Have Ye Received His Image In Your Countenances?

Have Ye Received His Image In Your Countenances?

The other day as I was walking into the Idaho Falls temple an elderly couple, who looked like they were in their 80s, were walking out. I noticed the bright blue eyes of the man and the look of peace in his eyes and face. The woman had a gospel glow about her too. They literally radiated joy and love in their faces. I thought of them the other day when I read in Alma 5:14 - Have ye received his image in your countenances? I looked up countenance in the dictionary and it said it meant expression of the face. I thought of other times I had noticed that special glow radiating from someone's face. I think the times I have noticed it the strongest is when I've been in the presence of prophets and apostles. Then I thought, do I show that I've received his image in my countenance? I found some general authority quotes that tell me I should. Brigham Young said:

"There is not a man or woman on this earth, whose peace is made with God, and who are associated with holy beings, and seeking after holy principles, but theircountenances are lit up with a lamp of divine cheerfulness."

More recently President Faust said:

"A sacred light comes to our eyes and countenances when we have a personal bond with our loving Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior and Redeemer."

All this made me think that there's no place for us as members of the church to walk around with sour expressions and grumpy attitudes. But what if I'm not "feeling" it some days? There's an expression , "Fake it until you make it." In other words, pretend to be happy and you'll eventually feel that way. But in reality, we should be the happiest people on earth. We have the joy of the gospel and our countenances should show it - just like that wonderful elderly couple that made such an impression on me as they were walking out of the temple.

Mosiah 24:15

I really liked this verse. It says, "...they did submit cheerfully and with patience to the full will of the Lord." Christmas time provides us with so many opportunities to serve! A lot of times I find myself groaning and complaining about giving simple acts of kindness. This verse was a great reminder to give my service cheerfully. I'd like to bear my testimony of sevice and how I know it impacts my life for the better. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Alma 7:23 and 24

This is Alma the younger speaking. If you remember right, this is the same Alma who hated the church and who taught against it, leading many a stray. After repenting here he is, a missionary, teaching the truth and living the gospel. Let's see what he says. Verse 23: And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

Verse 24: And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

These are such good scriptures. They give us an example of what we should do, and how we should act. I, after reading this, have made a commitment to follow Alma's words and to try my hardest to be patient, to be thankful for all I have been given, and to be more humble. I know it is the Christmas season and we are all excited, but I challenge each of you to slow down a little and really be thankful for our Savior and for all that he does for us. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that our Savior, Jesus Christ, atoned for our sins and died on Calvary. I have a testimony that he will come again at the second coming, and that if we remain faithful we will be saved. I am so thankful for his perfect example and for the sacrifice he made for all of us. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet. I am thankful for the Aaronic preisthood which I hold and for the many blessings it brings. I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

My Soul is Pained No More

Anyone who has messed up and done something wrong, felt sick about it, and wondered if they could ever be forgiven and can take great hope from the story of Alma the younger. He did terrible things in trying to tear down church and not only was he able to repent, but he went on to be one of the great prophets of the Book of Mormon.

Mosiah chapter 27 explains how his father prayed for him and because of those prayers an angel appeared to him and told him to repent. Alma the younger felt so bad that he couldn't move or speak for two days. During that time he let the atonement work in his life. When he could speak again he said, "I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the spirit... my soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more."

I have a testimony that no matter how bad a person has sinned, if he repents the pain can be taken away and the future can again look promising. It's one of the wonderful lessons of the Book of Mormon.

2 Nephi 31:19

In this verse, it says, "...for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save." This verse really made an impression on me, because I realized that Christ really is the only reason that we have anything that we have, and he is the only reason that we are able to progress and become better in this life. We have "come thus far" by having strong faith in him, and obeying his words. It's very comforting to know that he is always there for us, and he wants us to keep getting better and better, and to do it through faith in him and obedience to his words.

Mosiah 12:8

"...except they repent I will utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth, yet they shall leave a record behind them..." This verse made me smile- not because people are being destroyed, but because even if you're bad, you're supposed to leave behind a record. Even if in the past you've just never quite gotten around to posting and you feel bad about it, there's still hope! Because even horrible, wicked, people are supposed to leave a record. However, I think we as a youth are a above that, and so we definitiely have the obligation of leaving a record. I'd like to bear you my testimony that this blog is testifying of the word of God, and it makes a difference when you take the time to read it and post on it. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Alma 5: 16&18

Right now in Alma, the people have decided that having just one ruler like a king is not what the Lord wants. So they have established a group of judges that will rule and judge the people in the land. Anyway, in chapter 5 of Alma, verse 16 and 18 express some things the Lord might say to us, good or bad, on judgement day.

Verse 16: I say unto you, can you imagine yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth? Verse 18: Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a rememberence of all your guilt, yea, a perfect rememberence of all your wickedness, yea, a rememberence that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God?

