It was the best of times; It was the worst of times...

This scripture is in my top 10 favorites:
1 Nephi 1:20

The bad part.....
And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away.



The good part....
But behold, 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.

Another Book of Mormon message

As I have stated in a previous post, if I could sum up the Book of Mormon in just one word, it would be remember. Since I have recently finished reading the Book of Mormon and am now starting at the beginning again, another word has struck me. That word is mercy.

When I was reading in the last chapters of Moroni, I was struck by this part of a verse in the famous Moroni 10:3-5 scripture. This is part of Moroni 10:3:

Moroni 10:3
that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

Actually, interestingly enough, that verse also uses the word remember! Anyway, as I began the first chapter of 1 Nephi today, I see that this is how the Book of Mormon begins, too:

1 Nephi 1:14-15

14 And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!

15 And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord had shown unto him.

So I see that the Book of Mormon begins with mercy and ends with mercy.
I guess if you put these two words together, then the theme of this great book is "remember the mercy of Jesus Christ".

In reading further on, Nephi makes essentially this same statement:

1 Nephi 19:18 And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer.

Ten Steps to Greater Spirituality

In looking for the quote from Brigham Young in my previous post, I found this talk by Elder Joe J. Christensen. It is such a great talk, I thought I would include the reference in a separate post:
http://lds.org/ensign/1983/06/toward-greater-spirituality-ten-important-steps?lang=eng

Living beneath our privilieges

At times assignments can feel like burdens. Brethren, let us not pass through life immersed in the three Ws: wearied, worrying, and whining. We live beneath our privileges when we allow worldly anchors to keep us away from the abundant joy that comes from faithful and dedicated priesthood service, especially within the walls of our own homes. We live beneath our privileges when we fail to partake of the feast of happiness, peace, and joy that God grants so bountifully to faithful priesthood servants.

This is from the general conference address that Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave in the priesthood session (April 2011, Your Potential, Your Privilege). Though he was talking about priesthood service, I think it is is a relevant message for all of us.

He tells this story which really illustrates the point of living beneath our privileges:

There once was a man whose lifelong dream was to board a cruise ship and sail the Mediterranean Sea. He dreamed of walking the streets of Rome, Athens, and Istanbul. He saved every penny until he had enough for his passage. Since money was tight, he brought an extra suitcase filled with cans of beans, boxes of crackers, and bags of powdered lemonade, and that is what he lived on every day.

He would have loved to take part in the many activities offered on the ship—working out in the gym, playing miniature golf, and swimming in the pool. He envied those who went to movies, shows, and cultural presentations. And, oh, how he yearned for only a taste of the amazing food he saw on the ship—every meal appeared to be a feast! But the man wanted to spend so very little money that he didn’t participate in any of these. He was able to see the cities he had longed to visit, but for the most part of the journey, he stayed in his cabin and ate only his humble food.

On the last day of the cruise, a crew member asked him which of the farewell parties he would be attending. It was then that the man learned that not only the farewell party but almost everything on board the cruise ship—the food, the entertainment, all the activities—had been included in the price of his ticket. Too late the man realized that he had been living far beneath his privileges.

Wow, this is a great talk. Here is another jewel:

As you read the scriptures and listen to the words of the prophets with all your heart and mind, the Lord will tell you how to live up to your priesthood privileges. Don’t let a day go by without doing something to act on the promptings of the Spirit.

His talk reminds me of what Brigham Young said on the topic of living beneath our privileges:

“There is no doubt, if a person lives according to the revelations given to God’s people, he may have the Spirit of the Lord to signify to him his will, and to guide and to direct him in the discharge of his duties, in his temporal as well as his spiritual exercises. I am satisfied, however, that in this respect, we live far beneath our privileges.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. and arr. by John A. Widtsoe, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1973, p. 32; emphasis added.)

