General Relief Society Conference Notes

Between the 4 different talks, I found that the message given last night was that as sisters in Relief Society and daughters of God, we need to live faithfully and be steadfast and immovable.  As we do so we can likewise strengthen and uplift our other struggling sisters through service as we show the pure love of Christ towards them.  We must also be careful as not to judge those that we serve.  We must love them as Christ loves all.

1. [Sister Beck's Talk]

• This meeting is a gift for those seeking His will and want to know how to align their will with his
• Main Topic: How To Live Faithfully and To Be Strong
• Remember who we are --> We are daughters of God
• Stay watchful and prayerful -- Pray, read our scriptures -- Let us not be "silly women"
• Understand the history of the Relief Society so that we may learn who we are, apply the history in our lives, and learn the ways to prepare and receive our covenants in the temple.
• Our work as sisters is to further the salvation of our families
• We shouldn't be spending our time or money on things that are of no worth
• History helps us learn how to change, to be united
• Knowing who we are removes doubt and fear by replacing it with hope and faith.

2. [Sister Allred's Talk]

• Main Topic: What Helps You To Be Steadfast and Immovable?
• Knowing that my Heavenly Father knows me, loves me and knows what I am feeling
• Birthing and rearing children is our vital role -- to raise a family and bring salvation to them.
• Jesus continually has our disappointments before Him upon his palms. He knows how to succur to our needs.
• Prayer, Scripture Reading, Obedience, Service
• Pray morning and night for protection [Invites Spirit into our lives]
• Read the scriptures to find answers [Invites Spirit into our lives]
• Obedience shows our commitment to our covenants and it brings blessings
• Our service to others is to help them with their spirital and physical needs
• Those who are strong need to help strengthen the weak

3. [Sister Thompson's Talk]

• Main Topic: The Lord Has Aksed Us To Do What He Has Done Through Visiting Teaching: Serve Others with Love and Compassion
• Blessings we give: show compassion, we are answers to their prayers
• Blessings we receive: personal revelation, relief of our own burdens as we do service to others, increase in unity and love
• We are the Lord's hands here on this earth

4. [President Monson's Talk]

• Main Topic: What Do We See When We Look At Others? What Kind of Judgement Do We Pass?
• Appearances can be deceiving. Don't judge on appearances
• "If you judge people, you have no time to love them" (Mother Teresa)
• Charity: tolerant of others, forgives, merciful, compassionate, patient
• Charity is love in action -- the pure love of Christ
• We should wear the mantle of Charity -- Charity Never Faileth

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Today the Relief Society lesson was on "Turning to the Lord" and "Forgiveness".  Some of the things we talked about corresponded with last night's message and also what I have reading in the scriptures this last week.  In 2 Nephi as Nephi and Jacob talk to the people, they emphasize that we must turn to the Lord, be thankful for what He has done for us and still praise Him during our trials.  We shouldn't murmur or complain but know that these trials our for our own good.  We can learn from them, grow character and spiritually progress as we live through them.  I felt like this message was reminding us to not dwell so much on the negative that is happening in our lives and that as we turn to the Lord when going through trials we can be uplifted by Him and our burdens lightened as we do what He has counseled us.  We can lose ourselves through service.  It is like an eternal round.  We suffer, we turn to the Lord, we are strengthened by Him, we now can serve and uplift others, then more trials come and we are then uplifted by those that are stronger.  Just as the Bible and the Book of Mormon have the Happiness/Corruption/Destruction/Repentance/Happiness cycle, we also have the cycle described above. 

