Because the Savior loves you and has given His life for you, you can repent. Repentance is an act of faith in Jesus Christ. Read Moroni 10:32-33, the book of Enos, and the section on repentance in For the Strength of Youth. The Savior's atoning sacrifice has made it possible for you to be forgiven of your sins. Read the sacrament prayers in Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. Determine to partake worthily of the sacrament each week and fill your life with virtuous activities that will bring spiritual power. As you do this, you will grow stronger in your ability to resist temptation, keep the commandments, and become more like Jesus Christ. Determine what you can do daily to remain pure and worthy, and write your plan in your journal.
I am touched by Enos. Obviously he had incredible faith as he wrestled with the Spirit and was forgiven of his sins. I remembered that he then prayed for his brethren.
I had never before been struck however, about his prayers that the Nephite records would someday be brought to the Lamanites, so that they might also be saved. Enos did not live to see that prayer answered, but we have seen it. Not only later in the Book of Mormon, but also through the efforts of latter-day missionaries.
As part of fulfilling this value experience, I re-commit myself to setting aside time each day to study the scriptures. I became too lax over the summer and the bad habit has spilled over. From experience, I already know that regular scripture study helps me resist temptation and keep the commandments. I also know that I more easily recognize the whisperings of the Spirit in my daily life.
Showing posts with label Book of Mormon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book of Mormon. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Individual Worth Value Experience #1
You are a daughter of Heavenly Father, who knows you and loves you. Read Psalm 8:4-6; Jeremiah 1:5; John 13:34; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10; Abraham 3:22-23; Joseph Smith-History 1:1-20. Write in your journal how these scriptures teach you that Heavenly Father knows you, loves you, and is mindful of you.
(Original journal record is on May 12, 2010-no idea how I never posted it before!)
I have had experiences in my life while reading a particular scripture, I was hit with such force and clarity that prayers were answered, undeniably. That this is possible and to have feelings of love from Heavenly Father as I study is evidence to me that He loves me, knows me, and is mindful of me, and the things I face.
These scriptures are beautiful reminders that He loves each of us, knows each of us.
(Original journal record is on May 12, 2010-no idea how I never posted it before!)
I have had experiences in my life while reading a particular scripture, I was hit with such force and clarity that prayers were answered, undeniably. That this is possible and to have feelings of love from Heavenly Father as I study is evidence to me that He loves me, knows me, and is mindful of me, and the things I face.
These scriptures are beautiful reminders that He loves each of us, knows each of us.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Virtue Project
The Savior chose to live a virtuous life. Follow His admonition to "learn of me" (D&C 19:23) by reading the entire Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Liken the scriptures to your life and circumstances. As you read, record your thoughts regularly in your journal. Note the example of the Savior. What did He and those who followed Him do to live virtuous lives? At the completion of your reading, record your testimony.
"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Joseph Smith, in introduction to the Book of Mormon).
As I completed the Book of Mormon last week, I was not overcome with a sense of truthfulness of the scripture. I had instead, a small inkling of peace that I already knew; I had already known it was true. As I thought about this small inkling, I wondered if that was really what I was feeling.
But as I knelt in prayer about my testimony of its truth, I felt the Spirit's confirmation that the feelings I had when I finished were true. I had already known of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. A testimony I gained many years ago through a period of diligent study.
My feelings are not one of overwhelming joy at its truth, but an absolute quiet peace - a peace that I can only compare to time spent in the temple. How grateful I am.
As I type what I wrote in my journal, I feel that peace again and bear that testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I am by nature, a private person (all evidence to the contrary). I began this blog for myself because as I write about my experiences, the things I learn are clarified in my mind and strengthened in my heart. I also like the ability to link to other things I've learned on the same topic. I realize that others may read this and wonder at my sincerity or why I post it for all to see. I post these things for me, and maybe my daughter will find support in them when she begins this same journey; but I don't keep them private either. The growth of a testimony can be a miraculous thing and I think it is important that we realize that it doesn't come all at once. We forget all too often that this life is a journey and we are learning all along the way.
