Day 77

Read: 3 Nephi 6-8

Mark: 3 Nephi 6:12-14

“I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn’t measure our talents or our looks; He doesn’t measure our professions or our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other.”
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Why is pride “the great stumbling block of Zion”? What can help you be more humble?

*I LOVE THIS QUOTE!  I NEEDED THIS QUOTE!  I know for me when I am focused on myself and my "amazing accomplishments" I usually am not in tune with the Spirit.  I am listening to me toot my own horn, I can barely hear anything else.  I believe it is OK to be thankful for what we have achieved and for our talents, but not prideful.  It's important to realize where the talents are from and who helped us accomplish our goals. 

Day 76

Read: 3 Nephi 3-5

Mark: 3 Nephi 3:12-14; 4:10

“In providing out-of-home activities for the family, we must use care; otherwise, we could be like a father determined to provide everything for his family. He devotes every energy to that end and succeeds; only then does he discover that what they needed most, to be together as a family, has been neglected.”
~ President Boyd K. Packer

How can you help your family receive the strength that comes from being “gathered together”?

*For me it's by taking it easy and not stressing that the activity is "perfect"  We have the MOST fun and the BEST memories from playing Phase 10, or UNO.  Our family is pretty busy and we all have our own individual activities so eating together every night isn't usually an option.  We like to make the best out of the time we have.  I love sitting around the table with my parents and little brothers (when Meg & Kev are here it is even more fun) and laughing.  We have senseless stupid conversations at times, but more often than not some pretty important stuff is discussed and testimonies are shared.  It's the best because it's not planned and is very organic. I love my family and am so blessed to live so close.  I am blessed.

Day 75

Read: Helaman 16 – 3 Nephi 2

Mark: 3 Nephi 1:12-13

“Gifts of the Spirit which the Lord bestows upon those who believe and obey the gospel of Christ are called signs. That is, their receipt stands as an evidence or sign of the presence of that faith which results from believing the truth. Signs are wonders and miracles; they always and invariably are manifest to and among the faithful saints.”

~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Why didn’t Satan want the faithful Nephites to believe in the signs? What lies does he send today to try to keep you from believing the witness you’ve received as a result of your faith?

 

*Well if Satan can get you to believe that signs aren't real than he can get you to believe that, you aren't worthy, a good person, a child of god, or worth saving.  His ultimate goal is for us to not return to live with our Father in Heaven.  He constantly tries to make be believe I am worthless and not a daughter of God.  By reading my scriptures and going to church and by opening my mouth to a friend or family member on days when Satan is trying really hard to get me to believe him, I am able to defend myself and REMEMBER who I really am!

Day 74

Read: Helaman 13-15

Mark: Helaman 14:30-31

“Spiritual maturity is understanding that we cannot blame anybody else for our actions. Some factors may make it harder for us to perform according to God’s plan for us, but being accountable for how we use our agency means being answerable for our own behavior.”
~ Sister Elaine Cannon

In what ways do you use your agency to help you to grow?


*This is kind of a weird answer, but by making mistakes when using my agency I learn every time.  I am not saying that it's a good idea to sin and make poor choices so you can learn a lesson, but when I do make mistakes I grow.  I also grow when I make the right decisions.  When I use my agency to make tough decisions that are correct, but so dang tough, I grow.

Day 73

Read: Helaman 11-12

Mark: Helaman 12:2-3

“Afflictions can soften us and sweeten us, and can be a chastening influence. We often think of chastening as something being done to punish us… Divine chastening, however, is a form of learning as it is administered at the hands of a loving Father.”
~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Why do you think it is so much easier to remember the Lord when we suffer, than when everything is going well? What can you do to remember the Lord even when times are good?

*Well when I am suffering and am in pain I want it to stop and for my life to be easy and good again.  There is a saying that "There are no atheist in the trenches." Meaning when you are faced with death you start praying.  I know that when my life is going super and wonderful my prayers are not as in depth.  I am working on that.  I need to be able to have the same relationship with Heavenly Father no matter how my life is.

Day 72

Read: Helaman 8-10

Mark: Helaman 8:4, 7-9

“How we respond to the words of a living prophet when he tells us what we need to know, but would rather not hear, is a test of our faithfulness.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson

Even though wicked men were arguing against Nephi, some righteous people knew he was a prophet and supported him. How can you sustain our living prophet?

