Alma 7

November 27, 2012

Alma 7

Verse 9

Alma is calling for the people to repent and prepare for the coming of the Savior. He is preparing them for the first coming of the Lord on the earth, but we today are being asked to do the same.  Now is the time to repent and prepare for the Second coming of the Lord.  I need to make some serious changes in my life so that I can prepare the path for the Second Coming.   I want so much to be where I should be spiritually.  In order to that I need to make changes NOW!

Verse 10

Alma is prophecing that Christ will be born of Mary in Bethelehem.   It is almost Christmas time.  It is a time that I can look at the birth of this Savior and Elder Brother of Mine.   A lot of people make resolutions with the New Year.  I want to make some changes now.  What a good time to do that as a gift to my Savior of a renewed heart and soul.

Verse 13

I find this verse so intersting.  The Savior could have learned by revelation how to succor us in our times of need, be he chose to learn by Flesh.  That means he literally felt each heartache and pain that we go through in our lives in order that he would know the best way to help us through this life.  President Eyring gave a talk about this in a general conference that I love and that gives me so much peace.  I will add a link to it for future reference.  "

It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the Savior’s promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal and help us. The Book of Mormon gives us the certain assurance of His power to comfort. And faith in that power will give us patience as we pray and work and wait for help. He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience. Here is the account from Alma:

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

“Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, [so] that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.”

 http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/adversity?lang=eng

Verse 22

I need to have a new sense of duty awakened inside of me!   I need to walk in more holy paths and make better choices.

Verse 23-24

Alma gives the people some characteristics and attributes that they need to develop.   These are also attruibutes that I need to include in myself.  I will list them and then spend times studying each of these.

-Humble:
-Submissive
-Gentle
-Easy to be entreated
-Full of Patience
-Long Suffering
-Temperate
-diligent in keeping commandments
-ask for what you need (spiritual and temporal)
-return thanks to Heavenly Father
-Faith
-Hope
-Charity
-Abound in Good works.

Verse 27

I love this blessing that Alma leaves the people with
 "may the ^apeace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. "

Alma 6

September 8, 2012

Alma 6

Verse 5

I love this.  It says that they didn't keep the truth from anyone.  They allowed all to hear the words and come unto the church if they chose to do so.  I love that the gospel is there for all men.   It is something that we all need in our lives.  We need to hear the words and change our lives to fit within the bounds which our Father in Heaven has commanded.  This is where true happiness comes.

Verse 6

We are commanded to fast and pray on behalf of those who do not know God.  I am too selfish in my prayers and fasts.  I need to stop thinking about myself so much and try to be more Christlike and charitable. 

Alma 5

September 7, 2012

Alma 5

This chapter is full of lots of questions for self reflection.  I am going to type them out as my blog post tonight.

1) Do you remembered the captivity of your fathers?
2) Do you remembered His mercy and long suffering?
3)  Do you remember that he delivered their souls from hell?
4)  Were their captive fathers destroyed? (No)
5)  Were the bands of death and chains of hell loosened? (Yes)
6) What conditions were they saved?
7) What grounds had they hope to be saved?
8) What was the cause for the bands of death and chains of hell to be loosened?
9)  Have you been spiritually born of God?
10) Have you received his image in your countenance?
11) Have you experienced the might change of heart?
12)  Do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you?
13)  Do you look forward with an eye of faith and view this mortal body raised in immortality and corruption raised to in corruption to stand before God and be judged?
14) Can you imagine that you hear the voice of the Lord saying Come unto me ye blessed for your works have been works of righteousness?
15)  Do you imagine you can lie to the Lord and say our works have been righteous and that he will save you?
16) Can you imagine being brought before the tribunal of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse having a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness and the defiance to the commandments?
17)  Can you look to God with a pure heart and clean hands?
18) Can you look having the image of God on you countenance?
19) Can you think of being saved when you have yielded to become subjects to the devil?
20)  How would you feel standing before God with you garments stained with blood?
21) What would the bloody garments testify against you?
22)  Will the bloody garments testify that you are murders and guilty of all manner of wickedness?
23) Can someone with bloody garments have a place to sit in heaven with the prophets who have garments clean and white?
24)  If you have received that mighty change of heart and felt to sing the song of redeeming love, do you still feel that now?
25)  Have you walked blameless before God?
26) If you die could you say you have been sufficiently humble?
27)  If you die could you say you garments have been cleansed and made clean through the blood of Christ?
28) Are you stripped of pride?
29) Are you stripped of Envy?
30) Do you mock your brothers or cause persecution?
31)  If you are not in the Fold of the Good Shepherd, who's fold are you in?
32)  Who can deny that if you are not in God's Fold than you are in the devil's?
33) Does Alma no this of himself?
34) How does Alma know of the surety of these things?
     - Made known to him by the Holy Spirit after fasting and praying many days.  HE has the spirit of revelation.
35) Can you resist the things of God and be lifted up in pride?
36) Will you continue to try to be better than others and turn away from those in need and persecute and mock and do hurtful things towards your fellow men?
37) Do shepherds allow wolves to come into their flocks?
38) If a wolf enters, doesn't the shepherd drive him out?





