mormon 9: 22 - 37
how can we ensure that the things we pray for reflect what the Lord wants for us?
--> i remember my dad saying once that he often prayed to know what to pray for. at the time he told me this, i had never thought to do that. in the bible dictionary it talks about praying in the mind of Christ, when our desires become His desires. my heart is far from desiring only things that Christ would desire, but i'm grateful for the chance to continually repent and change and become more holy.
november.29
mormon 9: 1 - 21
what experiences have you had that confirm that God is still a God of miracles?
--> one of many evidences i have that God is a God of miracles is all the small seemingly circumstantial things that happen every single day. things that mean the world to me, things that i thought would've been nice, things that would make life a little easier, and things i never would've planned for myself, but ended up working out better than i would've planned anyway. to me, it is a miracle that God knows each of us so well and hears all our prayers and pleas and answers in timely and specific ways. miraculous things are happening all day, everyday. just open your eyes :)
what experiences have you had that confirm that God is still a God of miracles?
--> one of many evidences i have that God is a God of miracles is all the small seemingly circumstantial things that happen every single day. things that mean the world to me, things that i thought would've been nice, things that would make life a little easier, and things i never would've planned for myself, but ended up working out better than i would've planned anyway. to me, it is a miracle that God knows each of us so well and hears all our prayers and pleas and answers in timely and specific ways. miraculous things are happening all day, everyday. just open your eyes :)
november.28
mormon 8: 26 - 41
how can the book of mormon help us withstand the wickedness in our day? if a friend asked you why the book of mormon is valuable to you, what would you say?
--> i would say that the book of mormon teaches true principles that are founded on Jesus Christ, proven to bring success and happiness in this life. i would say that the stories are full of great examples of men and women who have put to the test the things that Christ taught, and many examples - good and bad - are contained inside. the book of mormon can also help us withstand wickedness because reading it every day brings a sort of spiritual strength that allows us to combat the evils of the world more readily.
how can the book of mormon help us withstand the wickedness in our day? if a friend asked you why the book of mormon is valuable to you, what would you say?
--> i would say that the book of mormon teaches true principles that are founded on Jesus Christ, proven to bring success and happiness in this life. i would say that the stories are full of great examples of men and women who have put to the test the things that Christ taught, and many examples - good and bad - are contained inside. the book of mormon can also help us withstand wickedness because reading it every day brings a sort of spiritual strength that allows us to combat the evils of the world more readily.
november.27
mormon 8: 12 - 25
how does the coming forth of the book of mormon in the last days help the Lord's eternal purposes to be fulfilled?
--> it was all part of the plan. it was prophesied for a long time before it happened. it is helping to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and His doctrine, to all the world!
how does the coming forth of the book of mormon in the last days help the Lord's eternal purposes to be fulfilled?
--> it was all part of the plan. it was prophesied for a long time before it happened. it is helping to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and His doctrine, to all the world!
november.26
mormon 7: 1 - 8: 11
when have you been obedient to one of Heavenly Father's commandments in an especially difficult circumstance? how do you feel you were blessed for doing so?
--> there was a specific day on my mission that i really didn't feel like fasting. fasting has always been a hard commandment for me, and this day in particular, i just wasn't excited about it. i was excited about the cause that we were fasting for, but not about the actual fasting. but i prayed for strength, and i did it. i felt so blessed because just a few hours into our fast, the investigator that we were fasting about, called and told us she was ready to be baptized. that wasn't exactly what we were fasting for, but it was even better than what we were, and what we thought we wanted. God hears and answers prayers and goes to great lengths to bless us when we do what He asks.
when have you been obedient to one of Heavenly Father's commandments in an especially difficult circumstance? how do you feel you were blessed for doing so?
--> there was a specific day on my mission that i really didn't feel like fasting. fasting has always been a hard commandment for me, and this day in particular, i just wasn't excited about it. i was excited about the cause that we were fasting for, but not about the actual fasting. but i prayed for strength, and i did it. i felt so blessed because just a few hours into our fast, the investigator that we were fasting about, called and told us she was ready to be baptized. that wasn't exactly what we were fasting for, but it was even better than what we were, and what we thought we wanted. God hears and answers prayers and goes to great lengths to bless us when we do what He asks.
november.25
mormon 6: 6 - 22
what can you be doing now to ensure a joyful reunion with the Savior?
