Day 47

Read: Alma 19-20

Mark: Alma 20:17

“Anger is not an expression of strength. It is an indication of one’s inability to control his thoughts, words, his emotions… When the weakness of anger takes over, the strength of reason leaves.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

When is it most difficult to control your anger? Why is it important to stay in control of your thoughts, words, and actions?

*I am very quick to anger...I am a reactor.  It is not my most beautiful quality. I don't usually explode or go off on a tirade, I stuff it inside.  Either way it's a bad thing.  On the other hand I cool off very quickly and am fast to forgive and ask for forgiveness.  I am trying to keep my anger in check with my family lately.  I don't want to say something that would hurt someone I love and am going to be with for eternity.  I also look so stupid when I am throwing an anger fit.  It really doesn't help any situation only making it worse.  If I have a personal or professional issue that makes me upset or angry I usually try and cool off and try to look at both sides of the story. Then if a discussion is still warranted I am able to do so in a kind and peaceful manner and not a confrontational one.

Day 46

Read: Alma 17-18

Mark: Alma 17:2-3

“Fasting can help us overcome personal flaws and sins. It can help us overcome our weaknesses—help them become strengths. Fasting can help us become more humble, less prideful, less selfish, and more concerned about the needs of others. It can help us see more clearly our own mistakes and weaknesses and help us be less prone to criticize others…Throughout the scriptures the term fasting is usually combined with prayer… Fasting without prayer is just going hungry for 24 hours. But fasting combined with prayer brings increased spiritual power.”
~ Elder Carl B. Pratt

What experiences have you had with fasting?

*My most recent experience it one that means a great deal to me.  It's not super private or spiritual, but I wanted to be able to use the talents the Lord has given me by singing.  I was given a blessing years ago that told me I needed to use my gift or I would loose it. There were other promises given in regards to my voice and the testimony I share when I sing.  So I felt a great need to ask Heavenly Father to give me opportunities to sing.  With in the week two separate people called and asked me to sing for stake functions.  I was privileged to be involved in "Remember the Journey" songs that correlate with the youth trek and "Vessel of Light" for the Stake Relief Society program.  I was blessed to work with such wonderful women, and to sing such amazing and powerful songs. 

Day 45

Read: Alma 14-16

Mark: Alma 14:10-11

“The right question to ask is not why good people have trials, but how shall good people respond when they are tried?”
~ Elder Marion D. Hanks

“Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long suffering and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of his education.”
~ President Spencer W. Kimball

How do you respond to adversity?

*I am sad to say I don't do really well.  I am getting better...I am learning to use the tools I have always had, prayer, scripture study, faith...the basics.  I am doing a bit better than I usually have lately.  Things are looking up.

Day 44

Read: Alma 12-13

Mark: Alma 13:2-4

“God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest and most valiant children…Make no mistake about it – you are a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us…The final outcome is certain – the forces of righteousness will finally win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle – and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to…our foreordained mission?
~ President Ezra Taft Benson

To what callings do you think you’ve been foreordained?

*I believe I am to use my voice to help others become closer to Christ.  There is a spirit that comes when music is played and when testimonies are borne through song or chord.  A very unique and powerful spirit. I am thankful I was blessed with my voice. I only hope that I am able to convey my feelings I have for the Savior when I sing.

Day 43

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE

Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 11 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 5.

What are some of the questions Alma asks in order to ponder the process of becoming converted or reborn?

*I am caught up so I am again working on my lesson for Primary.

Day 42

Read: Alma 10-11

Mark: Alma 11:42-44

“What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or from the natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in ‘proper and perfect frame.’”
~ Elder Dallin H. Oaks

How does it bring you hope knowing that because of Christ we will all live again?