Verse 7

I love this verse.  It illustrates how the word of God takes people from dark and deary into the light and beauty.  It tells us how the gospel changes our heart sand awakens us from a deep sleep.  It illuminates our souls.  It also breaks the bands of death and the chains of hell.  The gospel is so essential to our eternal salvation and happiness.  I am so grateful that I have it in my life and I want to live it more fully!


Verse 9

The scriptures sometimes mention singing the songs of redeeming love.  And I am sure it is not a literal song, but I like to think that it is.  I love the hymns of the church and I feel that as I sing them, I am being reminded of His redeeming love.  I think that they are songs of redeeming love. 

Verse 11

Alma reminds the people that his father Alma was saved because he hearkened to the words of Abinadi who was a true prophet of God.  It was because of the change that Alma had in his heart that he was able to teach their fathers.  And it is these words that caused them to have a mighty change of heart.  It was this that humbled them and taught them that there is a true and everlasting God.  What great news!

Verse 21

We must be clean and pure in order to be saved.  We must have our garments washed white and be purified.  We cannot be saved in our sins.  This is why the Savior came to the earth.  He made it possible for us to be saved as we strive to do our best and as we repent daily of the things that we do in error to the will and commands of our Heavenly Father.  What a tremendous blessing!

Verse 28

The scriptures tell us flat out, if we are not stripped of pride we are not prepared to meet our Father in Heaven.  There are many aspect to pride.  Unwillingness to keep the commandments, not recognizing where gifts and blessings come from, not repenting and taking advantage of the atonement.  These are all ways in which pride can play a role in our life.  I need to work on being less prideful.  

Verse 31

Now is the time to repent and prepare for meeting our Father in Heaven.

Verse 32

Heavenly Father offers this call to everyone.  He tells us all to repent and then he will receive us in.  His hands of Mercy are extended out towards us all.



I am really glad that I read this chapter as I did.  I need to spend some time studying each of these questions and answering them honestly for myself.  I want to be a part of the fold of the Good Shepherd and know that I can stand before God at the last day knowing I did all that I could and that the Mercy of His son will do the rest.

Alma 4

September 6, 2012

Alma 4

It is amazing how quickly the people of the church can go from being righteous and remembering their duties, to be caught up in pride and things of the world and forget from whom those gifts are given.  I guess I in a way have similar problems.  I forget sometimes to do things that I know I should do, like reading scriptures and saying prayers.  I get caught up in other things and I fall from where I should be.  This is something I need to be more mindful of.  I need to remember that I desire to stay on the path which will lead me to eternal happiness. 

Alma 3

September 5, 2012

Alma 3

Verse 26

We choose how we are rewarded eternally.  If I am righteous I will receive eternal happiness.  If I am wicked I will receive eternal misery.  Personally I like the thought of eternal happiness.  So knowing that I have that choice, why so I make choices in this life that take me farther from that eternal happiness.  I need to make sure that I have an eternal perspective more fully in my life so that I choose the right path.

Verse 27

I will receive the wages from the Master I choose to obey and I would like those wages to be from my Father in Heaven.

Alma 2

September 5, 2012

Alma 2

Verse 12

They did prepare against wicked.  They knew before hand how they would react in situations of evil and wickedness.  I need to be more prepared against my enemies and temptation.

Verse 18

The Lord strengthened the hands of the Nephites.  I need to live worthy of the Lord's strength in my own personal life.  I need his strength for I am so weak.  I know with him all things are possible.  I know with him I can overcome all the trials place before me.  With his strength I can do hard things.  With this strength I can do all things.

Verse 28

The key to the Lord strengthening the hand of the Nephites was their mighty prayers for deliverance from the wickedness.  Because of this prayer and their righteous desires the Lord heard them and strengthened them.

Verse 30

I want to be a woman of God, just as Alma was a Man of God.  I want to have enough faith to say 'O Lord have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people.'

Alma 1

September 5, 2012

Alma 1

Verse 25

Despite the trials and persecution which the people of the church faced, they remained steadfast in their desires to serve God and do what is right.  I sometimes am not as steadfast in my times of trial or depression.  I forget the source for true comfort and peace.  I want to turn to my Father in Heaven more and know that in order to do that I need to make Him the priority in my life.  I have not been doing this.  This is something that must change.  For my happiness and my spirit depend on this.  I need a better relationship with my father in Heaven.  I struggle with the fact that I do not have a man in my life to love me and care for me.  I want a family so badly.  But I know that in this time when it is just me that I should be working on my relationship with my Father as well as my relationship with myself.  When these things are in order, then will the Lord see fit to bless me with the relationships I desire.

Mosiah 29

September 4, 2012

Mosiah 29

It is interesting to me that the people wanted a king over them.  They were blessed with a righteous king in Benjamin and then in Mosiah, but they also knew of the wickedness of Noah and other kings.  But they trusted Mosiah and chose to have Judges.  The did this so that there would be equality in the land and peace and happiness among the people and so that one person could not have more power than the other.  This was definitely a divine organization.

Mosiah 28

September 4, 2012

Mosiah 28

Verse 3

I love this verse.  The sons of Mosiah were so concerned for the welfare of the souls of their brethren.  They could not imagine them perishing without knowing the gospel.  This is how I felt while I was on my mission.  I need to get back to this.  I need to take care of the things in my life that are preventing me from being more concerned for the welfare of those around me.  I am so blessed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I take it for granted EVERY SINGLE DAY.  This has to stop.  I need to live it more fully.  This is where true happiness comes from.  And I want to be happy and I want to offer this same happiness to others.