--> keeping my covenants more perfectly.
what can you be doing now to ensure a joyful reunion with the Savior?
--> keeping my covenants more perfectly.
november.24
mormon 5: 13 - 6: 5
in what ways does the central purpose of the book of mormon bless those who read it? how has your study of the book of mormon helped you more fully believe in and love Jesus Christ?
--> the book of mormon is the most powerful witness of Jesus Christ that we have on this earth. it is the one book with a promise that those who read it and pray to know its truthfulness, will. they will come to know that Christ is the Savior of the world, and many other great things. i gained my testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, through reading the book of mormon, and applying the principles taught inside. i LOVE the book. i have loved this year, reading it slowly day by day. i have also taken a faster approach - read it in 3 days once. i have read the book more times than i can count, and each time i do, i gain a greater witness of the truthfulness of the book, and the reality of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He can and does have a very personal relationship with me, and i love the influence He is in my life on a daily basis. we are so blessed.
in what ways does the central purpose of the book of mormon bless those who read it? how has your study of the book of mormon helped you more fully believe in and love Jesus Christ?
--> the book of mormon is the most powerful witness of Jesus Christ that we have on this earth. it is the one book with a promise that those who read it and pray to know its truthfulness, will. they will come to know that Christ is the Savior of the world, and many other great things. i gained my testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, through reading the book of mormon, and applying the principles taught inside. i LOVE the book. i have loved this year, reading it slowly day by day. i have also taken a faster approach - read it in 3 days once. i have read the book more times than i can count, and each time i do, i gain a greater witness of the truthfulness of the book, and the reality of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He can and does have a very personal relationship with me, and i love the influence He is in my life on a daily basis. we are so blessed.
november.23
mormon 5: 1 - 12
what can we learn from mormon 5: 1 - 2 about where we ought to turn first for help in our afflictions? how have you seen this in your life?
--> mormon made the observation that the people were crying to the Lord for help, but they were unwilling to repent of their sins and iniquities. they expected the Lord to help them, but weren't willing to put in the work or effort to make their lives right with His teachings. he also made the comment that the people looked to him, as their leader, to deliver them from their afflictions. he, of course, was not the source for that relief either. he needed to direct them to the Lord. and, as a great, righteous leader, he did.
what can we learn from mormon 5: 1 - 2 about where we ought to turn first for help in our afflictions? how have you seen this in your life?
--> mormon made the observation that the people were crying to the Lord for help, but they were unwilling to repent of their sins and iniquities. they expected the Lord to help them, but weren't willing to put in the work or effort to make their lives right with His teachings. he also made the comment that the people looked to him, as their leader, to deliver them from their afflictions. he, of course, was not the source for that relief either. he needed to direct them to the Lord. and, as a great, righteous leader, he did.
november.22
mormon 4: 1 - 23
what would mormon want us to learn form these verses?
--> i love at the very end of this chapter, mormon tells how he preserved the sacred record. i love reading about the lengths that different prophets had to go to keep the record safe. i am so glad they went to those lengths because now we have a beautiful record of people that lived long ago that we can learn from. i can't imagine my life without the book of mormon.
what would mormon want us to learn form these verses?
--> i love at the very end of this chapter, mormon tells how he preserved the sacred record. i love reading about the lengths that different prophets had to go to keep the record safe. i am so glad they went to those lengths because now we have a beautiful record of people that lived long ago that we can learn from. i can't imagine my life without the book of mormon.
november.21
mormon 3: 1 - 22
what changes can you make now to become the person God wants you to be?
--> one thing that stood out to me in these verses was a simple statement in verse 3, "they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance." then it talks about how they hardened their hearts. i always hope to live in a mindset where i recognize God's hand in all things. i always want to attribute everything that happens to His hand and His blessings in my life. there are many things that God wants me to change about myself, i'm sure... and i always strive to live in a way that would allow me to learn what i need to learn from the experiences and opportunities that i have - the trials and the happy times alike. God can make me much, much more than i could ever make of myself... why wouldn't i want to live in a way that He can shape and mold me? { can't think of a better set of hands holdin' my reins }
what changes can you make now to become the person God wants you to be?