"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Joseph Smith, in introduction to the Book of Mormon).
As I completed the Book of Mormon last week, I was not overcome with a sense of truthfulness of the scripture. I had instead, a small inkling of peace that I already knew; I had already known it was true. As I thought about this small inkling, I wondered if that was really what I was feeling.
But as I knelt in prayer about my testimony of its truth, I felt the Spirit's confirmation that the feelings I had when I finished were true. I had already known of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. A testimony I gained many years ago through a period of diligent study.
My feelings are not one of overwhelming joy at its truth, but an absolute quiet peace - a peace that I can only compare to time spent in the temple. How grateful I am.
As I type what I wrote in my journal, I feel that peace again and bear that testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I am by nature, a private person (all evidence to the contrary). I began this blog for myself because as I write about my experiences, the things I learn are clarified in my mind and strengthened in my heart. I also like the ability to link to other things I've learned on the same topic. I realize that others may read this and wonder at my sincerity or why I post it for all to see. I post these things for me, and maybe my daughter will find support in them when she begins this same journey; but I don't keep them private either. The growth of a testimony can be a miraculous thing and I think it is important that we realize that it doesn't come all at once. We forget all too often that this life is a journey and we are learning all along the way.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
For the Strength of Youth - Going Forward with Faith
Read about this standard here.
Much of what I've learned about going forward with faith I will link to my post about Faith, value experience #1, as I ended up writing about both of these things in the same entry as my journal. But another thought came to me as I was reading the Book of Mormon this morning. As part of working on the Virtue Project, I have been trying to liken the scriptures to myself, and gain greater understanding and meaning from the Book of Mormon in my life.
I started reading this morning about when Christ visited the Nephites (begins in 3 Nephi 11). I was struck by 3 Nephi 12:45: ". . .for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good." This reminds me that we are ALL His children and He loves us all.
Each of us here were righteous in heaven - we each made a righteous decision and He wants us to follow Him so that we can return! We need to help our brothers and sisters along the way.
I know it can seem overwhelming in our busy, hectic and often troubled lives, but we are meant to help each other. The great thing? This light is naturally already a part of us - we just need to give it a small part of our time and it expands and we suddenly realize that we can be there for others and when we are, we have greater joy. Everything falls neatly into place as though that is where it always belonged.
Much of what I've learned about going forward with faith I will link to my post about Faith, value experience #1, as I ended up writing about both of these things in the same entry as my journal. But another thought came to me as I was reading the Book of Mormon this morning. As part of working on the Virtue Project, I have been trying to liken the scriptures to myself, and gain greater understanding and meaning from the Book of Mormon in my life.
I started reading this morning about when Christ visited the Nephites (begins in 3 Nephi 11). I was struck by 3 Nephi 12:45: ". . .for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good." This reminds me that we are ALL His children and He loves us all.
Each of us here were righteous in heaven - we each made a righteous decision and He wants us to follow Him so that we can return! We need to help our brothers and sisters along the way.
I know it can seem overwhelming in our busy, hectic and often troubled lives, but we are meant to help each other. The great thing? This light is naturally already a part of us - we just need to give it a small part of our time and it expands and we suddenly realize that we can be there for others and when we are, we have greater joy. Everything falls neatly into place as though that is where it always belonged.
Faith Value Experience 1
The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Learn about faith from the scriptures and living prophets. Read Hebrews 11; Alma 32:17-43; Ether 12:6-22; and Joseph Smith-History 1:11-20. Read two general conference talks on faith. Exercise your own faith by establishing a habit of prayer in your life. Begin by regularly saying your morning and evening prayers. After three weeks of following this pattern, discuss with a parent or leader what you have learned about faith and how daily personal prayer has strengthened your faith. In your journal express your feelings about faith and prayer.