*I am so thankful for this blessing!  I have lost (from this mortal world) friends, and family. Young and old. I am so excited to see them again. I am so excited to see my grandmother running and dancing and playing basketball like she did when she was a child.  Thankful really doesn't seem like a strong enough word for the feelings I have about this, but that's what I feel. I don't know how I would have coped with the loss of my friends April and Jonathan if I didn't have the knowledge that I will see them again!  Because of Christ I will hug and laugh and play with those that have gone before me.

Day 41

Read: Alma 7-9

Mark: Alma 7:11-12

“To succor means to ‘run to.’ I testify that in my fears and in my infirmities the Savior has surely run to me. I will never be able to thank Him enough for such personal kindness and such loving care.”
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Why is it helpful to remember that the Savior knows what it’s like to have your problems?

*So often I feel that I am the only one to have ever felt exactly what I am feeling, the loneliness, fear and failure that so often creeps into my life.  Knowing that Christ felt exactly what I have felt gives me a sense of comfort.  I am not alone.  He knows me better than I know myself. 

Day 40

Read: Alma 5-6

Mark: Alma 5:14, 26

“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.”

~ President Ezra Taft Benson

What would someone see in your countenance?

*I hope someone would see a loving, kind, caring, Christ like person.  I know that is not always the case. I can be shut off and cruel at times.  LOVE this quite by the way!

Day 39

Read: Alma 2-4

Mark: Alma 2:18, 28

“Safety can’t be won by tanks and guns and airplanes and atomic bombs. There is only one place of safety and that is in the realm of the Almighty God that he gives to those who keep his commandments and listen to his voice.”

~ President Harold B. Lee

Why were the Nephites strengthened by the Lord? How can we receive the Lord’s help in the challenges we face?

*The Nephites were strengthened and protected because they were faithful, they prayed, and were worthy of the blessings Heavenly Father gave them.  If I am doing all that I can to be righteous and living the gospel then the Lord is bound.  He may not give me a million dollars, but he will give me the blessings I need.  If it be His will for me to be protected, I will be.  there was a terrible storm last week and I had to go to the basement with Sonny.  I prayed for my house, my car, my parents house and for my safety and Sonny's safety.  I prayed for my family that they would be safe and comforted. I was blessed and protected.  I only lost a couple of windows to the storm, but my house stood firm and I was protected.  I had faith that I would be OK, and that if something went terribly wrong, I would be able to fix it.

Day 38

Read: Mosiah 29 – Alma 1

Mark: Alma 1:6, 16

“The Nephite prophets repeatedly identified the wearing of costly clothing with apostasy and failure to live by gospel standards.”

~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie

What might your way of dressing say about you?

*I don't think there is a problem with wanting to dress nice, or to wear nice expensive clothes, shoes and handbags.  I believe the problem  starts when we love those things more than we love the Lord.  I love shoes and bags, but I am not going to buy an expensive pair of shoes instead of paying my tithing or helping others.  There have been many times in my life where I have had to choose between an amazing bag and helping a friend or family member. When I choose to help someone, I am usually given the opportunity to get the bag or whatever item I want also. 

Day 37

 Read: Mosiah 26-28

Mark: 26:29-30

“You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. If they are serious transgressions, such as immorality, they need to be confessed to a bishop or stake president. Please understand that confession is not repentance. It is an essential step, but is not of itself adequate. Partial confession by mentioning lesser mistakes will not help you resolve a more serious, undisclosed transgression. Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to fully disclose to the Lord and, where necessary, His priesthood judge all that you have done.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott

Why is confession an essential part of repentance?

*I believe there are a few reasons why we need to confess to a priesthood holder.  One, if the sins are grievous enough a person could be excommunicated and the priesthood is an important part of that.  The bishop or stake president acts in behalf of the Lord. The bishop is not judging you he is the mouthpiece for the Lord at that particular time. When we sin so serious as to need to be excommunicated it is better that are excommunicated than to continue sinning while having the Holy Ghost.  If you are not willing to stop the behavior it is better that you don't have the Holy Ghost.  Another reason I believe we need to confess to the bishop is that when I have made horrible mistakes and sinned I am much harder on myself than the Lord is.  I believe that I should be taken out to the street and publicly humiliated and stoned.  That is not the Lord's way, He wants you to repent, but shame is not of God it is of Satan.  Sorrow is Godly. There is a difference.

