Hinckley Challenge

Well, I decided to dive into this challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 97 days. The idea being that President Gordon B. Hinckley lived 97 years and to honor him, we could join in and read the Book of Mormon in 97 days. I have pushed myself to do it by reading and when traveling or working to listening to the Book of Mormon. Going fast through the whole book is not my style. I like to soak things in and look at it. Plus, I'm not the best reader anyway, so I read slowly to start with.

Well, I have found that some things have jumped out at me while I was reading this time because I was going quickly.

1) Did you ever really listen to the very beginning of the "Lord's Prayer" as the Savior teaches how the order and attitude of prayer should be? Check this out: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (3 Nephi 13:9-10)http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/13
God our Father's will is done in heaven. He is in charge. The Lord, His Son, is acknowledging this in such a simple way. Jesus is also, in one simple phrase, asking for the purest order of things to happen on earth as it does in heaven. If God's will were to be done on earth at all times, what would this life and existence be like? Can you imagine?! And if the Savior is asking that this wonderful way of life exist on earth, and this is the example of prayer for us, how can we chose to live to make it happen?

2) Alma 48:17 "Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men."
So if Moroni is described like this, what were the key characteristics that we read about him in Alma? He doesn't like to fight in war but he sure will if it means that he will be defending the rights and freedoms of his people to live and worship as they desire. He would ask the prophet about their enemies' actions in the field of battle, knowing in faith, that the prophet was a seer and could help as long as their cause was a righteous one. He would honor the oaths even of his enemies. He served the people. He knew the scriptures and the gospel and taught many of this to the people as he lead them and encouraged them.
Now, as I have over time read and reread the stories of Moroni, I have felt the power of his righteousness. Notice that there is a purity in that power. He was only 25 when he started to lead so he must have been wise early on. Now I also don't think that he's the only and best leader and that his ways are out of touch for us to reach. On the contrary, I believe that we have his example to show that it is important to actually follow the Savior and live his gospel. And if it means that we have to fight to defend our country and our freedoms, then that is a righteous thing.
The next two verses help us to see that others are seen to be equal in righteousness and the power of it : "Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God.
Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words." (Alma 48:18-19)http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/48
3) "And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored of the Lord, and thus they were free from wars and contentions among themselves, yea, even for the space of four years." (Alma 48:20)
Notice the next thing that is mentioned here and is all throughout the Book of Mormon that I think we miss on many occasions. It's right after the descriptions of Moroni and the other very righteous leaders, all of whom have different talents that are used at the same time for the blessing of the people.
Helaman and his brethren teach the gospel and help others come to the point that they are willing to make covenants with the Lord and thus there is peace. There is peace because there is righteousness. Again, there is peace BECAUSE there is righteousness. If you ever need a good reason in your life to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, this should be a great catalyst. Don't we all want peace? Don't we all want safe neighborhoods? Well, there we have it. This has been so prominent in my mind this time around in my reading.

There are other things that have really jumped out at me but these are some of the more recent thoughts. Interesting how they all seem to address my own personal desire for peace and joy in this life. I don't just want to wait for it later. It would be nice to enjoy it here, now with my loved ones, friends, and neighbors.

It looks like it can be done.

I'd better work on me and see how things go.

Alone

About ten years ago I found myself "serving" in a church position which lasted for almost 3 years. It entailed leading a group of women in order to take care of their families, their spiritual development, their temporal needs and social needs. We had activities to oversee, talks to give, lessons to teach, hungry families to feed, dysfunctional homes to try to heal, etc. I found this to be a very challenging time in my personal life because there was so much that needed to be confidential in what I did or why I made the decisions to do the things that I would do for those in need. I felt very alone. I could only share with my husband the surface stuff. I couldn't really talk to family because they wouldn't know the culture and/or circumstances that I was dealing with. I could ultimately turn to the Lord and find sure answers in prayer, scripture reading and fasting. I know that I was criticized and mocked at times. I know that my family was treated differently and sometimes maliciously by the few who were arrogant and jealous. And we had a relatively young family.We had only been married for 10 years and had 4 very young children.

