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.