Read: 2 Nephi 19-23
Mark: 2 Nephi 21:12
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
~ Joseph Smith
What part do you play in these prophecies?
*This is my favorite quote from Joseph Smith. We would memorize it on my mission and would stand and recite it at every meeting. As a missionary I played a greater role than I do today because I was actively preaching the Gospel. Today my part is being a good example to my friends, and those I come into contact with, and when the time comes to OPEN MY MOUTH. To be willing to have the missionaries in my home to teach. To be willing to go on exchanges with the sisters, and to feed the missionaries. It will soon be time for me to send my little peanut on a mission, and I will have the opportunity to support him with letters, boxes and hopefully pay for a couple of months.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Day 15
Read: 2 Nephi 14-18
Mark: 2 Nephi 15:20-21
“Today’s popular entertainment often makes what is evil and wrong look enjoyable and right. Let us remember the Lord’s counsel: ‘Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.’ Pornography, though billed by Satan as entertainment, is a deeply poisonous, deceptive snake that lies coiled up in magazines, the Internet, and the television.”
~ Elder David E. Sorensen
What helps you to see things for what they really are?
*If it doesn't make me feel good, it's usually not of Heavenly Father. I love love love music! I listen to it all, but I have started "listening" with my spirit and my ears instead of just letting it be part of my background when I drive. I have found that a lot of the music I would listen to before had some bad messages, and others had beats and rhythms that would make me angry or agitated. I am in no way saying we shouldn't listen to music, but I have seriously noticed that my thoughts are more focused on Christ lately. Also when I do start getting angry or have a bad or improper thought, it's so much easier for me to refocus. It's kind of cool really.
Mark: 2 Nephi 15:20-21
“Today’s popular entertainment often makes what is evil and wrong look enjoyable and right. Let us remember the Lord’s counsel: ‘Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.’ Pornography, though billed by Satan as entertainment, is a deeply poisonous, deceptive snake that lies coiled up in magazines, the Internet, and the television.”
~ Elder David E. Sorensen
What helps you to see things for what they really are?
*If it doesn't make me feel good, it's usually not of Heavenly Father. I love love love music! I listen to it all, but I have started "listening" with my spirit and my ears instead of just letting it be part of my background when I drive. I have found that a lot of the music I would listen to before had some bad messages, and others had beats and rhythms that would make me angry or agitated. I am in no way saying we shouldn't listen to music, but I have seriously noticed that my thoughts are more focused on Christ lately. Also when I do start getting angry or have a bad or improper thought, it's so much easier for me to refocus. It's kind of cool really.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 14
Read: 2 Nephi 10-13
Mark: 2 Nephi 12:2-3
“I can visualize an army of righteous youth prepared and worthy to attend the temple. I can see families sealed together for eternity. I can see youth who understand what it means to be ‘saviours … on mount Zion.’ I can see youth whose hearts are turned to their fathers. And I can envision youth growing up in such a way that they will come forth from the temples filled with strength to resist worldly pressures. I can see a generation of youth who will ‘stand … in holy places, and be not moved.’
~ Sister Elaine S. Dalton
Mark: 2 Nephi 12:2-3
“I can visualize an army of righteous youth prepared and worthy to attend the temple. I can see families sealed together for eternity. I can see youth who understand what it means to be ‘saviours … on mount Zion.’ I can see youth whose hearts are turned to their fathers. And I can envision youth growing up in such a way that they will come forth from the temples filled with strength to resist worldly pressures. I can see a generation of youth who will ‘stand … in holy places, and be not moved.’
~ Sister Elaine S. Dalton
Why do you think Isaiah compares the temple to a mountain?
*I have a theory...I want to research and get back to this post.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day 13
Read: 2 Nephi 8-9
Mark: 2 Nephi 9:50-51
“Keeping everything in balance can be a real problem …Often the lack of clear direction and goals can waste away our time and energy and contribute to imbalance in our lives. …Our main goal should be to seek “immortality and eternal life.” With this as our goal, why not eliminate from our lives the things that clamor for and consume our thoughts, feelings, and energies without contributing to our reaching that goal?”
~ Elder M. Russell Ballard
Mark: 2 Nephi 9:50-51
“Keeping everything in balance can be a real problem …Often the lack of clear direction and goals can waste away our time and energy and contribute to imbalance in our lives. …Our main goal should be to seek “immortality and eternal life.” With this as our goal, why not eliminate from our lives the things that clamor for and consume our thoughts, feelings, and energies without contributing to our reaching that goal?”
~ Elder M. Russell Ballard
How do you spend your time, money and energy?