One day while I was trying for a quiet moment to think about by family and my calling and the things of that day and week, I opened a new book by a favorite author of mine, Robert L. Millet, and read about Joseph Smith. These are the words I read and found great comfort in:

"Like his Master, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith was called upon to endure a life of loneliness. It was a life characterized not only by persecution and suspicion but also by an isolation known only to those who walk in the glorious light of noonday sun, who know with an absolute certainty and yet must minister among others who seem content to walk and talk in the fading rays of dusk, those who struggle with faith, those who doubt, and even those who dare not believe. The farm boy who grew to become a prophet's prophet was also, to some degree at least, "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Mosiah 14:3), one who knew firsthand the costs of Christian discipleship. "God is my friend," he wrote to his wife, Emma, at a difficult time. "In him I shall find comfort. I have given my life into his hands. I am prepared to go at his call. I desire to be with Christ. I count not my life dear to me, only to do his will." (The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 239; punctuation modernized.) Such expressions enable us to discern the soul of Joseph Smith, to discover the underlying secret of his success, his humility. But he was the prophet of the Almighty; God knew it, and he knew it."

There wasn't an answer in this to my specific questions. But the comfort I received seeing that a great man who faced severe challenges just as the prophets of old who is well known and often held very high in our church also faced the feeling of aloneness and seclusion that I was facing albeit on a smaller scale.

Who else in their life has had life experiences and more than likely, like myself, more than one where they have their own personal knowledge of the truth or validity of their decisions and no one but God can really know it, too?

". . . God knew it, and he knew it."

Who would have thought that the rebuilding of a trailer for a destitute dysfunctional family would only serve to help them to sell it and make a better life in another place? Who would have thought that a young mother would be given the chance to start over and after great sacrifices by others, would chose to go back to drugs? Who would think that working for a year in a boutique in the heart of Las Vegas, that a young mother would influence a beautiful young woman to leave a life of degradation to go to a full productive joy filled life?

Who do we judge in their day to day and bigger life decisions? Who do we in an arrogant, self-serving moments decide to "counsel"? As my mother often said, "Who do you think you are?" Who do we think we are when we harshly challenge difficult choices of another? We are the grave cause of another's aloneness and pain if we find ourselves doing these things. We add to the trial of another's faith. We add to the darkness.

Sadly, I know both sides. But now I see some things that, for me, are strengthening.

I hope that in the spirit of wisdom that I continue to remember that my life is my life and I am responsible for it. I am responsible for having the kind of relationship with my Savior that entails the blessing of an all-knowing friend as my guide. And in this working for a personal relationship, I hope that I will find that although I might not be understood, supported, or appreciated that I will always remember that I have a Savior who loves me and works with me so that my life is what it is meant to be.

Yes, I still have very alone times when I know that the only one that understands is Jesus Christ. I think instead of feeling sorry for myself, I will bask in His love. He surely understands.

Side note: It is a rare time that I feel so alone.

I have a loving husband and children to share this life with.

I have wonderful parents and siblings and their spouses and children

in great numbers

whom I love spending time with and can turn too, also.

I am very blessed.

My Cup Runneth Over

Small Things

"But behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (Almas 37:6)

A Complete Change

Is the Atonement for you? For me? for everyone?

In the Books of Mosiah and Alma there are some very poinient examples of changed lives.
The one that jumped out at me what the story of the sons of Mosiah (Nephites).
They were really dishing out the dirt against the church members in their area. They were trying to break down the church (strangely, they couldn't just leave people alone in their choice of worship). Their friend was the Son of the Chief High Priest, Alma. His name was also Alma-after his father. Things were so bad that an angel appeared to the group of them which caused them to rethink their lives. They made a complete turn around and made every effort to repair any damages that they did. But it didn't stop there. The sons of Mosiah wanted to go tell their mortal enemies about the Savior and His ways and try to bring more peace to them. Here's part of this story:
"14 And assuredly it was great, for they had undertaken to preach the word of God to a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites, and robbing and plundering them; and their hearts were set upon riches, or upon gold and silver, and precious stones; yet they sought to obtain these things by murdering and plundering, that they might not labor for them with their own hands.
15 Thus they were a very indolent people, many of whom did worship idols, and the curse of God had fallen upon them because of the traditions of their fathers; notwithstanding the promises of the Lord were extended unto them on the conditions of repentance.
16 Therefore, this was the cause for which the sons of Mosiah had undertaken the work, that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance; that perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of redemption." (Alma 17:14-16)