Day 36

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE

Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Mosiah 25 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Mosiah 14-15

Abinadi quoted Isaiah to testify of the Savior. What did Isaiah teach about Christ? What can you learn about the Savior from Abinadi’s testimony?

*I am all caught up so I am going to again use this study day to work on my lesson for primary.  You tell me what the answers to the question above are.

Day 35

Read: Mosiah 24-25

Mark: Mosiah 24:14-15

“We should seek to be happy and cheerful and not allow Satan to overcome us with discouragement, despair, or depression.”
~ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

“The Lord…loves us…, comforts and strengthens us, and enables us to bear our afflictions with patience and fortitude.”
~ Elder George Q. Cannon

How can we submit more cheerfully to the will of the Lord?

*This is a difficult one for me...I have a hard time putting a smile on my face when I am getting kicked in the teeth.  I am sure I would be much happier if I could or would just let go, but it's a struggle for me. I know it's a lesson I am going to have to keep having until I learn how to do it.

Day 34

Read: Mosiah 21-23

Mark: Mosiah 23:21-22

“Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.”
~ President Thomas S. Monson

When is it most difficult for you to be patient? Why is patience important?

*It is always difficult for me to be patient.  I want everything so bad, and I want it now.  I have had to learn that I don't always get what I want whether it be worldly or spiritually. I have always gotten what I needed. My mom has a saying "Pray for strength never patience." Most times I have prayed for patience, I have been given an opportunity to gain patience and it's not the funnest.  I am in the future going to be a mother and I think it is so important to be kind, gentle and have patience with your children.  I am learning or trying to learn patience now, so I have a step ahead when I am a mom.

Day 33

Read: Mosiah 18-20

Mark: 18:8-10

“We show by our behavior what we believe. Surely we are standing as witnesses of God when we sustain his living prophets, especially when we know what it means to sustain. We will abide by the direction and counsel of the prophets. We indeed become witnesses when we make this solemn covenant.”
~ Sister Janette Hales Beckham

What commitments are part of our baptismal covenant? In what ways do you try to keep those commitments?

*When we are baptized we covenant with God to keep the commandments, stand as a witness, and we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.  As a Christian I try to live my life in a manner that pleases Heavenly Father. I try to keep the commandments and sometimes it's hard, but when I do wrong I am able to be forgiven and I am able to be just as clean as when I was first baptized.

Day 32

Read: Mosiah 15-17

Mark: Mosiah 17:11-12

“You don’t need to compromise your standards to be accepted by good friends. The more obedient you are…the more the Lord can help you overcome temptation. You can also help others because they will feel your strength. Let them know about your standards by consistently living them…No one intends to make serious mistakes. They come when you compromise your standards to be more accepted by others. You be the strong one. You be the leader. Choose good friends and resist peer pressure together.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott

Why did King Noah not resist the pressure from the evil priests? What helps you to resist peer pressure?

*King Noah reminds me of Pilot a bit.  Both of the men had second thoughts about killing the men before them, but both of them listened to the crowds, and priests.  They both were not good men, but they saw who they were condemning to die and they chose to allow it anyway.  I am going to leave the second question to be answered by the readers.

Day 31

Read: Mosiah 12-14

Mark: Mosiah 13:15

“When I was a little boy… I came home from school one day, threw my books on the table, and took the name of the Lord in vain in expressing my relief that school was out for the day. My mother heard me. She was shocked. She took me by the hand and led me to the bathroom…then proceeded to wash my mouth out with that terrible soap…and then said, ‘Don’t let me ever hear such words from your lips again.’ The taste was terrible. The reprimand was worse. I have never forgotten it, and I hope that I have never used the Lord’s name in vain since that time.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

How can we keep the Lord’s name sacred?

