the end!
this has been a marvelous journey this year to slow down and read the book of mormon in small chunks, analyzing what i am reading and answering the questions that have been posed. i have a true testimony of the book of mormon and the power it has to heal broken hearts and answer the questions of the soul! thanks for following my journey this year. now, onto a new journey in 2015 :)
december.31
moroni 10: 8 - 34
what blessings did moroni teach would come to those who have faith, hope, and charity?
--> we will be perfected :)
what blessings did moroni teach would come to those who have faith, hope, and charity?
--> we will be perfected :)
december.30
moroni 9: 20 - 10: 7
moroni 10: 3 - 5 is often referred to as "moroni's promise". we invite all who read these verses to act on this promise and to ask God, who is our loving HEavenly Father, to know if the book of mormon is a true boo of scripture. we know that if you pray with real intent that God will answer your prayer through the Holy Ghost. please share your testimony of the book of mormon.
--> i have read the book of mormon more times than i can count in my life. each time, i take the time to ask again and again if it is true. every time, i feel the same sense of peace and enlightenment that it is indeed a true book. but stronger than that feeling of confirmation, is the feeling of confirmation i receive when i apply the teachings of the book into my daily life. when i take the time to really search out answers to my questions in the book, it applies to every aspect of my life. every triumph, every joy, every heartache, everything! i know with all my heart that the book of mormon is the word of God, which stands side by side with the bible as a witness of the reality of our Savior, Jesus Christ. the book of mormon is THE most powerful witness of the Savior that we have on this earth, and the only book that comes with a powerful promise that those who study it, think about what they learned, and pray to ask if it is true, WILL come to know it is true. and if it is true, then it follows that joseph smith really was a prophet, that Christ is the Savior of the world, and that the true gospel of Jesus Christ has once again been restored in its fulness to the earth that we now live on!
this is a video that's floating around facebook right now and i totally love it. just a simple explanation of the book of mormon and the power it can have in your life. give it a watch.. it's the best 3 minutes you'll spend on the internet today!
moroni 10: 3 - 5 is often referred to as "moroni's promise". we invite all who read these verses to act on this promise and to ask God, who is our loving HEavenly Father, to know if the book of mormon is a true boo of scripture. we know that if you pray with real intent that God will answer your prayer through the Holy Ghost. please share your testimony of the book of mormon.
--> i have read the book of mormon more times than i can count in my life. each time, i take the time to ask again and again if it is true. every time, i feel the same sense of peace and enlightenment that it is indeed a true book. but stronger than that feeling of confirmation, is the feeling of confirmation i receive when i apply the teachings of the book into my daily life. when i take the time to really search out answers to my questions in the book, it applies to every aspect of my life. every triumph, every joy, every heartache, everything! i know with all my heart that the book of mormon is the word of God, which stands side by side with the bible as a witness of the reality of our Savior, Jesus Christ. the book of mormon is THE most powerful witness of the Savior that we have on this earth, and the only book that comes with a powerful promise that those who study it, think about what they learned, and pray to ask if it is true, WILL come to know it is true. and if it is true, then it follows that joseph smith really was a prophet, that Christ is the Savior of the world, and that the true gospel of Jesus Christ has once again been restored in its fulness to the earth that we now live on!
this is a video that's floating around facebook right now and i totally love it. just a simple explanation of the book of mormon and the power it can have in your life. give it a watch.. it's the best 3 minutes you'll spend on the internet today!
december.29
moroni 9: 1 - 19
what evidence do you see in the world today that some people are without civilization, are without principle, and are past feeling?
--> take a look at the world and this question answers itself... ;)
what evidence do you see in the world today that some people are without civilization, are without principle, and are past feeling?
--> take a look at the world and this question answers itself... ;)
december.28
moroni 8: 1 - 30
what do you think it means that little children are "alive in Christ"? what do you need to do to become alive in Christ?
--> as a general rule, children are active participants in life. they are curious, they are exploring constantly, they are aware of the littlest details and ask 1,000 "why?" questions everyday. their eyes are open and they are agents acting unto themselves. as adults, we naturally lose that sense of wonder and excitement about life. to be alive in Christ to me means that we are actively participating in the things He wants us to do and actively applying the principles of the gospel in our lives. we are in awe at the beauty of the world and are constantly searching for more things to learn about the Savior and more ways to apply His gospel.
what do you think it means that little children are "alive in Christ"? what do you need to do to become alive in Christ?