This is a stunning turn about of attitudes.

These men were raised in the gospel of Jesus Christ and had willfully rebelled against it. But being humbled so much by the fact that they were given this second chance, they were willing to put their lives out there in order to help others.
When I thought about the shape that they were in to do this, I wondered if besides the faith that they obviously had, if they didn't need to be even stronger to handle this daunting task.
So here's what I read:
"1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.
2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God." (Alma 17:1-3)

What jumped out at me? Well, I thought to myself, "Here's the key to a complete change of heart. Here's exactly how I've overcome severe trials in my own life. Here's how these good men became great and still stayed humble therefore even more powerful and good.

What does the key to making the atonement work for every single person? Reading the scriptures, praying and fasting.
These three actions bring about the greatest changes for good. It might seem way too easy. It's a simple concept but easy? I don't think that it's always easy. I know that I have applied these three actions. I have done it over and over and over (see even the toughest students can learn!). I will have to keep it up, too. Because like everyone I know, we're all in this life trying our best to be our best and to help others be the same. And there are a lot of challenges to face.
The atonement is for everyone-everyone who wants the peace and kindness of the Savior to be the guiding power and influence in their lives.

Three steps to being our very best:
Search the Scriptures+Pray to Heavenly Father+Fast=miracles of all sizes and shapes

I promise it works.

Just Another Day

Well, it's just before bed and I should be closer to getting in bed but I thought I'd jot down a couple thoughts (or just one-I'm tired).

What can the scriptures do?
I started reading my scriptures every day again. I don't read a ton and I don't have a consistant amount that I read. It could be 5 verses or 3 chapters. But what I noticed, again, is how quickly I refocused my energy. I calmed down. I found myself feeling lighter, if that makes any sense. I was also quicker to re-evaluate my priorities.
Evaluating my priorities.
By saying that, I mean where I am putting my emotions and my energy. I have a pretty obvious set of priorities which don't change but what I chose to worry or ponder about while doing laundry, driving carpool, feeding our family, working in the yard, etc., isn't as obvious. It's very internal and personal.
There seem to be a myriad of important things to worry about. I could keep myself up at night worrying about my teenagers, and sometime do. I could stop eating because I put my energy into worrying about the renters and their problems with paying rent. I could make myself sick with worry about work, kids' friends, kids' schools, etc. etc. etc. But almost immediately when reading the inspired words in the scriptures, there is a comfort that begins to shield me from the edginess of all of these valid worries.
What is that powerful effect? Why is it a constant? Why do words matter so much?
All I know is that the words written in the scriptures are obviously more that just random thoughts. They are instructive and supportive. They lift and cheer the soul.
I am so grateful that we have the written words of our Savior and His prophets. What a blessing, indeed, to have preserved records that are life building.

Living After the Manner of Happiness

For Sunday I had read and thought about a lesson that I was to give at church.
I read these things:

Nephi’s Thoughts
27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
29 Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.
30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation. (2 Nephi 4:27-30)
vs
Laman and Lemuel’s Thoughts
2 But behold, their anger did increase against me, insomuch that they did seek to take away my life.
3 Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people.
4 Now I do not write upon these plates all the words which they murmured against me. But it sufficeth me to say, that they did seek to take away my life. (2 Nephi 5:2-4)