*This question is a toughie...it brings a lot of guilt. I know I waste my money on frivolous items when it could be put into savings, and I often watch TV when I could be reading a good book. There are times when I spend so much energy complaining about a situation I can't fix. I know this is not how God would have me spend my time,money or energy. Lately though I have started spending more time studying the scriptures when I am at work instead of playing on the computer. I have also been using my money to help others. I have been spending more time at the Temple before I go to sleep for the day and I feel much better about myself, my relationship with Christ and life when I am doing work for the dead. I know I have room to improve, but I have started to do other things than, waste money, rot my brain in front of the TV and complain about things out of my control.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 12
Read: 2 Nephi 4-7
Mark: 2 Nephi 4:15-16
“No father, no son, no mother, no daughter should get so busy that he or she does not have time to study the scriptures and the words of modern prophets. None of us should get so busy that we crowd out contemplation and praying.”
~President Spencer W. Kimball
Mark: 2 Nephi 4:15-16
“No father, no son, no mother, no daughter should get so busy that he or she does not have time to study the scriptures and the words of modern prophets. None of us should get so busy that we crowd out contemplation and praying.”
~President Spencer W. Kimball
What is it that brings a person to love the scriptures?
*I love reading the scriptures...that wasn't always the case. I still struggle understanding Isaiah. For the longest time the scriptures were something that I was supposed to do (I might have liked it if I had tried) not something I wanted or enjoyed doing. While I was on my mission (sadly it took me that long) I FELL IN LOVE with the Book of Mormon. I knew and still do that it is true. I recently began to read the Book of Mormon with vigor. I feel as though I had been starving and the only thing that would satisfy me was reading the scriptures. Starting on February 25th 2010 I have read the Book of Mormon 3 times. I am reading it again for the 4th. I have read every single day, sometimes for hours. There have been days that I was only able to read one chapter, but I read. I have been blessed, I am blessed. It is changing my life. I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Day 11
Read: 2 Nephi 2-3
Mark: 2 Nephi 2:25, 27-28
“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.”
~ Joseph Smith
Mark: 2 Nephi 2:25, 27-28
“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.”
~ Joseph Smith
What brings you true happiness?
* This is a tough one for me...I am happy when I am with my family, or friends. When I am in the kitchen baking, when I am singing, or learning something new.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
ARMOR OF GOD
I found a few Armor of God things...bookmarks, activities, and such. Hope you enjoy. Just click on the link.Day 10
Read: 1 Nephi 22 – 2 Nephi 1
Mark: 1 Nephi 22:26
“If Satan could but capture our minds, he would have won the battle and the war. He can only do this if we let him. If we refuse to walk with him, he will have no power over us, for God gave us our free agency and Satan cannot take it away. So what I am suggesting is that we refuse to even walk on the same street with Satan. In other words, not only should we avoid evil, we should avoid the very appearance of evil.”
~ Bishop Victor L. Brown
Mark: 1 Nephi 22:26
“If Satan could but capture our minds, he would have won the battle and the war. He can only do this if we let him. If we refuse to walk with him, he will have no power over us, for God gave us our free agency and Satan cannot take it away. So what I am suggesting is that we refuse to even walk on the same street with Satan. In other words, not only should we avoid evil, we should avoid the very appearance of evil.”
~ Bishop Victor L. Brown
How can Satan be bound in his efforts to influence you?
*For me Satan is at his strongest when I am at my weakest. When I am not attending church, or reading my scriptures, or doing the things I know I should be doing Satan's little darts sting. I may not act on the temptations he throws in my path the first or second time he tries to tempt me with something, but if I continue to shut out the Spirit and to listen to the "advice" Satan has for me I will act. I need to COMPLETELY turn my back and my ears away from Satan. AT ALL TIMES.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Day 9
Read: 1 Nephi 19-21
Mark: 1 Nephi 19:23
“May I commend you faithful Saints who are striving to flood the earth and your lives with the Book of Mormon. Not only must we move forward in a monumental manner more copies of the Book of Mormon, but we must move boldly forward into our own lives and throughout the earth more of its marvelous messages. This sacred volume was written for us—for our day. Its scriptures are to be likened unto ourselves.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson
How do the things you read in the scriptures relate to your life?
*1 Nephi 19:22-23 have a very special place in my heart. Those scriptures started my journey into the Book of Mormon. It also started my healing process and life change. The Book of Mormon not only relates to me in my life, but the prophets who wrote it are speaking to us, right now in this day and age. I can't specifically say that the scriptures relate in this way or that way. The truth is they relate to me in every aspect of my life. I have the same internal struggles that they did and we live in a time of wars and rumors of wars. By reading the Book of Mormon I am reminded to REMEMBER. Remember God, to pray, how quickly the righteous can become wicked, and that Satan is very real and doesn't want me to be happy.
