunt Rayna is an active Mormon as well and she used to love to go dancing at clubs without drinking. She told me the other when we were talking about these chapters that she's always looked at clubs as "the building". We all have different things in our lives that can stand for the building. It's all the temptations out there to pull you into what going against the tree of life - the love of God.
Now I want to talk about how Nephi was getting visions of everything that would happen to Jesus. First question I have is.... he saw a vision of a virgin. How does one know that someone is a virgin? That just kindof struck me as funny, so if someone could leave a comment here and explain that one to me :)
Next questions... the fact that Nephi is getting visions of the future and they're exactly what happens. That must mean that God knows a lot about the future and that leads me to question free agency. We have the gift from God for the right to choose. We make our own choices. How can God know the future if we're the ones making the choices? Does he already know which choices we're going to make?
Thursday, May 8, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 10
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 10 HERE
WOW! Kindof a powerful chapter here. What's amazing is that Nephi wrote of future exactly as it would happen. Everything that happened with Jesus was supposed to happen with Jesus. So he came here knowing what in store for him. He did all of that for us. Amazing. 600 years before it even happened and it was written down for what was to come.
We learn here that it's by the power of the Holy Ghost that we can learn from God. It's by the power of the Holy Ghost that we gain testimonies. Without the Holy Ghost it's almost like we would have no way of knowing anything.
I'm going off topic here for a minute to share a time that I know without a doubt that I felt the Holy Ghost. I lost a baby girl named Mya. Her heart stopped beating when she was still inside of me. After I had lost her I kept getting this warm feeling inside of me, and at that time I was being comforted for my loss from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost was there to let me know that I'm not alone, that everything including my baby girl is okay. The things God does through the Holy Ghost makes you wonder how anyone could ever doubt it all.
The comparison to the olive tree in this chapter basically talks of how everybody will be scattered upon the earth and separated, because some will believe the words of the prophet and some won't. But it does say that the olive tree will be put back together again once the fullness of the gospel is restored. Look at what is going on. We have the gospel being brought to people all over the world. Our missionaries are in many, many countries! What was written down in this chapter is happening now. Now is the time and I am so blessed to be born in a time that I get to know these things, and know that they are true.
WOW! Kindof a powerful chapter here. What's amazing is that Nephi wrote of future exactly as it would happen. Everything that happened with Jesus was supposed to happen with Jesus. So he came here knowing what in store for him. He did all of that for us. Amazing. 600 years before it even happened and it was written down for what was to come.
We learn here that it's by the power of the Holy Ghost that we can learn from God. It's by the power of the Holy Ghost that we gain testimonies. Without the Holy Ghost it's almost like we would have no way of knowing anything.
I'm going off topic here for a minute to share a time that I know without a doubt that I felt the Holy Ghost. I lost a baby girl named Mya. Her heart stopped beating when she was still inside of me. After I had lost her I kept getting this warm feeling inside of me, and at that time I was being comforted for my loss from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost was there to let me know that I'm not alone, that everything including my baby girl is okay. The things God does through the Holy Ghost makes you wonder how anyone could ever doubt it all.
The comparison to the olive tree in this chapter basically talks of how everybody will be scattered upon the earth and separated, because some will believe the words of the prophet and some won't. But it does say that the olive tree will be put back together again once the fullness of the gospel is restored. Look at what is going on. We have the gospel being brought to people all over the world. Our missionaries are in many, many countries! What was written down in this chapter is happening now. Now is the time and I am so blessed to be born in a time that I get to know these things, and know that they are true.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 9
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 9 HERE
Very short chapter. I got more information on this chapter with the study guide that I am using. I must say this study guide really does help. The Lord has a reason in everything he asks of us. Instead of questioning we should just do as he asks. Plain and simply.
Very short chapter. I got more information on this chapter with the study guide that I am using. I must say this study guide really does help. The Lord has a reason in everything he asks of us. Instead of questioning we should just do as he asks. Plain and simply.
1 Nephi Chapter 8
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 8 HERE
To be honest I'm having a really hard time grasping what the message in this chapter is. I know it's right in front of my face and I think I might be looking too hard. I've actually sat on this chapter for some time now trying to figure it out. So, I am going to ask others for their input.