--> as a general rule, children are active participants in life. they are curious, they are exploring constantly, they are aware of the littlest details and ask 1,000 "why?" questions everyday. their eyes are open and they are agents acting unto themselves. as adults, we naturally lose that sense of wonder and excitement about life. to be alive in Christ to me means that we are actively participating in the things He wants us to do and actively applying the principles of the gospel in our lives. we are in awe at the beauty of the world and are constantly searching for more things to learn about the Savior and more ways to apply His gospel.
december.27
moroni 7: 35 - 48
why do you think meekness and lowliness of heart are necessary in order to have faith and hope in the atonement of Jesus Christ?
--> it is impossible to learn anything of value if we are not meek, humble, and open to inspiration from the Father. to access the atonement, we must exercise our faith, repent, be baptized by proper authority, receive and use the gift of the Holy Ghost, and faithfully endure to the end. each one of these steps requires a sense of meekness and lowliness of heart to be optimally used.
why do you think meekness and lowliness of heart are necessary in order to have faith and hope in the atonement of Jesus Christ?
--> it is impossible to learn anything of value if we are not meek, humble, and open to inspiration from the Father. to access the atonement, we must exercise our faith, repent, be baptized by proper authority, receive and use the gift of the Holy Ghost, and faithfully endure to the end. each one of these steps requires a sense of meekness and lowliness of heart to be optimally used.
december.26
moroni 7: 20 - 34
what does it mean to you to have Jesus Christ as your advocate?
--> Jesus Christ stands next to us as we speak to Father. He pleads our case. He knows us perfectly - not only our actions, but our intentions and desires behind those actions. there is no one else i would rather have as my advocate than my older brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is my King.
what does it mean to you to have Jesus Christ as your advocate?
--> Jesus Christ stands next to us as we speak to Father. He pleads our case. He knows us perfectly - not only our actions, but our intentions and desires behind those actions. there is no one else i would rather have as my advocate than my older brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is my King.
december.25
moroni 6: 1 - 7: 19
as we celebrate the Savior's birth, what can we do to better serve Him with real intent?
--> they say that people's prayers are answered through other people who are sensitive enough to the whisperings of the spirit to listen and know who in their life needs them. one way i would like to serve Christ better in 2015 is to pray for opportunities to bless those that have prayed for a miracle or for angels, then willingly respond to that prompting. i know a girl named jentrie that has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is constantly posting the most inspiring things on her blog. the other day she was sharing a story where she prayed about this exact thing and the miracle that ensued after she followed the prompting and acted. she said one thing that especially stood out to me... she said rather than saying "let us know if we can help" or something to that effect, she said "i'm bringing dinner at 6". i realized when i was reading this that if we ask for help, we aren't any help at all because we are still begging them to ask us for something they need rather than seeing the need and filling it. no one likes to be a project, but everyone needs their prayers answered through earthly angels. i hope to be an earthly angel for many more people this year than i have been in the past :)
as we celebrate the Savior's birth, what can we do to better serve Him with real intent?
--> they say that people's prayers are answered through other people who are sensitive enough to the whisperings of the spirit to listen and know who in their life needs them. one way i would like to serve Christ better in 2015 is to pray for opportunities to bless those that have prayed for a miracle or for angels, then willingly respond to that prompting. i know a girl named jentrie that has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is constantly posting the most inspiring things on her blog. the other day she was sharing a story where she prayed about this exact thing and the miracle that ensued after she followed the prompting and acted. she said one thing that especially stood out to me... she said rather than saying "let us know if we can help" or something to that effect, she said "i'm bringing dinner at 6". i realized when i was reading this that if we ask for help, we aren't any help at all because we are still begging them to ask us for something they need rather than seeing the need and filling it. no one likes to be a project, but everyone needs their prayers answered through earthly angels. i hope to be an earthly angel for many more people this year than i have been in the past :)
december.24
moroni 1 - 5
when have you been blessed because a priesthood holder fulfilled his responsibilities?
--> many, many times! too many times to count or speak to! particularly, i remember one experience on my mission when i was watching the little deacons pass the sacrament. i just had this overwhelming sense of gratitude for the service they were providing me every week. by righteously exercising their priesthood, i am given the opportunity to be cleansed of my sins every single week as i attend church. i have been the recipient of many wonderful priesthood blessings, wise counsel from bishops and other church leaders, and been issued inspired callings by righteous bishops. i love and adore the men in my life that willingly and virtuously honor and exercise their priesthood in ways to benefit those around them. grateful especially for a father and 2 brothers that take their calling and responsibility seriously.
when have you been blessed because a priesthood holder fulfilled his responsibilities?