*When I was in elementary school I wanted to "be cool" like all the other kids at school. I decided to use the Lord's name in vain several times in one sentence.  I was quickly put into place by the person next to me who said,  "Please don't talk like that.  My parents told me it's not right to use God's name like that and I don't like hearing it." Those may not have been the exact words she used, it was more that 25 years ago, but I remember the feeling I had after she asked me to stop.  It was shame and guilt.  To this day I am still embarrassed in fact I have never shared this story before. I was the only LDS person in my school other than my brother and I knew better than to take God's name in vain.  I knew at that young age I was an example and people were watching me.  I haven't spoken like that since and never will again. 

Day 30

Read: Mosiah 9-11

Mark: Mosiah 9:17, 10:10-11

“The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior’s Atonement is real.”
~ Elder David A. Bednar

In what ways do we depend on our own strength? How can we more fully receive the strength of the Lord?

*In most ways I depend on my own strength to "pull me through this challenge" or to "deal with it"  I usually fight against what I want and feel and what God wants for me until I am humbled by an experience or the pain is so great I can't go on.  Only after that do I surrender and let Heavenly Father take over.  Usually after I surrender the situation is solved, or I feel peace, or I know what I am do do.  It is so frustrating that I constantly do this to myself.  If I would let go in the first place I would have the fullness of the Lord's strength and my trial would not have to be so hard. I don't know why I do it, I am trying to have more faith and to let go. There are times in a day when I have to surrender several times.  Reading my scriptures every day is helping with having more faith.

Day 29

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE

Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:
Mosiah 8 or if you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Mosiah 3-4

Once we’ve felt the Lord’s forgiveness, how do we retain the remission of our sins?

* By not committing the sin again!  ABC's of repentance  A-admit we have done wrong   B-be sorry  C-correct our mistake  D-don't do it again...thank you Idaho Pocatello Mission

Day 28

Read: Mosiah 5-8

Mark: Mosiah 5:2, 7

“No one can be born again without baptism, but the immersion of water and the laying on of hands to confer the Holy Ghost do not of themselves guarantee that a person has been or will be born again. The new birth takes place only for those who actually enjoy the Gift or companionship of the Holy Ghost, only for those who are fully converted, who have given themselves without restraint to the Lord.”
~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie

How can you more fully give yourself to the Lord to experience the mighty change of heart?

*For me it's a matter of letting go, of surrendering control and letting God lead me. I am so afraid to "let go" that I don't really get the fullness of my blessings.  I am the only one that is standing in my way.  If I were not so prideful I could have that mighty change of heart.

Day 27

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Read: Mosiah 3-4

Mark: Mosiah 4:30

“Work at keeping your thoughts clean by thinking of something good. The mind can think of only one thing at a time. Use that fact to crowd out ugly thoughts. Above all, don’t feed thoughts by reading or watching things that are wrong. If you don’t control your thoughts, Satan will keep tempting you until you eventually act them out.”

~ Elder Richard G. Scott

What helps you most to control your thoughts?

*I love the quote above. Especially where it talks about how we shouldn't dwell on them or eventually we will act them out. I have found that to be so true! There are times when thoughts come into my head that are not the most spiritual or Christlike. I sing I Love to See the Temple.  It helps get the thoughts out of my head that shouldn't be there.  I have noticed the longer I let the thoughts swim around the harder it is to get them out.  I am making a conscious effort to not watch, listen to or read anything that doesn't make me "feel good"  Garbage in Garbage out!

Day 26

Read: Mosiah 1-2

Mark: Mosiah 2:17

“Our focus should be on righteousness, not recognition; on service, not status. The faithful visiting teacher, who quietly goes about her work month after month, is just as important to the work of the Lord as those who occupy what some see as more prominent positions in the Church. Visibility does not equate to value…When we understand why we serve we will not worry about where we serve.”
~ President Howard W. Hunter

How often do you serve?

