Helaman, Chapter 7
It's interesting how this seems to echo what we have been learning about in Gospel Essentials too with what will happen (is happening) before the Second Coming of Christ.
As I thought of how to apply this to my life today - outside of the very straight-forward message that I (we all) need to hear and be reminded of - I thought of Nephi on the tower in the garden and how that vision reminds me of General Conference today. The speakers, our Prophet - speaking from the pulpit, usually surrounded by gorgeous flowers and plants - a tower in a garden.
And that his words today are like Nephi's then - repent.
Oh - and I needed some "happy" reading today too! :) So, I will share that when I find it. I can't find my favorite LDS quote book by Pres. Hinckley. Oh the days of summer -
- C
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Am I WILLING?
Helaman, Chapter 5
CLICK HERE
Wow! What a humbling and stirring chapter.
The things that struck me were that:
1. It didn't take a lot of time for the righteous to become wicked.
2. Their downfall happened in ways they thought were "fun" - not dark and evil.
And now, here is the thing that struck me most today...the difference between the wicked and the righteous:
2 For behold, there were many of the Nephites who had become ahardened and impenitent and grossly wicked, insomuch that they did reject the word of God and all the preaching and prophesying which did come among them.
36 And thus we see that the Lord began to pour out his aSpirit upon the Lamanites, because of their easiness and bwillingness to believe in his words.
---
Am I WILLING to believe in the words of the Lord and His plan for me?
That takes a lot of faith. I think I am a bit of a "control freak" - I like to take action if something needs to be done. I am a do-er and have the plan.
But in areas of my spiritual strength and growth, I need to be a sponge each time the gospel is shared with me - whether through structured lessons or everyday life - I need to be WILLING to hear and accept the message and live by it.
I need to let myself be willing to receive the spirit, strength, instruction and wisdom of the Lord - and let His will be done.
I do what I can and do the best I can and then let and know that He knows what is best and will do what needs to be done and that He loves me, my children - each of us.
Am I willing?
Honestly, not all of the time. But I will try to be even more now. I am so thankful for this chapter.
- C
CLICK HERE
Wow! What a humbling and stirring chapter.
The things that struck me were that:
1. It didn't take a lot of time for the righteous to become wicked.
2. Their downfall happened in ways they thought were "fun" - not dark and evil.
And now, here is the thing that struck me most today...the difference between the wicked and the righteous:
2 For behold, there were many of the Nephites who had become ahardened and impenitent and grossly wicked, insomuch that they did reject the word of God and all the preaching and prophesying which did come among them.
36 And thus we see that the Lord began to pour out his aSpirit upon the Lamanites, because of their easiness and bwillingness to believe in his words.
---
Am I WILLING to believe in the words of the Lord and His plan for me?
That takes a lot of faith. I think I am a bit of a "control freak" - I like to take action if something needs to be done. I am a do-er and have the plan.
But in areas of my spiritual strength and growth, I need to be a sponge each time the gospel is shared with me - whether through structured lessons or everyday life - I need to be WILLING to hear and accept the message and live by it.
I need to let myself be willing to receive the spirit, strength, instruction and wisdom of the Lord - and let His will be done.
I do what I can and do the best I can and then let and know that He knows what is best and will do what needs to be done and that He loves me, my children - each of us.
Am I willing?
Honestly, not all of the time. But I will try to be even more now. I am so thankful for this chapter.
- C
Thursday, March 19, 2009
What's In a Name? - Helaman, Chapter 5
To read or listen to this chapter, please click on the following scripture reference:
Helaman, Chapter 5
---
Neal A. Maxwell said this:
"Those who know him understand that President James E.Faust will not yield to mere pressure...His son, Robert, relates his father's integrity in the motto 'To thine own self be true' citing how his father regularly counseled, "The most important thing is your own name and reputation'."
What's in a name? LOTS!
That is what I thought of as I read this chapter.
Names are and can be banners unfurled - standing for who we are and where we come from - the good and the bad. Last names tell of heritage - even it the heritage started just when the mom and dad agreed on a name. That's how it was with Connor - it was the first name we agreed on!
Ellie's name has a longer heritage. She was named after my beautiful, amazing, wonderful grandmother whom I love/loved so much! In fact, "Elly" was the nickname that my sweet grandfather called her and he was the only one, while he was alive. I love the love that they had for each other and that is what I want for my Ellie - someone to love her that much - to be loved - to love and to have the name and reminder of the wonderful woman she is named after and that she is wonderful and beautiful too.
I wrote a storybook (of course!) for Ellie about the story of her name and about my grandmother.
Connor is at the beginning of the heritage for his name - he will decide what it stands for. So will Ellie.
Last names bring a story too - but we all add to them.