*Well by doing not only the big things that are asked of us, but the little things.  Things we may not think are a big deal if we don't follow.  In 2001 President Hinkley asked us all women of the church to wear only one set of earrings.  If we had multiple holes and such we were asked to take them out and only wear one pair.  At the time I worked in a place where I pierced ears and sold earrings.  It was better for my work that I wear multiple pairs and have multiple piercings.  From the time I was asked to take out the extra earrings, I did.  It was a small thing and the Prophet didn't order us and say we would not be temple worthy if we kept them in, it was our choice. He just counseled us to wear one pair.  I have no idea exactly how I have been blessed by following this council.   I learned and have a testimony now that if I  can do little and simple things that don't make much sense, I will do the BIG things that are asked of me when then time comes.

Day 71

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE

Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Helaman 7 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Helaman 5

What did Helaman name his sons? Why? Whose name have you taken upon yourself? How were the Lamanites converted through their ministry?

*As usual I am all caught up so I am using this time to study and prepare my lesson for CTR 5.

Day 70

Read: Helaman 6-7

Mark: Helaman 6:3

"Every [convert] needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with the ‘good word of God.’ It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

What kind of friend are you to converts, members who are new to your ward, or the less-active? What things do you do to nourish others with the word of the Lord?

*I learned on my mission it is much easier to keep someone active than to re-activate them.  Whenever I see an investigator or learn of a new member I always introduce myself and tell them how happy I am that they are at church.  I offer to sit by them and be their friend.  I have an investigator in my CTR 5 class. Every week she misses I write a little letter to her letting her know I missed her and what the lesson was about and what the upcoming lesson is going to be.  I work nights so my schedule doesn't really accommodate a lot of fellowship, but I do what I can.  I also pray and ask that the new members/investigators and less actives will be comforted and protected.  Satan does not want people to join the church or be active so any extra help they can get is needed.

Day 69

Read: Helaman 4-5

Mark: Helaman 5:12

"We have an increasing number who have been convinced, through the Book of Mormon, that Jesus is the Christ. Now we need an increasing number who will use the Book of Mormon to become committed to Christ. We need to be convinced and committed.”

~ President Ezra Taft

What are some things you can do to build upon the sure foundation?

*It is easy to believe something and still not act upon it.  It takes conviction.  For years I lived my life knowing that the church was true and that the Book of Mormon is true, but I didn't always act like it or act upon it.  By using the atonement in my life and searching the scriptures I have been able to not only believe as I always have, but act upon those beliefs.  I don't like getting up for church.  I feel ugly in most of my clothes and it's difficult for me to go, but I have a calling.  I also know that I go to church to renew my covenants every week. Because I believe and am committed I go. I usually feel much better when I am there and enjoy myself.

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Day 68

Read: Helaman 1-3

Mark: Helaman 3:35

“If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives.”
~ Elder Marvin J. Ashton

How can you avoid contention in your family and other relationships?

*This is a tough one. Growing up I always fought with my brother and sister.  I know I was the cause of a lot of contention growing up.  I don't want to be that person any longer and for the last while I have been making a conscious decision to step back when I get my feelings hurt, or if I am in a bad mood.  I also ask my Heavenly Father daily to help me be kind.  I have found that this does help.  If I am living my life in accordance with the gospel I am usually able to keep my contentious side at bay.  There are times when I am the instigator, but I am quick to apologize and correct my mistake.  I believe that it is NEVER too late to start your day over.

Day 67

Read: Alma 62-63

Mark: Alma 62:41

“These people all had basically the same experience. The war was the same length for all people; yet out of the same experience some were hardened and some were softened. What made the difference? It was what they thought of God and his Son.”
~ C. Max Caldwell

When you experience trials, do you feel your heart is hardened or softened? What can you do to improve your thoughts of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How do you think this will help to soften your heart?

*There are times when I am touched and others when I have a hard heart. I have found that usually my heart is hardened when I am not living the gospel.  When I am making incorrect choices I am not allowing the Spirit to teach me or touch my heart.