Verse 4

The Sons of Mosiah were considered the VILEST of SINNERS!  Yet the Lord, with his infinite mercy, spared them.  I don;t know if I am considered the VILEST of SINNERS, but I know I make so many mistakes.  I repeat the same mistakes all the time, because I just don't have my priorities straight.  But time after time the Lord shows forth his infinite mercy and forgives me.  I cannot even comprehend this.  What a blessing.

Verse 19

The record from the Jaredites gave the people much knowledge and for that the rejoiced.  I need to rejoice more in the records which I am blessed to have in my life.  The scriptures are such powerful tools and blessing in my  life and I know that I if studied them more fully I would be happier.

Mosiah 27 Continued

August 23, 2012

Mosiah 27 Continued.

I love the story of Alma the Younger.  He goes from perscuting the church to being one of the best missionaries.  I am so grateful for his example.  It amazes me how the Atonement takes our imperfections and makes them whole again.  As I was reading today I thought about how I might be like Alma in my small way.  I am grateful for the gospel in my life and I know that I can make the changes that I need to become better.

Mosiah 27

July 31, 2012

Mosiah 27

The people had peace when they saw each other as equals.  The Lord prospered them as they worked together.

Mosiah 26

July 30, 2012

Mosiah 26

30:  I love this promise.  As many times as we repent the Lord will forgive them.  What a blessing to know that no matter how many times I make mistakes, the Lord will continue to forgive me as I take the needed steps to repent and draw back to him again.  How grateful I am for that because I sometimes repeat mistakes many times before I get things right.  How grateful I am for a merciful Heavenly Father who sent his son to this earth so that the demands of justice could be met as long as I do my part.

Mosiah 25

July 29, 2012

Mosiah 25

Verse 11

The people were sad because of the sinful and polluted souls of the Lamanites.  Even though they were their enemies and wanted to destroy them, they still had love for them and desired goodness for the welfare of their souls.  This is amazing to me.

Mosiah 24

July 23, 2012

Mosiah 24

Verse 12:

I love this verse.  Amulon is trying to stop Alma and his people from praying.  He threatens them that they should not raise their voices to the Lord.  So they don't. Instead the pour out their hearts to the Lord.  They might not have been able to vocalize their prayers but they could still pour our their hearts and the Lord heard them and answered their prayers. I need to be more open to the Lord and pour out my heart more fully.

Verse 14:

The Lord answered their prayers and promises to lift up the burdens that are upon them so they are not felt.  The Lord cannot always take us out of the trial right away, but he can lighten the load so that we are able to overcome and triumph over our trials.  How grateful for that knowledge.  But he can only do this if I am doing what I can to call upon him and walk down his path.  I know I am not doing that right now as I should be. My scripture study is not what it should be nor is my prayers what they should be.  This is something that I must change because I can feel the affect it is having on my soul.

Verse 15:

The Lord did lighten their burden but the important thing in this verse is that the people did continue on cheerfully and patiently in following the will of the Lord.  I know that I am not cheerful and patient most of the time.  This is a lesson I can learn.

Mosiah 23

July 2, 2012

Mosiah 23

In this chapter the people want Alma to be their king.  He reminds them of the wickedness of King Noah and how they had to flee from him to be able to be free and have the opportunity to become righteous and hear the truth.  He teaches them that if there was a just man who would be a fair king and not esteem himself above the others then it would be good to have a king, but since not all men would be just they should only have the Lord to be their king.

Verse 14

Alma tells the people that they should trust no man to be their teacher or minster unless he walks in the ways of the Lord and keeps the commandments and teaches them to do the same.  I think this is good advice.  I think too often we get tricked by the cunningness of man and follow the wrong people maybe because of their fame or riches.  I need to make sure that the people i look to for leadership and education are just people who want to follow the Lord's commandments.

Verse 18

The teachers and priests that Alma consecrated nourished the people in things of righteousness.  I like that word NOURISHED.  It portrays an idea of food, a necessity in our lives.  Just as important for our physical body is food, the gospel and its teachings are vital for our spirits.  We need to make sure that we are nourishing ourselves daily in the things of the gospel.  That is something I need to work on.  I think that it would be easier for me to avoid temptation if I am studying my scriptures more often and saying my prayers more regularly and with real intent.

Verse 21

This verse teaches us that sometimes the Lord will chasten us and try our faith and patience.  He does this because he loves us and wants us to be come who we need to be.  I think i need to realize this more when I am going through a hard time or trial.  The Lord allows this to happen so that I can be molded into a person who is more worthy to enter his kingdom.  I want to become more like my Father in Heaven and in order to do that I need to have experiences that will build me up.

Verse 22

Whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day.  I want to put my trust in the Lord.  He is the source of truth and happiness and it is he who can lift me up from the burdens of this life.

