Thoughts of the day

         In the Book of Mormon we read about a wicked king named Noah. In Mosiah chapter eleven verse three, we learn that the king's selfishness caused his people to pay one fifth of all they possessed to support him in his iniquities. What could my selfishness require of others?  Could I be taking a portion of their good feelings they could of had, if I had been more pleasant?  Could I be causing the poor to suffer even more, because I am unwilling to share? Could I be withholding my services to someone that could of been blessed by me? Are their people who are in need of my compliments or praise?  Even my example could be stealing away a portion of what my influence could of had on them.and what they were to become. I hope in my life I am giving instead of taking away.

Thoughts of the day

The other day, I realized as I was reading in Jacob chapter 2 verse 5 in the Book of Mormon, that the reason the Nephites were suffering so much at this time, was because they had forgotten the commandments of the Lord. I pondered how can this have happened to them and more especially how could it happen to me and what I could do to help avoid this tragedy. I realized that one way to be sure I didn't forget to live the commandments I have been given through his servants the prophets, the scriptures, or through personal revelation would be to act quickly on those things that I learn or have received. By applying quickly what we are taught, we naturally acquire the skills and attributes that allow us to more perfectly follow the Savior. We no longer have to remember what we are already doing!

Thoughts of the day

Nephi, one of the Book of Mormon prophets  knew that God had given him a commandment to get the brass plates. Even though he knew that it would be a hard thing to accomplish, he was still  faithful to the commandments he received from God. He trusted that through God's wisdom; he could accomplish what the Lord had commanded him to do. Likewise, there are trials we must face that sometimes are to overwhelming for us, but we need to know for ourselves, that it is through the wisdom of God that we must face these things.  We need to have the faith and determination, like Nephi did, to accomplish what the Lord commands of us, no matter how hard things may seem. Nephi never gave up. He figured out a way to accomplish what the Lord had given him to do,even though it meant  losing all of his family's possessions. What do we need to give up or do, to help us accomplish what the Lord would have us to do and become.  Sometimes in life, we feel a need for his grace, so much more than at other times.  What could we give up to have his help more during those times of our greatest need?  We are here to accomplish his work.  He didn't say it would be easy he only promises us that it would be worth it. And the great thing is, he will help us be successful.

If you would like a copy of the Book of Mormon make a comment on my blog and I will try to get you a copy.

Thoughts of the day

    In 3Nephi chapter five, which is found in the Book of Mormon, talks about a group of people called the Nephites, who at this time in history,were brought to a point in their lives where they did not doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken. What brought these people to that point? What can bring us to that same kind of dedication to his prophet and apostles today? In  John Chapter 7 verse 17, we read "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. Have you ever done any of God's commandments and not feel something? When I read the scriptures, I feel peace. When I pray I feel peace. When I serve others, I feel peace. Is that not a witness? Neil L. Anderson, who is one of the Lord's  apostles for our day has told us that we don't know everything, but we know enough. We will be hearing from  our prophet President Thomas S. Monson and apostles this weekend at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You can also view their messages on line at lds.org or watch it on the BYU station. You can view their messages if your in Eastern time from 12-2 and 4-6. If you are Western time, you can view their messages from 10-12 and 2-4pm. I know that God speaks to a living prophet today, because of the promise God gave us in John chapter 7 verse 17.

Thoughts of the day

      We are not only asked to learn of Him and His words, but we are asked to do those things that we come to learn. Often what we know isn't always what we do or have applied yet to our lives.This brings us to a need for Christ atonement. Through Him we can make the changes we need, so that one day what we know and what we do come in harmony with each other. We are so blessed to be able to repent.

Thoughts of the day

There is a story in the Book of Mormon that can apply to us and can help us fortify against Satan. In Alma Chapter 49 verse 2. Moroni prepares his people to be shielded from the arrows and stones of the Lamanites. The shield can represent taking on covenants with the Lord which brings all the blessings associated with faithful observance to that covenant. Also, it can represent heeding to the words of God. In verse 3, Moroni rebuilds cities that had once been destroyed by the Lamanites. This can be likened to us repenting or rebuilding what we had before lost to the influences of Satan. In verse 4 Moroni had dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high the Lamanites could not cast stones or their arrows at them. Likewise, our testimonies and the way we live our lives must be built up so that when Satan tries to send his attacks on us it can't even reach us. Moroni had fortified his people and their city so well that the only way the Lamanites could get in was through the entrance of the city. Likewise, Satan can only enter in if we let him into our thoughts, which can be likened to the entrance of the city. If we fail to cast him out, we no longer have all the protection and fortifications we once had. He now can quickly move through our city, compared to the heart and take over. We are so lucky to have the scripture, a living prophet, the atonement, and prayer to help us through this battle of life.

Thoughts of the day

As I was studying the Book of Mormon. I came across Alma chapter 47 verse 27, which is on page 327. I thought a lot about the word pretended, which means fake, or not real. I realized that those that try to get us to do that which is wrong will show us the pretense of that which is good, but in reality is really bad. For example, that which could be confused for love is really lust. Also, that which can be consider as popularity, is only a distorted replica of true friendship; the kind that edifies cares, and lifts. We must be careful not to trade that which is real for that which is fake.