--> many, many times! too many times to count or speak to! particularly, i remember one experience on my mission when i was watching the little deacons pass the sacrament. i just had this overwhelming sense of gratitude for the service they were providing me every week. by righteously exercising their priesthood, i am given the opportunity to be cleansed of my sins every single week as i attend church. i have been the recipient of many wonderful priesthood blessings, wise counsel from bishops and other church leaders, and been issued inspired callings by righteous bishops. i love and adore the men in my life that willingly and virtuously honor and exercise their priesthood in ways to benefit those around them. grateful especially for a father and 2 brothers that take their calling and responsibility seriously.
december.23
ether 15: 18 - 34
what consequences can anger have for an individual or a family?
--> anger is the least respectful way to deal with feelings. anger can destroy relationships faster than many other things. i was blessed to grow up in a family where anger was never present. with parents that chose to discuss their disagreements with respect for each other and a common goal of coming to a healthy and positive solution and outcome. i am grateful for that example because it makes all the difference in the way that i deal with people now.
what consequences can anger have for an individual or a family?
--> anger is the least respectful way to deal with feelings. anger can destroy relationships faster than many other things. i was blessed to grow up in a family where anger was never present. with parents that chose to discuss their disagreements with respect for each other and a common goal of coming to a healthy and positive solution and outcome. i am grateful for that example because it makes all the difference in the way that i deal with people now.
december.22
ether 15: 1 - 17
what caused coriantumr to have a change of heart? when have you experienced a change of heart?
--> coriantumr changed his heart when he remembered the words of the prophet ether, and when he saw the great destruction that was occurring around him in a very real way. for me, a change of heart comes when i have an awakening and a desire to come closer to the Lord. a change of heart comes when something drastic happens in my life that reminds me how far i've drifted. a change of heart comes when i learn something mind boggling and desire to do and be better because of what i've learned. there are many things that can motivate us to have a change of heart. a new year is always a time of changing hearts for me... so i'm looking forward to 2015 to come :)
what caused coriantumr to have a change of heart? when have you experienced a change of heart?
--> coriantumr changed his heart when he remembered the words of the prophet ether, and when he saw the great destruction that was occurring around him in a very real way. for me, a change of heart comes when i have an awakening and a desire to come closer to the Lord. a change of heart comes when something drastic happens in my life that reminds me how far i've drifted. a change of heart comes when i learn something mind boggling and desire to do and be better because of what i've learned. there are many things that can motivate us to have a change of heart. a new year is always a time of changing hearts for me... so i'm looking forward to 2015 to come :)
december.21
ether 14: 8 - 31
consider the feelings of the Lord as the people refused to repent. what can we learn from these verses?
--> i am not a parent yet. but i am a school teacher. and being a school teacher has taught me so much about the relationship we have with our Father in Heaven. i care SO much about my students. i give them boundaries and discipline them because i love them and my perspective is greater than theirs. when i have taught and taught and discussed and had meaningful conversations with my students about choice and right and wrong, and still see them do things that i know they know better not to do, it breaks my heart. it breaks my heart to see them struggle and to be hurt and to not recognize my motivations. sometimes i look at them and think, "if only you would listen to me, your life would be so much simpler and you would be so much happier!" i truly believe the Lord feels the same way. He has taught us the principles, then allows us to govern ourselves. i'm sure He looks at us in all his loving glory and wisdom and just shakes his head at us thinking why don't we just do what we know is right. the great thing about the Lord is that He loves us so much that He doesn't have those demeaning thoughts about us at all... He sincerely wants what is best for us, and wants for us to choose what is best, which is why He's given us the beautiful gift of agency.
consider the feelings of the Lord as the people refused to repent. what can we learn from these verses?
--> i am not a parent yet. but i am a school teacher. and being a school teacher has taught me so much about the relationship we have with our Father in Heaven. i care SO much about my students. i give them boundaries and discipline them because i love them and my perspective is greater than theirs. when i have taught and taught and discussed and had meaningful conversations with my students about choice and right and wrong, and still see them do things that i know they know better not to do, it breaks my heart. it breaks my heart to see them struggle and to be hurt and to not recognize my motivations. sometimes i look at them and think, "if only you would listen to me, your life would be so much simpler and you would be so much happier!" i truly believe the Lord feels the same way. He has taught us the principles, then allows us to govern ourselves. i'm sure He looks at us in all his loving glory and wisdom and just shakes his head at us thinking why don't we just do what we know is right. the great thing about the Lord is that He loves us so much that He doesn't have those demeaning thoughts about us at all... He sincerely wants what is best for us, and wants for us to choose what is best, which is why He's given us the beautiful gift of agency.
december.20
ether 13: 19 - 14: 7
what can we learn about the danger of coveting from these verses? how can we avoid coveting and selfishness?