Verse 27-28

When the people become fearful because of the Lamanites around their city, Alma reminds them that if they trust in the Lord and look to him they have no need to fear.   So they stop being fearful and they cry unto the Lord.  They know that he will deliver them from the hands of their enemies because they are striving to do the things that he desires of them. I am too fearful at times and do not put my trust in the Lord as I should.  I can learn a lot from the people of Alma. They were full of faith and willing to do that which the Lord would ask of them so that they would be free and happy.

The Lord promises to deliver us from bondage.  Sometimes it happens right away and sometimes it takes awhile.  But He will help us to have the strength we need to overcome our captures.

Mosiah 22

July 1, 2012

Mosiah 22

I love how the Lord provided away for his righteous people to be delivered from bondage.  They people counseled together and together came up with a plan to flee from the bondage of the Lamanites.  I know that as I am in "bondage" throughout my life, the Lord will provide away for me to escape as I am keep his commandments and striving to do his will.  I know that deliverance doesnt always come right when I might think it needs to, but I know that the Lord supports me in my time of need to help lighten the burdens which might be on me.  I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.  I know that I take it for granted sometimes and I am not as obedient as I should be, but I know that through the Atonement of Christ I can be forgiven of my mistakes and be found clean again.  What a wonderful blessing.

Something else that I was thinking as I was reading this chapter today is that the Lord didn't just tell the people what to do.  He wanted them to think for themselves and come up with a plan.  If it has been a plan that wasn't correct, he would have let them know as they counseled with him in prayer.  We have to do all that we can to make decisions and overcome obstacles and then the Lord promises to help us through.

Mosiah 21

May 31, 2012

Mosiah 21

Verse 14:

It took the Nephites a long time before they humbled themselves enough to ask the Lord for help with their bondage with the Lamanites.  They went into battle three times losing many lives before the did so.  But they did finally humble themselves sand call upon the Lord.   I am too much like this.  I do not call upon the Lord as often as I should as I am going through trials and especially in the good times.  I need to work on making this a priority in my life.  I want to develop a stronger relationship with my Heavenly Father and in order to do so I need to humble myself and recognize a need for his hand in my life and also recognize the many great blessings I receive from him on a daily basis.

Verse 15:

Because the people we slow to remember the Lord, he was slow to answer their prayers, but he still answered.  That brings peace to know that even after they went astray and forgot the Lord, he still was their for them.  He might have been slow to offer relief to their burdens, but he did offer relief.  He loves me so much and wants to help me as I struggle through the pains and trials of life, but He needs for me to call upon him more often, especially in the good times.  My problem is that things start going good and I forget that I need to continue to develop my relationship with him even in those times.  It is something I must work on.

Mosiah 20

Mosiah 20

The people of Limhi were faithful and strove to do right.  Because of that, the Lord protected them when the Lamanites came against them.  They were able to protect their land and families and eventually the Lamanites came to trust them and make an oath with them.

Mosiah 19

Day 133: April 13, 2012

Mosiah 19

The Lord cannot look upon sin in the least degree. The people of Noah and his priest definiently had sin piled upon them and the Lord keeps his promises that those who do not keep his commandments will not prosper in the land but will be destroyed.

Verse 11: King Noah was such an awful man. When the Lamanites were coming to conquer their land he tells the men to leave their wives and children and run. That sounds like just what Satan would want, destroy the family. That is what he is working so hard on right now. He does not want families to be happy and progress towards forever. He things if he can destroy the families he can destroy the plan of our Heavenly Father. It is so important that we protect the family and defend what it at all cost. The family is key to our return to our Father's presence.

Mosiah 18

Day 132: April 11, 2012

Mosiah 18

I think Alma is pretty amazing. Here is a man who is being searched for by the wicked king. Instead of getting up and getting out of dodge so to speak, he teaches the people the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has had such a change of heart that he knows and has faith in the Lord and feels peace. I am grateful for his example. He knows where he should put his trust and the people are blessed because of this.

Verse 8-9

Alma teaches the people the baptismal covenant and how we can become more Christ like. We are asked to bear one another burdens, comfort those who need comfort, mourn with those who mourn and to be a witness of Christ always and in every situation. I am grateful for the blessing I have received from living up to these covenants. I know that I need to improve on them as well so that I can become more like Christ everyday.

Because of the faith of this great people, who joined together and were baptized, the Lord was mindful of them and protected them. When Noah discovered their whereabouts and was about to send forth servants to destroy them, the Lord warned his people and they were able to take up their tents and depart, being saved by the hand of the Lord. I want to live my life that too can be protected by the hand of the Lord. I need his constant care in my life and I need his love and support. I need to be obedient in all things and develop a stronger relationship with him.

Mosiah 17

Day 131: April 6, 2012

Mosiah 17

As I read this chapter today I am impressed by the love that my Heavenly Father has for his children. He commanded Abinadi to enter among a very wicked people to preach repentance to them and to teach them of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew that King Noah and most of his priests wouldn't listen to the words he commanded Abinadi to preach, yet because he knew that Alma would be touched and caused to repent we sent Abinadi to this people. Even the worth of one soul is so great in our Heavenly Father's eyes and heart. Of course we know that Alma goes on to teach and baptize many people at the Waters of Mormon and has a righteous son who teaches many as well, so Abinadi's sacrifice to teach was not in vain, but even if there had just been Alma's life that would have been changed Heavenly Father would have send Abinadi to teach just him. I can see a parallel in how I feel about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If I was the only one on earth who needed the power of the Atonement, my Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ love me enough that this great sacrifice still would have been made for me. I find that wonderful and humbling. I know that He loves me and has a plan for me. He loves each of his children and does all that he can to invite us to repent and return to his presence. In the Church Office building they put quotes up in the elevators and one that I am reminded of right now is one by Elder Christofferson, I believe. It says that the invitation to repent is an expression of love. It shows the love that Heavenly Father has for us as he sends people forward to call us and reminds to repent.