Day 66

Read: Alma 60-61

Mark: Alma 60:20

“When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be remember …our greatest need is to remember.”
~ President Spencer W. Kimball

“Satan wants us to be slow to remember what we have received and heard. He wants us to minimize and even forget the quiet witnesses of the Spirit that have told us who we really are.”
~ Sister Susan L. Warner

What helps you to not forget the spiritual experiences you’ve had?

*Writing them down!  When I was 19 I had a very spiritual experience and I thought I would always remember how I felt and what happened, and even though I was counseled to write what had happened I did not.  I still remember the overall feeling of what happened, but I can't remember each detail like I could when it had just happened.  When I served a mission we were required to keep a journal and I am so thankful I followed that council.  I can look back at the experiences I had in Idaho and because they were written down remember them like they had just happened.  The Book of Mormon is a PERFECT example of why we should write things down.  It was so important that not only the children of the people who wrote the Book of Mormon know the history, but that we today know also.  We know that Christ visited the Americas because someone wrote about it. It takes time and I am not always the best at keeping a journal, but I have it so much easier than Moroni did.  My leather bound paper journal and pen are lighter and much easier to use than a chisel and gold. 

Day 65

Read: Alma 57-59

Mark: 57:27, 58:11-12

“He whose name this church bears has promised that He will be in our midst, lead us along, go before us, and even fight our battles. He has further counseled, ‘Be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart … that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy’ (D&C 98:14).”
~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell

How can the Lord help you overcome fear?

*This is a tough one for me.  I know what the answer is. We are to have Faith that we will be protected from our enemies that if we obey and follow his council we will be safe.  We are shown this time and time again in the Scriptures and also with the Saints in the early days of the Church.  I have a hard time having faith.  At times I live in fear.  I guess for me I need to step back and realize that even if bad things happen I can still find comfort knowing that if I follow the teachings of Christ I can return to live with my Father in Heaven and be with my family forever.  I need to look at the big picture. Saying this and acting are two different things, but I am becoming stronger.  I have always been taken care of even if bad things have happened there were lessons I learned.

Day 64

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE

Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 56 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 42

What things does Alma teach about the plan of salvation? How can God be “a perfect, just God and a merciful God also”?

* The plan of Salvation teaches us that God has a plan for us. He has rules, and if we break the rules, or sin, we can't be around Him. When he made the plan he knew we would sin, so he created a way for us to be washed clean or to be forgiven.  Christ atoned for our sins and made it possible for us to repent so that we could be clean again and be able to live with our Father in Heaven again.  Someone had to atone for our sins and Christ chose to do just that.

Day 63

Read: Alma 55-56

Mark: Alma 56:47-48

“We need more mothers who know the truth, whose children do not doubt their mothers know it.”

~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell

What important lessons have you learned from your mother?

*My mom has taught me so much.  She has taught me to be strong in the face of adversity, kind, funny, a hard worker and sticking things out even when it's hard.  My mom means the world to me.

http://www.byui.edu/presentations/transcripts/devotionals/2009_04_21_clark.htm

Day 62

Read: Alma 52-54

Mark: Alma 53:20-21

“In the spiritual battles you are waging, I see you as today’s sons of Helaman.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson

Notice how Mormon describes these young men. How are you living so that you can be likened to the stripling warriors?

*I love the description of the Stripling Warriors.  I love how he describes them as being "true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted", they were men of soberness who had been "taught the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him" . I am trying to be like the mothers who taught them the truth.  I want to be like the mothers of  the warriors not necessarily one of them.  I go to church, pray, read my scriptures and pay my tithe.   I try everyday to be better than the day before.

Day 61

Read: Alma 50-51

Mark: Alma 50:19

“Mormon wants to teach what will be of most worth to us, and his use of the words thus and thus we see make the lessons easier to recognize and understand. Pay close attention to the ‘thus we see’ phrases in the Book of Mormon. Here Mormon wants you to understand that the Lord is keeping His word to Lehi and blessing the Nephites with prosperity when they keep the commandments.”
~ Elder Henry B. Eyring

In what ways has the Lord kept his word to you?

*I honestly don't "keep track". I do know that when I following the teachings of the Gospel my life seems to run a bit smoother. That doesn't mean my life is easier or that I don't have trials, just that I am able to better handle the trials.