--> i think one of the greatest dangers of coveting is it allows us to see what we don't have and focus on that instead of being grateful for the things that we do have and the opportunities we have been given. times in my life when i've been more covetous of something or someone than others have been times when i'm not happy. when i am grateful for what i have and content to live the life i have been alloted, i am happier in every aspect.
what can we learn about the danger of coveting from these verses? how can we avoid coveting and selfishness?
--> i think one of the greatest dangers of coveting is it allows us to see what we don't have and focus on that instead of being grateful for the things that we do have and the opportunities we have been given. times in my life when i've been more covetous of something or someone than others have been times when i'm not happy. when i am grateful for what i have and content to live the life i have been alloted, i am happier in every aspect.
december.19
ether 13:1 - 18
what do you think moroni meant when he wrote the first shall be last and the last shall be first, in relation to the gathering of israel?
--> there was a lady that posted on the bofm page with a comment that i really loved... so here's that... "found this by orson pratt which describes by thoughts more than perfectly! 'now the gospel, when it was preached in ancient times, was preached first to the jew, the house of israel, to those of israelitish origin, and when they counted themselves unworthy of eternal life, and rejected that gospel, 'lo,' says paul, 'we turn unto the gentiles.' acts 13:46 says 'the gentiles then, heard it last; they were last to embrace the gospel of the kingdom, and the jews first, that is, as many of them would believe and repent. but in the last days, when the angel brings the gospel, it is reversed, and it is preached first to the gentiles, to bring in their fullness, and to fulfill their times, and then it will be sent to the house of israel" (journal of discourses 18:176b)
what do you think moroni meant when he wrote the first shall be last and the last shall be first, in relation to the gathering of israel?
--> there was a lady that posted on the bofm page with a comment that i really loved... so here's that... "found this by orson pratt which describes by thoughts more than perfectly! 'now the gospel, when it was preached in ancient times, was preached first to the jew, the house of israel, to those of israelitish origin, and when they counted themselves unworthy of eternal life, and rejected that gospel, 'lo,' says paul, 'we turn unto the gentiles.' acts 13:46 says 'the gentiles then, heard it last; they were last to embrace the gospel of the kingdom, and the jews first, that is, as many of them would believe and repent. but in the last days, when the angel brings the gospel, it is reversed, and it is preached first to the gentiles, to bring in their fullness, and to fulfill their times, and then it will be sent to the house of israel" (journal of discourses 18:176b)
december.18
ether 12: 22 - 41
why do you think it is important for us to recognize our weaknesses? why do you think we need to be meek in order to overlook the weaknesses of others?
--> a seminary teacher once pointed out to me that in ether 12:27, it doesn't say the Lord gives us weaknessES, it says He gives us weakness. one weakness. our physical body. that is why it's so important to overcome the natural man. lately i've actually been thinking a lot about the natural man and all the ways we need to overcome it. i've been thinking about how i know the right things to do - whether in a commandment sense, or even things silly as flossing teeth, or what kind of diet i should eat to feel the best. but, i don't always do what i know to be beneficial and helpful. why? because of the natural man. the natural man is lazy. he doesn't want to change. putting off the natural man and becoming a disciple of Christ - a TRUE disciple of Christ, is one of the greatest challenges we face, yet also comes with some of the greatest of blessings :)
why do you think it is important for us to recognize our weaknesses? why do you think we need to be meek in order to overlook the weaknesses of others?
--> a seminary teacher once pointed out to me that in ether 12:27, it doesn't say the Lord gives us weaknessES, it says He gives us weakness. one weakness. our physical body. that is why it's so important to overcome the natural man. lately i've actually been thinking a lot about the natural man and all the ways we need to overcome it. i've been thinking about how i know the right things to do - whether in a commandment sense, or even things silly as flossing teeth, or what kind of diet i should eat to feel the best. but, i don't always do what i know to be beneficial and helpful. why? because of the natural man. the natural man is lazy. he doesn't want to change. putting off the natural man and becoming a disciple of Christ - a TRUE disciple of Christ, is one of the greatest challenges we face, yet also comes with some of the greatest of blessings :)
december.17
ether 12:1 - 21
what do you think it means to "abound" in good works? think of people you know who always seem to abound in good works and are not ashamed to glorify God. what are some specific things they do that make them good examples of this principle?