Verse 11-12

I find it very interesting how much King Noah fears man more than God. In verse 11 it says that Noah is about to let Abinadi go because he fears that the things which Abinadi is prophesying against him will come true and he fears that, but he fears the words of his Priests more as he chooses to listen to them and be stirred to anger against Abinadi and ultimately has him killed. Oh if he had just listened to Abinadi! I hope that I do not fear man more than God. I have such desires to do what is right and I want to know that I am putting my trust and desires with him.

Mosiah 16

Day 130: April 2, 2012

Mosiah 16

I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is because of his atonement and resurrection that death has no sting, and that there is victory over the grave. What a wonderful blessing to know that death is not the end. This was a great chapter to read as it draws closer to Easter Sunday. How wonderful to know that he willingly suffered all manner of suffering and died an awful death for me. And even more that he rose on that third day to live again. Our Father in Heaven has a perfect plan for me. I am so blessed to know of his love for me.

Mosiah 15

Day 129: March 29, 2012

Mosiah 15

Verses 1-9

Abinadi prophecies of the coming of Christ here on the earth. He teaches that he will descend from his throne above to come be subject to the flesh so that he might go through every human feeling and temptation in order to understand perfectly what we are going through in our lives and in order to be able to stand before our Heavenly Father and plead our case, as long as we have done our part by repenting and having the desire to be clean. Abinadi also talked about how he would be lead to the slaughter like a lamb and wouldn't complain about it. After being killed he would break the bands of death and be resurrecting thus making it possible for every human being who has or will live upon the earth to be resurrected. I am very grateful for my Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and all that he did for me. I know that he is my perfect friend and advocate with my Heavenly Father. He understands me so perfectly and is willing to lift my burden as I come to him and apply his atonement in my life. What an amazing blessing.

Verse 14-18

How beautiful up on the mountain are the feet of those individuals who will go forth and proclaim the message of the Savior and Redeemer to the world. Each of us as members of the church have this opportunity each and every day. We can share our testimony of the Savior by living our lives as he would live. We can bare our testimony by our actions and examples and also by our word. As we do so we are spreading forth the wonderful message and glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so blessed to have been born into a home and family that has always had the truth and to have parents so willing to teach me of this truth. It is my turn to spread it forth. I had the opportunity to do this as I served my mission in Texas and I loved the joy and peace that came into the lives of those whom I had opportunity to teach. Not only did spreading the gospel bless their lives but it also filled mine. I need to be more diligent in my efforts to share the gospel around me.

Verse 29

We are blessed to have a watchman looking out for us. Our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson and his counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the watchmen in our day. What a blessing I have at this time in my life to live in Utah and be so close to these wonderful men. In my job as a custodian for the Church I have occasion to see these wonderful men and be close to them. I am so excited for this weekend to hear their powerful words in General Conference. What a great gift from our Heavenly Father to have these men looking over us and warning us of dangers that might come and teaching us how we can truly be happy and have joy and eternal life.

Mosiah 14

Day 128: March 20, 2012

Mosiah 14

This chapter is one of my favorites. It has the words of Isiah talking about the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. How grateful I am that he was willing to come to this earth and undergo all manner of pain and hardship so that we might receive eternal life and have comfort in our journey. Yesterday I had the assignment of teaching a talk about Waiting on the Lord by Elder Hales. He talks about how the Savior was the ultimate example of this. He suffered all manner of affliction and yet never complained. In his hour of ultimate suffering he asked if there was any other way, but that he was willing to do the Lord's will. I am so grateful that he did. Because of his sacrifice I have someone who understands perfectly who I am and what I am going through each day. I have someone who can comfort me and truly be able to feel what I am feeling. I am so grateful for my elder brother and all that he does for me. I have learned a lot about how the atonement applies personally to me lately and know that my Heavenly Father loves me so much that he was willing to send his son to this earth for me.

Mosiah 13

Day 127: March 19, 2012

Mosiah 13

Abinadi amazes me. Noah wants him bound and killed and as they are about to lay hands on him he tells the people he hasn't finished his message yet and they need to let him finish. He knows that things will probably not end well but he trusts in the Lord enough to keep going and finish what had been asked of him. Would I be that strong? I would hope so but I don't know if I would. I want to develop more faith, like Abinadi.

Mosiah 12

Day 126: March 18, 2012

Mosiah 12

Abinadi is amazing. He just stands in front of wicked King Noah and all his wicked priest and he is able to confound them and call them to repentance. He trust in the Lord and knew that he would be able to speak the words which He wanted spoken. As I read this chapter I was amazed and how far gone this wicked people were. As they listened to Abinadi telling them of all their wickedness they were so far gone that they were completely astonished that he would accuse them of being so wicked. They had learned to justify their sins and to live according to their worldly wants and not towards the will of God. I hope I am never so past feeling that I can't even see the wickedness that I may have entered. Satan sure had these people in his grasp and he was confusing them like none other. He is a cunning devil.