Here's kindof what I'm getting and I could be completely off base here. There were 4 different groups 1) The people who just got completely lost on their way to the tree of life. 2) People who made their way there and partook of the fruit yet felt ashamed as people were mocking the. 3) People who desired the building more than the tree & 4) The people who had no shame. Basically, it goes with following the gospel in a way to me....
1) There are people who get lost and are in the darkness and don't have a clue on what they should be doing with their life. 2) Being a Mormon it is difficult with our society. People judge. People mock. I can see how it can be very easy to be ashamed and to turn the other way... go with the bad, because it might seem better at the time than being mocked. I can especially see this with being a teen. 3) People desire wrong over good. We have all been given a choice to follow what God wants us to do or not. Some people go with selfish desires over what God knows is best for you. 4) The people that stand up for what they know is true. They are not ashamed.
When Lehi first had his vision he was in darkness. It's like our life here. Through prayer God took that away. Wouldn't that work for us all? Through sincere prayer shouldn't we be able to find the path that we are supposed to be on?
What do you think? Am I completely off base or are you seeing here what I'm seeing. What else can you add to this.
To be honest I'm having a really hard time grasping what the message in this chapter is. I know it's right in front of my face and I think I might be looking too hard. I've actually sat on this chapter for some time now trying to figure it out. So, I am going to ask others for their input.
Here's kindof what I'm getting and I could be completely off base here. There were 4 different groups 1) The people who just got completely lost on their way to the tree of life. 2) People who made their way there and partook of the fruit yet felt ashamed as people were mocking the. 3) People who desired the building more than the tree & 4) The people who had no shame. Basically, it goes with following the gospel in a way to me....
1) There are people who get lost and are in the darkness and don't have a clue on what they should be doing with their life. 2) Being a Mormon it is difficult with our society. People judge. People mock. I can see how it can be very easy to be ashamed and to turn the other way... go with the bad, because it might seem better at the time than being mocked. I can especially see this with being a teen. 3) People desire wrong over good. We have all been given a choice to follow what God wants us to do or not. Some people go with selfish desires over what God knows is best for you. 4) The people that stand up for what they know is true. They are not ashamed.
When Lehi first had his vision he was in darkness. It's like our life here. Through prayer God took that away. Wouldn't that work for us all? Through sincere prayer shouldn't we be able to find the path that we are supposed to be on?
What do you think? Am I completely off base or are you seeing here what I'm seeing. What else can you add to this.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 7
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 7 HERE
The first thing I want to talk about is that this Chapter is how Nephi's brothers have seen an angel of God and yet they still rebel against God. It's easy to forget. It's easy if you don't do the things you are supposed to do and do it faithfully we can all forget. In this Chapter Nephi kept asking how his brothers have forgotten all of the good that God has done for them. All of the blessings handed to them. It's so easy to forget, but we're not supposed to. Before when I used to pray I'd instantly jump into begging for blessings. I don't do that anymore. The first thing I do when I pray is thank Heavenly Father for every blessing that is given to me daily, and there are so many of them. Living. The fact that we have another day on this earth with our families is the biggest blessing of all. We cannot forget where we come from, who we are here for, and what it is that we are supposed to be doing. Do I forget? Everyday. It's when I connect with Heavenly Father while reading my scriptures, writing on this blog, or even my other blog, praying that I remember. We are here to be obedient to Heavenly Father. The only way that we can do that is through DAILY prayer, scripture study, and a lot of time spent together as a family.
The first time my husband went to church he said, "It makes you not want to do anything bad." EXACTLY! That is the reason why we are supposed to have God in our daily lives. It makes us not want to rebel against him.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!!
The first thing I want to talk about is that this Chapter is how Nephi's brothers have seen an angel of God and yet they still rebel against God. It's easy to forget. It's easy if you don't do the things you are supposed to do and do it faithfully we can all forget. In this Chapter Nephi kept asking how his brothers have forgotten all of the good that God has done for them. All of the blessings handed to them. It's so easy to forget, but we're not supposed to. Before when I used to pray I'd instantly jump into begging for blessings. I don't do that anymore. The first thing I do when I pray is thank Heavenly Father for every blessing that is given to me daily, and there are so many of them. Living. The fact that we have another day on this earth with our families is the biggest blessing of all. We cannot forget where we come from, who we are here for, and what it is that we are supposed to be doing. Do I forget? Everyday. It's when I connect with Heavenly Father while reading my scriptures, writing on this blog, or even my other blog, praying that I remember. We are here to be obedient to Heavenly Father. The only way that we can do that is through DAILY prayer, scripture study, and a lot of time spent together as a family.