--> one thing that stood out to me in these verses was a simple statement in verse 3, "they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance." then it talks about how they hardened their hearts. i always hope to live in a mindset where i recognize God's hand in all things. i always want to attribute everything that happens to His hand and His blessings in my life. there are many things that God wants me to change about myself, i'm sure... and i always strive to live in a way that would allow me to learn what i need to learn from the experiences and opportunities that i have - the trials and the happy times alike. God can make me much, much more than i could ever make of myself... why wouldn't i want to live in a way that He can shape and mold me? { can't think of a better set of hands holdin' my reins }
november.20
mormon 2: 17 - 29
how is mormon's example of righteousness helpful to you?
--> mormon had so much faith. even though he was surrounded by unfortunate circumstances, and people that were less than agreeable to work with, he was so positive and lived with faith that one day things would turn out ok, and he would be with God again. he continued to encourage his people to pray and turn to God, even when he got a less than desirable response from them. he continued to live what he knew was right, even when it wasn't popular, and when it would've been easier to deny the faith and sorrow like the rest of them. sometimes when i compare the trials i am facing to the ones people in book of mormon times faced, i feel silly that i ever complain. a cold shower is nothing compared to the things these people had to face. this makes mormon's example even more impressive to me! he was truly the right man for the calling at that time.
how is mormon's example of righteousness helpful to you?
--> mormon had so much faith. even though he was surrounded by unfortunate circumstances, and people that were less than agreeable to work with, he was so positive and lived with faith that one day things would turn out ok, and he would be with God again. he continued to encourage his people to pray and turn to God, even when he got a less than desirable response from them. he continued to live what he knew was right, even when it wasn't popular, and when it would've been easier to deny the faith and sorrow like the rest of them. sometimes when i compare the trials i am facing to the ones people in book of mormon times faced, i feel silly that i ever complain. a cold shower is nothing compared to the things these people had to face. this makes mormon's example even more impressive to me! he was truly the right man for the calling at that time.
november.19
mormon 2: 1 - 16
in what ways is the sorrowing that mormon hoped for different from the sorrowing he actually witnessed? how can you support those who are truly sorrowing unto repentance?
--> mormon thought the people were sorrowing unto repentance... that they truly felt bad about what they had done and were turning their hearts to God. but he was wrong.. they were sorrowing because the Lord wouldn't allow them to "take happiness in sin". so, rather than have a broken heart and contrite spirit, they cursed God and wished to die (#morbid). when there are people in my life that are truly sorrowing unto repentance, i can support them by showing them love. it's hard to by empathetic or even sympathetic because you just can't understand all that they are going through. but, no matter what, i can show love and acceptance to them. sometimes in those deepest, darkest, rock bottom times, that's all you need.
in what ways is the sorrowing that mormon hoped for different from the sorrowing he actually witnessed? how can you support those who are truly sorrowing unto repentance?
--> mormon thought the people were sorrowing unto repentance... that they truly felt bad about what they had done and were turning their hearts to God. but he was wrong.. they were sorrowing because the Lord wouldn't allow them to "take happiness in sin". so, rather than have a broken heart and contrite spirit, they cursed God and wished to die (#morbid). when there are people in my life that are truly sorrowing unto repentance, i can support them by showing them love. it's hard to by empathetic or even sympathetic because you just can't understand all that they are going through. but, no matter what, i can show love and acceptance to them. sometimes in those deepest, darkest, rock bottom times, that's all you need.
november.18
mormon 1: 1 - 19
what do you think it means to be "quick to observe"? how can the ability to quickly see and obey the Lord's counsel help us?
--> raelynne johnson once told me "see a need, fill a need" when i was the president of mia maids. she was a great example of this... she didn't wait to ask to serve, she simply saw something that needed to be done, and did it. being quick to observe reminds me of this attitude and way of life. this includes being quick to observe the word of the Lord. quick to do the things that He wants us to do. quick to follow the counsel that He provides us.
what do you think it means to be "quick to observe"? how can the ability to quickly see and obey the Lord's counsel help us?