--> abounding in good works is more of a lifestyle than anything we do in an isolated situation. the people i know that abound in good works, just "go about doing good", like the Savior. they pray in the morning for their eyes to be opened to see the people that are in need, to be inspired to be led to those that need help, and they go and do. they don't need accolades or recognition. they serve out of the kindness and charity of their hearts. they are truly Christ-like.
what do you think it means to "abound" in good works? think of people you know who always seem to abound in good works and are not ashamed to glorify God. what are some specific things they do that make them good examples of this principle?
--> abounding in good works is more of a lifestyle than anything we do in an isolated situation. the people i know that abound in good works, just "go about doing good", like the Savior. they pray in the morning for their eyes to be opened to see the people that are in need, to be inspired to be led to those that need help, and they go and do. they don't need accolades or recognition. they serve out of the kindness and charity of their hearts. they are truly Christ-like.
december.16
ether 11: 1 - 23
are prophets today rejected like in these verses? why do you think the people rejected the prophets?
--> prophets today are just as rejected as prophets of old, just maybe not in the physical/violent ways that we read about in the book of mormon. many people speak out against prophets today, especially when their teachings aren't kosher with the lifestyle people are living. there were many people who spoke about following the prophet in the recent general conference, which is a sign to me that it is a problem that is prevalent today. people get so comfortable with their lifestyle, they oppose anyone that doesn't jive with that. that, and just looking for a reason to fall away, are the two main reasons people reject the prophets, i believe. but as the primary song goes: "follow the prophet, he knows the way!"
are prophets today rejected like in these verses? why do you think the people rejected the prophets?
--> prophets today are just as rejected as prophets of old, just maybe not in the physical/violent ways that we read about in the book of mormon. many people speak out against prophets today, especially when their teachings aren't kosher with the lifestyle people are living. there were many people who spoke about following the prophet in the recent general conference, which is a sign to me that it is a problem that is prevalent today. people get so comfortable with their lifestyle, they oppose anyone that doesn't jive with that. that, and just looking for a reason to fall away, are the two main reasons people reject the prophets, i believe. but as the primary song goes: "follow the prophet, he knows the way!"
december.15
ether 10: 17 - 34
what are some influences in our society that can make our lives impure? what can we do to keep our lives pure?
--> everywhere you go there are influences that make our lives impure. every good thing that has been created has an evil twist to it as well. evil no longer has to be sought out, it is around us all the time wherever we are, in our pockets, on billboards, in magazines, at the checkstand, everywhere. because it's impossible to avoid evil, it's important to learn how to cope with it, how to dismiss an impure thought. keeping our thoughts pure is a battle we are continually having to face, a battle that is of utmost importance to our lives now and in our future. some things i've found helpful when i'm trying to dismiss an impure thought are to think of the Savior on the cross, or sing a hymn to myself or say a scripture to myself. anything to distract myself. president uchtdorf taught that our mind is a one act stage - only able to carry one thought at a time, so if we can replace the bad thoughts with the good, we are golden.
what are some influences in our society that can make our lives impure? what can we do to keep our lives pure?
--> everywhere you go there are influences that make our lives impure. every good thing that has been created has an evil twist to it as well. evil no longer has to be sought out, it is around us all the time wherever we are, in our pockets, on billboards, in magazines, at the checkstand, everywhere. because it's impossible to avoid evil, it's important to learn how to cope with it, how to dismiss an impure thought. keeping our thoughts pure is a battle we are continually having to face, a battle that is of utmost importance to our lives now and in our future. some things i've found helpful when i'm trying to dismiss an impure thought are to think of the Savior on the cross, or sing a hymn to myself or say a scripture to myself. anything to distract myself. president uchtdorf taught that our mind is a one act stage - only able to carry one thought at a time, so if we can replace the bad thoughts with the good, we are golden.
december.14
ether 10: 1 - 16
why would satan try to cause contention within a family?
--> the family is the central unit of society, and central to God's plan. if he can break up families, he has won his battle. no success outside the home can compensate for failure within the home. everything we do should strengthen our families, yet sometimes we treat the people that are the very closest to us the very worst. this is exactly what satan wants. satan is readily attacking the family every moment of every day. are we fortified and fighting back? this is why family scripture study and family prayer, family activities to bind us together, and family goals and councils are so vitally important. my family is not perfect, but i am grateful for wonderful siblings and parents whom i can fight this battle with! there's no one else i would rather have by my side :)
why would satan try to cause contention within a family?