Between those two scriptures, I want to go to heaven and be welcomed because of my good works I have done here on Earth like in verse 16, rather than going to the judgement seat with the guilt I have for not helping a neighbor in need, for not going to church one day, or for not being as nice to my siblings as I could be. I hope that is all our goal. To be on the right hand of God, and receive eternal life is the greatest gift we will ever be given. So we must hold to the rod and endour to the end. And this I leave you with, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hearts Knit Together in Unity and Love

This Sunday marks the three month anniversary of the challenge to read two pages a day in the Book of Mormon. That puts us at page 186, Mosiah, chapter 20. It's about a third of the way through the challenge.

This past week I was profoundly impressed with chapter 18 of the Book of Mosiah. Alma is baptizing new members into the church at the waters of Mormon. We read that there are about 450 souls who join the Church. That's about the size of a ward. The council Alma gives at that time applies to all wards in the church. He teaches his people in verse 8 that they should bear one another's burdens and comfort those that need comfort. Verse 21 particularly stood out to me where it says he commanded them that should have "their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another."

The image of hearts knit together is a powerful one. When I think of something that is knit, like blanket or sweater, I envision that yarn fastened together in a way can hardly be pulled apart. I love that feeling in our ward - a feeling of unity and love, with members caring for and loving one another.

Knowing Who We Are (Mosiah 5:7-12)

In these verses King Benjamin invites us to be baptized and take upon ourselves the name of Christ and have it "written always in our hearts" by keeping the commandments. I think King Benjamin was really trying to tell us how important it is to be baptized but the part that impressed me the most is the way he reminded us so many times about the name of Christ and how important it is that we have that name and remember it always. I know that whenever I have a bad day or feel sad or inadequate it is so reassuring to know that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father and I think bearing the name of Jesus Christ works the same way. That is one of the distinctive qualities of our church that we are The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints, like knowing that we are children of God knowing that we are the Church of Jesus Christ gives us strength and purpose knowing that we are truly a part of the Saviors true church.

President Hinckley said,“This church does not belong to its President. Its head is the Lord Jesus Christ, whose name each of us has taken upon ourselves. We are all in this great endeavor together. We are here to assist our Father in His work and His glory. . . ."

I am so grateful for the Savior and His wonderful gospel that has been restored to the earth today and I know that is being run by the true and living prophet Thomas S. Monson. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Mosiah 6:3

King Benjamin says that he has "...appointed priests to teach the people, that thereby they might hear and know the commandmetns of God, and stir them up in remembrance..." Well, besides priests, we have so many other teachers here to help us do exactly what the verse said- learn about the commandments and help us remember why we're here. We have Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, parents, our fellow youth, and other ward members that have taught and are still teaching us these wonderful things! I'm so grateful for all my leaders and our ward in general that help me learn of the gospel.

The Strength of the Lord

Our goal is to be at page 172, Mosiah 13 by now, but if you're not that far, don't worry. I"m just glad you're reading the scriptures. Feel free to write on the blog about any scripture that has recently impressed you, whether it's from earlier in the Book of Mormon or any of the other scriptures.

I was impressed this week with Mosiah 10:10-11 where it says: "... And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle. Now the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended on their own strength."

It seems to me that, while we don't fight battles with swords and shields like the Nephites, that we face battles of a different kind all the time. It might be peer pressure or temptations or even feeling depressed or inadequate. But just like the Lord helped the Nephites win military battles, in his strength we can overcome the day to day battles we face and be victorious.

Mosiah 3:24 and 4:3

Verse 24 says," ...They shall stand as a bright testimony..." and verse 3 says, "..and they were filled with joy..." I know that these phrases aren't really located next to each other, but I thought they went along perfectly. Christmas is slowly approaching, and for me, I just have this desire to be as nice and serviceable as possible. Our youth as a whole are planning great service projects for this season! We are standing as bright testimonies amongst a wicked world today, and I know that we will be filled with joy.

Alma 37

In Alma 36 and 37, Alma the Younger is speaking to his son Helaman. I couldn't help but notice how many times he repeated the words "inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land" (vs. 1, 30, 13, 20). And then there is the scripture mastery verse in 37:35- "O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God."
Here is a loving father, pleading again and again for his son to please be obedient. He is promising that obedience is the wisest course, the way to happiness and blessings. This is coming from a father who chose not to be obedient when he was in his own youth. He suffered the fiery pains of guilt and sorrow, chances lost and hearts broken. He learned the lesson the hard way, and here he pleads with all of us to get on the right path - beginning in our youth - and to stay there. I have a testimony of the blessings and joy that come from keeping the commandments of the Lord. Every single commandment is designed for our benefit, safety, and happiness. It's worth it to do what's right, even if we have to stand alone.

Paying Tithing

Due to tithing settlements coming up, I have decided to share some scriptures about the importance of paying our tithing.

D&C 104:14 and 17
Verse 14, I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine.
Now let's look at verse 17, which says: For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.