*I try and serve someone everyday. At least one person.

Day 25

Read: Jarom – Words of Mormon

Mark: Jarom 1:5

“We have become a nation of pleasure seeking sabbath breakers… What fits the purpose of the Sabbath? Activities that contribute to greater spirituality…I don’t believe that it is possible to keep our spirituality on a high plane by spending our Sabbaths on the beach, on the golf course…or in our own homes…looking at television.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson

How can you more fully keep the Sabbath day holy?

*I need to recommit myself to keeping the Sabbath holy.  I will put gas in my car on Saturday and pack my lunch for my Sunday shift.  I need to spend more time resting and "playing" with my family.

Day 24

Read: Jacob 6 - Enos

Mark: Enos 1:4

“How many of you, with or without serious transgressions, have ever prayed all day and into the night? Have you ever wept and prayed for many hours? How many of you have prayed for five hours? for one? for thirty minutes? for ten?”
~ President Spencer W. Kimball

How often do you cry unto the Lord in mighty prayer? How can you make prayer more meaningful?  

*I get caught up with trying to make prayer so formal. I am speaking to my Father in Heaven and I feel that I should set a side time and have it quiet and reverent.  That is good, but there are times more often than not that I wake up late or sadly I forget to pray.  I usually pray when I am driving to work.  I can sit and just talk. I still say the, and thou, and keep it as formal as possible, but I pray and really speak with my Father.

**ENOS PRAYING DAY AND NIGHT FROM THE FRIEND LINK**

Day 23

Read: Jacob 5

Mark: Jacob 5:61-62

“Give me a young man who has kept himself morally clean and has faithfully attended his Church meetings. Give me a young man who has magnified his priesthood and has earned the Duty to God Award and is an Eagle Scout. Give me a young man who is a seminary graduate and has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon. Give me such a young man, and I will give you a young man who can perform miracles for the Lord in the mission field and throughout his life.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson

How can you prepare now to labor diligently in the Lord’s vineyard?

*When I served my mission I realized how unprepared I was to preach His gospel.  I hadn't read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover.  I believed it was true, and that the church was true, but I didn't have the conformation.  I didn't think I needed it...I was wrong.  I needed to know with out any doubt that what I was teaching was the TRUTH.  After I read the Book of Mormon, I prayed about it and I received the answer I didn't know I needed.  READ READ READ and STUDY The Book of Mormon.

Day 22

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE

Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Jacob 4 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: 2 Nephi 31-33

What is the doctrine of Christ? What are some things the Holy Ghost can do for us? As Nephi finishes his record what are the things it seems like he most wants us to know?

*I am all caught up and decided to work on my primary lesson that teaches of the healing power of Jesus Christ.  So, I would like you to answer these questions...what do you think?

Day 21

Read: Jacob 2-4

Mark: Jacob 2:18-19

“If you have not chosen the kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead.”
~ William Law

Are your decisions based on how your choices will help to build the Lord’s kingdom? If needed, how can you change?

*I can honestly say that all my decisions are not based on the Lord's kingdom.  I make a lot of rash and impulsive decisions, but I am trying to do better.  As I have refocused my life and attention to the gospel, church, the scriptures and to Christ more and more the decisions I make are centered around the Lord.  I have decided not to read anything that doesn't make me "feel good inside".  There is a series I have been reading, but I always felt guilty about reading it then reading a church book or the scriptures after.  I made a decision to give the books away.  I did and I know I am and will continue to be blessed because of it.

Day 20

Read: 2 Nephi 31 – Jacob 1

Mark: 2 Nephi 31:10-13, 20

“When we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it will change our lives and will establish our total allegiance to the kingdom of God. When temptations come our way, if we will listen, the Holy Ghost will remind us that we have promised to remember our Savior and obey the commandments of God.”