The talks from general conference I chose are: President Thomas S. Monson, Come Unto Him in Prayer and Faith (not actually from general conference, but it is from the Prophet, so I counted it); and Elder David A. Bednar, Ask in Faith.
As we make personal prayer a habit - a priority, we turn to our Heavenly Father throughout the day. Our thoughts turn to him more easily. Then He is able to strengthn our faith, in confirmations that cannot be denied come from Him. I tried to take my prayers to a different level, and to listen more during my prayers. I found myself praying more specifically about blessings and about particular needs - of mine and family members. Specifics I had not considered before.
I also found, that while I have kept a brisk pace at reading the Book of Mormon this time around, I had not focused a lot on likening the scriptures to myself. I found that as I have kept this little prayer in my heart, I have been blessed with greater inspiration in those pages. Things I need to learn, things I need to remember.
Many friends, mostly from work, marveled at my attitude and excitement in moving our family away to further David's education. A couple of them even went so far as to suggest I stay in Utah with the kids for 27 months while he finished school. This thought was so foreign to me I couldn't even wrap my mind around it. When I said to my friend that surely, if she were in the same situation she would not separate her family. She assured me that she most certainly would.
My cheerfulness about his stage in our lives brought about so many comments that I've thought a bit about it. Should I be feeling like I've been gypped and am going through a terrible sacrifice? I don't think so. On the contrary, I feel very blessed.
So what is it exactly? Is it just some gift, some added blessing? Well certainly it is an added blessing, but my point is this: it is not just something that was already a part of me, waiting to bloom at the right time. My key to finding joy in the journey is this: pray about the decisions you make in your life. When you have a confirmation that you are doing what the Lord would have you to, it is easy. Not that life is suddenly a breeze, but you have the strength to do what is needed because you not only know you aren't alone - you know you won't be left alone. And if you make prayer and scriptures a priority in your life, your day can be filled with moments of comfort, joy, strength, and faith. What you need when you need it.
The talks from general conference I chose are: President Thomas S. Monson, Come Unto Him in Prayer and Faith (not actually from general conference, but it is from the Prophet, so I counted it); and Elder David A. Bednar, Ask in Faith.
As we make personal prayer a habit - a priority, we turn to our Heavenly Father throughout the day. Our thoughts turn to him more easily. Then He is able to strengthn our faith, in confirmations that cannot be denied come from Him. I tried to take my prayers to a different level, and to listen more during my prayers. I found myself praying more specifically about blessings and about particular needs - of mine and family members. Specifics I had not considered before.
I also found, that while I have kept a brisk pace at reading the Book of Mormon this time around, I had not focused a lot on likening the scriptures to myself. I found that as I have kept this little prayer in my heart, I have been blessed with greater inspiration in those pages. Things I need to learn, things I need to remember.
Many friends, mostly from work, marveled at my attitude and excitement in moving our family away to further David's education. A couple of them even went so far as to suggest I stay in Utah with the kids for 27 months while he finished school. This thought was so foreign to me I couldn't even wrap my mind around it. When I said to my friend that surely, if she were in the same situation she would not separate her family. She assured me that she most certainly would.
My cheerfulness about his stage in our lives brought about so many comments that I've thought a bit about it. Should I be feeling like I've been gypped and am going through a terrible sacrifice? I don't think so. On the contrary, I feel very blessed.
So what is it exactly? Is it just some gift, some added blessing? Well certainly it is an added blessing, but my point is this: it is not just something that was already a part of me, waiting to bloom at the right time. My key to finding joy in the journey is this: pray about the decisions you make in your life. When you have a confirmation that you are doing what the Lord would have you to, it is easy. Not that life is suddenly a breeze, but you have the strength to do what is needed because you not only know you aren't alone - you know you won't be left alone. And if you make prayer and scriptures a priority in your life, your day can be filled with moments of comfort, joy, strength, and faith. What you need when you need it.