Day 60

Read: Alma 47-49

Mark: Alma 48:11-13, 17

“Be true to your own convictions. You know what is right, and you know what is wrong. You know when you are doing the proper thing… We need not fear as long as we have in our lives the power that comes from righteously living by the truth.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

The Lamanites did not want to go to battle against the Nephites, but they also did not want to displease the king (Alma 47:2). Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to do the right thing, but were afraid you would displease someone? Why is it always better to do the right thing than to worry about what others might think of you?

*I lived in LA when  Prop 8 was being voted on and I had several friends who were not LDS who were gay.  I didn't want to hurt them by voting against gay marriage, but I knew it was wrong.  I ended up loosing friends and this saddened me, but the friends I was able to keep were ones who didn't agree with my decision, but understood why I felt that way.   It was a very difficult time for members of the church. People were protesting at the Temple and throwing garbage, urine and feces on the temple grounds. Bomb threats were called in and the Temple had to be closed for a couple of nights for the safety of those worshiping there.  I attended a session one night when the protesters were there and they yelled such horrible mean things.  I do know I was blessed and that I was protected while I was there.  It also taught me a valuable lesson, I was blessed because I chose to listen to my church leaders and to the Spirit even when it wasn't popular.

Day 59

Read: Alma 44-46

Mark: Alma 46:12

“The value of a country rests upon the values of its people. For the people of God, for the people who want peace, for their women and their children, there is only one way, one church and one Lord.”
~ Elder Charles Didier

Why do the wicked go to war? How are their motives different from the reasons why the righteous go to war?

*My Grandpa Carey was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed by the Japanese.  We fought back so we would be safe, and so we would still have our freedom.  Japan wanted to dominate the US. They came over here with evil in their hearts and we fought for our country and for our freedom.  By getting involved in the war we were able to defeat the Nazi's and free millions of Jews.  We were blessed because we were trying to protect our people and free others.  Japan and Germany were defeated because they were led my men who chose to follow a darker side.  To listen to the whisperings of Satan.  I am not saying that every person who fought for the US was a "good or holy" man, but they fought for a righteous purpose.

Day 58

Read: Alma 42-43

Mark: Alma 42:14-15

“How great the wisdom and the love
 That filled the courts on high
 And sent the Savior from above
 To suffer, bleed and die!”
~ Hymn 195

How does understanding the Fall help you more fully love Jesus and appreciate what He did for us?

*Well I don't think you can fully be thankful for something unless you know about it.  The Fall needed to happen if Adam and Eve had not partaken of the forbidden fruit we wouldn't be here.  However because they partook we needed a way to get back to our Father and a way to be forgiven for our sins that we would make.  Christ loved us so much he DIED for us.  He is the ultimate example of love, service, charity and sacrifice.  He gave his life for us all.  He "picked us back up" after the Fall.  I am so thankful for the knowledge of The Plan of Salvation. I believe in Christ and know through Him I can live again.

Day 57

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE

Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:  Alma 41 or If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 32

To what does Alma liken the seed? Why is faith important for the seed to grow? How can you know if it is a good seed

*Per the usual I am working on my Primary lesson.  It's all bout being reverent...I am sure I will learn more than I teach.

Day 56

Read: Alma 39-41

Mark: Alma 41:10

“You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible.”
President Ezra Taft Benson

Alma uses four chapters (39-42) to counsel his son Corianton to repent. How important is it to you to follow the counsel of your parents and other righteous priesthood leaders? Read Alma 36:20. During the time Alma was racked with torment for his sins whose words did he remember that caused him to cry out for forgiveness

*I have amazing parents who council me all the time. I was taught the gospel and how to live it.  I am sad to say I didn't always follow the example they set for me.  However they were ready and waiting with open arms when I did decide to "return to the fold".  As Alma did when he was racked with torment I too thought of my parents and their words when I wanted to come back.

Day 55

Read: Alma 37-38

Mark: Alma 37:35-37

“I have little or no fear for the young man or the young woman, who honestly and conscientiously supplicate God twice a day for the guidance of His Spirit. I am sure that when the temptation comes they will have strength to overcome it by the inspiration that shall be given to them. Supplicating the Lord for the guidance of His Spirit places around us a safeguard, and if we….honestly seek the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, I can assure you that we will receive it.”
~ President Heber J. Grant



What are some things you talk to the Lord about?  How does He direct you for good?