Mosiah 11

Day 125: March 16, 2012

Mosiah 11

It is so sad to see how quickly the people went from being righteous and walking in the ways of the Lord to being wicked, and idolatrous and greedy. The change from King Zeniff to King Noah is a tragedy. Slowly the things of the world became far more important than preparing to defend themselves and because of this the Lamanites were able to enter and have some success in the land. This is how Satan works in our lives. Little by little we stop doing the things that we are supposed to be doing in exchange for things of the world and things that will bring us instant happiness. As we lower our standards Satan can attack us and we will be unable to stop his attacks and will succumb to more sins and transgressions. It is important to always keep our armor on and to put it on each day.

I think Abinadi is one brave man. Noah and his people are so wicked and yet he stands up and cries repentance unto them. It would take such great faith in the Lord to know that he would be protected according to his will. I want to have more faith so that I could stand up against wickedness more if needed to help my brothers and sisters come to know the will of the Lord.

Mosiah 10

Day 124: March 15, 2012

Mosiah 10

Verse 1-10: Zeniff and his people make preparations to protect themselves against the Lamanites. They know that they Lord will help them as long as they do all that they can for themselves. Our Heavenly Father offers us the same help against Satan but we need to make preparations to protect ourselves from his cunning ways. We need to study the scriptures and say our prayers. We need to attend our church meetings and the temple regularly. We need to keep ourselves worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost so we will know how to best defend against the fiery darts of the adversary.

Verse 11: It says here that the Lamanites were a very strong group of people but they didn't know God. So the strength that they had was their own strength and not the strength of the Lord. We are taught that we should trust in the arm of the Lord and not the arm of man. I find it very sad that this people didn't know who their Father in Heaven was. I want to be strong because I am strengthened by my Father in Heaven.

Mosiah 9

Day 123: March 14, 2012

Mosiah 9

Verse 17-18

I love how quickly the Lord answered the prayers of his suffering children. They cried unto him with all of their hearts and he heard their cries and gave them the strength needed to overcome. Sometimes he allows us to remain in a hard situation but he doesn't leave us alone and he sends us comfort in those times so that we can endure that which we are asked to pass through. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who does hear his children and comes to them. Last Sunday I saw a Child's prayer in sacrament meeting and it is a song that reminds me that he does hear and answer our prayers. And it is through our prayers that we can feel him close around us.

Mosiah 8

Day 122: March 13, 2012

Mosiah 8

King Limhi wants the records he has to be translated so that they can know what they mean. Ammon tells him that there is a man, a seer, who can translate the plates so that the words could be understood and learned by the people. I am so grateful for prophets. I am grateful for the records which we have and can understand because of the power to interpret them by our Heavenly Father. The scriptures are a great blessing.

Mosiah 7

Day 121: March 12, 2012

Mosiah 7

Verse 17: I love when the people are gathered to the temple. I just see the temple as a symbol of righteousness. I am grateful for the opportunity and blessing I have to be near so many of these Holy buildings. I want to be worthy to always enter their doors and to perform the work the Lord needs me to do.

Verse 19: Lift up your head and rejoice and trust in God. I feel the desire to join in and do this. I am so grateful for my Father in Heaven and the love he has for me. He guides me and leads me down paths I wouldn't have ventured, but that are helping me grow and learn.

Verse 33: This verse offers such hope. If we turn to the Lord and trust in him we will be delivered from bondage. He will lead us down paths of happiness and growth.

Mosiah 6

Day 120: March 6, 2012

Mosiah 6

King Benjamin and his people took upon themselves the name of Christ as they covenanted with the Lord. They were obedient to the commandments and served each other and thus served the Lord. I too have covenanted with my Heavenly Father and taken upon myself the name of Christ. I have promised to follow the commandments and live my life in a way that will be in service to those around me and to my Father in Heaven. I am grateful for this covenant and the blessings that are mine as I am faithful to it.

Mosiah 5

Day 119: March 1, 2012

Moisah 5

Verse 2: The people of King Benjamin had recived a mighty change of heart and no longer had dispossition to do evil. I love how when we choose to make good choices and have a real desire to do good, we no longer want to to wrong. It can be a very long process to get to that point but it is amazing how you can truly change with the help of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When you have the opportunity to really go through the repentance process you come out with a new sense of purpose and direction. I love that I am at that point in my life right now. I am so far from perfect and still am not completely at the point where I have zero desire for the natural man, but I am getting there bit by bit, day by day and I am grateful for the motivation it gives me to keep going.

Verse 3: As we come to have this change and see the goodness of God, we are able to receive more personal revelation. In my Teachings of the Living Prophets class yesterday we talked about how the prophets receive revelation and we were talking about Spencer W. Kimball in partictular. A man had asked him how he could receive revelation. President Kimball told him that when he was building his relationship with the Lord he would keep a journal of every impression or prompting he would receive starting with the very small promptings and then to those that were bigger. He began to recognize what it felt like to receive promptings and to know where those promptings were coming from. We know that as a prophet he was blessed with the opportunity to receive the revelation that all worthy man, regardless of their race or skin color, could have the blessing of receiving the priesthood. If he hadn't started by recognizing the little promptings in his life, he wouldnt have been able to recieve this revelation. We discussed how we can learn to receive revelation as we act on the small and simple. When David was asked to go up agains Golieth he was able to trust in the Lord because he had already fought a lion and a bear. The Lord had helped in the "small" in preperation for the "giant". I thought that was a great analogy for how we can learn to receive personal revelation.