For the Strenth of Youth - Service to Others
Read about this standard here.
Yesterday started out as a really crummy day. I had slept horribly and wandered around with a terrible headache.
In my all-around gloominess, I became increasingly sad and I could not shake it. I felt uplifted when I read the Book of Mormon that morning, but by the time everyone was up and out the door to school, I could not shake this feeling. In my cloudy stupor, I became convinced that David had done something I should be upset about. Oh, what our family puts up with!
Each time I thought about confronting him, I felt like I should not. The more I tried to listen to that guidance, the more sulky I became.
Before long, David had to run an errand and once he left I was quite distraught. I knelt in prayer for strength. I didn't feel much better, but felt like I needed to call a certain sister in our ward and offer my assistance. I really did not feel up to this. Further, I was pretty sure she would not need my assistance, but I continued to feel impressed to call her.
So. . .finally. . .I put myself aside and called her up. I offered my assistance, she assured me she was taken care of, we spoke for a few short minutes, and that was that.
I was quite surprised at the miracle that occured in me however. I felt lighter than air! No more worries consumed me!
When I was grabbing the phone to call her, I noticed a book I had placed on the bookshelf the day before. It is a short little book called "The Remarkable Soul of a Woman" adapted from a talk that President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave at the general Relief Society meeting on September 27, 2008 entitled Happiness, Your Heritage. I had not quite finished reading it, and failed to see how it could possibly cheer me up, but grabbed it anyways and then made my phone call.
Sitting there, post phone call, lighter than air, I picked up the book and within a page or two read this by President Lorenzo Snow, "When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everthing seems illuminated."
This little miracle is certainly what happened to me yesterday and I am so grateful. As a side note, not long after this experience, David received news that caused him to have a long and stress-filled day. I am so grateful for that still small voice that earlier told me to hold my tongue. I was able to be the support I needed to be, instead of being the start of what turned out to be a crummy day for him.
Yesterday started out as a really crummy day. I had slept horribly and wandered around with a terrible headache.
In my all-around gloominess, I became increasingly sad and I could not shake it. I felt uplifted when I read the Book of Mormon that morning, but by the time everyone was up and out the door to school, I could not shake this feeling. In my cloudy stupor, I became convinced that David had done something I should be upset about. Oh, what our family puts up with!
Each time I thought about confronting him, I felt like I should not. The more I tried to listen to that guidance, the more sulky I became.
Before long, David had to run an errand and once he left I was quite distraught. I knelt in prayer for strength. I didn't feel much better, but felt like I needed to call a certain sister in our ward and offer my assistance. I really did not feel up to this. Further, I was pretty sure she would not need my assistance, but I continued to feel impressed to call her.
So. . .finally. . .I put myself aside and called her up. I offered my assistance, she assured me she was taken care of, we spoke for a few short minutes, and that was that.
I was quite surprised at the miracle that occured in me however. I felt lighter than air! No more worries consumed me!
When I was grabbing the phone to call her, I noticed a book I had placed on the bookshelf the day before. It is a short little book called "The Remarkable Soul of a Woman" adapted from a talk that President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave at the general Relief Society meeting on September 27, 2008 entitled Happiness, Your Heritage. I had not quite finished reading it, and failed to see how it could possibly cheer me up, but grabbed it anyways and then made my phone call.
Sitting there, post phone call, lighter than air, I picked up the book and within a page or two read this by President Lorenzo Snow, "When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everthing seems illuminated."
This little miracle is certainly what happened to me yesterday and I am so grateful. As a side note, not long after this experience, David received news that caused him to have a long and stress-filled day. I am so grateful for that still small voice that earlier told me to hold my tongue. I was able to be the support I needed to be, instead of being the start of what turned out to be a crummy day for him.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Choice and Accountability - Value Experience 1
A daughter of God can make wise decisions and solve problems. Read 1 Nephi 15:8; 2 Nephi 32:3; Alma 34:19-27; Ether 2 and Ether 3; and Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-9. Follow a pattern of regular scripture study and prayer to receive help in making personal decisions such as choosing good friends, being kind to others, getting up on time, or other decisions. Discuss with a parent or leader how regular scripture study and prayer helped you make correct decisions.
