Book of Mormon Reading: Helaman 9-10

Even in the midst of evil, of wickedness, of disbelief, God will uphold those who, with unwavering faith and obedience follow and testify of Him.

Book of Mormon Reading: Helaman 6-8

More so than any other time I have read the Book of Mormon, I have noticed the teaching and the doctrine of the gathering of Israel. It is as real. It is a global and spiritual as it is personal and temporal.

In his October 2006 General Conference talk, then Elder Russell M. Nelson said,

The Book of Mormon is central to this work. It declares the doctrine of the gathering. It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel, and to join His Church. In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, the promised gathering of Israel would not occur.

Here's how the scattering and the gathering is real to me.

Scattering is when I send my children out to serve full time missions to Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia- - -

Gathering is when those dear children of mine preach and invite and baptize those who are eager to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sin is a form scattering. Sin scatters us abroad, like chaff in the wind.

Repentance is a form of gathering. Repentance gathers us together in Christ.

And as President Nelson says

 . . . Gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it. You can be a big part of something big, something grand, something majestic!

Book of Mormon Reading: Helaman 3-5

Something in my reading to day stuck out to me: the teaching of the the word of God during this wicked time in Nephite history, began in the city of Bountiful.

Bountiful was were the temple stood. It is where the Savior appeared and taught and blessed and instituted the sacrament among the Nephites following His resurrection.

This has made me think me deeply of the power of God's word and the power of our temple covenants.

And how I can invite others to come unto Him.

Book of Mormon Reading: Helaman 1-2

The story of Coriantumr is a metaphor of the evils that attack the family. Because he supposed that their greatest strength was in the center of their land, he marched right through and did a lot of damage.

When this was discovered, Moronihah strengthened his forces, leaving his strongholds on the outsides and bringing Lehi's army to the center.

Gosh, this sounds a whole lot like a home-centered, Church-supported approach to gospel living, learning, and teaching.

Bringing it to the center while supporting the surrounding strongholds.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 57-63

I am learning to learn from the war chapters in the Book of Mormon. Two things today:

First, I was very aware that Helaman saw the good. And in that good he saw God. He trusted that God would deliver his armies, even though they paled in comparison to their enemies.

Second, I LOVE that Mormon captured all sides of Captain Moroni, and I am speaking about the anger side of him that really comes out when he thinks Pahoran has turned on him. It's not so much that I love the anger in Moroni, but that even with his anger, Mormon chooses to highlight all the other strengths he possesses.

And, it was pointed out to me as well, that when we are angry, we make terrible negotiators.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 56

Because they have covenanted not to fight, not to pick up weapons of war, the covenant fathers of the people of Ammon took provisions to their warrior sons.

Fathers are providers.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World, teaches that "by divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families."

Heavenly Father is the Ultimate Provider.

He has provided the heavens and the earth.

He gave us the matchless gift of His divine Son.

He offers us all that He has as we keep our covenants and endure to the end.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 54-55

This part of the Nephite-Lamanite war tells of how Captain Moroni presents a tribute of wine to the Lamanite guards. When the guards are all drunken, he, in "profound silence" arms the Nephite prisoners, even (or, should I say, especially) the women and the children, with weapons of war.

This has made me think about our new directive of a home-centered, Church-supported approach to gospel living, learning, and teaching. Arming, if you will, families--men, women, and children--in their own homes, with the spiritual weapons necessary to combat the fiery darts of the adversary and the evils of this generation.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 52-53

Covenant keepers are true to God at all times, in all things, and in all places.

Covenant keepers keep God's commandments and walk uprightly before Him.

Covenant keepers are strengthened by those who keep their covenants.

Covenant keepers walk the covenant path and invite others to do the same.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 48-51

This is the cause of Christians:

to support liberty

to support lands

to support wives and husbands

to support children

to support peace

to live unto our Lord and God

I am a Christian

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 47

Lehonti died twice.