Verse 14 really helps remind us that the Lord truely did create the earth and all that is on it. And everything that we have actually belongs to him. Verse 17 helps us to more fully understand that everything he has given us is enough for us to survive on, if not more than we need. So really it should be no big deal giving just 10% back to him. In my opinion, paying our tithing is the least we could do to thank the Lord for what we have been blessed with. And when we pay our tithing, the Lord has promised to pour out so many blessings, that we will not have enough room to receive them. Not only is paying our tithing a way to thank the Lord for our blessings, it is a commandment. We have the right to choose if we want to obey or disobey the commandments of God, but either way we will have to face the good or bad consiquences of our decision. To conclude my topic, I would like to share two more scriptures pertaining to the importance of being a full tithe payer.

D&C 64:23 and 24
Verse 23: Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming. Verse 24: For after today cometh the burning, for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble, and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts; and I will not spare any that remain in Babylon.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

No More Disposition to Do Evil

Those who want to keep up with the two pages a day Book of Mormon reading challenge issued September 12th should be on page 154 or Mosiah chapter 4.

King Benjamin's sermon to his people in the first chapters of Mosiah I think is one of the most powerful sermons in the Book of Mormon. As I have been reading it this week there are so many verses that I want to comment on, but I think chapter 5 verse 2 sums up the impact of all of them, where the people tell King Benjamin:

"Yea, we believe all the word which thou has spoken unto us; and also, we know their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."

So how do we achieve that mighty change of heart where we don't even want to ever do anything bad, only good? A lot of the answers are in Mosiah chapters 2 - 4. I would exhort all of us (or at least challenge us) to study those chapters and see what we come up with for answers. Just a couple of the things I found were to simply believe in God and that he is (Mosiah 4:9) , to serve others (Mosiah 2:18), to yield to the enticings of the the Holy Spirit (Mosiah 3:19) and to humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness (Mosiah 4:10) and there are many more. I know that if we do this and the other things King Benjamin said that we too can be filled with joy and receive a remission of our sins and have peace of conscience (see Mosiah 4:2) , just as the people of King Benjamin.

Mosiah 16:9

He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.

Strangely, I can't explain this scripture in words. But I can express that it makes me feel so much love towards my Savior. It also reminds me of his perfect example which he set, and that he will never turn against us or stop loving us. I know that he will always be there and will never forget any of us. I know that he is constantly cheering us on and helping to guide us along our life's journey back to Heavenly Father. I know that he lives, and I truly beleive he will come again. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jacob 5:54

This verse says "...the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would are yet alive..." Although Satan tries to tell us otherwise, everyone can repent. This verse perfectly supports that! The Lord of the Vineyard was telling his servant about how his trees, although the wild branches had taken over the body, were still good in the roots, they just needed to trim down the wild parts. We are servants who are helping others control their wild branches by setting an example and befriending/ inviting others at church. I have a testimony that we can all repent and find the light and become better people, no matter how much we may have struggled.

Offer Your Whole Souls

I was impressed with a verse I read in Omni this week. In verse 26 it says:

"I would that ye should come unto Christ... come unto him and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved."

A half-hearted offering is not enough for the Lord. We need to follow him all the way with full purpose of heart. We can't be sitting on the fence with one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom of God. Even as I write this I'm listening to the tabernacle choir sing one of my favorite songs, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" which expresses the same idea. One verse says, "here's my heart, Oh take and seal its seal it for thy courts above." It is my prayer that we will all try harder to offer our whole souls to the Lord.

Mosiah 10: 10, 11, and 20

Mosiah, chapters 9 and 10 have both been about wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Right now the Nephites are the more righteous people, and the Lamanites are wicked. Anyway, (we're still in the wars) verse 10 says: And it came to pass that we went up to battle against the Lamanites... we did go up in the strenght of the Lord. Verse 11 states: Now the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men.

After you read those two verses I bet you can predict what will happen next, but let's continue.

Verse 20: And it came to pass that we did drive them again out of our land; and we slew them with a great slaughter, even so many that we did not number them.

This scripture really points out that Heavenly Father and his church will always win. Even though at times we may be in a struggle, we will always pull through as long as we remain faithful. I'm so thankful to be a member of this true church. I am thankful to have been born into the family which I am in. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that he will return to the Earth very soon. I know there is a God who dwells in heaven, and that he knows and loves each and every last one of us. I know we have a true prophet, apostles, stake president, and bishop all called by God. I'm thankful for the service they give each of us. I am thankful to have a translated and printed copy of The Book of Mormon. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jacob 4:4

The verse says, "For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know we knew of Christ..." This goes along perfectly with the purpose of this blog! We're sharing our thoughts and testimonies with each other as we read the Book of Mormon, the most correct book on earth. It's hard to put ourselves out there and share our testimonies, but we need to so that others can know that we do know of Christ! I want you to know that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ our Savior, and that He died for us. I know the church is true! And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Wake Up! (Jacob chapter 3 )

It's been nine weeks since our scripture challenge to read two pages a day in the Book of Mormon was issued. That would put us at page 126 - Jacob chapter 5.