Mark: 1 Nephi 19:23
“May I commend you faithful Saints who are striving to flood the earth and your lives with the Book of Mormon. Not only must we move forward in a monumental manner more copies of the Book of Mormon, but we must move boldly forward into our own lives and throughout the earth more of its marvelous messages. This sacred volume was written for us—for our day. Its scriptures are to be likened unto ourselves.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson
How do the things you read in the scriptures relate to your life?
*1 Nephi 19:22-23 have a very special place in my heart. Those scriptures started my journey into the Book of Mormon. It also started my healing process and life change. The Book of Mormon not only relates to me in my life, but the prophets who wrote it are speaking to us, right now in this day and age. I can't specifically say that the scriptures relate in this way or that way. The truth is they relate to me in every aspect of my life. I have the same internal struggles that they did and we live in a time of wars and rumors of wars. By reading the Book of Mormon I am reminded to REMEMBER. Remember God, to pray, how quickly the righteous can become wicked, and that Satan is very real and doesn't want me to be happy.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Day 8
Read: 1 Nephi 17-18Mark: 1 Nephi 17:45
“Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound…We do not have the words (even the scriptures do not have the words) which perfectly describe the Spirit. The scriptures generally use the word ‘voice,’ which does not exactly fit. These delicate, refined spiritual communications are not seen with our eyes, nor heard with our ears. And even though it is described as a voice, it is a voice that one feels, more than one hears.”
~ President Boyd K. Packer
What things have you felt while reading or praying?
*I am not one that usually hears "the voice", it's more of a feeling. I get goosebumps, and chills when I feel the Spirit. More often than not though it's a feeling of peace.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Day 7
Read: 1 Nephi 15-16Mark: 1 Nephi 15:23-24
“If there is any one thing most needed in this time of tumult and frustration, when men and women and youth and young adults are desperately seeking for answers to the problems which afflict mankind, it is an ‘iron rod’ as a safe guide along the straight path on the way to eternal life.”
~ President Harold B. Lee
~ President Harold B. Lee
How can you ‘hold fast’ to the iron rod?
*There are the standard answers, prayer, scripture study, going to church...I believe there is a reason those are the "standard answers" THEY WORK. In the scriptures the Lord counsels us to "Cry unto the Father", "Study the words of the prophets", and "To meet together oft". There is nothing that says that if you do these three things your life will be perfect, in fact we are not ever promised we will feel no pain, or have trials. We are told the exact opposite, but in doing these three basic things the trials we go through will be easier to face, deal with and endure. There are many other things, pay tithing, attend the Temple, have good friends, listen to good music....the list goes on, but it usually starts with Prayer, Scripture Study, and attending Church.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Day 6
Read: 1 Nephi 13-14
Mark: 1 Nephi 14:14
“This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of his omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth.”
~ President Joseph F. Smith
Nephi saw that “other books” would come forth through the gentiles. What important things would the “other books” do? What are those “other books”?
*I believe the "other books" that are spoken about are the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants.
*The Bible that we know today has had many plain and precious things taken from it. It is very conflicting at times and not always easy to understand. The "other books" fill in the blanks. If I believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet (I do) then I have to believe he translated the Book of Mormon. (I do) I think it goes without saying that any other scriptures he or prophets that came after him helped bring to fruition are from God also.
Mark: 1 Nephi 14:14
“This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of his omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth.”
~ President Joseph F. Smith
Nephi saw that “other books” would come forth through the gentiles. What important things would the “other books” do? What are those “other books”?
*I believe the "other books" that are spoken about are the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants.
*The Bible that we know today has had many plain and precious things taken from it. It is very conflicting at times and not always easy to understand. The "other books" fill in the blanks. If I believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet (I do) then I have to believe he translated the Book of Mormon. (I do) I think it goes without saying that any other scriptures he or prophets that came after him helped bring to fruition are from God also.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Day 5
Read: 1 Nephi 11-12
Mark: 1 Nephi 11:20-23
“You need time to meditate and ponder, to think, to wonder at the great plan of happiness that the Lord has outlined for His children. You need to read the scriptures….I heard President David O. McKay say to the members of the Twelve on one occasion, ‘Brethren, we do not spend enough time meditating.’”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
How often do you take time to ponder, to meditate on things that are important?
I don't take nearly as much time as I feel I should. I am a thinker, and am constantly going over things in my head, but I believe there is a difference between thinking and meditating. I usually spend time meditating when I drive.