As I read the two comparisons of these brothers' anger management skills, I thought long and hard about the importance of making every effort to not be angry with my enemies. I could feel in my heart that this was a very important topic. When I brought this idea up for discussion in our class, there were fantastic comments and great feedback on the importance of not being angry with one's enemies. Here are a few of the thoughts that were discussed:
First, why is it a practical thing to not be angry with one's enemy?
If we are not angry with our enemy, then we deflate the opportunity for escalating emotions in many cases. Instead of a "tennis match" of angry actions, blame and accusations, you can end up with peace in your heart while the other does whatever they are going to do with their anger.
We remain healthy psycologically and spiritually.
Second, how can we realistically accomplish this?
We can concentrate on building bridges or at least not burning too many with angry indignation.
We can be cordial in all cases.
We can step back in a heated moment, take a break and come back ready to calmly consider the situation.
Don't let one's pride step in when one's character is being challenged or beat up.
Remember, too, that the atonement is for everyone. So that person or people you might consider enemies now, might forgive/repent and make amends so that you can at least be cordial if not completely get along fantastically in the end.

President Howard W. Hunter taught: “We need a more peaceful world, growing out of more peaceful families and neighborhoods and communities. To secure and cultivate such peace, ‘we must love others, even our enemies as well as our friends.’ … We need to extend the hand of friendship. We need to be kinder, more gentle, more forgiving, and slower to anger. We need to love one another with the pure love of Christ. May this be our course and our desire” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 87; or Ensign, May 1992, 63).

As we discussed things further, we talked about the fact that the Lord told Nephi that his brothers were going to kill him. Laman and Lemuel hated Nephi and their excuse for killing him was that they thought that he wanted to be king over them and they were the oldest and should be the rulers (a topic of the 10th commandment -coveting-came up at this point). Nephi took whoever wanted to go with him and went away from his brothers and the people who were with them and began to thrive. Here is what is recorded of what Nephi and his group did in their area:

10 And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses.
11 And the Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly; for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind.
12 And I, Nephi, had also brought the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass; and also the ball, or compass, which was prepared for my father by the hand of the Lord, according to that which is written.
13 And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly, and to multiply in the land.
14 And I, Nephi, did take the sword of Laban, and after the manner of it did make many swords, lest by any means the people who were now called Lamanites should come upon us and destroy us; for I knew their hatred towards me and my children and those who were called my people.
15 And I did teach my people to build buildings, and to work in all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance.
16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine. 17 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people to be industrious, and to labor with their hands. (2 Nephi 5:10-16)

Living after the Manner of Happiness
One concern that would naturally be brought up is the question, "Do I look weak if I am not angry with my enemies?"
Some answers were:
People who are industrious and prosperous are strong.
If one is happy and hangs on to their self esteem they feel strong.
The person who has let go of the weakening emotion of anger feels strong.
If our energies are turned from blame and revenge, are we more productive and strong?
If God has promised to fight our battles if we turn to Him, are we weak? We can't be.

Instead of being defensive or angry that they had to leave in order to survive, Nephi and his group moved on. It appears that they were happy because they lived the Commandments of God, they had scripture and geneological records, they were hardworking and industrious, they were prepared for danger, and they built a Temple-a place of peace and worship for them. What a distinctive difference from the brothers' attitudes.
The brothers of Nephi, Laman and Lemuel, couldn't leave well enough alone. They claimed to have been worried about Nephi being their ruler and telling them what to do. Yet not long after the split of people, Laman and Lemuel's group came over to battle Nephi's group! So it appears that the anger was just a festering thing for them and as we read further, it doesn't subside much. It actually leads to many wars.

So which way looks like the most productive, happy way to live?

It seems very clear that we have a very good example of how letting go of anger towards our enemies is an essential way to happiness. Many times this takes a great deal of faith in God and his promise to work with us and to help us to accomplish this action. But the example for "living after the manner of happiness" is clear. We need to trust in God and move forward working, loving, serving, and worshipping in order to have the peace in this life that makes it all worthwhile.

http://scriptures.lds.org/2_ne/5/10-17#10