I was impressed the other day with some of the verses in Jacob chapter 3 that showed a stark contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked. Verse 2 has a wonderful promise, "O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever." Imagine the joy in feasting upon the love of God forever! We can, if are pure in heart and receive His word.

On the other hand, Jacob expresses his frustration with those who won't take advantage of that blessing. In verse 11 he says, ".. shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell..." In essence, Jacob is telling his people to wake up and do what is right.

It's my prayer that we will all chose to feast up the love of God forever rather than the pains of hell. But it's up to us. As it also says in the Book of Mormon, "Ye are free to choose."

Mosiah 2:17

The primary theme this month is serving others happily and willingly. Our leaders encouraged us to remember this scripture which they read to us: Mosiah 2:17 which states, When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

I beleive that this is a very good scripture to remember, and I know that it is the truth. For when we are serving our friends, neighbors, and family that we are actually serving our Father in heaven. I know that service is very important, and that we all need service and all need to give service. I beleive that the scout slogan is very important: Do a good turn daily, and that if everyone in the world really were to do a good turn daily that this earth would be a much better place. Never forget that each and every one of us can make a difference, even by the smallest of things like a wave or a smile. I beleive The Book of Mormon to be the word of God and that we are all God's children. I am thankful to be a Saturday's warrior. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

2 Nephi 29:11

This verse says "...for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to thaat which is written." To help with making posts on this blog, I keep a study journal. I could consider that a book which I have written. Same with my journal. So how will I be judged according to what I've written? I'm pretty sure that blogs can be printed as a book, so if this blog is our ward's book, how will we be judged?

We Talk of Christ

The wonderful messages of 2 Nephi chapter 25 for me is the reward that comes after finally getting through all the Isaiah chapters. It explains the significance of those chapters. I especially like verse 26:

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

I have heard of people quote this scripture to those who say Mormons aren't Christians. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Coming closer to Christ and his teachings are what it's all about, and I have found that no other book does that better for me than the Book of Mormon.

Enos 1:15

Well, our family just got back from Utah so that's why my post is a little late if you were wondering. Anyway, this verse in Enos tells us how we should pray and ask things of the Lord.

Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.

This scripture really made me think about all the times which I have asked the Lord for something, and if I was really sincere when I asked. Well the answer is yes and no. I really do try to mean what I pray, but sometimes my mind wanders and I don't really think about what I am saying to Heavenly Father. I really will try harder to ask in faith when I pray, and I challenge you to be more sincere in your prayers. I know if we do what the scriptures say, and head the words of the prophet we will receive many blessings and we'll be saved. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Kudos to the Beehives and Jake

No specific verse comments from me today. I'm just really impressed with the Beehives and their comments and insight. What a great way to support each other in getting acquainted the idea of posting to the blog as well.

As for Jake Hansen. Way to go brother. Not only is it extremely impressive how regular you have been at posting, which in turn shows you have been reading, but your insights and comments on what you're reading are very genuine and interesting. Keep up the good work.

I'm sure we're all finding that regular study of the Book of Mormon is helping us in our personal spiritual development. Thank you, Bishop, for helping us get on track.

Dee Whittier

2 Nephi 25:23

This verse says, "For we labor dilligently...to believe in Christ." That is so true! Testimonies don't just pop up one day, we have to work for a strong one. It's just like conditioning yourself- the first day you go to the Gym, you can't go very long or hard, and you're exhausted at the end. However, by the time you've been going for a while, you can go longer and harder and you're muscle is starting to show. You're fit to compete! In the world today, it's hard to resist temptation, so you need to make sure you've been excercising yourself enough through prayer and scripture study and keeping the commandments to be able to properly withstand. Just like a little seed, we grow slowly. But if you use fertilizer and good soil, you'll grow stronger and quicker.

1 Nephi Chapter 18 Verse 10

"And I, Nephi, began to fear exeedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us."

This verse stuck with me because of the line saying " We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us." I have great respect for Nephi because he was able to stand up to his brothers and stay spiritually strong and keep Gods commandments. Somtimes it can be hard to stand up to people that are older than you.

1st Nephi 15:25

Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which i possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things.

I think this is a really good scriptures because I think that we should always give heed to the word of God, and keep his commandments.

D&C 25:12

To me this means if you are righteous and have a prayer in your heart you will be able to get many blessings

2 Nephi 25:16

The Jews have been scattered and God is really mad at them for a really long time, until the generation is come to believe in Christ. To me, I believe this is our generation because before Joseph Smith came, God was kinda mad because the greatest nation, the Nephities, destroyed themselves through wickedness. They had the gospel and they blew it! Could this be our future? Yes, because the second coming is quickly approaching, and if we don't repent, we could be destroyed. "...until they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all man-kind. And when that day shall come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and hands and not look forward anymore for another Messiah..." WE must be all these good things to be saved/safe. If we do all this, we WONT turn out like a bad Nephite in the last days.