My God Hath Been My Support

• In 2 Nephi 4, Nephi talks about his self doubt, temptations, discouragement and anger in regards to his sins.  And then he turns around and says I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support. (4:19-20)  He sees his imperfections, almost drowns in all of it but rises above it bc he knows who is he, what he is worth and who stands behind him.  We are all children of God, He loves every one of us despite our imperfections and His arm is and ever will be outstretched to help us if we but turn towards Him. 
• In vs.26-29 he talks about why or why not to linger on past sins.  We shouldn't dwell upon our past bc it is not healthy nor does it matter if the Lord has forgiven persons of that matter, what matters is if we know if we have been forgiven.  It is up to the Lord to forgive who He will and up to us to forgive all.  Forgive and move forward.
• 2 Nephi 5:32 talks about what we should be writing in our journals -- things pleasing unto God.  I find it interesting that he says if people like the things of God, then they will be pleased with mine engravings.  So my grandkids should be pleased with my journals if they are things pleasing unto God.  I think it is vitally important that we have evidence that not just ancient people had faith through trials and endured to the end, but that people not too distant from us did also.  If I can read about my close relatives holding tight to the iron rod and striving to live righteous lives, I think it would be another testimony that it can be done. Perhaps my words will be what someone needs later on. 
• Tonight we had FHE on what the "Ultimate Treasure" is that Heavenly Father has for us.  I used a great site to help me with the short lesson (for younger kids) HERE.   We talked about how the Lord gave us a map to find our way to this ultimate gift -- scriptures, prophets, parents, etc.  All these things can help point us in the right direction in how to live our lives in such a way that we can obtain this great treasure -- being eternal life and living again with our Heavenly Father.  My daughter really enjoyed it and participated in the discussion (7 yrs old), my son (2 yrs old) roamed the room.  I think he was oblivious to what we were doing but he did pray with us so at least he knows what that is.  He loves to pray.  He does great with folding his arms and he can string 2-3 words at a time if we help him say the prayer.  I think right now I am really enjoying see my children grow in the gospel and make it a natural part of their lives. 

Remember Remember

• Nephi gives his thesis statement if you will in the last chapter of 1 Nephi, 1 Nephi 30-31. The purpose of his writings in the plastes of brass --
• ...they testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God.
• ...Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day...
• I remember how in Seminary class, my teacher would drill into us that it was so important for us to REMEMBER the Lord and his commandments bc it is when we forget and forsake the Lord that we lose his blessings and promises from keeping the commandments.  So every time in the scriptures when it has the phrase "if you keep my commandments, you shall prosper" I think REMEMBER in my head. 
• Throughout this first book, each story shows the consequences of either following the commandments or disboeying them.  When I think of my kids, I can't seem to understand why they would do something they know will get them into trouble.  Most of the time, their answer is "I don't know, bc it was fun?"  I'm sure Heavenly Father feels the same way about us.  Just follow these rules and I will bless you!!! We're basically throwing away blessings when we choose to not follow his commandments. I know it is easier said than done but logically it seems right. 
• In Lehi's dying words, he instructs his children on 3 things in 2 Nephi 1-2:
• Exhorts his sons to repent, obey and put on the armor of righteousness
• Testifies of the Atonement
• Teaches the importance of opposition and freedom to choose
• I see a repeated promise in his words in 2 Nephi 1:7, 9
• ...And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them;
• ...inasmuch as those who the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land...and if it so be they shall keep his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land...
• Ok, keep his commandments, we'll prosper and be blessed.  Got it!
• In 2 Nephi 1:21, it seems like Lehi is basically telling his children to grow up, act like adults and get along and the way to do that is to be united together. 
• ...arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things...
• Trials are here to help us grow and progress. The Lord shall consecrate thine afflictions for they gain. (2 Nephi 2:2)
• Lehi says in 2 Nephi 2:14 I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning.  He is trying to leave some words of wisdom before he dies.  He then starts to talk about how God gave us our free agency (...the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself... 2 Nephi 2:16) He had previously spoken about there is opposition in all things.
• Funny that this should be read now.  This last week I had to watch my daughter go through a tough experience at school.  There was a boy teasing her, who egg'd on others to tease her as well.  It made her cry and she was so hurt that this boy would spread lies about her.  She was too scared to tell her teacher.  As my husband and I talked with her, we told her that telling her teacher is the right choice bc she doesn't have to put up with this, that as a daughter of God, she deserves more respect.  We told her we should include her in our prayers to be given the courage and strength to get through this situation.  We tried telling her that it doesn't matter what those kids think, it matters what she thinks but it didn't make her hurt feelings feel any better.  I told her I would talk to her teacher the next day after school if they kept it up.  Although when I went to get her, the teacher told me that KJ had spoken to her already and they fixed the problem (the boy's parents were notified and he wrote an apology note).  She found the courage to speak up for herself and I was so happy that she did.  That was yesterday and today I read about how we have to have opposition in all things so that we may know good from evil, joy from sorrow, happiness from pain.  My daughter can't learn unless she experiences herself first hand, not me fixing her problems for her. 