Faith, Hope, and Charity

I am reading Steve E. Snow's general conference address on Hope. This is a quote from Russell M. Nelson that he used in his message:

“faith is rooted in Jesus Christ. Hope centers in the Atonement. Charity is manifest in the ‘pure love of Christ.’ These three attributes are intertwined like strands in a cable and may not always be precisely distinguished. Together they become our tether to the celestial kingdom” (“A More Excellent Hope,” Ensign, Feb. 1997, 61).

Here is a story he told:

In 1851, Mary Murray Murdoch joined the Church in Scotland as a widow at age 67. A small woman at four feet seven inches (1.2 m) tall and barely 90 pounds (41 kg), she bore eight children, six of whom lived to maturity. Because of her size, her children and grandchildren affectionately called her “Wee Granny.”

Her son John Murdoch and his wife joined the Church and left for Utah in 1852 with their two small children. In spite of his family’s own hardships, four years later John sent his mother the necessary funds so she might join the family in Salt Lake City. With a hope much greater than her small size, Mary began the arduous journey west to Utah at age 73.

After a safe passage across the Atlantic, she ultimately joined the ill-fated Martin handcart company. On July 28 these handcart pioneers began the journey west. The suffering of this company is well known. Of the 576 members of the party, almost one-fourth died before they reached Utah. More would have perished if not for the rescue effort organized by President Brigham Young, who sent wagons and supplies to find the stranded, snowbound Saints.

Mary Murdoch died on October 2, 1856, near Chimney Rock, Nebraska. Here she succumbed to fatigue, exposure, and the hardships of the journey. Her frail body simply gave out under the physical hardships the Saints encountered. As she lay clinging to life, her thoughts were of her family in Utah. The last words of this faithful pioneer woman were “Tell John I died with my face toward Zion.” (See Kenneth W. Merrell, Scottish Shepherd: The Life and Times of John Murray Murdoch, Utah Pioneer [2006], 34, 39, 54, 77, 94–97, 103, 112–13, 115.)

Jesus noticed.

Mark 12: 41-44

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Luke 21:1-4

1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

This is such a great story, but the aspect of it that I have been particularly thinking about is that Jesus noticed her. She was of little consequence but Jesus knew her and her sacrifice. Jesus noticed her.


Mark 10:18-22

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

This is a great story too. The aspect of it that I am thinking about is that this person was trying hard to check off all the outward requirements off his list but still had a great deal to do inwardly. No matter. Jesus chastened him a little, but before that, it takes care to mention that Jesus loved him. Even with our flaws, Jesus loves us. He knows what is going on inside whether or not it is evident to others. When it looks like we are doing what's right outwardly, He still knows what our faults are, and loves us.

Jesus noticed.

Weeping is a gift...

So, last night as I was crying at Courtney's choir concert and Casey was laughing at me for doing so, it made me remember an article that I had read in the Ensign a few years back. The article was called "Quick to Observe" and it was by Elder David A. Bednar.(http://lds.org/liahona/2006/12/quick-to-observe?lang=eng) The thing that stood out to me was a quote he included in the article from Elder Marvin J. Ashton. This is what he said that got my attention:

Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.

Anyone that knows me will know why this stood out to me. I had never considered crying as a spiritual gift. Wow- not only do I possess this gift, but I am very good at it! I am the best at this gift of anything else that I do in this life! What a good joke on me! Throughout my life I was thinking that my ability to cry was an affliction, and it turns out that it is a spiritual gift, and, according to Marvin J. Ashton, an important one!

…let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.

Who knew? I am officially "gifted"! Don't hate me because I am more gifted than you!

Studying The Book of Mormon is like exploring a castle...

For me, the Book of Mormon is like a vast mansion with gardens, towers, courtyards, and wings. My tour of it has never been completed. Some rooms I have yet to enter, and there are more felicitous fireplaces waiting to warm me. Even the rooms I have glimpsed contained further furnishings and rich detail yet to be savored. There are panels inlaid with incredible insights, and design and décor dating from eden. There are even sumptuous banquet tables painstakingly prepared by predecessors which await all of us. Yet we as church members sometimes behave like hurried tourists, scarcely venturing beyond the entry hall.