The first time was by compromising what he knew what was right.

The second time was because he was poisoned.

I'd rather die by being poisoned than by compromising what I know to be right.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 43-46

The difference between fighting the Lamanites, Zoramites/Amalekites, and Nephites was this:

The Lamanites had swords, cimeters, stones, and slings.

The Zoramites/Amalekites had swords, cimeters, stones, slings, and clothing.

The Nephites had swords, cimeters, stones, slings, breastplates, arm shields, head plates, and thick clothing.

But most significantly, the Nephites had taken upon the the most important piece of battle armor. They had taken upon them the name of Christ.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 39-42

Alma's conversation with Corianton is instructive. It teaches me how to better have conversations with my children.

First, the essence of Alma's conversation with his son Corianton is to teach him about God's Plan. In his October 1993 General Conference talk, Elder Russell M. Nelson listed the different names for God's Plan:

The Plan of Salvation

The Plan of Redemption

The Plan of Restoration

The Plan of Mercy

The Plan of Deliverance

The Everlasting Gospel

Thus, teaching God's Plan to my children is a prerequisite to teaching them to obey His commandments.

Second, Alma uses scriptures stories and family history stories to adequately answer Corianton's questions. Research has found that sharing family narratives strengthens bonds and increases resilience in family members.

Finally, and most importantly, Alma directs Corianton to face the Lord, to seek His guidance, and to follow His law. President Nelson said it like this:

Facing upward is crucial for successful parenting. Families deserve guidance from heaven. Parents cannot counsel children adequately from personal experience, fear, or sympathy. But when parents face children as would the Creator who gave them life, parents will be endowed with wisdom beyond that of their own. Wise mothers and fathers will teach members of their family how to make personal decisions based upon divine law. They will teach them that “this life is the time … to prepare to meet God.” They will teach them that decisions of a moral and spiritual character cannot be based on freedom to choose without accountability to God for those choices. With that understanding, parents and children will be rewarded with strength of character, peace of mind, joy, and rejoicing in their posterity.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 38

Here are my thoughts for today's reading:

Keep holding on.

Keep keeping on.

Even when obedient and diligent and faithful, trials will and do come. And they may not even be fair trials. But God is my Deliverer and what I am going through now will not last forever. Placing my trust in Him is the only way to make it through.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 36-37

In my reading, Alma begins his one-on-one conversations with his sons, starting with Helaman.

I was struck by this thought: "There is a special, divine connection that is made when a discussion or conversation is based on the Savior and in the true word of God."

It has made me understand that the most significant conversations I have are ones that are based in gospel truths. Whether that is with family, friends, or complete strangers.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 33-35

I have been pondering the story of Moses and the brazen serpent.

In Alma 33, Alma recounts the story and notes that "many did look and live," but few understood WHY. Why did looking allow them to live?

David A. Bednar teaches that the WHY of the gospel is answered in understanding the doctrine.

Boyd K. Packer taught that, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior."

Thus, as a friend pointed out to me, I can be very good at doing what I am supposed to, without knowing why I am supposed to be doing it.

It means that going through the motions is good . . .

But knowing why I am doing what I am doing takes me to a whole different level.

Which means, I need to study the doctrine because I want to be on that "whole different level."


Check out THIS awesome talk about doctrines and principles from Elder Bednar.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 32

Faith ≠ a perfect knowledge

Faith = hope for things that are true, but are not seen

Faith = work.

Faith takes work for faith and knowledge to grow.

Faith should grow before ever attaining a perfect knowledge.

Having a knowledge ≠ having a perfect knowledge.

Perfect knowledge = Eternal Life.

Eternal life = life that our Father in Heaven lives.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 30-31

Two principles stood out to me in these two chapters I read today: The influence of women and the power of the Word of God.

Korihor had a significant influence on women, "yea, leading many women . . . to commit whoredoms . . ." This was certainly a detriment to the people or Mormon would not have included it his writings.