Words of Isaiah

• I've never been able to understand the words of Isaiah.  As plain and simple as the Book of Mormon is, 1 Nephi 20 & 21are not! I remember my husband telling me how he relished in reading Isaiah in the Book of Mormom bc if Nephi thought that those words were important enough to talk about again in his writings then we better pay better attention to them! 
• It just seems like he is talking to the lost tribes of Israel or the broken branch of the olive tree that needs to be grafted back in.  And I wonder, is that me?  Or am I the Gentile and he is speaking to others? 
• When his brothers asked about them (bc it seems they were just as confused as I was!), Nephi said Isaiah was talking about things both temporal and spiritual.
• In 1 Nephi 22:10, it says that all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make bare his arm in the eyes of the nations. In Isaiah 52:10, the footnotes say "to make bare his arm" also means the power of God.  I'm wondering if that means in order for us to be blessed, we must show our faith in the power of God.  This would make sense as things of God are being trampled on so readily.  Like taking down the 10 Commandments inside government buildings or ceasing any pryaers in schools and what not.  Why would we want to revoke any blessings that the Lord would readily give us if we showed our faith in Him?

Not Remembering

• On Sunday when our Home Teachers came to visit us, we somehow got on the topic of electronics and I was explaining to them how we always get the warranties.  I gave a bunch of examples of why buying it came in handy.  One of them commented, "You have a lot of bad luck with electronics!"  And I replied that no, it all didn't happen at the same time, this is over an 8 year span.  Then this morning I was reading about AGAIN Nephi's older brethren forgot the Lord, were merry and rude on the boat and tied up Nephi bc of what they had to go through.  It just seems that each story is time and time again Laman and Lemuel forgetting the Lord, punishing Nephi, then given another sign that the Lord is indeed using Lehi/Nephi to lead them. I mean...how many times can they make this mistake over and over?  And then I thought of what I told my home teachers.  Perhaps this was over a longer period of time? And he was just highlighting the times that his brothers followed the pattern.  
• Pattern: 
• Obey the Lord's commandments by starting to do what He asks
• Murmur/complain while doing it
• Get angry and take it out on Nephi
• Called to repentance and given a sign that showed Heavenly Father was truly guiding them
• They repent and ask forgiveness
• It makes me wonder what commandments am I not following that the Lord has asked of us? 
• One easy one that not a lot of people do is food storage. We are just now starting to as our circumstances let us.  We have always had a lot more food in our pantry than others around us but surely not the year's worth our church leaders have asked of us. 
• Another one is temple attendance.  3-4 hour drives just to get to one was hard but now?  What is our excuse?  Not planning it into our week.  A 15 minute drive is all we have between us and the temple right now. 
• One that I want to start doing is my genealogy.  Get my family file at the temple.  I have my grandmother's entire genealogy book that she worked on her whole life...not sure how I got it, but I do.  Now I need to carry on her work. 