1 Nephi 19:6

"Nevertheless i do not write anything upon plates save it be that i think it be sacred...'
OK so i know i'm a little behind, but verse kind of stuck out at me. I think that it is just proving again that these things in the Book of Mormon are true and important. I know that there is a reason why God gave us these scriptures. i'm really glad that we have this challenge and blog, because i have found so much more than I thought i could in just a few chapters!

2 Nephi 16:8

The verse states, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said: Here am I; send me." Part of becoming more like Christ is willingness to serve. And you know, sometimes it really hard to bring yourself to give service. Maybe you don't feel like you'll have time, or are embarrassed, or just don't want to. How often have we sat there as still as possible when asked to volunteer for a prayer? Or ignored the sign-up sheets that are passed around? Or watched somebody drop a book in the hallway and completely ignore it? Don't get me wrong- sometimes our physical abilities or schedules don't allow us to do these things! I personally have been trying to improve the amount of service I willingly give. As I've heard it said, "If you're not giving service willingly, you're better of not giving it at all."

Jacob 6:11

I almost forgot to blog today, but I'm glad I remembered. Anyway, I was reading my 2 pages and I stumbled upon this verse: O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life.

The part in the scripture which I have highlited in red really stood out to me. Repent Ye. It is very important for us to repent because not one of us is perfect. The scriptures say no unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God. So because none of us are clean or pure we could never enter into the magnificeint kingdom which God dwells in. Really it is a requirement to repent of our sins if we ever want eternal life. We must also take the sacrament each week and renew our baptizimal covenents. Then we must move on with life and never go back. For Heavenly Father really will forgive us and won't hold us accountable at the last day. But like I said, we must really ask for forgiveness sincerely. There will be consiquences, but the Lord will give us mercy. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon and I know that all the wonderful things the prophets of old have written are true. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Resisting Temptation 2 Nephi 13

I've always found this chapter from Isaiah to be very tempting. By tempting I mean that since half of it is spent chastising the "daughters of Zion" for their worldliness, it's pretty tempting to tease the women I know about their "mantles, wimples, and crisping-pins." (vs 22) But I'm not going to do it, because I don't even know what those things are, and because I also feel the real point to this chapter is for all of us (both men and women) to heed the warning to avoid the temptations of vanity and outward appearance that the world is so anxious and ready to heap upon us. The Lord is much more interested in what we are like on the inside than what we may look like externally.

Great are the Words of Isaiah

I just finished reading 2 Nephi chapters 6 and 7. Though it takes more focus while I read these chapters since Jacob (Nephi's brother) quotes Isaiah a lot, once in a while the beauty of what he's talking about is quite evident. In 7:6-8 it seems to saying that since Jesus suffered humilitation and pain, we can feel confident that he will always be with us to help us overcome trials in our own life.

Nephi

I just recently finished the second book of Nephi and I just wanted to share all the great things he did and how faithful he was.

When the Lord asked him to go to Laban and retrieve the plates, he was couragoues and had faith that he and his brothers would be protected and that they would get the plates. He did not complain when his older brothers beat him up and sought to take away his life. He always forgave his brothers even when they did really harsh things to him.

Nephi was always faithful and never murmered even when the prophet did. He never blamed the Lord and was always in tune with the spirit. Nephi always did what Heavenly Father, and his earthly father, Lehi, asked him to do. Nephi was never prideful, and never used his preisthood for bad purposses.

I really look up to Nephi and am sad to be leaving his book in the scriptures. I know that he really did see Lehi's dream of the iron rod and the great and spaceous building. I beleive in his teachings and I will always strive to hold to the rod of iron. I say these things humbly in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and redeemer. Amen

Temptation vs Peace

We have completed week five of the scripture challenge issued September 12th to read two pages a day in the Book of Mormon. That puts us at page 70. Those keeping up will have already read one of my favorite chapters - 2nd Nephi chapter 4. I love verses 15 - 35 which is sometimes called the psalm of Nephi. Verse 27 has a great message where Nephi says "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?"

First, I think it should give us all hope that someone a strong as Nephi has given in to temptation, and has overcome it. But the great message I get from this verse is the motivation it gives for not letting ourselves give in to temptation - it destroys our peace and afflicts our soul! It's just not worth it. A person may have lots of challenges in the world, but if they can still feel peace if they are righteous. I pray we can all avoid temptation and feel the peace that comes from doing so and follow Nephi's advice in verse 28, "Awake my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul."

1 Nephi 17:45

Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the lord your god. Ye have seen an angle and he spake unto you;.yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he has spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore,he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were divided asunder.
I really like this scripture because I think that a lot of the time we have the gosple right in front of our eyes, but we are past feeling and so caught up in the world that we do not hear the words that are being taught. When I read the scripures I always think that Laben and Lemual are horible and I dont know how they can be so blind from the gosple. They had miricals right before there eyes, and angles speek unto them but they still reject the gosple and turn away. I know that sometimes I am just as blind and turn away from something that is right in order to seek more worldly things. I know that when we follow that of the world we can never be as happy as when we follow the teachings of the gosple. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

2 Nephi 26:4-6

Wherefore, all those who are proud,and do wickedly, the day that cometh shall burn them to up, saith the Lord of Hosts, for they shall be as stubble. Well, last night I was reading along until I came upon this verse. The verse is a warning to us. For if we are evil and wicked we will be destroyed. I don't know about you , but I know I don't want to be one of those who are burned like unto the stubble in the field.