President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, "When we save a girl, we save generations. No one can foretell the consequences of faithfulness in the life of a young woman."

And Satan knows that! He knows that very well.

He knows that disrupting the righteousness of one woman will effect righteous teaching in the home. And that, in turn, will disrupt generations.

Because anything that is anti-family is anti-Christ.

On the other hand, "the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."

Thus, instilling the virtue of the word of God in the hearts of our children and youth brings about the Hope of Israel. Zion's Army. Children of the Promised Day.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 28-29

O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

Alma the Younger wanted to be just like the missionary angel that changed his life and brought him back to God.

This makes me think of specific individuals in my life who have made a significant difference in my life.

One was my Young Women's President, Sis. Rochelle Williams. She was the very first returned sister missionary I had ever known. And because of her testimony of her full-time mission, I decided at 13 that that was exactly what I wanted to do.

Thank you, Sister Williams, for being my angel who changed my life and brought me closer to God.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 26-27

Today I got caught up in the word zeal.

The Lamanites turned Anti-Nephi-Lehies, now called the people of Ammon:

were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.

I have understood the word zeal to be more negative than positive, which, it can be if one has a zeal towards negative things. But today, I have pondered ways in which I can live my life so that I can be distinguished for my zeal towards God and also towards those around me.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 21-25

"He loveth our souls as well as He loveth our children" (Alma 24:14).

I love this statement made by Anti-Nephi-Lehi . . . not just because God's love is all encompassing, but because God loves us as a Perfect Parent.

He loves our souls AND He loves our children.

And that's saying a LOT!

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 19-20

It is amazing to me at what happens to the Lamanites once they exercised their faith in Jesus Christ, repented, and fully embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ. Very quickly, they changed their names to Anti-Nephi-Lehies, they began to be a very industrious people, they were friendly with the Nephites, and the curse of God did no more follow them

How could so much good happen in such a short amount of time because of one decision?

It made me think of what happens when a smoker quits smoking cold turkey:

Within 20 minutes
Blood pressure, pulse rate and the temperature of hands and feet return to normal.

Within 8 hours
Nicotine in bloodstream has fallen to 6.25% of normal peak daily levels, a 93.75% reduction.

Within 12 hours
Blood oxygen level increases to normal. Carbon monoxide levels drop to normal.

Within 24 hours
Anxieties peak in intensity and within two weeks will return to near pre-cessation levels.

Within 48 hours
Damaged nerve endings start to regrow; Sense of smell and taste begin to return to normal. Cessation anger and irritability will have peaked.

Within 72 hours
Entire body will test 100% nicotine-free.
Lung bronchial tubes leading to air sacs (alveoli) begin to relax in recovering smokers.
Breathing becomes easier and lungs' functional abilities are improving.

Within 2 weeks to 3 months
Heart attack risk begins to drop. Lung function noticeably improves.

Within 1 to 9 months
Smoking related sinus congestion, fatigue or shortness of breath decreases Cilia has regrown in trachea (windpipe), increasing the ability to sweep dirt and mucus out of lungs. Body's overall energy has increased.

Within 1 year
Excess risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke drop to less than half that of a smoker.

Within 5 to 15 years
Risk of stroke declines to that of a non-smoker.

What happens to us physically, also happens to us spiritually.

"Even as we feel godly sorrow for our actions, when we choose to repent, we immediately invite the Savior into our lives" -Dale G. Renlund (italics added).

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 16-18

Question: How can I be a better instrument in the Lord's hands?

Answer: Be patient in long-suffering and afflictions that you may show forth good examples unto them in Him, unto the salvation of many souls.

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 12-15

Alma 13 is one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon (Okay, I have a LOT of favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon)!

Today, as I read about the Melchizedek Priesthood, I realized that I need to make God's authority and power a priority in my life!

