Day 7

Read: 1 Nephi 15-16

Mark: 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

 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.

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.

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.

Day 4

Read: 1 Nephi 6-10

Mark: 1 Nephi 10:17-19

“The intensity of our desire to share the gospel is a great indicator of the extent of our personal conversion.”
~ 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

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.

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.

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