--> the family is the central unit of society, and central to God's plan. if he can break up families, he has won his battle. no success outside the home can compensate for failure within the home. everything we do should strengthen our families, yet sometimes we treat the people that are the very closest to us the very worst. this is exactly what satan wants. satan is readily attacking the family every moment of every day. are we fortified and fighting back? this is why family scripture study and family prayer, family activities to bind us together, and family goals and councils are so vitally important. my family is not perfect, but i am grateful for wonderful siblings and parents whom i can fight this battle with! there's no one else i would rather have by my side :)
december.13
ether 9: 23 - 35
why do you suppose that even after periods of righteousness the jaredite civilization kept falling prey to secret combinations? how can we apply these verses to our lives?
--> no matter who you are, you are tempted. we all fall victim to temptation and sin during our lives. if we are not constantly doing those things that would fortify us, and keep our foundation unwaveringly rooted in the Lord and His teachings and lifestyle, we will fall too. the pride cycle is so prevalent in the book of mormon. sometimes we read this and think how dumb the people were to sin after they had seen so many miracles, but we could say the same about ourselves. that's exactly why repentance is in place - we need second chances, and the Lord is graciously willing to give them. "God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son!"
why do you suppose that even after periods of righteousness the jaredite civilization kept falling prey to secret combinations? how can we apply these verses to our lives?
--> no matter who you are, you are tempted. we all fall victim to temptation and sin during our lives. if we are not constantly doing those things that would fortify us, and keep our foundation unwaveringly rooted in the Lord and His teachings and lifestyle, we will fall too. the pride cycle is so prevalent in the book of mormon. sometimes we read this and think how dumb the people were to sin after they had seen so many miracles, but we could say the same about ourselves. that's exactly why repentance is in place - we need second chances, and the Lord is graciously willing to give them. "God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son!"
december.12
ether 9: 1 - 22
what things did the people of akish desire? how did this corrupt their society?
--> the people of akish were jealous and selfish, taken up in iniquity. they were desirous for gain and power, and went where there was money. it caused a war, separation, unhappiness, more greediness, and broken families.
what things did the people of akish desire? how did this corrupt their society?
--> the people of akish were jealous and selfish, taken up in iniquity. they were desirous for gain and power, and went where there was money. it caused a war, separation, unhappiness, more greediness, and broken families.
december.11
ether 8: 18 - 26
when will satan no longer have power over the hearts of the children of men? how does this gift give you hope?
--> i can't wait for the day when satan will be bound. though i am grateful for opposition now to help me learn the things i need to learn and am meant to learn while on this earth. but, the thought that the Lord has provided a way for us to be freed from the ultimate captivator? makes me smile. God is so good to us. His plan is perfect.
when will satan no longer have power over the hearts of the children of men? how does this gift give you hope?
--> i can't wait for the day when satan will be bound. though i am grateful for opposition now to help me learn the things i need to learn and am meant to learn while on this earth. but, the thought that the Lord has provided a way for us to be freed from the ultimate captivator? makes me smile. God is so good to us. His plan is perfect.
december.10
ether 8: 1 - 17
how do satan's strategies and motives differ from the Lord's? what insights do you have about these verses?
--> satan uses trickery, the Lord uses truth. satan uses guilt, the Lord uses doctrine. satan bails when the stakes are high, the Lord sticks it through to the end. satan pushes, the Lord leads. satan is inconsistent, the Lord is unchanging. i know who i side with. do you?
how do satan's strategies and motives differ from the Lord's? what insights do you have about these verses?
--> satan uses trickery, the Lord uses truth. satan uses guilt, the Lord uses doctrine. satan bails when the stakes are high, the Lord sticks it through to the end. satan pushes, the Lord leads. satan is inconsistent, the Lord is unchanging. i know who i side with. do you?
december.9
ether 7: 7 - 27
how can you better listen to and obey the words of the prophets?
--> to obey the words of the prophets, you must first know the words of the prophets. in 2015, i have made a goal to read the ensign each month when it comes out. i asked for and received an ensign subscription for christmas, and can't wait to start on that journey to know my Savior better and better understand what the prophets are currently teaching.
how can you better listen to and obey the words of the prophets?