The first time my husband went to church he said, "It makes you not want to do anything bad." EXACTLY! That is the reason why we are supposed to have God in our daily lives. It makes us not want to rebel against him.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 6
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 6 HERE
This chapter was really short. This chapter basically is saying to me that Nephi's main goal here is to get people to worship God and that his main purpose is basically pleasing God and not pleasing the people of this world.
Extremely short, but sweet. I might be taking this off course a little, but imagine our everyday lives. We live our lives to please others. We live our lives to please others in this world. We care what others think. Some people aren't like this, but most are. I am. I love to please others. BUT! How many of us stop to think and want to please God. Honestly, I don't think of that often. I know that this chapter wasn't mainly about pleasing God, but that's what I'm taking from it and that's what I'm going with. I feel that as I read the BOM and think pop into my head that is what God is wanting me to feel and learn from. I think that what I'm doing in my life now is pleasing God. I'm opening a door for my family that was sealed shut for many years. I'm giving my family an opportunity to be sealed together. My kids are going to grow up learning and living by and hopefully loving the gospel. I think that is quite pleasing. However, there's much more I could be doing and not doing that would please Him. I think through prayer and faithful scripture study I will progress more and more in pleasing Him.
I hope that reading this will inspire others to stop and think before acting. It's something we're all guilty of. We all should think first "Would this please God or will it just please others in this world."
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ... Amen!
This chapter was really short. This chapter basically is saying to me that Nephi's main goal here is to get people to worship God and that his main purpose is basically pleasing God and not pleasing the people of this world.
Extremely short, but sweet. I might be taking this off course a little, but imagine our everyday lives. We live our lives to please others. We live our lives to please others in this world. We care what others think. Some people aren't like this, but most are. I am. I love to please others. BUT! How many of us stop to think and want to please God. Honestly, I don't think of that often. I know that this chapter wasn't mainly about pleasing God, but that's what I'm taking from it and that's what I'm going with. I feel that as I read the BOM and think pop into my head that is what God is wanting me to feel and learn from. I think that what I'm doing in my life now is pleasing God. I'm opening a door for my family that was sealed shut for many years. I'm giving my family an opportunity to be sealed together. My kids are going to grow up learning and living by and hopefully loving the gospel. I think that is quite pleasing. However, there's much more I could be doing and not doing that would please Him. I think through prayer and faithful scripture study I will progress more and more in pleasing Him.
I hope that reading this will inspire others to stop and think before acting. It's something we're all guilty of. We all should think first "Would this please God or will it just please others in this world."
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ... Amen!
Friday, April 4, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 5
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 5 HERE
Reading this chapter I really tried to put myself in Sariah's shoes. I couldn't imagine first off blindingly following my husband into the wilderness and THEN having my husband send my children off back into the wilderness to go and risk their lives. I completely don't blame her for questioning things and getting basically angry with Lehi. However, the joy she must have felt when she saw that her sons were fine. That the Lord did protect them, and that the Lord does have control of all things.
At the end of the chapter when Nephi is talking of how following God's commandments just did good for them and filled them with the spirit and that all they need to get through their journey to the promised land is wisdom in the Lord is amazing! That's all we need. I truly believe this. If we have wisdom in the Lord and we follow his commandments good things will happen. It definitely is something that we should all teach our children. That there is a reason God gave us commandments and if we follow his commandments and trust in him he will deliver unto us what we need.
So, this is what I've learned from Chapter 5. It was a small chapter, but it was a good one!
Reading this chapter I really tried to put myself in Sariah's shoes. I couldn't imagine first off blindingly following my husband into the wilderness and THEN having my husband send my children off back into the wilderness to go and risk their lives. I completely don't blame her for questioning things and getting basically angry with Lehi. However, the joy she must have felt when she saw that her sons were fine. That the Lord did protect them, and that the Lord does have control of all things.