--> raelynne johnson once told me "see a need, fill a need" when i was the president of mia maids. she was a great example of this... she didn't wait to ask to serve, she simply saw something that needed to be done, and did it. being quick to observe reminds me of this attitude and way of life. this includes being quick to observe the word of the Lord. quick to do the things that He wants us to do. quick to follow the counsel that He provides us.
november.17
4 nephi 1: 23 - 49
in what ways do you think pride is the enemy of unity?
--> pride is the enemy of unity because when you are more prideful, you are more concerned with your own agenda than being right. when i left on my mission, andy allen told me that the best advice he could give was "it's better to be one than to be right." i thought about that a lot on my mission. that unity was way more important than proving to a companion or a member or someone on the street or an investigator that i was right. this was a hard lesson for me that i had to learn over and over again. but, i have a strong testimony of it. unity is way more important than being right. :)
in what ways do you think pride is the enemy of unity?
--> pride is the enemy of unity because when you are more prideful, you are more concerned with your own agenda than being right. when i left on my mission, andy allen told me that the best advice he could give was "it's better to be one than to be right." i thought about that a lot on my mission. that unity was way more important than proving to a companion or a member or someone on the street or an investigator that i was right. this was a hard lesson for me that i had to learn over and over again. but, i have a strong testimony of it. unity is way more important than being right. :)
november.16
4 nephi 1: 1 - 22
how can your efforts to be righteous influence the happiness and well-being of those around you?
--> when i am living righteously, i am happier. when i am happier, i am more conscious about reaching out to people and serving them. there are many ways that my righteousness can influence people, but this particular principle has been on my mind lately. when you're around happy people, you are naturally happier.
how can your efforts to be righteous influence the happiness and well-being of those around you?
--> when i am living righteously, i am happier. when i am happier, i am more conscious about reaching out to people and serving them. there are many ways that my righteousness can influence people, but this particular principle has been on my mind lately. when you're around happy people, you are naturally happier.
november.15
3 nephi 29: 1 - 30: 2
why do you think some people might doubt that God will keep His promises? how do you know that God keeps His promises?
--> i think a lot of people pray with the mindset that things will turn out the way they are supposed to turn out in their timeframe. one thing that's always stuck out to me in my patriarchal blessing is that the phrase "in the due time of the Lord". i truly believe that God will fulfill all His promises to me, but the waiting for His due time is the hard part. i also think some people want certain promises to be fulfilled, then they don't see what the Lord is really fulfilling for them. does that make sense? like they're so caught up in what they want or think they need to have, that they don't recognize the promises that are really being fulfilled.
why do you think some people might doubt that God will keep His promises? how do you know that God keeps His promises?
--> i think a lot of people pray with the mindset that things will turn out the way they are supposed to turn out in their timeframe. one thing that's always stuck out to me in my patriarchal blessing is that the phrase "in the due time of the Lord". i truly believe that God will fulfill all His promises to me, but the waiting for His due time is the hard part. i also think some people want certain promises to be fulfilled, then they don't see what the Lord is really fulfilling for them. does that make sense? like they're so caught up in what they want or think they need to have, that they don't recognize the promises that are really being fulfilled.
november.14
3 nephi 28: 25 - 40
what principle can we learn form mormon about how to receive additional understanding? what are some situations in which we might need to ask Heavenly Father for greater understanding?
--> there are many situations that i could use greater understanding from my Father. i appreciate the opportunities to talk to Him and figure out what He would have me do. He knows way better than i do about the direction of my life and the day to day comings and goings, and cares to help us figure out what we need to do. i have been touched by elder scott's talk, in which he gave 4 tools to help us in our lives. one of the tools is prayer - he said, "choose to converses, and tell Him everything." the times in my life when i've taken the time to express all my feelings with the Lord and talk through everything with him like i would my mom or a good friend (when faced with a difficult situation), i have felt so much closer to Him.
what principle can we learn form mormon about how to receive additional understanding? what are some situations in which we might need to ask Heavenly Father for greater understanding?