Lack of Gratitude

• In the latter half of 1 Nephi 17 all Nephi's brothers do is complain and desire to destroy Nephi's life bc of the trials they've had to endure in the wilderness.  In vs. 41-44 Nephi tells of the many blessings and mercies the Lord has placed on their people. In the next verses 45-48 Nephi speaks with such power (he is a little bit angry at this point) as he calls them to repentance asking how could they NOT believe anything is possible with God when they've been witnesses to so many miracles. Even as I read this, I can feel how urgent Nephi is in trying to convince his brethren. 
• In 17:53, the Lord sees fit to give Nephi's brethren yet another sign to show them that the Lord is able to help them accomplish what needs to be done.  So now they have seen an angel, heard the Lord's voice as a whisper and as thunder, felt the Spirit of the Lord in Nephi as he speaks to them AND now he shocks them with Nephi's touch.  How much will the Lord have to show the unbelievers until they finally have a strong enough testimony that it will stick?

Attitude of Gratitude

• The longer that we procrastinate our repentance, the harder it is to hear the truth.  1 Nephi 16:2 states the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center.  It is not that we don't understand the truth, it is just that we don't have enough motivation (or any at all) to adhere to it. We know we should change but if we are too prideful/stubborn then we'll just try to ignore it so we don't have that nagging feeling that we need to make changes in our lives. 
• Tonight during scripture reading, my daughter read that scripture about learning line upon line, precept upon precept.  That made me think of the scriptures in 1 Nephi 16: 8-11 where after Lehi did bring his family out of Jerusalem and into the wilderness, the Lord then gave Lehi new instructions and the Liahona to guide them to where the promised land was.  As we follow and finish what the Lord commands us we can progress and follow new commandments.  He always provides ways to do what He asks of us.
• As He directs us through our life, the Lord's ways can help us grow the most and find the  most of what we are in need of. 1 Nephi 16:16 And we did follow the directions of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness.
• When facing trials, we have two choices.  We can be like Ishmael's daughters (1 Nephi 16:20) and complain OR we can be like Nephi (1 Nephi 16:23) who armed himself with tools to get the job done and turned to the Lord for directions on where to use them. The point?  Murmuring/complaining never got anyone anywhere.  Action is needed! [This is a pattern as I will show in later verses]
• 1 Nephi 16: 29 -- ...And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.  In my family I see this as we live the small things the Lord asks us to do.  By always reading our scriptures as a family, doing family prayer at night and attending church every Sunday, our daughter has learned and reminds us (if we don't do it) that we need to do it.  It is part of our routine.  If we haven't taught her anything, at least she knows that she needs the scriptures, prayer and church attendance in her life and that it is important.
• I am seeing the pattern again in 1 Nephi 16: 32 of:
• Following His commandments
• Being blessed with the means to accomplish those commandments
• Remembering the Lord and seeing His hand in our lives bc of those blessings
• Thanking the Lord for what He has done for us.
• (1 Nephi 16:35) Sometimes our old ways may entice us bc they are easier even if we know it will tear us down. (1 Nephi 16:37-38) We must realize that these thoughts are from the adversary and not of God. (1 Nephi 16: 39) As we hearken to the voice of the Lord thru General Conference, if we repent and act upon His words, he will bless us. 
• The Lord gives us promises if we follow His commandments.  1 Nephi 17:3 --
• ...And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the things which he has commanded them...
• The story of Nephi arming himself with a new bow and arrow and then asking his father Lehi to ask the Lord where he should hunt to obtain food so they won't perish -- this reiterates how we should arm ourselves with the tools we need and then turn to the Lord as to how or where to use them in order to accomplish what is asked of us.  Again -- ACTION!  We must first have action on our part to show the Lord that we really mean to do what He asks of us.  And then turn to Him and ask where are we needed to the most to accomplish our task as hand. (1 Nephi 17:9)

Some Thoughts

• When we first have a desire to know the truth, we must believe our Heavenly Father will answer us of its truthfulness and then ponder it in our minds. At this time we will be ready and open to listen to the Spirit.
• In 1 Nephi 14:10 it states that there are save two churches only.  The church of the Lamb of God and the other is the church of the devil.  Which church am I following and letting influence me?
• Whenever instruction is given to us as a people, whether it is in General/Stake/Ward conferences or over the pulpit by our church leaders on ward "missions", if we find it hard to understand WHY we need to do these things, we should inquire of the Lord to open our eyes to understanding.  We cannot find the answers through inaction.  We must act!  Ponder, ask and listen!!! In 1 Nephi 15:11 is says it clearly:
• If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.
• In 1 Nephi 15:15 it says that the word of God  can help us receive the strength and nourishment.  We can find the strength we need to endure our trials well as we fill our lamps with oil from living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• As we strive to live the gospel, we are promised blessings in 1 Nephi 15:24.
• ...whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neighter could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.