So after reading that verse, you don't want to be wicked. But then you continue reading on to the next verses. And they that kill the prophets, and the saints, the depths of the Earth shall swallow them up, saith the Lord of Hosts; and mountains shall cover them, and whirlwinds shall carry them away, and buildings shall fall upon them and crush them to pieces and grind them to powder. Now you are really going to try hard to be righteous.

Now you think there could be no other punishments you could bring upon yourself for being wicked. But then we go on another verse. And they shall be visited by thunderings, and lightnings, and earthquakes, and all manner of destructions, for the fire of the anger of the Lord shall be kindled against them, and they shall be as stubble, and the day that cometh shall consume them, saith the Lord of Hosts. If you listen closely it says that the anger of the Lord will be kindled against the wicked. For Heavenly Father is the most powerful being in the universe, and he is going to kindle his anger against those who are wicked and destroy them. Why would you ever even want to do something evil ? There is always a consequence for your inequities. But we are not perfect. That is why we must always hold to the rod and make good desisions. Even if we let go for the littlest of seconds we could easily be sent on the road to destruction.

In conclusion, if we disobey the commandments and are wicked we will be: burned up, swallowed by the depths of the Earth, covered by mountains, carried away by whirlwinds, crushed and ground to powder by buildings, and the Lords anger will be kindled against us. I know that the Savior lives and that the Book of Mormon truely is another testament of him. I know that the scriptures are true and that the prophets who wrote in them were inspired by the Lord. I know that if we hold fast to the rod and endour to the end we will be saved in the last day. I know Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us and knows us by name. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

1 Nephi 8 - Tree of Life

I love that Lehi felt such a strong desire to share the fruit with everyone he could: Sariah, Nephi and Sam, even Laman and Lemuel, his sons who seemed like they would not be receptive and were so hostile toward him, their own father. I guess if you have a truly strong, deep love of the Savior and the Gospel, you won't be aboe to keep yourself from sharing it and the joy that comes with it! Even with people who are unrighteous or unkind to you. I think we could all develop a strong love for the gospel and others in that way, that we won't be able to keep ourselves from sharing it with everyone we can.

Also as I was reading this chapter, I realized that everyone - everyone - in Lehi's dream got a chance to see the tree, the fruit, and the iron rod. They all had the chance to go to it. In life or even after we die, every one of God's children will get a chance to go all the way to the "tree", or eternal life. Some will see it and do everything asked of them and make it all the way. Some will start toward it, then fall back into the mists of darkness, while others will see it but won't take one step toward it. And some will come out of the darkest mists and go all the way. I guess my point is that we all get a chance to get on the right path, some at different times than others. Whether we get out of, go back into, or stay in those mists of sin and temptation is our choice. He will let us all see the iron rod, the correct path, and give us opportunities to follow it and learn and grow and improve, but our end result is our choice, and only our choice. I hope we will all end our journey here in the celestial kingdom, the tree of life, with our Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ.

1st Nephi - Saturated With The Spirit

Tonight marks three weeks since I issued the challenge to read two pages a day in the Book of Mormon and to share your thoughts on this blog. There have been 21 blog entries so far and I appreciate all the excellent contributions. Those who have kept up on the challenge should be on page 42 or 1st Nephi, chapter 18.

Watching conference this weekend I noticed many speakers talk about the importance of daily scripture study. Considering where we are in our challenge I was particularly struck by a comment by Elder Jay Jensen. He said, "It is no wonder that missionaries invite sincere seekers of truth to begin their study of the Book of Mormon in First Nephi. This book is saturated with the spirit of the Lord. In these early chapters there is a clear message that revelation and the Holy Ghost is given not only to prophets, but to fathers and mothers and children."

I hope you all see that message too. I love 1st Nephi. It's inspiring to me. Having recently finished chapter 17 I am so impressed with Nephi's sermon to his brothers who didn't think he could build a ship. Nephi lists for them all the wonderful miracles the Lord has done, like the parting of the Red Sea. Nephi then tells them if the Lord can do all that, he certainly can guide him to build a ship. It inspires me that whatever the Lord may want us to do, we can do with his help.

I invite all of you who have not yet written something on the blog to contribute and those who have already written to keep it up. I'd love to see everyone contribute each week.

Bishop Hildebrandt

2 Nephi 2:3-4

Verse four says, "And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory..." and verse 3 says, "...and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God..." You could say that we've beheld His glory in our youth through all the great things our church does. Because of this, we know that we should spend our time doing worthwhile things, especially serving our Father in Heaven!

1 Nephi 14:10

"And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God1, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of all abominations; and she is he whore of all the earth."