--> there are many situations that i could use greater understanding from my Father. i appreciate the opportunities to talk to Him and figure out what He would have me do. He knows way better than i do about the direction of my life and the day to day comings and goings, and cares to help us figure out what we need to do. i have been touched by elder scott's talk, in which he gave 4 tools to help us in our lives. one of the tools is prayer - he said, "choose to converses, and tell Him everything." the times in my life when i've taken the time to express all my feelings with the Lord and talk through everything with him like i would my mom or a good friend (when faced with a difficult situation), i have felt so much closer to Him.
november.13
3 nephi 28: 1 - 24
what joy have you felt in sharing the gospel with others or having the gospel shared with you?
--> one of the happiest times in my life was my full-time mission in calgary, canada BECAUSE i spent 18 months selflessly sharing the gospel with my brothers and sisters. i was so happy because my main intent was to teach people about Jesus Christ and allow them to experience the joy they can experience when they have a personal relationship with Him.
what joy have you felt in sharing the gospel with others or having the gospel shared with you?
--> one of the happiest times in my life was my full-time mission in calgary, canada BECAUSE i spent 18 months selflessly sharing the gospel with my brothers and sisters. i was so happy because my main intent was to teach people about Jesus Christ and allow them to experience the joy they can experience when they have a personal relationship with Him.
november.12
3 nephi 27: 13 - 33
based on what you have studied today, how would you explain the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to a friend?
--> the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the doctrine of Christ. president archibald hammered the doctrine of Christ into us for days on the mission. the doctrine of the gospel is exercising faith, repenting, being baptized, receiving (and using) the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end... which really means repeating the process faithfully forever. the good news of the gospel is that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ, that came to earth to perform the atonement and provide a way that we can return to live with Heavenly Father and our family. the doctrine of Christ is the way that we access and apply the atonement in our lives every single day.
based on what you have studied today, how would you explain the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to a friend?
--> the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the doctrine of Christ. president archibald hammered the doctrine of Christ into us for days on the mission. the doctrine of the gospel is exercising faith, repenting, being baptized, receiving (and using) the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end... which really means repeating the process faithfully forever. the good news of the gospel is that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ, that came to earth to perform the atonement and provide a way that we can return to live with Heavenly Father and our family. the doctrine of Christ is the way that we access and apply the atonement in our lives every single day.
november.11
3 nephi 27: 1 - 12
what do you think it means for the church to be built upon His gospel? why do you think it is important for the church to be built on His gospel rather than on the works of men?
--> the difference between the church and the gospel isn't something i've thought about a lot until recently in my life - like the past few years. but on my mission i was talking to a bishop about some people in the ward that were inactive in the gospel but active in the church. this got me thinking about how easy it is to go through the motions in the church, but let your testimony fade. just today in church, actually, i was thinking about how a lot of days in church i just sit there and exist during meetings and don't try too hard to participate.
the main thing that sets this church apart from the rest of the religions in the world is that we are built on the gospel of Jesus Christ, not the doctrines or works of men. that's why the church is constant and consistent, because it will always be founded upon the gospel. Jesus Christ stands at the head of this church.
what do you think it means for the church to be built upon His gospel? why do you think it is important for the church to be built on His gospel rather than on the works of men?
--> the difference between the church and the gospel isn't something i've thought about a lot until recently in my life - like the past few years. but on my mission i was talking to a bishop about some people in the ward that were inactive in the gospel but active in the church. this got me thinking about how easy it is to go through the motions in the church, but let your testimony fade. just today in church, actually, i was thinking about how a lot of days in church i just sit there and exist during meetings and don't try too hard to participate.
the main thing that sets this church apart from the rest of the religions in the world is that we are built on the gospel of Jesus Christ, not the doctrines or works of men. that's why the church is constant and consistent, because it will always be founded upon the gospel. Jesus Christ stands at the head of this church.
november.10
3 nephi 26: 1 - 21
what are you doing in your life that demonstrates your belief in the book of mormon?
--> this is a good question that has caused me to self-reflect. i have admitted this many times on this blog, but i don't read my scriptures as consistently as i should. in fact, today is really november 23... i am a few weeks behind on this blog! yikes. but i saw a meme the other day on instagram that had a picture of mormon transcribing and it said, "you don't want to read? it's cool... i just spent lots of time and effort compiling it all for you", or something to that effect... hah. we have a very easy time compared to the times of old - just picking up our books or turning on our smart phones. SO. i need to demonstrate my belief of the book of mormon better by more consistently reading it.
what are you doing in your life that demonstrates your belief in the book of mormon?