Verse 5: Because of the faith that the people had in the words of their King, they were willing to enter a covanent with Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the covenants that I have made in my life. I need to work hard are making sure that I am fully keeping my end of the covenant because Heavenly Father always holds up his end of the deal. In discussion with my bishop recently he pointed something out about the Sacrament prayers that I hadn't really thought of before. The prayer says, "and witness unto thee...that they are WILLING to take upon them the name of thy son and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he has given them." It doesn't say that they witness that they will be completely perfect and always keep every commandment and do everything they are asked perfectly. It says that they are WILLING. Heavenly Father knows the intent of our hearts. He knows our desires and our willingness to do his will. That being said, we need to do our best. We can't be willing to do these things and then live our lives completely contrary to the things we know to be true and right. Having this pointed out to me has really helped as I am working on improving and strengthening my covenants. I am willing and I am making my best effort to be worthy and obedient and that is what the Lord asks of me.

Verse 15: We are asked to be steadfast and immovable always abounding in good works. I need to make sure my foundation is set firmly on the Savior so that I can be steadfast and not be tossed with the storms of life.

Mosiah 4 continued

Day 118: February 29, 2012

Mosiah 4

Verse 11

King Benjamin tells his people that now that they have come to understand the goodness of God and how they are nothing without him and as they have recevied a remission of their sins because of his long suffering and mercy towards them, they should always keep in their mind a rememberance of these things. I have been so blessed lately to come to really know for myself the love that my Heavenly Father has for me. As I have studied about and learned to apply more fully the atonment of Jesus Christ, I have realized that I really could not progress without his love and mercy towards me. I would never be able to return home to his presence and I couldn't be with my family eternally. I am so grateful for this knowledge and for the joy and peace that it brings in my life. I need to make sure that it is something that I don't forget about. I need to make sure that I am calling on my Heavenly Father daily and sincerely to thank him for all that he has given me. I am grateful that Benjamin reminds his people of this, It is a good reminder for me.

Verses 14-15

King Benjamin teaches parents how they should treat their children and that they have the responisiblity to teach them and lead them in the ways of righteousness. I look forward to the day when I get to be a mommy and help teach my children of the plan of salvation and that they are children of God. My parents have done such a good job with teaching me not only in their words but also in their examples. I want to have my children look up to me as I have always and still look up to my parents. I love my mom and dad!

Verse 16: As a covenant I have promised that I will help bear others burdens. This verse tells us that we need to succor others and not to but the beggars off. We are all children of God and all stand in need in one way or another and I need to make sure that I am focused on the needs of others and less on my own.

Verse 19: I love this verse. It ask to remember that we are all beggars. We all depend on our Heavenly Father for everything that we have in our lives. Going back to the previous verse comment, if we put off beggars Heavenly Father could choose to put us off as well. We need to remember that while one person my be lacking in an area that we are not, we are probably lacking in an area that someone else isnt. We can all work together and help each other out.

Verse 27:

I need to make sure that I am not getting myself running faster than I can. I need to prioritize my life and make sure that I put the most important first so that I can do things in order and wisdom.

Verse 30: The last line of this verse tells us to remember and perish not. I want to remember the goodness and mercy of my Heavenly Father daily and use his son's atonement more fully in my life so that I can one day stand before him and know that I have been forgiven of all my mistakes and sins. I am so grateful for this knowledge and for the application in my life.

Mosiah 4

Day 117: February 27, 2012

Mosiah 4

Verse 6:
The people of King Benjamin realized that without Heavenly Father they are nothing. In a previous verse they fall to the ground because they see their nothingness and it leads them to ask for a remission of their sins. They have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God. This verse says that they had come to understand that he has matchless power, wisdom, and patience and long suffering to his children. They have also come to understand that the Atonement was prepared from the foundation of the world so that we can be forgiven of our sins and receive salvation and eternal life. King Benjamin adds that in order to gain salvation we need to trust in the Lord and be diligent in keeping his commandments. I am so grateful that I am coming to understand the goodness of God as described in this verse. The Atonement has become a very real thing to me and I am so grateful I am learning how to apply it more fully in my life. What an amazing blessing. I know that without it I cannot progress.

Verses 9-10

King Benjamin tells the people to believe in God, that he is and that he created the Heavens and the earth. Believe that he has all wisdom and power. And then he tells them that they need to believe that they must repent and humble themselves. If we ask with a sincere heart we can be forgiven of our sins. I just love this admonition. I do believe in God and know that he is creator of the universe. He is more than that though. He is my Father. He knows me personally and loves me in a way that I cannot fully comprehend. I am a very grateful girl!