I love the peace that is coming into my life as I am studying the words of God.  The scriptures somehow bring a calming effect on my life.  I find it is helping me think twice before I speak, that I am taking better hold of my temper.  The Lord's promises are sure and if we study his Word you, too, can find blessings coming into your life where you are in need of them. 

Quoting my Friend

A long time friend of mine that I met on ldslinkup over 5 years ago shared a very thought provoking idea today on her FB page (Thanks, Shabang!).  I am stealing it to post on here because it seems ironic (perhaps a better word is CRITICAL) to read the point of it just the day after I started the BOM challenge.

Every time you declare yourself to be or do something, everything unlike it will show up to test you.*meaning: when you decide to make real changes in your life, things will come your way that will interfere with your desire to change. It then becomes your divine opportunity to determine if you are serious about making those changes. Show the Lord you ARE serious.*

One word: WOW!

Some questions you may have as you begin reading your scriptures are

• Why am I here on earth? 
• Why am I here in this family?
• What can I be doing to make me a better wife? Mother? Daughter? Friend?
• What is it that the Lord wants of me?
• What message should I be bringing to my sisters who I visit teach?
• How am I supposed to get through this difficult situation and "endure well" as they say it?
• What kind of example do I need to be so that others can see His light through me?
• Who needs to feel the love of the Lord today through me?

I always have one or two questions in mind before I begin reading so that I may better focus on the words and the meaning they can give to me.  As our questions change, so will the answers and enlightenment...even though it is the same scripture passages that we may be reading.

Thing that stuck out to me today:

• 1 Nephi 5:9 -- And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly, and did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord; and they gave thanks unto the God of Israel.
• The Lord asks of us only a few things: Endure our trials, Remember Him, give thanks to the Lord.  Of course there are a lot of other principles surrounding these, but they pretty much sum it up. 
• 1 Nephi 7: 8-15 -- (found here)
• His brothers and their wives wanted to rebel against their father and not leave Jerusalem to go back into the wilderness.  But Nephi knew in his heart that that was exactly what the Lord and his father Lehi had asked of them.  He knew it was the right thing to do in order to save them.  What he did next seems very "drama-inducing".  He very bluntly told them what was what in a very matter of fact way.  No icing or smoothing over the edges...just how it was.  You stay here, you perish.  You come back, you will prosper.  As a parent, I pondered whether this approach would work on my own kids.  For Laman and Lemuel it worked this time. But will it always work to be so blunt?  Perhaps Nephi knew his brothers so well and he was close enough to the Spirit that he would know how to handle them?  He was such a spiritual man.  We MUST strive to be as close to the Spirit if we are going to be able to know how to "bluntly" tell our children..."hey, you are a little bit of course.  You need to stay in this direction." Of course, all children are different and you handle situations in different ways.  The only thing I can think of is to be open to the Spirit to let us know exactly what each child is in need of to hear to help them soften their own hearts and turn towards the Lord.
• 1 Nephi 7:17 -- But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.
• We must always turn towards the Lord in our time of need.  This one scripture reminds me when I am dealing with my children.  At that split second when a decision needs to be made -- am I going to get mad and accuse or will I calmly assess the situation and tenderly give direction to what needs to be done instead of the mistakes being made.  If we always have a prayer in our heart that we may handle our children like Christ would, I know that we can get instant promptings on how to better handle situations.  I know this to be true because it happens all the time!  I am not a perfect mother.  No way.  But the Lord does refine me and steer me in better ways to raise my children.
• 1 Nephi 7:21 -- And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness.  And it came to pass that they did so.  And after they had done praying unto the Lord we did again travel on our journey towards the tent of our father.
• His brothers just beat him to a pulp to leave him to the animals to devour, then he stood up to them, called them to repentance and then forgave them of it all when they did repent and asked for forgiveness. I know in primary, seminary and sunday school that we are taught that we must forgive all.  And that it is up to the Lord to decide whether to forgive everyone.  It is not up to us whether they deserve it or not.  It is our duty to forgive.  We must always forgive tresspasses against us.  It is way more harder to do that, but I know that it is definitely worth it in the end. I read a book about the Atonement once and it enlightened my look on the purposes of the Atonement.  What I realized was that the Atonement is not just for those of us that need to repent of our sins, but that it is there to help us that need to forgive others.  It took me a while to ponder this through and accept it but is it not true?  Does it not speak and ring of truth?  I think so.
• 1 Nephi 7:22 -- And it came to pass that we did  come down unto the tent of our father. And after I and my brethren and all the house of Ishmael had come down unto the tent of my father, they did give thanks unto the Lord their God; and they did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto him.
• Here again is the trial/remember/give thanks pattern.  They remembered the Lord after fulfilling a commandment.  They endured through it (not so well, but they did it), and now they are giving thanks. 
• 1 Nephi 8:8 -- And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I begain to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.
• The phrase "tender mercies" will always remind me of one of Elder Bednar's first talks! :-) When we feel lost and/or feel like our life does not have any clear direction, we should turn to the Lord in prayer.  He will answer us and show us the way.  We must be reading and delving into the scriptures to try to understand His ways.  And I know that as we do this, that the Lord will prompt us as we are studying His words.  Although, everyone is different on how and when they get those answers.  My visiting teacher and I were discussing how the Lord answers us. For her, she never feels He answers her.  But down the road 6 months she would get an affirmation that she was on the right path.  For me, it's not a strong yes or no answer.  I have to calm myself, listen to the VERY small voice of the Spirit.  I always have a feeling of calmness and rightness of a situation.  Like when I had the decision of going to China for a semester to teach English, going on a mission or continuing my education, marrying my husband, when we were ready to start growing our family, joining the military and leaving behind the union.  All of these answers were immediate..."Yeah, this is a good thing to do.  Ok.  Let's do it!"  Some, I was given options.  Like going on a mission or doing more education -- I felt like both were right and that the Lord would be pleased with either decision, that the Lord could use me in either capacities.  I pondered it on my own.  Randy (who was on his mission at the time) told me that if I wanted to go on a mission, too, he would wait for me.  So, was I willing to do that in hopes that he would still be waiting for me after?  Of course, all that know me knows that I decided to start my life with Randy sooner than later.  I did another semester at BYU and then got married 4 months after he returned home from his mission.  Point being is that sometimes the Lord gives us options and we need to decide for ourselves which path we want to take.  It may not be a "Yes, go this way and not that way" but a "Which part of your life do you want to grow in at this time?" 
• 1 Nephi 8:25 -- And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.
• Am I ashamed to share the gospel?  I shouldn't be.  I should be praying for opportunities to share the Light of Christ with others.  And it doesn't need to be a "missionary" moment where they eventually join the church.  Sometimes it is joyful to just share in the warmth of His light.  Perhaps someone just needs to feel His love for them through our kindness and charity. 
• 1 Nephi 8:33 -- And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.
• How will I react to any form of persecution?
• 1 Nephi 8:37 -- And he did exhort them then whith all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.
• Lovingly correct our family who make wrong choices. I asked my DH about his childhood.  He had a rebellious kick in him.  I asked what his parents did when trying to handle him and all he said there was a lot of arguing.  My children are still young, ages 2 and 7.  If you have had experiences with older children, what have you done to keep the peace while trying to correct wrong behavior?
• 1 Nephi 9:6 -- But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.
• I already had this scripture underlined from a previous reading.  I learned a long time ago that if I am called to do part of His work, whether that is through a church calling or growing my family, that Heavenly Father will provide the means in order to accomplish it.  Both my DH and I feel strongly that you should never turn down a calling.  There is a reason why the Lord called you and there is strength in performing service to others.
• 1 Nephi 10:17 -- And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father...was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these thing, by the power of the Holy Ghost...
• After hearing the words of a prophet, apostle, bishop or other church leader, we should pray and seek out if the words are true through prayer and fasting.
• 1 Nephi 10:21 -- Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgement-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.
• In our combined Relief Society/Priesthood meeting with the Bishop, he talked about how we should try harder to attend the temple as often as we can.  Especially since we have it so readily available next door from our church (I attend the stake center on the DC temple grounds).  What was interesting was what is keeping us from going.  1) Inconvenience to  actually get there, find babysitters, get off of work early, etc.  2) We feel unworthy to go.  But the Bishop told us if we can honestly answer yes and no(where applicable) to all the questions for a temple interview...then we are worthy to go.  Do we make mistakes?  Like not read our scriptures everyday or forget some prayers or struggling to pay tithing, etc.  He said that is what the Atonement is for -- to repent of these sins and strive to not to do them again. 