--> to obey the words of the prophets, you must first know the words of the prophets. in 2015, i have made a goal to read the ensign each month when it comes out. i asked for and received an ensign subscription for christmas, and can't wait to start on that journey to know my Savior better and better understand what the prophets are currently teaching.
december.8
ether 6: 12 - 7: 6
what do you think it means to "walk humbly before the Lord"? what are some examples you have seen of people following this principle? how have your parents and others encouraged you to walk humbly before the Lord?
--> the Lord continually invites us to be humble. it is only when we are humble that we are teachable. when pride creeps in, we cannot learn because we are too self-centered and worried about what we want, not what the Lord wants. one example of walking humbly before the Lord is my mission president's wife, sister pam archibald. i'm always amazed when i speak to her that everything revolves around the Savior. every decision she makes reverts back to something the Lord inspired her to do. any conversation or question we have, she talks about a study that she recently did in the book of mormon or a conference talk she heard. she constantly prays for the Lord's will to be done. she constantly prays for the Lord to teach us, and to allow us to be teachable. i love listening to her pray. i love being in her presence. i love her attitude towards her Heavenly Father and how she learns from Him.
what do you think it means to "walk humbly before the Lord"? what are some examples you have seen of people following this principle? how have your parents and others encouraged you to walk humbly before the Lord?
--> the Lord continually invites us to be humble. it is only when we are humble that we are teachable. when pride creeps in, we cannot learn because we are too self-centered and worried about what we want, not what the Lord wants. one example of walking humbly before the Lord is my mission president's wife, sister pam archibald. i'm always amazed when i speak to her that everything revolves around the Savior. every decision she makes reverts back to something the Lord inspired her to do. any conversation or question we have, she talks about a study that she recently did in the book of mormon or a conference talk she heard. she constantly prays for the Lord's will to be done. she constantly prays for the Lord to teach us, and to allow us to be teachable. i love listening to her pray. i love being in her presence. i love her attitude towards her Heavenly Father and how she learns from Him.
december.7
ether 5: 1 - 6: 11
in what ways can you be a witness of the book of mormon, even without seeing the plates? how can your witness of the book of mormon influence other people?
--> i can bear witness of the book of mormon in my words: testimony meeting, in interactions with other people, in sharing the gospel with people around me, using the scriptures to answer questions people may ask me, openly share my feelings about it, etc. i can bear testimony of the book of mormon in my actions: actively keeping the commandments taught within, living my life the way it teaches me, and doing what Christ would have me do. the book of mormon is the most powerful witness of Jesus Christ that we have on this planet, and i am so grateful to have it!!
in what ways can you be a witness of the book of mormon, even without seeing the plates? how can your witness of the book of mormon influence other people?
--> i can bear witness of the book of mormon in my words: testimony meeting, in interactions with other people, in sharing the gospel with people around me, using the scriptures to answer questions people may ask me, openly share my feelings about it, etc. i can bear testimony of the book of mormon in my actions: actively keeping the commandments taught within, living my life the way it teaches me, and doing what Christ would have me do. the book of mormon is the most powerful witness of Jesus Christ that we have on this planet, and i am so grateful to have it!!
december.6
ether 4: 1 - 19
why do you think we need to believe the truths we have already received before the Lord will give us more?
--> elder richard g. scott talks about this a lot in regards to revelation... that we need to act on the revelation we have received before the Lord will give us more. that we need to write down the revelation we are receiving then ask God if there is more. some people complain that general conference or church repeats the same topics and talks all the time, year after year. i just think to myself that if we really kept and followed faithfully the simple doctrines that are always taught, we wouldn't have as great of a need to repeat the same things over and over, and we could hear some deeper things... but that is not the mind or will of God. line upon line, precept on precept. in our own lives, we can receive far more than we already have when we act on the things we already know and believe and have been given.
why do you think we need to believe the truths we have already received before the Lord will give us more?
--> elder richard g. scott talks about this a lot in regards to revelation... that we need to act on the revelation we have received before the Lord will give us more. that we need to write down the revelation we are receiving then ask God if there is more. some people complain that general conference or church repeats the same topics and talks all the time, year after year. i just think to myself that if we really kept and followed faithfully the simple doctrines that are always taught, we wouldn't have as great of a need to repeat the same things over and over, and we could hear some deeper things... but that is not the mind or will of God. line upon line, precept on precept. in our own lives, we can receive far more than we already have when we act on the things we already know and believe and have been given.
december.5
ether 3: 17 - 28
what blessings have you seen in your life because of your faith?
--> i once made a list of blessings i've seen in my life, or things that i do, because of my faith. it was an extensive list, and not comprehensive, but i posted it on my personal blog a while back. here is the link, if you are interested to read it.
what blessings have you seen in your life because of your faith?