My friend, Heidi, did this amazing storybook about her family and "What It Means to Be a Arave." I hope to do this someday but her kids have already learned from it and are proud and happy of who they are as an "Arave." I love that!
Here is a preview of the book - stand tall today - you are YOU - a living legacy!
Helaman, Chapter 5
---
Neal A. Maxwell said this:
"Those who know him understand that President James E.Faust will not yield to mere pressure...His son, Robert, relates his father's integrity in the motto 'To thine own self be true' citing how his father regularly counseled, "The most important thing is your own name and reputation'."
What's in a name? LOTS!
That is what I thought of as I read this chapter.
Names are and can be banners unfurled - standing for who we are and where we come from - the good and the bad. Last names tell of heritage - even it the heritage started just when the mom and dad agreed on a name. That's how it was with Connor - it was the first name we agreed on!
Ellie's name has a longer heritage. She was named after my beautiful, amazing, wonderful grandmother whom I love/loved so much! In fact, "Elly" was the nickname that my sweet grandfather called her and he was the only one, while he was alive. I love the love that they had for each other and that is what I want for my Ellie - someone to love her that much - to be loved - to love and to have the name and reminder of the wonderful woman she is named after and that she is wonderful and beautiful too.
I wrote a storybook (of course!) for Ellie about the story of her name and about my grandmother.
Connor is at the beginning of the heritage for his name - he will decide what it stands for. So will Ellie.
Last names bring a story too - but we all add to them.
My friend, Heidi, did this amazing storybook about her family and "What It Means to Be a Arave." I hope to do this someday but her kids have already learned from it and are proud and happy of who they are as an "Arave." I love that!
Here is a preview of the book - stand tall today - you are YOU - a living legacy!
Friday, March 13, 2009
It's Back...Pride - Helaman, Chapter 4
To read today's scripture, please click on the following scripture reference:
Helaman, Chapter 4.
---
This chapter talks about pride - even among the people who profess to believe in God. Pride is such a common topic and occurrence in the scriptures and we all have so much to learn from the lessons. I decided to do a "Search" today on lds.org about "pride". I found this talk by Joseph B. Wirthlin called "Press On." I LOVE IT!!!
I think you will like it too! Press on!
CLICK HERE
- C
Helaman, Chapter 4.
---
This chapter talks about pride - even among the people who profess to believe in God. Pride is such a common topic and occurrence in the scriptures and we all have so much to learn from the lessons. I decided to do a "Search" today on lds.org about "pride". I found this talk by Joseph B. Wirthlin called "Press On." I LOVE IT!!!
I think you will like it too! Press on!
CLICK HERE
- C
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Someday...A Forest - Helaman, Chapter 3
To read today's scripture, please click on the following scripture reference:
Helaman, Chapter 3.
---
This chapter is another wonderful example of the prosperity that can come when we turn our hearts, beliefs and actions to God.
I was first struck by the physical description of the land, in that it was barren with so few trees. The description took me back to when I first came to Utah, after living in the eastern United States. "Where are the trees?!" I asked, as I got off the plane.
The people became experts in the resources that were around them and they cherished the few trees they had and had patience to let them grow and flourish.
This took SELF-CONTROL. It's not fun, but it's worth it.
Last month's friend had a great article in it that my sister told me about and then both of our families used it for FHE lessons. It was about the secrets of happiness. They are:
1. Hard Work
2. Self-Control
Honestly, I have not thought about self-control as a "secret to happiness" before. But this chapter echoes the article in the Friend, that it truly is.
The people knew that if they left the tree alone, even though they would have loved to use it, it was for the best and would reward them and their posterity the most to leave it alone:
9 And the people who were in the land northward did dwell in atents, and in houses of cement, and they did suffer whatsoever tree should spring up upon the face of the land that it should grow up, that in time they might have timber to build their houses, yea, their cities, and their temples, and their bsynagogues, and their sanctuaries, and all manner of their buildings.
And then in verse 35, we see this in terms of the spirit and self-control being shown in humility and "yielding" to God:
35 Nevertheless they did afast and bpray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their chumility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the dpurifying and the esanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their fyielding their hearts unto God.
Perhaps we see and show a distinct act of "self-control" of "yielding" once a month when we fast and each time we pray.
FAST and PRAY OFT
Robert L. Simpson said this:
"The world needs self-discipline. You can find it in fasting and prayer. Our generation is sick for lack of self-control. Fasting and prayer help to instill this virtue...In addition to the occasional fasting experience for a special purpose, each member of the Church is expected to miss two meals on the fast and testimony Sunday. To skip two consecutive meals and partake of the third normally constitutes approximately a 24-hour period. Such is the counsel. Competent medical authorities tell us that our bodies benefit by an occasional fasting period. That is blessing number one and perhaps the least important. Second, we contribute the money saved from missing the meals as a fast offering to the bishop for the poor and the needy. And third, we reap a particular spiritual benefit that can come to us in no other way. It is a sanctification of the soul for us today just as it was for some choice people who lived 2,000 years ago."