At the end of the chapter when Nephi is talking of how following God's commandments just did good for them and filled them with the spirit and that all they need to get through their journey to the promised land is wisdom in the Lord is amazing! That's all we need. I truly believe this. If we have wisdom in the Lord and we follow his commandments good things will happen. It definitely is something that we should all teach our children. That there is a reason God gave us commandments and if we follow his commandments and trust in him he will deliver unto us what we need.
So, this is what I've learned from Chapter 5. It was a small chapter, but it was a good one!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Ramblings.....
I just wanted to stop in on my blog here and let all of my viewers know that I still plan on continuing on with my reading and posting of the Book of Mormon. I actually have been pretty busy and I haven't had the time to actually post about my feelings on each chapter. I have been reading though. I've actually been into reading the Gospel Principles book and articles in the Ensign and reading things that I know will strengthen my faith. Preach My Gospel is another one I've picked up reading on.
Things in my life have been busy. If you don't know, I also have another blog, Garibay Soup, where I post about the everyday happenings in my life. I hope within the next couple of weeks I'll have some time free up go back and start reading w/the study guide and post about it.
My family is growing stronger and stronger and we are loving church! I've noticed great things from within me ever since I started going. I've made a great friend, Emily, and I'm excited to make more. Jayden's really involved and he really enjoys it as well. Gino is still attending Sacrament, and taking baby steps, but it's better than no steps. He actually was upset because I slept in on Sunday and we didn't make it to church..... um, WOW! I love that this is completely transforming our lives and love.
I honestly did not have a relationship with Heavenly Father before December. I didn't pray. It's almost like I didn't even think twice about it. I don't know what happened, but I can't believe that I went so long w/out talking with Him about my problems. Thanking Him for my blessings. Living without his principles. No wonder my life was in shambles. I always felt a void, and now I feel kinda complete. It's a good feeling.
Okay - new goal. Effective April 1, 2008 I will be back her posting daily on reading the BOM. In the meantime join me over at Garibay Soup.
Things in my life have been busy. If you don't know, I also have another blog, Garibay Soup, where I post about the everyday happenings in my life. I hope within the next couple of weeks I'll have some time free up go back and start reading w/the study guide and post about it.
My family is growing stronger and stronger and we are loving church! I've noticed great things from within me ever since I started going. I've made a great friend, Emily, and I'm excited to make more. Jayden's really involved and he really enjoys it as well. Gino is still attending Sacrament, and taking baby steps, but it's better than no steps. He actually was upset because I slept in on Sunday and we didn't make it to church..... um, WOW! I love that this is completely transforming our lives and love.
I honestly did not have a relationship with Heavenly Father before December. I didn't pray. It's almost like I didn't even think twice about it. I don't know what happened, but I can't believe that I went so long w/out talking with Him about my problems. Thanking Him for my blessings. Living without his principles. No wonder my life was in shambles. I always felt a void, and now I feel kinda complete. It's a good feeling.
Okay - new goal. Effective April 1, 2008 I will be back her posting daily on reading the BOM. In the meantime join me over at Garibay Soup.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A Growing Testimony
I was one that was raised in the church, but wasn't. What this means is I was born into a family that once was very active in the church, but unfortunately most of them fell away while I was still at a young age. I do remember going to primary and I remember getting baptized, but at the age of 12 I was done. I no longer went to church. To be honest, I really didn't know much about the gospel. However, in my heart I knew that this is the true church. There was no doubt in my mind. It really upset me when people would attack the church and say horrible things when they didn't even know what they were talking about. I always stood up for the church even though I really didn't know what exactly it was that I was standing up for. To be honest, I never expected myself to get involved with the Mormon church again. Even though it was burned my heart and soul that it IS the one true church on this earth, I didn't see myself on that path. Things changed. They changed very drastically. All it took was one time of me going back and now I cannot imagine my life without it. Starting this journey in my life I prayed and I asked if this really is the true church and am I making the right decision, and I promise that I could feel it. I knew that the decision I made was the best decision I've ever made in my life. What I really love is seeing how the Lord will open up one's heart to the truth if they're truly searching for it. I've watched the most amazing transformation of my husband right before my eyes. A guy who knew nothing about this wonderful religion now can't wait to go to church. We haven't gone in 2 weeks, because I've had a horrible cold and he made a comment along the lines of, "I hope we're going to church this weekend... we've already missed 2 weeks." He doesn't attend the classes yet, but I can tell that he knows that this is the true church. It's amazing. And I know that our Heavenly Father opened Gino's heart, because there are so many people out there praying for him to feel it. And these prayers are working. I thank each and every single person out there who has prayed for us. The missionaries are coming over on Friday and I'm excited for Gino to finally sit down with them and have many of his questions answered and for his faith to grow even stronger.