This, in my opinion, is saying what will happen to us in the last days. Will we belong to the church of the lord, taking eternal glory? Or will we give into the earthly stuff, so we cannot be with Heavenly Father when we die? The choice i s all ours. This scripture is telling us that we NEED to choose the church of God, not the church of the devil.

1= this is the church of the lord, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

1 Nephi 4:32

This was a while back in my reading, but in 1 Nephi 4:32, just after Nephi killed Laban for the plates, Nephi asks Zoram to come with them into the wilderness. Nephi says, "if he would hearken unto our words we would spare his life." This is so similar to the situation we are faced with in our mortal lives, we make mistakes and there is no way we will be able to make it back to our Father in Heaven on our own, but the Lord has assured us that if we hearken unto His words He will spare our lives! How wonderful and comforting this is! However I think that sometimes because we hear this so much it starts to become almost monotonous, but really it is so incredible to know that as long as we listen and try our very best to live those teachings we CAN still live with Him someday thanks to the Atonement. I know that the Savior doesn't just tell us that He wants us to return to Him but he is doing everything He can so that we will be able to return to Him. His hand is ALWAYS extended and his spirit is always available to guide us in the right direction.

Matthew 6:1-4

Yes, I know I'm supposed to be blogging about the Book of Mormon, but we were reading as a family in the New Testiment and we came upon this wonderful chapter. If you don't recall what this section is about, it teaches about serving others secretly. Anyway, here are the verses that really stood out to me. Verse 1: Take heed that ye do not your alms(Or service) before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward in heaven. Verse 2: Therefore when thou doest thine alm, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you they have their reward. Verse 3: But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. Verse 4: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Every verse in this chapter is very important. If I could've, I would have wrote the whole chapter down. I challenge each of you, if you have time, to read the rest of this section. It is very important for us to know. It tells us how if we do secret service and not make a big deal out of it we will be blest by Heavenly Father in the after life. I have a testimony of the scriptures and I know that President Monson is a great example of service, and if we listen to his teachings and follow them we will be blest in so many ways. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Always looking to God

If you look all through Nephi you can discover Nephi's strong love and desire to do the things of god. When ever he was in trouble he turned to his heavenly father for comfort and guidance. Such as when his brother had tied him up and the boat the first thing they did when they released him was to pray to his heavenly father in thankfulness. Heavenly father is always there for us through times of trial and tribulation and even in times of happiness and joy! Our father in heaven is on our side no matter what. He might not always be happy with the choices we are making but he is always opened armed to receive us back into his arms of eternal purity. So the question you can all ask your selves... have you talked to your father today?

Two Weeks Into Challenge

It's been nearly two weeks since we began this challenge and I appreciate all those who have contributed.

Sariah Complains

I couldn't agree with Jessica more about "murmuring". It makes me sad when I think about Sariah complaining against her husband. I hope I can believe without everything having to be proven to me. I think it goes back to Jessica's comment...we have to remember when the spirit witnesses of the truth and never forget those experiences. Doubt is not one of God's tools.

One Week Into the Challenge

It's been one week since the challenge to read two pages a day in the Book of Mormon. I heard from many of you at church that you were doing it and it was making a difference. By now we should be on page 18 and about to begin chapter 11. I encourage you young men and young women to ponder what you are reading and share your ideas on this blog. (Some of you mentioned you were having trouble figuring out how to publish a post on the blog - I explained it a little more clearly in a post I put on the blog yesterday). Even if you don't have a thought to share on a specific scripture, don't hesitate to write a few lines about how your life has been blessed by reading daily.

I was impressed as I was reading this past week by 1Nephi 1:5 where Lehi "prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart..." It made me think about what it means to pray with all our hearts. I came to the conclusion that it's much more than saying the same thing night after night. It means to really think about what we are saying in prayer and truly feeling it deep inside our souls. It inspired me to to work on making my prayers more meaningful.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to post on this blog. I'd love for you to add your thoughts each week or more.

--Bishop Hildebrandt

Tent Living 1 Ne 2:15

"My father dwelt in a tent." Everyone's familiar with this interesting, even funny passage. Have you ever wondered why this was a big enough deal to Nephi that he would dedicate a verse to the concept of living in a tent?

My guess is tent-living was something Lehi's family wasn't accustomed to at all. We know they were a family of significant wealth, so they were probably ancient Jerusalem's version of "Marriott Campers." I think it may have been as big a sacrifice, perhaps bigger, for them as what the pioneers went through crossing the plains. In fact their wilderness sojourn lasted years, not months!

Just as we are often asked to reflect and give thanks for the sacrifices the pioneers made for us, Lehi's family probably deserves a great thanks from all of us for the sacrifice they made that eventually resulted in our having the Book of Mormon--The Keystone of our Religion.

Correct directions on joining blog

My earlier directions on how to join the blog were not correct. Many of you told me about the problems you were having posting messages on the blog. What you have to do is accept my invitation to join the blog by following the directions on the email invitation from "Jay." If you have a gmail account it will let you right in. If you don't it just takes a few steps to create one.