Thoughts of the day

A tradition is a ritual, belief or object passed down within a society, still maintained in the present, with origins in the past. As I was reading the Book of Mormon the other day I was reading about how a people had believed in the traditions of their fathers which were wrong. It made me wonder about my traditions. Could there be things that I have been doing all my life that aren't so good for me or my family. I realized that I needed to review my traditions. In general, We in America have learned to be an indulgent civilization. We have learned to eat certain foods, wear certain clothes, and feel we need to have certain things to survive. We feel we deserve a certain amount of time for pleasure.. Being closed in our minds, because of habits or traditions we are accustom to, can lead us to repeat some of the problems of the past. For example,if we were brought up to eat high cholesterol foods, we can count on receiving all the health problems associated with eating that type of food. On the other hand, some of the traditions that have been passed down to us may be good. For instance, I was reading an article about how a person was grateful that their mother loved to garden, because her love for this activity was instilled into them. Our days go by so fast, but we will be judged for what we choose to do with our time. Are we sure we are involved in the right kinds of activities? Who we are and what we do will affect others.

Thought of the day

We need to remember that God wants us to receive eternal happiness. It is so important that we learn to trust in Him. He will guide, comfort, strengthen, lift, help,tutor, and bless us if we allow him to. There are many accounts in the scriptures concerning people who have put their trust in him and have been supported in their trials and have become stronger for it. Remember Danial, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego who was asked to partake of King Nebuchadnezzar food which was not good for their bodies? They knew that God cared about what they put into their bodies, so they refused to take in this harmful food. The account in the scriptures tells us that because they trusted in God's law of health; they were wiser and healthier than the other youth in the kings courts.Think also about the fishermen who were by the Sea of Galilee, Christ told them to follow him and he would make them fishers of men. They trusted God, and straightway followed Him. They ended up becoming his disciples, and received all the blessings promised to those who bring forth His light. Joseph Smith also trusted in God and knew from reading the account in James chapter one verse 5, that if he wanted wisdom he would have to ask God. We know that this is exactly what he did. Joseph prayed to know which church to join and was given an answer, which led him to restore Christ's church on the earth again. Now, because of his trust we have been blessed to receive the necessary ordinances, which will help prepare us to enter back into His presence some day. I know that God loves each of us and that he is no respecter of people. He only cares for our eternal welfare. We just need to trust in Him and His words, so that we can be strengthened, blessed, comforted, and led to a far greater way of life now and in the eternities.

Thoughts of the day

The Book of Mormon is an amazing book. We learn that we can call upon God and he hears our prayers. There's an account about a couple of brothers who didn't believe that God could answer their prayers. In fact,their brother Nephi asks them bluntly,"have you inquired of the Lord?" They basically told Nephi that they had not, and did not believe that God would answer their questions. I have pondered this story and have actually felt bad for Laman and Lemuel. I wondered how could they be so blind. Why couldn't they just take a moment and find out for themselves if God hears and answers their prayers? Then, I realized that whether I want to admit it or not; I might be a little like them. How often I have read things in the scriptures and haven't taken the time to ask God for further light and knowledge. Also, how often do I try to get through my day without calling on the person who could give me the guidance I would need. God has helped me so much in my life and he will continue to be there, all I need to do is ask.

thoughts of the day

In 2Kings chapter 24 we learn that Zedekiah who is only 21 years old is made king of Jerusalem.We are told in verse 19 that he did that which is evil in the sight of the Lord. We learn in 2Kings 17:13, that prophets were sent to tell Jerusalem to repent or their great city would be destroyed.We also can learn from the Bible that these people would not listen to the prophets.The women made cakes to Ishtar which was a fertility goddess. They committed vile deeds, adultery, spoke lying words in God's name. They also polluted the house of the Lord. We are told that their abominations were like the Heathens. Lehi, was one of the prophets sent to testify to Jerusalem that their great city would be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof; many should perish by the sword, and many should be carried away captive into Babylon. (1Nephi 1:13) . This actually happened. we can read about it in 2Kings chapter 25. When I read this account I wonder why the people didn't listen to those whom God sent to warn the people to repent or they would be destroyed. I want to say that if I lived then, I would of been one to repent quickly. I would stop what I was doing that is wrong and change. Does God send prophets today as he did in ancient time to warn us to repent and make changes in our lives? I know he does. We have a living prophet today who's name is President Thomas S. Monson. We can recognize that he is truly God's prophet by prayer. In the Bible we are taught that by their fruits Ye shall know them. President Monson only tries to counsel us to repent and try to become like the Savior. I'm trying hard to listen to him, because I don't want to be like those people who didn't.

Thought for the day

One of my favorite books to read is the Book of Mormon. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. In first Nephi chapter 12, it talks about a man named Nephi, who had a great desire to know the mysteries of God. He took the necessary steps in receiving his desire. First he cries unto the Lord. The Lord softens his heart, so that Nephi is placed in a position to believe. Second, he followed those who were sent to lead him, which at that time was his father. Third, he listened and followed any promptings he received from the spirit. Fourth, he trusted in God and was willing to do or go through anything the Lord saw fit. Fifth, He sought him diligently and with exceeding great faith. It wasn't just a one time prayer or effort. I know that God hears and answers our prayers. I also know that if we truly desire to be righteous and follow his son Jesus Christ, we must take the same steps that Nephi took to obtain our desires.

thoughts of the day

As I say my prayers with my wonderful husband every day, I thought about the privilege it is to hear the prayers of my companion. He may say things in the prayer that I may have forgotten to pray for, or that I didn't think about. What an added blessing it is to me to say amen, which transfers all those expressions of gratitude, as well as pleadings and blessings to me.