At first, I thought of the different priesthood ordinances that I bless my life on a regular basis, but then I began to ponder different ways I could give opportunities to the priesthood holders in my life to use their power and authority to bless me and those around them.

This pondering reminded me of an experience I had many years ago.

I visit taught a sister who lived a few houses from me. She was inactive and so was her husband. This woman was very spiritual and dearly loved her children.

One day she called me and shared with me something that was deeply troubling to her. She was very distraught and could not find peace. Of course, the first thing that came to my mind was that she needed to receive a priesthood blessing. Who could give her a blessing? I thought. The bishop? Her home teachers? My husband? I tried to think of some key brethren who could "make a difference" at such a crucial time in her life! I told her I would call her back.

As I searched my mind, the Spirit gently whispered that yes, she did need a blessing, but the person she needed to ask was her husband.

What? He's inactive.

Yet, the Spirit pressed. And the Spirit taught me.

Because I followed the teaching of the Holy Ghost, this dear woman did petition her husband for a blessing and received one.

* * *

God is the Ultimate Planner.

Long before we even came to earth, He took into consideration every. single. detail. of our probationary state.

Individually and collectively.

Even down to our Final Celebration.

God's plan offered us a probationary state. A time to choose. A time to make mistakes. A time to learn from those choices. And, a plan of redemption.

A plan that would bring to pass the resurrection of the dead.

And a plan of repentance.

To make right our wrong choices. To act in faith. And to accept His Son as the Redeemer of the World.

Lucifer, on the other hand, had no plan.

None.

Instead, he wanted to hijack and distort Father's plan, claiming that the details of our earthly lives could be resolved quite easily by merely taking away our agency.

Thus:

God = Preparation = Happiness

Lucifer = No preparation = misery

Giving more meaning to this statement: "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear."

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 7-11

The story of pre-repentant Zeezrom is a definite reminder of how subtle Satan is in trying to get us to deny Christ. With a insert of one little word, Zeezrom attempts to discount the Savior of the World and trick his people into thinking Amulek is a liar.

It has made me think of ways Satan subtly tries to lure me away from denying the Christ and trick others into doing the same.

It has made me appreciate, even more, President Nelson's invitation to the women and youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to fast from social media. In so doing, President Nelson asks:

What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives of the world that have been wounding your spirit? Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy? Have any of your priorities shifted—even just a little? I urge you to record and follow through with each impression.

* * *
On a completely different note, I found this dialogue between Amulek and Zeezrom a bit comical:

Zeezrom:  Will you answer the questions which I shall put unto you?

Amulek: Yea, if it be according to the Spirit of the Lord which is in me; for I will say nothing contrary to the Spirit of the Lord . . . thou child of hell. . .

Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 5-6

This past Sunday, our family discussion was based on parables of the Savior. Each family member was to read, then share and teach one parable found in the New Testament. My seven year old wanted to share and teach the allegory of the good shepherd.

So before we shared together as a family, she and I read it together and I had her teach to me what she knew and I shared a few things with her.

When we all gathered back together, here's essentially what she shared:

The good shepherd is Jesus. We are sheep. He lets us in the door. The door is the way back to him. And He holds open the door because He died for us.

Today, I read about the good shepherd in Alma 5. What impressed me the most is that even after He has already paid the price for me, for my sins, for my transgressions, for my afflictions, for my infirmities, He. Still. Calls. After. Me.

Still.

He calls, in His own name, which is the name of Christ. (Alma 5:38).

Do I know my name in Christ?

Book of Mormon Reading: Mosiah 29-Alma 4

Things that have always been:

1. God will work His power among the children of men.

2. Those who belong to the Church of God and take upon them the name of Christ are persecuted by those who don't.

3. Those who belong to the Church of God and have taken upon them the name of Christ, then have hardened their hearts against the Church withdraw themselves from the membership of the Church.

4. Those who withdraw themselves from the Church become a great trial to those who remain steadfast and immovable in God's Church.