*This past week has been a tough one.  I wasn't able to go to church and I have had a couple of friends die. My reading has not been what it should be and I haven't really had my heart into it.  To top it all off I haven't been praying like I normally do. I am the smartest person alive right?!  I can tell a difference in my behavior and my feelings.  The spirit isn't with me like it usually is. I have to try so much harder to get answers and to prayer and it is so dang hard to be king to everyone.  I love the quote above and know (even without having this past week) that if I am praying daily I will be stronger and have the guidance I desperately need.

Day 54

Read: Alma 34-36

Mark: Alma 34:32-33

“The thought of intentionally committing serious sin now and repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start that journey of intentional transgression and never make it back. Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome. If there is sin, repent now—while you can.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott



What does Satan do to try to keep you from repenting? How many reasons can you think of for why it’s important to repent now?

*Satan doesn't want you to be happy, forgiven or a follower of Christ. If he can stop you from doing that he has won...for a moment.  Satan wants us to feel unworthy and wicked. His greatest tools are despair, and depression.  The sooner you repent the sooner you are able to be forgiven and to feel whole again.  There are so many reasons, but the one that always rings in my mind is that I won't be able to repent when I am dead.  I don't want to get in some random car accident and have this huge thing hanging over my head...NO SIR.

Day 53

Read: Alma 32-33

Mark: Alma 32:21

“Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase of faith”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

How often do you exercise faith? What difference can “a particle of faith” make in our actions? (see Matthew 17:20)

*I have mixed feelings about faith.  I know it's important, I believe in it, I am just not strong enough to exercise it sometimes.  Lately I have been trying to have more faith in God and less in myself.  I am still alive and nothing horrible has happened yet...

Day 52

Read: Alma 30-31

Mark: Alma 30:37-39

“Korihor’s arguments sound very contemporary to the modern reader, but Alma used a timeless and ultimately undeniable weapon in response—the power of a personal testimony.”
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

How did Alma respond to Korihor’s claim that there is no God?


*He bore his testimony.  There are so many times when I have been "bashed" by people and when I bare my testimony it ends the conversation.  My testimony is what I know to be true, what I believe.  They may feel it is incorrect, but I know it to be true.  The Spirit comes when a pure testimony is borne.

Day 51

Read: Alma 27-29

Mark: Alma 27:27

True converts are those who “listen to the teachings and testimonies of missionaries and change their lives, leaving the past behind them, and moving forward into a new life.”
~ President Hinckley

What is zeal? What difference does it make to have “zeal towards God”?

*: Eeagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something is the definition of  zeal. I have always thought as zeal as a bad thing IE:zealot, but to have zeal in the gospel is a wonderful thing.  I have zeal with the scriptures. I want to know everything there is to know about them.

Day 50

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE

Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Alma 26 or If  you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: Alma 17.

What are the things that made the sons of Mosiah successful missionaries? What is your duty in sharing the gospel now and preparing for future full-time missionary service?

*As usual I am using this time to prepare for my primary lesson. Anyone like to take a stab at the questions above?

Day 49

Read: Alma 24-26

Mark: Alma 26:11-12

“As children of God we are somebody. He will build us, mold us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up, our arms out, and walk with him. What a great blessing to be created in his image and know of our true potential in and through him! What a great blessing to know that in his strength we can do all things!”
~ Elder Marvin J. Ashton

What do you think some of the “mighty miracles” may be that the Lord will work through you?

*Well when I served my mission I was able to teach many people who were baptized.  I know I was not the reason, but the voice.  I can't really take credit.  I was doing what Heavenly Father wanted me to.  In the future I have no idea what plans he has for me, I just plan on being ready, willing, and worthy to do what work he has for me.

Day 48

Read: Alma 21-23

Mark: Alma 22:15-18

“No part of walking by faith is more difficult than walking the road of repentance. However, with ‘faith unto repentance,’ we can push roadblocks out of the way, moving forward to beg God for mercy… One simply surrenders, caring only about what God thinks, not what ‘they’ think… Giving away all our sins is the only way we can come to know God.”

~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell

What are you willing to give to know Him?

*I was thinking about this as I was driving home from work the other day.  I have already given up friends who don't uplift me and help me grow closer to Christ, but I wonder if I am willing to die for my beliefs.  I like to think that I would. I know without my testimony and relationship with Christ I am not whole.