--> this is a good question that has caused me to self-reflect. i have admitted this many times on this blog, but i don't read my scriptures as consistently as i should. in fact, today is really november 23... i am a few weeks behind on this blog! yikes. but i saw a meme the other day on instagram that had a picture of mormon transcribing and it said, "you don't want to read? it's cool... i just spent lots of time and effort compiling it all for you", or something to that effect... hah. we have a very easy time compared to the times of old - just picking up our books or turning on our smart phones. SO. i need to demonstrate my belief of the book of mormon better by more consistently reading it.
november.9
3 nephi 24: 1 - 25: 6
in what ways have you been blessed as a result of paying your tithing? how are these examples of 'the windows of heaven' being opened for you?
--> my mom always said she can't pick out specific blessings from tithing, but she's scared to stop paying and see what gets eliminated from her life. i feel the same. i don't have any miraculous "there was money in my mailbox" stories to share, but i believe that the blessings from tithing are far-reaching to many avenues of my life, and i would never want to stop paying to see what would stop coming :)
in what ways have you been blessed as a result of paying your tithing? how are these examples of 'the windows of heaven' being opened for you?
--> my mom always said she can't pick out specific blessings from tithing, but she's scared to stop paying and see what gets eliminated from her life. i feel the same. i don't have any miraculous "there was money in my mailbox" stories to share, but i believe that the blessings from tithing are far-reaching to many avenues of my life, and i would never want to stop paying to see what would stop coming :)
november.8
3 nephi 23: 1 - 14
in what ways is searching the words of the prophets diligently different from only reading the words of the prophets? why do you think it is important to search the words of isaiah and the other prophets diligently?
--> when i was a teenager, bishop williams related the study of the scriptures to water sports. he said you can water ski, just skimming over the surface. or you can snorkel, digging a little deep but not seeing too much, or scuba dive, where you prepare and have the right gear ready, and dive deep, deep, deep and explore. i've always loved that analogy. i think the times i've actually scuba dived in the scriptures is less than i would like to admit... but those times have been way more meaningful than the times i have not. searching diligently also brings to mind a sense of consistency.
in what ways is searching the words of the prophets diligently different from only reading the words of the prophets? why do you think it is important to search the words of isaiah and the other prophets diligently?
--> when i was a teenager, bishop williams related the study of the scriptures to water sports. he said you can water ski, just skimming over the surface. or you can snorkel, digging a little deep but not seeing too much, or scuba dive, where you prepare and have the right gear ready, and dive deep, deep, deep and explore. i've always loved that analogy. i think the times i've actually scuba dived in the scriptures is less than i would like to admit... but those times have been way more meaningful than the times i have not. searching diligently also brings to mind a sense of consistency.
november.7
3 nephi 22: 1 - 17
what are some truths we learn about the Lord in these verses?
--> verses 7, 8, and 10 are the text of one of my favorite lds songs - "my kindness shall not depart from thee". listen to these powerful words: "for a small moment have i forsaken thee, but with great mercies will i gather thee. in a little wrath i hid my face from thee for a momen, but with everlasting kindness will i have mercy on thee... for the mountains shall depart and the hills shall be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that have mercy on thee." love.
what are some truths we learn about the Lord in these verses?
--> verses 7, 8, and 10 are the text of one of my favorite lds songs - "my kindness shall not depart from thee". listen to these powerful words: "for a small moment have i forsaken thee, but with great mercies will i gather thee. in a little wrath i hid my face from thee for a momen, but with everlasting kindness will i have mercy on thee... for the mountains shall depart and the hills shall be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that have mercy on thee." love.
november.6
3 nephi 21: 1 -29
what is great and marvelous about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ? in what ways had the book of mormon helped you?