I had determined to make scripture study a regualr part of my day again early last October. Then, in November we were challenged by the Stake Relief Society Presidency to read the Book of Mormon by the end of April as the R.S. encouraged the sisters to follow the example of the YW and the Value of Virtue. So I started over. Again. . .but I've stayed with it this time.
I find that if I begin my day with a purpose - namely. . .reading the Book of Mormon, everything else falls into place. Instead of waking up and facing the tasks of the household with drudgery, I face them, not with joy necessarily - but resolve without resentment because I know the order I bring to the house brings joy later. I cannot function when my realm of responsibility is in chaos. When those things are in order, I can handle with patience all of the craziness that is part of our lives after that 4:00 hour. Homework, dinner, playtime, children's household responsibilities (I could write a whole entry on how much easier life would be if I didn't have to teach my children to work), and all of the personalities and moods that accompany all of that.
I was touched when I read Ether chapter 2 with the required reading for this value experience. The Brother of Jared being provided with needed knowledge through continued prayer hit close to home for me in our current "grad student with a family of six" situation.
A little while ago, I started to write down blessings that I can recognize coming to us during this sometimes uncertain time in our lives. At first, I hesitated to do so, as if the blessings were like secrets and if acknowledged, they would disappear. A bit silly and superstitious, I know.
I decided I would much rather be able to look back and remember those blessings than forget. As a result, I carry around with me a grateful heart. Not that I am as full of gratitude as I should be. I fall short a great deal and I know I'm missing being grateful about a good many things.
But I am so grateful for His watchful care over us. His love is SO evident. As much as I've recognized that in the last several months, it makes me wonder how much I've failed to recognize for so many years.
That is what regular prayer and scripture study have done for me. Made my often oblivious heart tender and able to better recognize and be grateful for the many blessings that are mine. . .because of Him.
I had determined to make scripture study a regualr part of my day again early last October. Then, in November we were challenged by the Stake Relief Society Presidency to read the Book of Mormon by the end of April as the R.S. encouraged the sisters to follow the example of the YW and the Value of Virtue. So I started over. Again. . .but I've stayed with it this time.
I find that if I begin my day with a purpose - namely. . .reading the Book of Mormon, everything else falls into place. Instead of waking up and facing the tasks of the household with drudgery, I face them, not with joy necessarily - but resolve without resentment because I know the order I bring to the house brings joy later. I cannot function when my realm of responsibility is in chaos. When those things are in order, I can handle with patience all of the craziness that is part of our lives after that 4:00 hour. Homework, dinner, playtime, children's household responsibilities (I could write a whole entry on how much easier life would be if I didn't have to teach my children to work), and all of the personalities and moods that accompany all of that.
I was touched when I read Ether chapter 2 with the required reading for this value experience. The Brother of Jared being provided with needed knowledge through continued prayer hit close to home for me in our current "grad student with a family of six" situation.
A little while ago, I started to write down blessings that I can recognize coming to us during this sometimes uncertain time in our lives. At first, I hesitated to do so, as if the blessings were like secrets and if acknowledged, they would disappear. A bit silly and superstitious, I know.
I decided I would much rather be able to look back and remember those blessings than forget. As a result, I carry around with me a grateful heart. Not that I am as full of gratitude as I should be. I fall short a great deal and I know I'm missing being grateful about a good many things.
But I am so grateful for His watchful care over us. His love is SO evident. As much as I've recognized that in the last several months, it makes me wonder how much I've failed to recognize for so many years.
That is what regular prayer and scripture study have done for me. Made my often oblivious heart tender and able to better recognize and be grateful for the many blessings that are mine. . .because of Him.
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