Feast Upon the Words

Sometimes in life, you are searching to bring more of Christ's Light into your daily doings.  You aren't sure when it ebbed out as much as it had, but the importaint point is that you noticed it not as bright.  Whenever that happens to me and I genuinely try to seek to bring more of it into my life, I find that I am truly starving for his Spirit to be with me.  That I hadn't even realized how starving I was for it. I rejoice and relax in the warmth it brings into my life.  Isn't it funny, though, that right when you start seeking for it, it is that light and strength given to us that makes any struggles at the time seem easier to deal with?

Case in point:  Today I started reading my scriptures...correction...starting studying my scriptures, again.  I am not just reading them, but reading with a purpose.  With questions for the Lord to answer through my seeking and feasting upon his words.  After school was released, it usually gets crazy at my house.  Chaos is the right word.  Katie Jo is trying to do her homework and Connor is trying to grab, rip and throw her homework everywhere.  They were eating some apples for a snack while I was getting dinner ready.  When they were finished, KJ put her bowl in the sink and tried to take Connor's.  Now, she was trying to be helpful, but Connor screamed at the top of his lungs bc he wanted that bowl for HIM.  He was actually wanting to put it in the sink himself, but KJ didn't see that.  I grabbed KJ's arm after she took it...counted and breathed in before I said (with a very firm voice...in so many words): "Are you the Mom?  Give the bowl back to Connor.  Do you think it is right to take the bowl when he is screaming at the top of his lungs?" What I really felt like doing is screaming back at both of them...Connor for screaming...KJ for making him scream. But I just held her arm and tried to calmly tell her what he was trying to do...which was exactly what she was doing. 

I felt like the Spirit helped me keep calmer than I usually can be and not hurt KJ's tender feelings with my screaming.  I pointed out to KJ that I appreciated her trying to be the big sister and help him with clearing their dishes.  I think I should do that more often.  Point out to her the good she is doing.  But then also lovingly tell how better she could have handled it.  Now that last part is not as easy but it is possible. 

Randy and I were able to go to the temple together last week on Thursday.  It was the first time since the beginning of July.  How peaceful it is to be in the Lord's house with your eternal companion, knowing you both are striving to live righteous lives...not just for yourself, but so that you can be an eternal family and live with Christ again if we do live righteously.  I had noted on my Facebook status that we had gone.  In turn, one of my friends posted a link to this acapello quartet of the song "How Great Thou Art".  When I hear this song, I can truly feel my feelings and testimony being sung through the words.  I can feel the Spirit testify to me that Jesus is my Savior, that my Heavenly Father knows me and what I'm going through.  And he knows I am trying to be more like him.  It brings me peace.  I can't get enough of it.  I want to listen to it on playback for hours. 