--> verse 10 is one of my favorite statements in the whole of the book of mormon: "My wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil." in the margin, i once wrote, "God always wins!" and it's true. the story of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ is total proof of that. to me, the 3 best things about the restoration is 1. priesthood power being brought back to the earth 2 book of mormon being translated and made available for us 3 further proof that God and Christ are two distinct beings.
what is great and marvelous about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ? in what ways had the book of mormon helped you?
--> verse 10 is one of my favorite statements in the whole of the book of mormon: "My wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil." in the margin, i once wrote, "God always wins!" and it's true. the story of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ is total proof of that. to me, the 3 best things about the restoration is 1. priesthood power being brought back to the earth 2 book of mormon being translated and made available for us 3 further proof that God and Christ are two distinct beings.
november.6
3 nephi 21: 1 - 19
what is great and marvelous about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ? in what ways has the book of mormon helped you?
--> these are two totally different questions, and two questions that i could spend an hour each talking about.
what is great and marvelous about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ? in what ways has the book of mormon helped you?
--> these are two totally different questions, and two questions that i could spend an hour each talking about.
november.5
3 nephi 20: 20 - 46
how are we blessed by the covenants we make with Heavenly Father?
--> i can't answer this question with anything other than this question: how are we NOT blessed by the covenants we make with Heavenly Father? covenants are everything. enough said.
how are we blessed by the covenants we make with Heavenly Father?
--> i can't answer this question with anything other than this question: how are we NOT blessed by the covenants we make with Heavenly Father? covenants are everything. enough said.
november.4
3 nephi 19: 30 - 20: 19
what does it mean to you to not cease to pray in your heart? how do you think praying in your heart can influence your weekly experience of partaking of the sacrament?
--> a few months ago, my dad was speaking to our relief society in the singles ward, and he said that that morning he had opened a prayer with the Lord, and hadn't closed it, nor did he plan to until the evening hours came. i was so struck by this. he mentioned that he was much more careful with his language the rest of the day, more careful with his thoughts, and more careful with the way he treated other people. he said it was a beautiful experience to just have an ongoing conversation with his Father all day.
so a few days later i tried it. it was a wonderful experience. i think there's something to having a prayer in your heart all day. i think about my closest friends, and how often i talk with them via text or e-mail or in person or on the phone. Heavenly Father wants to hear from us just as much, no, more! than we talk to our closest friends. when i choose to make this a priority in my life, i feel the blessings and the added measure of the spirit.
in answer to the second question of how praying in your heart can influence the weekly experience of taking the sacrament, i think it would help me to be more in tune with what i am doing wrong and how i need to fix it, and just have an overall better feeling about myself and the direction my life is going. who can't benefit from the added measure of the spirit? so. pray more. all day. "choose to converse, and tell him everything." - elder scott, gen conf oct. 2014
what does it mean to you to not cease to pray in your heart? how do you think praying in your heart can influence your weekly experience of partaking of the sacrament?
--> a few months ago, my dad was speaking to our relief society in the singles ward, and he said that that morning he had opened a prayer with the Lord, and hadn't closed it, nor did he plan to until the evening hours came. i was so struck by this. he mentioned that he was much more careful with his language the rest of the day, more careful with his thoughts, and more careful with the way he treated other people. he said it was a beautiful experience to just have an ongoing conversation with his Father all day.
so a few days later i tried it. it was a wonderful experience. i think there's something to having a prayer in your heart all day. i think about my closest friends, and how often i talk with them via text or e-mail or in person or on the phone. Heavenly Father wants to hear from us just as much, no, more! than we talk to our closest friends. when i choose to make this a priority in my life, i feel the blessings and the added measure of the spirit.
in answer to the second question of how praying in your heart can influence the weekly experience of taking the sacrament, i think it would help me to be more in tune with what i am doing wrong and how i need to fix it, and just have an overall better feeling about myself and the direction my life is going. who can't benefit from the added measure of the spirit? so. pray more. all day. "choose to converse, and tell him everything." - elder scott, gen conf oct. 2014
november.3
3 nephi 19: 1 - 29
when have your righteous desires and prayers helped you to feel the influence of the spirit?