I will resend those email invitations right now. Sorry about that. Let me or Jana know if you have any problems and we can help you.

Bishop Hildebrandt

2 Nephi 4:4

I also started a little early. Anyway, in this chapter Lehi is giving blessings to his family before he dies, starting with Laman's. While he is talking to them he reminds them what the Lord had told them. The scripture says,"For the Lord God hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land" but then goes on to say "And inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence." I know that verse still applies to our lives, and that if we keep the commandments we will be blessed here on Earth and in heaven, and if we don't keep the commandments we really will be cut off from the presence of the Lord and will be punished for our iniquities. I have a testimony of the Godhead and of the Book of Mormon. I know that President Monson is a true prophet, and that his teachings are true. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

1 Nephi 17:16

I'm a little ahead- I started the Book of Mormon when school started. The verse states," And it came to pass that I did make tools of ore which I did molten out of rock." Simple, huh? But the I started thinking that maybe the rock could be the gospel and the tools could be things like the scriptures, church leaders, Personal Progress and Duty to God porgrams, and more. This is in the chapter where Nephi was commanded to build a ship. So then I started thinking. with these gospel tools, what ship am I going to build?

1 Nephi 4:4

For some reason this verse always amazes me. Then again its laman and lemuel. after seing an angel of god it says: "they were yet wroth, and did still continue to murmur." I think that it important to remember that even though we haven't seen an angel, we have felt the spirit in church, or at a fireside. And some of us might have been able to have seen a miracle with a priesthood blessing. So we should think before we , 'murmur' or are 'wroth' and remember those feelings so that we aren't like Laman and Lemuel.

Our Picture

Okay everyone, here's our picture! We've officially started the challenge to read the book of mormon. We decided that we could read two pages a day of the book of mormon in order to finish it by the end of the school year and we are starting NOW! Good luck everyone! Don't forget to post some of the things you read about here! Try to come at least once a week to post cool things you've found in your reading.

I Nephi 8:27

In this chapter Nephi is describing the vision Lehi had of the tree of life. In verse 27 he talks about the great and spacious building and he describes what the people inside were doing:

"They were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit".

I didn't think much of it when I first read this scripture because I've read about the vision so many times before, but then I remembered something my friend had said about how they were not enjoying the "wonderful" things that were inside the building, but they were focused on making fun of those at the tree. If the great and spacious building was as great as it was made up to be, they would have been inside enjoying themselves. It made me think about how movies and the media make bad decisions look great, when in reality it's not all it's cracked up to be.

It made me grateful that I know which side I want to be on and that I know where the iron rod is. I just have to keep in mind that the great and spacious building is just that: great and spacious. It looks exciting on the outside, but is really empty and only looks "great" from the outside.

I'm very excited to try and read the Book of Mormon together this year and can't wait to read all the things we will post here!

1 Nephi 4:1

I am so excited to be able to read the Book of Mormon during this school year because it is such a strength to me every day! At the very end of 1 Nephi 3 Laman and Lemuel are discouraged about their inability to get the plates from Laben and they ask, "Yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?" Nephi responds saying, "for behold [the Lord] is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban"? Then why is he not mightier than any of our struggles that we face today? It is so encouraging to know that he can help us overcome anything Satan confronts us with!

Directions On How To Use Blog

1. Give your email address to Bishop Hildebrandt so he can add you as an author.

2. Go to shamrockparkmutual.blogspot.com ( anyone can go to the site and read what's on it)

3. If you want to post a message, click "sign in" in the upper right corner. The first time you may have to set a password.

4. Click on "new post" to write your thoughts. There's a small box for a title and a bigger box for you to write in.

5. When you are done, click "publish post" and your message will appear.

If you want to write a brief comment about what someone else has posted, click on comment at the bottom of their post.

If you have any questions contact Bishop Hildebrandt or Jana Urling.

Good Luck.

Scripture Blog Invitation

Dear Young Women and Young Men of the Shamrock Park Ward,

This blog has been set up for you to have a place to share your thoughts on the scriptures you are reading. As you accept the invitation to read two pages a day from the Book of Mormon I hope you will ponder what you read, mark in your scriptures verses that stand out to you, and from time to time share in this blog what impressed you.

As many time as I've read the Book of Mormon I still gain new insights every time I read it. Just tonight as I read the first couple pages of 1st Nephi again, I was impressed with something Nephi said in the very first verse. He said he was "taught somewhat in all the learning of my father." It hit me that if Nephi was taught the gospel by his father, that Laman and Lemuel were probably taught the same things, but they turned out a lot different than Nephi. I'm making it a goal to see what Nephi did to follow his father's teachings that Laman and Lemuel didn't do. Then I'll try to follow Nephi's example.

If you read just two pages a day from the Book of Mormon, you should finish it about the time the school year ends. I know that as you young women and young men of the Shamrock Park Ward study your scriptures, even if it's just two pages a day, and share what you learn and feel in this blog, that all of us who participate will be blessed.

Bishop Hildebrandt