On Saturday when I got in the car, I wanted to keep that feelings I had of listening to this song.  So I put in a church CD to listen to the beautiful praises being sung by the MoTab.  It was a good thing, too, bc it was rush hour and there were CRAZY drivers out.  I know I needed to be calmed down by these songs otherwise I would've gotten so mad at the other drivers.  Seriously...city driving is the WORST!

I am just so grateful for how much the Spirit of God can change your life, your actions and your thoughts.  It brings peace, happiness and unity to families that no other thing can do.  It expands your love for one another and reaches in to your soul. 

While I was doing dishes last night, I started singing the child primary song "I Feel My Savior's Love".  I had memorized it since I have been the Nursery Singing Time lady.  This is another song that warms my soul and helps me feel His love for me.

When you are looking for the touch of the Master's Hand in your life, it seems you can find a long list of how much He has had an influence in your life (see novella above!).  Unmistakeable on how much He loves you when you truly try to see how He has steered you and directed you without you knowing.

Book of Mormon Challenge

A good ole' friend from Springfield is starting a Book of Mormon challenge to finish reading it by the end of this year.  Starting a couple days ago, that means reading 4.5 pages a day.  Not too shabby.  I've done these challenges before and they always help me to see beyond just reading and to really try to understand and study out the words to see how they can apply to my life.  I'm trying to have a couple personal questions in my head as I'm reading.  I say a short pray before I read asking that I may find answers to my questions and that my eyes may be opened to what He wants me to learn.

(You can find the full scriptures here -- 1 Nephi CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4)

A few things that stuck out to me today:

• 1 Nephi 1:12 -- And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord.
• I remember in Seminary classes for high school, a seminary teacher once said that just the very act of opening up our scriptures invited the Spirit into our hearts.  I must admit that feeling the Spirit is a little harder to perceive right now than it has been in the past.  Anything to help me "fine tune" my ears to listen  and hear the Spirit more is welcomed. So, thank you Jessica for challenging me to read the scriptures better to draw closer to my Heavenly Father.
• 1 Nephi 1:19 -- And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations...
• When I am called to repentance, am I like these people...mocking, rolling my eyes and full of pride?  Or do I humble myself, listen to the positive criticism and strive to change my ways to better please the Lord?
• 1 Nephi 1:20 -- I, Nephi, will show unto you 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.
• This seems like the thesis of why Nephi is writing this book to us; to help us know that the Lord is merciful if we but have faith in him and follow his commandments.
• 1 Nephi 2:7 -- And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God.
• When the Lord gives us guidance in our lives, spiritual or for important decisions in our lives, we should remember to thank Him.
• 1 Nephi 2:11 -- Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart.
• Do I murmur in my trials or afflictions? Or do I trust in the Lord and give thanks? Trials are here to strengthen us so that we may be better people or that we may better sympathize to others going thru similar situations.
• 1 Nephi 2:16 -- And it came to pass I, Nephi, being exceedlingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.
• When turning to the Lord, He will speak to our hearts, to let us know the truth.  Will we humble ourselves to hear His whisperings of the Spirit?
• 1 Nephi 2:18 -- But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts i cried unto the Lord for them.
• Pray for our loved ones that have turned away from the Lord.  Pray for our enemies that they may feel the love of the Lord.
• 1 Nephi 3:7 -- And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that they Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
• The Lord provides the means to accomplish what He puts before us. i.e. callings in the church, trials, words of our church leaders.
• 1 Nephi 3:31 -- And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: how is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?
• Laban and Lemuel exercised no faith, but murmur'd against the Lord's words.  They refused to soften their hearts to the Spirit even after being visited by an angel!  As the saying goes, "anything is possible through God."
• 1 Nephi 4:3 -- Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians.
• Such faith in knowing that anything is possible through God.  If Nephi was filled with such a testimony, how could his rebellious brothers NOT be touched by the Spirit of his testimony?  They must've been so stubborn or blindsided by the things of the world to ignore the promptings of the Spirit.