This is a quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell (Book of Mormon Symposium, 10 October 1986)

Here's a scripture that never gets old...

Couldn't you read this over and over and feel the same great Spirit from it everytime?

Me, too.

Moroni 10:3-5

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

When was the last time you pondered how merciful the Lord has been to His children from the creation of Adam? When I read that, it fills me with such a spirit of gratitude to God for His kindnes and tender mercies.

Hard and Harder

Doing what is right is hard, but doing what is wrong is even harder. This is the message I take from the Gospel messages I have read today.

I first started with a talk from General Conference this past April by Russell M. Nelson, entitled "Face the Future with Faith". Here is a quote from it:

Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution.” 12 That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.

How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. As you walk in the Lord’s path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people.

He goes on to say:

Your rewards come not only hereafter. Many blessings will be yours in this life, among your children and grandchildren. You faithful Saints do not have to fight life’s battles alone. Think of that! The Lord declared, “I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” 17 Later came this promise to His faithful people: “I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children’s battles, and their children’s children’s, … to the third and fourth generation.”

Life is hard but we have the help of God and His angels when we obey His commandments and have faith.

Here is what life is like without that help:

Ether 15:

6 And it came to pass that the people repented not of their iniquity;
16 And it came to pass that when it was night they were weary, and retired to their camps; and after they had retired to their camps they took up a howling and a alamentation for the loss of the slain of their people; and so great were their cries, their howlings and lamentations, that they did rend the air exceedingly.

17 And it came to pass that on the morrow they did go again to battle, and great and terrible was that day; nevertheless, they conquered not, and when the night came again they did rend the air with their cries, and their howlings, and their mournings, for the loss of the slain of their people.

That would be, quite simply, a miserable existence. What a true waste of this life!

Life is hard; nobody gets out alive! I end the way I started. My take-home lesson today is that life is hard and very challenging. When we try hard to obey the commandments and have faith, the Lord has promised to fight our battles with us and bear us up. If we choose not to follow the commandments, we fight our own battles and life becomes infinitely harder and miserable.

One more favorite scripture: Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Struggle, Strength, and Faith

I am reading in Ether 12. It is interesting to read that Moroni knew that he was supposed to keep the record. I believe that he wrote it in a language that was not his native language. He writes about how awkward it is to write in the record this way. He knows what he has been commanded to do, and he knows that the Lord has promised that the record will come forth to the Lamanites at a future time. I see Moroni struggling to see that what he is doing is going to be enough to accomplish what the Lord has in mind.

He feels weak. In Ether 12, Moroni talks about faith. Then he talks about weakness. Sometimes it takes faith to keep going when you feel what you are doing isn't enough.

Ether 12:22-28
22 And it is by faith that my fathers have obtained the promise that these things should come unto their brethren through the Gentiles; therefore the Lord hath commanded me, yea, even Jesus Christ.

23 And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing; for thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them;

24 And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them.

25 Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words.

26 And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools bmock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.

Jesus tries to show us over and over again, that if we have the Spirit with us, and follow it's promptings, whatever He commands us to do will be enough.

Here are a couple scriptures that speak to this:

Ether 12:27
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

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 the 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.

Doctrine and Covenants 50:16

16 Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto you; he that is weak among you hereafter shall be made strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Doctrine and Covenants 35:13

13 Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit;

2 Corinthians 12:9

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:19

19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—

Alma 37:6

6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

It is like that little baby chicken trying to hatch out of it's egg. It is hard and the little chick struggles and, at times, looks like he won't make it. Trying to get out of the shell makes the chick stronger. If someone helps the chick, the chick isn't strong enough to survive when it gets out. The struggle is what makes us strong.

Faith is needed so that we can believe that in our weakness, the Lord can take our offering and make us stronger and make our offering great.