Mosiah Chapter 3: King Benjamin continues

Day 116: February 15, 2012

Mosiah 3

This chapter is wonderful. King Benjamin is teaching his people about the plan of salvation. He is telling them of Jesus Christ who was to come and atone for their sins. He taught them of how Adam had fallen and because of that we are all in a fallen state and are natural men. In order to overcome this fall we must have faith in the Atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is through his name only that we can receive a remission of our sins and be able to return to our Father’s presence. He teaches that little children who die before accountability are saved in the Savior. I am so grateful for my knowledge of this great plan of salvation. I am so grateful for my Savior and Redeemer making it possible for me that I might repent daily and be forgiven of the mistakes and sins that I commit every day. What a wonderful plan! It truly is a plan of happiness.

Verse 19

We are told in this verse that we are all natural men and that the natural man is an enemy to God. The tendency o f the natural man is to sin. In order to put off the natural man we need to follow the promptings we receive through the Holy Ghost. We are also taught that we need to be come as a little child. In order to do that we are told a list of attributes we need to obtain. I want to go through each one and make sure that I understand exactly what they each mean. The first attribute we are told we need to put off the natural man and become as a child is to be submissive. According to dictionary.com submissive means to be meekly obedient. The next attribute is to be meek. According to dictionary.com meek means to be quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on. The next attribute is humble. The dictionary.com says that to be humble means having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance. The next attribute is patience. The definition of patient on dictionary.com is being able to wait without becoming annoyed or anxious. The last few things we are asked to do is to be full of love and to be willing to submit our own will to the will of the Father and do all things that he asks of us. We are not asked to be childish, but to be childlike. One important note about this verse that it is still all through the atonement of Jesus Christ that this is possible.

Mosiah Chapter 2

Day 115: February 14, 2012

Mosiah 2

Verse 6

I love this verse that tells us that the people of King Benjamin set up their tents around the temple with the door pointing towards the temple. They knew where the focus should be. I am striving to keep myself in line so that my life is pointed towards the temple. I love the temple. I love the feelings and inspiration I receive when I am in those holy edifices. I am so grateful for the covenants I have made by entering those sacred doors. It is in the temple that a family can be made an eternal family. It is where the links of our family history are sealed together. I want to be always worthy to go to the temple and live my life as though my tent is pointed towards the temple.

Verse 9

King Benjamin told the people that they should not TRIFLE with the words that he will tell them. I looked up trifle so that I could have a better understanding of what is being taught here. Trifle means to without seriousness or respect. It a thing of little value or importance. I think that I sometimes am guilty with trifling with the words that the prophets may speak. I don’t do it intentionally but I do not always hearken as taught by King Benjamin here. I should listen to the words that they speak and then heed those words. I do not want to be accused of trifling with things that should be treated with much seriousness and respect. Benjamin tells them to not only listen with their ears, but to listen with their hearts as well. He promises that if they do the mysteries of God will be unfolded to them. I want to be able to understand the mysteries of God. At least I want to be able to understand the thigns that pertain to me right now and how I can improve myself and return to live with him again.

Verse 10-16

King Benjamin is a perfect example of a humble, righteous leader. He didn’t become greedy and desire gold and precious things. He didn’t force the people to labor for his behalf. He didn’t put them in dungeons or turn them in to his slaves. And he didn’t just sit there and watch them do all of the work. He went out and labored among them. He served them and taught them the gospel of Jesus Christ through his words and his actions. He lead as the Savior would lead. At work yesterday I was asked to give the thought at our weekly meeting and they asked me to base it off of the leadership pattern. IN the very center of this pattern it says to lead as the Savior. I just talked about how the Savior lead by example. How he served the people and wasn’t above any menial task. This is just how King Benjamin led his people.

Verse 17

This of course is a very famous verse. We are taught that when we are serving our fellow men, we are really only serving God. I wish that I took more opportunities to serve others. I know that if I would forget myself more and serve others I would feel better about myself and my problems wouldn’t seem as big as they sometimes seem. I am striving little by little to look for opportunities to serve whether it be saying hi to someone who isn’t having a great day, or giving a ride to some who needs a ride or whatever it is. They usually aren’t very big, but it is what I am able to do at this time and I feel like I am doing well. The reverse is also true about this statement. If you are not serving your fellow men then you are not serving God either.

Verse 22

All that we are asked is to keep his commandments. If we keep his commandments we will be greatly blessed and receive a promised land. This means to me a celestial land, a celestial kingdom.

Verse 36

King Benjamin tells his people that after they have learned the gospel and the things he is teaching them and then choose to disregard them, they are withdrawing themselves from the spirit. I am promised that I will always have the spirit with me. If I do not keep the commandments the spirit doesn’t leave me. I leave the spirit. I am the one that cause a separation from the Godhead. I think that is a good way to think of it, because it puts the responsibility on me and not on the spirit being the one to withdraw. I do not want to withdraw from the spirit.

Verse 41:

Benjamin tells his people to look and think about the happy state of those who are faithful and keep the commandments and are faithful to their covenants. He promises that they are the ones who will dwell with God in a never-ending happiness. I want a never-ending happiness. I want to live with my Father in Heaven again. I know that I can if I do all that I can to follow the prophet and keep the commandments and then trust in the Savior’s atonement by repenting and using the atonement daily in my life. That is the only way that I can have a never-ending happiness in the presence of Heavenly Father.