Mark: 1 Nephi 11:20-23
“You need time to meditate and ponder, to think, to wonder at the great plan of happiness that the Lord has outlined for His children. You need to read the scriptures….I heard President David O. McKay say to the members of the Twelve on one occasion, ‘Brethren, we do not spend enough time meditating.’”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
How often do you take time to ponder, to meditate on things that are important?
I don't take nearly as much time as I feel I should. I am a thinker, and am constantly going over things in my head, but I believe there is a difference between thinking and meditating. I usually spend time meditating when I drive.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Day 4
Read: 1 Nephi 6-10Mark: 1 Nephi 10:17-19
~ Elder Dallin H. Oaks
What was Nephi’s response when the people in the strange building mocked him and the others who were partaking of the fruit? Why?
*I am actually still looking for the answer to this one. I believe it is supposed to say Lehi not Nephi. If anybody has any ideas of what the answer is I would love insight.
click here to read the article about the painting
Vision of Tree of Life Entire Set
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Day 3
Read: 1 Nephi 3-5
Mark: 1 Nephi 3:7
“I have learned not to put question marks but to use exclamation points when calls are issued through inspired channels of priesthood government.”
~ Elder Russell M. Nelson
Why did Laman and Lemuel murmur? Why did Nephi support his father? What determines whether you are a murmurer or a supporter of the Lord’s work and His prophets?
*I believe Laman and Lemuel murmured because they were not converted to the Lord. They didn't believe what they were doing was what God wanted them to do. They were selfish, hard hearted men who valued money and property more than family or God. There is part of me that also believes on some level they wanted to believe. Yes they tried to kill their brother, and spoke of killing their father, but they repented. At one point they even kissed Nephi's feet asking for forgiveness.
*Nephi supported his father because he was a true believer. He didn't blindly follow and believe what his father told him. He wanted to know for himself what true. He prayed asking for answers knowing that he would receive them. Not only was he a believer, but he also acted upon that knowledge.
*I think your personal conversion with Christ determines if you will be a murmurer or a supporter. I don't think you are child of hell if you ask questions or murmur at times, Lehi murmured, when all the bows broke and there was no way to hunt, but he asked for forgiveness and continued to follow Christ.
Mark: 1 Nephi 3:7
“I have learned not to put question marks but to use exclamation points when calls are issued through inspired channels of priesthood government.”
~ Elder Russell M. Nelson
Why did Laman and Lemuel murmur? Why did Nephi support his father? What determines whether you are a murmurer or a supporter of the Lord’s work and His prophets?
*I believe Laman and Lemuel murmured because they were not converted to the Lord. They didn't believe what they were doing was what God wanted them to do. They were selfish, hard hearted men who valued money and property more than family or God. There is part of me that also believes on some level they wanted to believe. Yes they tried to kill their brother, and spoke of killing their father, but they repented. At one point they even kissed Nephi's feet asking for forgiveness.
*Nephi supported his father because he was a true believer. He didn't blindly follow and believe what his father told him. He wanted to know for himself what true. He prayed asking for answers knowing that he would receive them. Not only was he a believer, but he also acted upon that knowledge.
*I think your personal conversion with Christ determines if you will be a murmurer or a supporter. I don't think you are child of hell if you ask questions or murmur at times, Lehi murmured, when all the bows broke and there was no way to hunt, but he asked for forgiveness and continued to follow Christ.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Day 2
Read: Brief Explanation, 1 Nephi 1-2
Mark: 1 Nephi 1:20
“The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ…The Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings.”
~ Elder David A. Bednar
How have you experienced the tender mercies of the Lord?
*I have wanted to become more active in church and to start using the gifts God has given me, namely my voice. Within a week of praying for just that Sister Bowman called and asked me to sing in a Stake Youth program. Two days later a member of the Stake Relief Society called and asked me to sing in the Stake Relief Society Program.
Mark: 1 Nephi 1:20
“The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ…The Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings.”
~ Elder David A. Bednar
How have you experienced the tender mercies of the Lord?
*I have wanted to become more active in church and to start using the gifts God has given me, namely my voice. Within a week of praying for just that Sister Bowman called and asked me to sing in a Stake Youth program. Two days later a member of the Stake Relief Society called and asked me to sing in the Stake Relief Society Program.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Day 1
Read: Preface (Title Page), Introduction, Testimony of Three Witnesses, Testimony of Eight Witnesses, Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith
Mark: The quote from Joseph Smith in the Introduction, “I told the brethren…any other book.”
“I would like to urge [everyone] to again read the Book of Mormon…There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the Living Son of the Living God. And, my brothers and sisters, that is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
Mark: The quote from Joseph Smith in the Introduction, “I told the brethren…any other book.”
“I would like to urge [everyone] to again read the Book of Mormon…There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the Living Son of the Living God. And, my brothers and sisters, that is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
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