~ Elder Robert D. Hales

Sometimes we take our baptism for granted. What do you do to remember and increase your appreciation for your baptism?

*This is another one that has me thinking. To be honest I don't put much thought into my baptism.  It was 24 years ago, I was 8 years old.  I remember being so excited and nervous. I know I take my baptism for granted.  I'm not a convert, my family are members, I didn't have to fight for anything....until I got older and had a true conversion to the Gospel and  to Christ.  I am going to commit myself for the rest of the week to remember my baptism and the covenants I made so that on Sunday when I take the Sacrament I will have a better knowledge and understanding of the covenants I am renewing.

Day 19

Read: 2 Nephi 28-30

Mark: 2 Nephi 28:15

“ There are at least three dangers that threaten the Church within, and the authorities need to awaken to the fact that the people should be warned unceasingly against them. As I see these, they are flattery of prominent men in the world, false educational ideas, and sexual impurity.”
~ President Joseph F. Smith

What are you doing to avoid being deceived?

*I have never really thought about this question so I guess my answers would be that I listen to the advice and counsel of my parents, church leaders and the prophet.  I also pray for guidance.

Day 18

Read: 2 Nephi 26-27

Mark: 2 Nephi 26:8

Looking for the path to safety in the counsel of prophets makes sense to those with strong faith…the choice not to take prophetic counsel changes the very ground upon which we stand. It becomes more dangerous. The failure to take prophetic counsel lessens our power to take inspired counsel in the future. The best time to have decided to help Noah build the ark was the first time he asked. Each time he asked after that, each failure to respond would have lessened sensitivity to the Spirit. And so each time his request would have seemed more foolish, until the rain came. And then it was too late.
~ Elder Henry B. Eyring


How does following the prophet keep you safe?

*There is a reason we have a prophet on the earth.  God needs a mouthpiece.  If we listen to our prophet we are listening to what our Heavenly Father wants us to hear.  The prophets have counseled the use of food storage for years and years.  I am beginning to see now how very important it is.  There are disasters everyday in Oklahoma we have tornadoes.  I will be able to eat drink and have power to my house because of the food and water I have stored and the generator in the garage.  I will be able to feed my family and neighbors with the garden that's planted in my back yard.  Fresh produce is very expensive these days and being able to walk out and pick something out of the ground is amazing.  I know that when the prophet says that something is important  I should follow for my safety. There is a reason he tells us what he does. NOTHING is by chance or mistake.  It is from God.

Day 17

Read: 2 Nephi 24-25

Mark: 2 Nephi 25:23, 26

“Literally, the Atonement means to be ‘at one’ with Him. The nature of the Atonement and its effects is so infinite, so unfathomable, and so profound that it lies beyond the knowledge and comprehension of mortal man. I am profoundly grateful for the principle of saving grace… The overwhelming message of the Atonement is the perfect love the Savior has for each and all of us. It is a love which is full of mercy, patience, grace, equity, long-suffering, and, above all, forgiving.”
~President James E. Faust


How do you experience the Savior’s love?

*The Atonement has a new meaning in my life today.  I have always used and thought of the Atonement of something I use when I have sinned or done something wrong. I have made many mistakes and have received the blessings and joy of forgiveness through the Atonement.  Yet I was not using it to it's full extent.  As many of you know I have had some heartache and challenges in my life(who hasn't right) but I tried to move on or focus on something else.  I didn't use the Atonement.  Christ suffered, bled, and died for my sins, He felt EVERYTHING I have ever felt...He knows how I feel.  It talks in the scriptures of how Christ went through that and went lower than any person ever has or will so He would know how to succor His children.  The Atonement has such healing powers.  Healing from sin and blackness, but healing also from heartache, loss, death, pain, of everything.  My life is changing for the better as I fully use the Atonement. I feel Christ's love when I have peace, when I have quiet from my thoughts and when begin to have hope for a better me.