We have a new President. President Thomas. S. Monson and I'm excited to learn of the new teachings that he has to offer. I'm thankful that Heavenly Father blesses us with a living Prophet. I am so thankful that I am able to give my children an opportunity to learn and live by the gospel. I hope that my husband and I can be a good example to them.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
We have a new President. President Thomas. S. Monson and I'm excited to learn of the new teachings that he has to offer. I'm thankful that Heavenly Father blesses us with a living Prophet. I am so thankful that I am able to give my children an opportunity to learn and live by the gospel. I hope that my husband and I can be a good example to them.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Not moving on w/my chapters, but rambling
I'm really hoping that I can make it to church on Sunday. I've been so sick with a horrible cold and a sore throat, which kept me from church last Sunday. I'm actually quite happy we didn't go last Sunday, because this was Sunday. If I had to drive home in that weather from Ashland I wouldn't have just been crying I would've pulled over and started praying really hard and hope that we miraculously made it home. I hear that the weather is supposed to be crappy again this Sunday and I hope it's not. I love Fast Sunday. I love to hear everyone's testimonies and in a way it always strengthens mine. I know that this Sunday because of the passing of President Gordon B. Hinkley there will amazing testimonies because of this great man and I definitely do not want to miss those. I don't like it when I miss church and I really can't believe that I missed out on so many years. There's no point in looking back and now all I can do is move forward, and be thankful that I was given the inspiration to allow my children the opportunity to learn the gospel and to be raised in such a wonderful church. My husband has been so positive lately regarding church and if we skip too many weeks I'm scared that his positive will dwindle down to negative... we all know that it is so easy to happen. We are having the missionaries over for dinner next Friday and I'm excited for Gino to sit down and talk with them. The first time that missionaries came over (along w/Gino's boss & wife) Gino left. I think he was a bit overwhelmed, but baby steps. We just have to take baby steps.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 4
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 4 HERE
Even though Nephi and his brothers had failed in the past Nephi was still motivated to keep the Lord's commandment in getting the records from Laban. Even though keeping the commandment was hard, he still was determine to keep it. His faith in God helped him. His brothers could not understand why even after having angel come before them. His brothers had no faith. They had not prayed to God w/all of their hearts.
Nephi put all of his trust into God. He actually killed another human, a relative of his, for God. At first I thought ~ why would God have Nephi kill somebody? But, it makes sense after what Joseph Smith said ~ “That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another" This could be opened up into a whole other topic of discussion, but what I get from this statement is that God gives us commandments, but understands that there are circumstances that they need to be broken. For instance...self defense. What if we were to kill somebody who was attacking us? Would we be condemned for not upholding the "Thou shall not kill" commandment?
What are your thoughts on this?
Even though Nephi and his brothers had failed in the past Nephi was still motivated to keep the Lord's commandment in getting the records from Laban. Even though keeping the commandment was hard, he still was determine to keep it. His faith in God helped him. His brothers could not understand why even after having angel come before them. His brothers had no faith. They had not prayed to God w/all of their hearts.
Nephi put all of his trust into God. He actually killed another human, a relative of his, for God. At first I thought ~ why would God have Nephi kill somebody? But, it makes sense after what Joseph Smith said ~ “That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another" This could be opened up into a whole other topic of discussion, but what I get from this statement is that God gives us commandments, but understands that there are circumstances that they need to be broken. For instance...self defense. What if we were to kill somebody who was attacking us? Would we be condemned for not upholding the "Thou shall not kill" commandment?
What are your thoughts on this?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 3
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 3 HERE
This chapter really shows you that God makes a way for you to follow what he commands of you. It takes Faith in him. Faith is my resolution word for the year 2008. I'm working on strengthening my Faith in all areas of my life. Faith in my marriage, my parenting skills, my job, my love for God. God does make it easy for you to follow his commandments. There are so many temptations out there, but God gives us a way through the Gospel that we can follow what he commands of us. Something neat about this chapter was it shows that God will not command something of us that is not reachable. He will help us, we just have to have Faith in him.