-->first, i want to mention that i think it's inspiring in verse 3 when it says this, "they did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude." they were so anxious to get to the place that Christ was teaching, they put everything on hold to travel quickly and be with Him. just thinking this morning about my own pursuit of the Savior... am i constantly trying my hardest to quickly find Him? we have access to many of His words and teachings at the click of a button, or the turning of a page, and yet that urgency is gone. i'll work on this :)
desires dictate everything we do. righteous desires are the root of all the good that we do in this life. i find that when my desires are aligned with righteous intentions, i feel a greater measure of the spirit in my life. i often have to pray for the Lord to educate my desires and help me to desire the things of God and eternity as opposed to the things that i think i need.
when have your righteous desires and prayers helped you to feel the influence of the spirit?
-->first, i want to mention that i think it's inspiring in verse 3 when it says this, "they did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude." they were so anxious to get to the place that Christ was teaching, they put everything on hold to travel quickly and be with Him. just thinking this morning about my own pursuit of the Savior... am i constantly trying my hardest to quickly find Him? we have access to many of His words and teachings at the click of a button, or the turning of a page, and yet that urgency is gone. i'll work on this :)
desires dictate everything we do. righteous desires are the root of all the good that we do in this life. i find that when my desires are aligned with righteous intentions, i feel a greater measure of the spirit in my life. i often have to pray for the Lord to educate my desires and help me to desire the things of God and eternity as opposed to the things that i think i need.
november.2
3 nephi 18: 15 - 39
what thoughts do you have when you consider the question, "wouldn't it be pleasing to Jesus if we could let our light so shine that those who followed us would be following the Savior?"
--> i love the verse where this question stemmed from: "hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. behold, i am the light which ye shall hold up - that which ye have seen me do. behold ye see that i have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed."
to be like Christ, we simply have to do what He did, or would do, if He were here. in the moment, it's not always as simple as i would like for it to be, but it is always worth it. when i think of the question that was posed earlier, the thoughts that run through my head are thoughts of desire to commit to the Savior and leading other people back to Him.
what thoughts do you have when you consider the question, "wouldn't it be pleasing to Jesus if we could let our light so shine that those who followed us would be following the Savior?"
--> i love the verse where this question stemmed from: "hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. behold, i am the light which ye shall hold up - that which ye have seen me do. behold ye see that i have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed."
to be like Christ, we simply have to do what He did, or would do, if He were here. in the moment, it's not always as simple as i would like for it to be, but it is always worth it. when i think of the question that was posed earlier, the thoughts that run through my head are thoughts of desire to commit to the Savior and leading other people back to Him.
november.1
3 nephi 18: 1 - 14
although partaking of the sacrament takes a small amount of time, the effects of preparing for and participating in this ordinance are eternal. what can we do to always remember the Savior after we have partaken of the sacrament and during the rest of the week?
--> my mom was a beautiful example of placing physical reminders about the Savior all over the home. we have many, many pictures of the Savior placed around our home. i have always loved the feeling in our home, and i think one reason i love it is because of the spirit of Christ that i feel there. i have appreciated over the years my own desire to place quotes or scriptures, sayings, pictures, goals, etc. on my bulletin board and mirrors and whiteboards in my room to remind me of the sacred relationship i have with my Savior, Jesus Christ, and all the wonderful and beautiful things he's done for me. what a blessing. that's just one way we can have Him in our thoughts more regularly. (also, changing your phone background to a picture of the Savior is a great idea... cuz how many times a day do you open your phone and see that?!)
although partaking of the sacrament takes a small amount of time, the effects of preparing for and participating in this ordinance are eternal. what can we do to always remember the Savior after we have partaken of the sacrament and during the rest of the week?
--> my mom was a beautiful example of placing physical reminders about the Savior all over the home. we have many, many pictures of the Savior placed around our home. i have always loved the feeling in our home, and i think one reason i love it is because of the spirit of Christ that i feel there. i have appreciated over the years my own desire to place quotes or scriptures, sayings, pictures, goals, etc. on my bulletin board and mirrors and whiteboards in my room to remind me of the sacred relationship i have with my Savior, Jesus Christ, and all the wonderful and beautiful things he's done for me. what a blessing. that's just one way we can have Him in our thoughts more regularly. (also, changing your phone background to a picture of the Savior is a great idea... cuz how many times a day do you open your phone and see that?!)
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