5. The word of God will always be fulfilled.

Book of Mormon Reading: Mosiah 24-28

Do I give enough credit to God?

I mean, not just in the good times. Not just in times of prosperity. Not just in times of victory or celebration or deliverance.

But in those times when life seems bleak, dark, heavy, unfamiliar, or just plain hard.

Father Alma seemed to know how to give credit to God when his Alma-son (think Karate Kid) is being brought to him on a stretcher, helpless, paralyzed and in a coma, after having seen an angel during an earthquake.

What does Alma-son's father do? "His father rejoiced, for he knew that it was the power of God."

Do I see God's power in all things?

Do I see His power in the things that, for right now, to me, seem so paralyzing, so hopeless, surrounded by allegorical earthquakes?

Father Alma seemed to think so.

President Nelson seems to think so.

That's good enough for me.

Book of Mormon Reading: Mosiah 23

Now Alma, having been warned of the Lord that the armies of king Noah would come upon them, and having made it known to his people, therefore they gathered together their flocks, and took of their grain, and departed into the wilderness before the armies of king Noah (Mosiah 23:1).

This verse of scripture stood out to me today because it is very instructive of how the Lord works. First, instead of thwarting the armies that are coming to destroy, God warns Alma they are coming. Then, it is up to Alma to act. To lead. To teach. To protect.

Then, in leading his people to prepare for the armies of King Noah, Alma gathers together all things in one before departing.

There is power in acting when the Lord speaks.

There is power in gathering.

There is power in doing brand new things.

Thank you, President Nelson, for being like the prophet Alma.

Book of Mormon Reading: Mosiah 18-22

Sometimes I feel like Limhi, stuck in a bad, even hopeless situation because of my own doing.

And, like Limhi, I try so desperately to get out of the situation by doing the same things, using the same techniques over and over again. But, to no avail.

Not only do I not get ahead, I get pushed back. And that is so disheartening.

Frustrating.

Discouraging.

I am sure the Lord often shakes His head at my lame attempts.

"Try again," He surely must whisper. "Try again and ask for My help."

And I am learning that it sometimes takes a lot of digging for me to get down to the depths of humility necessary to call on Him for help.

And sometimes, He is slow (slower than I think He ought to be, at least) to hear my petition. But I know, I have always known, that He has heard and does hear my cries.

Always.

He hears my pleas.

He understands my heartfelt petitions.

Because when I take the time to be still--you know, the "be still" part so I can know that He is God?-- That's when I begin to recognize who He is and the power He has.

I am able to see the softening. The easing. The delivering.

I am able to feel of His love. His light. His way.

And whether it is after one week of pleading or 30 years of waiting and waiting and being still, I can add my witness to those who also know: God hears and answers prayers.

Book of Mormon Reading: Mosiah 13-17

"But I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to - - -" (Mosiah 13:27)

- - - withhold the priesthood from all worthy males (Declaration 2)

- - -  have seventies quorums in the stakes (GC October 1986).

- - - have local ward and stake members pay for the cost of building and maintenance  (GC April 1990).

- - - wait until 19 for young men;21 for young women to serve missions (GC April 2013).

- - - "home [teach] and visiting [teach] as we have known them. Instead, we will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others. We will refer to these efforts simply as 'ministering'" (GC April 2018).

- - - attend Church for three hours because "this adjustment [of ] . . . shortening the Sunday meetinghouse schedule . . . is being accomplished as a result of your faithfulness to previous invitations. [President Nelson] and the entire leadership of the Church desire to bring greater gospel joy—to parents, children, youth, singles, the elderly, new converts, and those people the missionaries are teaching—through a home-centered, Church-supported, balanced effort" (GC October 2018).

My dear friends, we are witnesses to the process of restoration. If you think the Church is fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning. There’s much more to come. Wait until next year, and then the next year. Eat your vitamins, get your rest. It’s going to be exciting! -President Russell M. Nelson

I agree, we are living in EXCITING times!