--> i once made a list of blessings i've seen in my life, or things that i do, because of my faith. it was an extensive list, and not comprehensive, but i posted it on my personal blog a while back. here is the link, if you are interested to read it.
december.4
ether 3: 1 - 16
--> why do you think it is important for us to recognize our dependence on the Lord when we ask for His help?
--> i think we all have righteous desires in our hearts, but we also need trust in the Lord that we are headed the right direction. we can do nothing without Him. we need Him every moment of every day. when we ask for His help, we are showing humility.
i love verse 5 in this passage: "behold, o Lord, thou canst do this. we know that thou are able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men." God is great. His power is great. His love is greater. and He wants to help us. we simply have to submit and come to Him.
--> why do you think it is important for us to recognize our dependence on the Lord when we ask for His help?
--> i think we all have righteous desires in our hearts, but we also need trust in the Lord that we are headed the right direction. we can do nothing without Him. we need Him every moment of every day. when we ask for His help, we are showing humility.
i love verse 5 in this passage: "behold, o Lord, thou canst do this. we know that thou are able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men." God is great. His power is great. His love is greater. and He wants to help us. we simply have to submit and come to Him.
december.3
ether 2: 13 - 25
the brother of jared asked the Lord questions concerning air, steering the boat and light. what were the different ways the Lord answered his prayers and what are the ways the Lord answers your prayers?
--> to the first request, the Lord said, "go to work and build." so they did, just as they had done in the past. the second prayer, the Lord told him exactly what to do to solve the problem they were praying about. the third time, the Lord offered a few ways that wouldn't work, then asked the brother of jared to propose a solution (again, proving that he trusts us). i honestly don't think it would've mattered what the brother of jared proposed... the Lord would've made it work, because of his faith. He gives us opportunities to learn and grow for ourselves.
the brother of jared asked the Lord questions concerning air, steering the boat and light. what were the different ways the Lord answered his prayers and what are the ways the Lord answers your prayers?
--> to the first request, the Lord said, "go to work and build." so they did, just as they had done in the past. the second prayer, the Lord told him exactly what to do to solve the problem they were praying about. the third time, the Lord offered a few ways that wouldn't work, then asked the brother of jared to propose a solution (again, proving that he trusts us). i honestly don't think it would've mattered what the brother of jared proposed... the Lord would've made it work, because of his faith. He gives us opportunities to learn and grow for ourselves.
december.2
ether 2: 1 - 12
when have you followed a spiritual prompting and then received further direction from God? why do you think we sometimes need to respond to a spiritual prompting before we can receive additional revelation?
--> because God trusts us. He trusts us to make good decisions and use the gift of the Holy Ghost that we have been given to aide us in that resolve. rarely in my life have i received answers while i'm kneeling down in prayer. the answers always come when i've made a decision and have gone a certain direction, THEN the confirmations come. THEN things fall into place. THEN the peace comes. of all the things i have a testimony of, this is one of the strongest... that God will never let us go down the wrong path for too long. but He does trust us to make up our mind and start walking.
when have you followed a spiritual prompting and then received further direction from God? why do you think we sometimes need to respond to a spiritual prompting before we can receive additional revelation?
--> because God trusts us. He trusts us to make good decisions and use the gift of the Holy Ghost that we have been given to aide us in that resolve. rarely in my life have i received answers while i'm kneeling down in prayer. the answers always come when i've made a decision and have gone a certain direction, THEN the confirmations come. THEN things fall into place. THEN the peace comes. of all the things i have a testimony of, this is one of the strongest... that God will never let us go down the wrong path for too long. but He does trust us to make up our mind and start walking.
december.1
ether 1: 1 - 43
what principles can we learn from the way the brother of jared prayed and the way the Lord answered his prayers?
--> i have a strong testimony of the power of specific prayer. i've seen it bless and influence my life time and time again. i think i really gained a testimony of this on my mission. but it has continued to amaze me since how specific the Lord can be when we are specific with Him. the brother of jared is a great example of praying for specific things. and what he prayed for was given to him. case in point.
what principles can we learn from the way the brother of jared prayed and the way the Lord answered his prayers?
--> i have a strong testimony of the power of specific prayer. i've seen it bless and influence my life time and time again. i think i really gained a testimony of this on my mission. but it has continued to amaze me since how specific the Lord can be when we are specific with Him. the brother of jared is a great example of praying for specific things. and what he prayed for was given to him. case in point.
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