This chapter really shows you that God makes a way for you to follow what he commands of you. It takes Faith in him. Faith is my resolution word for the year 2008. I'm working on strengthening my Faith in all areas of my life. Faith in my marriage, my parenting skills, my job, my love for God. God does make it easy for you to follow his commandments. There are so many temptations out there, but God gives us a way through the Gospel that we can follow what he commands of us. Something neat about this chapter was it shows that God will not command something of us that is not reachable. He will help us, we just have to have Faith in him.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
1 Nephi Chapter 2
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 2 HERE
This chapter really hit home. It's amazing how if you are unfaithful to the Lord and deny him and don't follow his commandments you are going to continue down that downward spiral. If you don't pray with your heart and ask for the truth you aren't going to get it. When you rebel against God you lose the Holy Spirit. Even in my own personal life I can say that when I was up to no good and going completely against what God wanted for me I lost my way. But all it takes is one prayer and faith to start feeling the spirit again.
For Lehi to put all of his faith in God and take his family away from everything they knew and loved he must have really trusted God. In a way this was me 9 months ago. I felt like Sacramento was doing no good for us. It's almost like it was corrupting my life. I never would have imagined packing up my family and uprooting our roots the way I did, but something inside of me told me that it was the right thing to do. If I didn't listen to that voice inside of my heart who knows where my life would be today. I had to put faith in God that everything would work out and it did.
There's so many people that deny the spirit like Laman and Lemuel. I can understand the frustrations that Nephi is feeling with his brothers, because I too have family that I wish would follow a different path and not go against God and go against the commandments, but all I can do is pray for them.
Does this Chapter relate to your life at all?
This chapter really hit home. It's amazing how if you are unfaithful to the Lord and deny him and don't follow his commandments you are going to continue down that downward spiral. If you don't pray with your heart and ask for the truth you aren't going to get it. When you rebel against God you lose the Holy Spirit. Even in my own personal life I can say that when I was up to no good and going completely against what God wanted for me I lost my way. But all it takes is one prayer and faith to start feeling the spirit again.
For Lehi to put all of his faith in God and take his family away from everything they knew and loved he must have really trusted God. In a way this was me 9 months ago. I felt like Sacramento was doing no good for us. It's almost like it was corrupting my life. I never would have imagined packing up my family and uprooting our roots the way I did, but something inside of me told me that it was the right thing to do. If I didn't listen to that voice inside of my heart who knows where my life would be today. I had to put faith in God that everything would work out and it did.
There's so many people that deny the spirit like Laman and Lemuel. I can understand the frustrations that Nephi is feeling with his brothers, because I too have family that I wish would follow a different path and not go against God and go against the commandments, but all I can do is pray for them.
Does this Chapter relate to your life at all?
1 Nephi Chapter 1
You can read 1 Nephi Chapter 1 HERE
I really enjoyed this chapter. What a great way to start the BOM. I found similarities of Lehi's account with God with Joseph Smith's. They came to god with all of their heart during time that the world needed him most and God came to them and showed them the way. Gave them books to help lead them. They both were mocked and rejected for what they said they saw.
Nephi is not writing an account of his own in this book, but of accounts of his father, and he's writing this account to show us that 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. See 1 Nephi 1:20.
If you're following this journey with me what is your take on Chapter 1?
I really enjoyed this chapter. What a great way to start the BOM. I found similarities of Lehi's account with God with Joseph Smith's. They came to god with all of their heart during time that the world needed him most and God came to them and showed them the way. Gave them books to help lead them. They both were mocked and rejected for what they said they saw.
Nephi is not writing an account of his own in this book, but of accounts of his father, and he's writing this account to show us that 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. See 1 Nephi 1:20.
If you're following this journey with me what is your take on Chapter 1?
Friday, January 4, 2008
My New Journey
I am creating this blog to for my new adventure on reading the Book of Mormon. I am using this STUDY GUIDE and am starting from the beginning and hopefully finishing the end by the Spring Conference. That's a goal, but I won't be disappointed if I don't reach it. I want to take my time on this, because I really want to take it all in and enjoy this wonderful story. If you want to join me please do!! I'd love to have others to talk about this with. Hopefully i can learn something as well as teach some of you something if you're lurking around these parts.
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