Helaman, Chapter 3.
---
This chapter is another wonderful example of the prosperity that can come when we turn our hearts, beliefs and actions to God.
I was first struck by the physical description of the land, in that it was barren with so few trees. The description took me back to when I first came to Utah, after living in the eastern United States. "Where are the trees?!" I asked, as I got off the plane.
The people became experts in the resources that were around them and they cherished the few trees they had and had patience to let them grow and flourish.
This took SELF-CONTROL. It's not fun, but it's worth it.
Last month's friend had a great article in it that my sister told me about and then both of our families used it for FHE lessons. It was about the secrets of happiness. They are:
1. Hard Work
2. Self-Control
Honestly, I have not thought about self-control as a "secret to happiness" before. But this chapter echoes the article in the Friend, that it truly is.
The people knew that if they left the tree alone, even though they would have loved to use it, it was for the best and would reward them and their posterity the most to leave it alone:
9 And the people who were in the land northward did dwell in atents, and in houses of cement, and they did suffer whatsoever tree should spring up upon the face of the land that it should grow up, that in time they might have timber to build their houses, yea, their cities, and their temples, and their bsynagogues, and their sanctuaries, and all manner of their buildings.
And then in verse 35, we see this in terms of the spirit and self-control being shown in humility and "yielding" to God:
35 Nevertheless they did afast and bpray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their chumility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the dpurifying and the esanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their fyielding their hearts unto God.
Perhaps we see and show a distinct act of "self-control" of "yielding" once a month when we fast and each time we pray.
FAST and PRAY OFT
Robert L. Simpson said this:
"The world needs self-discipline. You can find it in fasting and prayer. Our generation is sick for lack of self-control. Fasting and prayer help to instill this virtue...In addition to the occasional fasting experience for a special purpose, each member of the Church is expected to miss two meals on the fast and testimony Sunday. To skip two consecutive meals and partake of the third normally constitutes approximately a 24-hour period. Such is the counsel. Competent medical authorities tell us that our bodies benefit by an occasional fasting period. That is blessing number one and perhaps the least important. Second, we contribute the money saved from missing the meals as a fast offering to the bishop for the poor and the needy. And third, we reap a particular spiritual benefit that can come to us in no other way. It is a sanctification of the soul for us today just as it was for some choice people who lived 2,000 years ago."
Monday, March 9, 2009
I Don't Like Secrets - Helaman, Chapter 2
To read today's scripture, click on the following scripture reference:
Helaman, Chapter 2.
---
I don't like secrets. I like knowing EVERYTHING. I don't like to be "in the dark" or not knowing what everyone else knows.
I also don't like keeping them. I will if I have to, but sometimes I just want to burst - not to mention keeping track of who can know what and who doesn't know. Look, I can barely keep track of my two kids and the day one has gymnastics and the other has Scouts - I can't be expected to keep track of everyone's secrets too! (Yes, I realize that I am an "oddity" in Mormon culture with only two kids - those of you who have more...you are Superwomen. I don't know how you do it. You amaze me!)
My sister says to people, "Don't tell me anything that anyone else can't know." She's the smart one.
And look where secrets get the people in the Book of Mormon. Who do you know who to trust? This is the time when Gadianton is really getting things going and there are secrets everywhere! I kept thinking the same question, over and over, as I read this chapter and applied it to the same things happening today and wondering, "Who do we know who to TRUST?!"
Then I read the words of President Ezra Taft Benson - of course, the Lord has sent prophets to answer our questions - even before we have them. He knows us so well and he is in charge.
President Benson said:
"Our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of this land, Jesus Christ, and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations."
(A Witness and a Warning, p. 6).
What a strong reminder for me - keep reading the scriptures and listening to the words of the Prophet and the Apostles. Do not be distracted by others or the ways of the world. I need to remember to stay true to who I am and to listen to my heart.
And that I can tell to anyone I want - it's not a secret. :)
By the way, I always check the "B.C." number as a countdown to the coming of Christ in the chapter summary at the beginning of each chapter. Only 50 more years to go - I am so excited for these people!
Much love,
Chris
Helaman, Chapter 2.
---
I don't like secrets. I like knowing EVERYTHING. I don't like to be "in the dark" or not knowing what everyone else knows.
I also don't like keeping them. I will if I have to, but sometimes I just want to burst - not to mention keeping track of who can know what and who doesn't know. Look, I can barely keep track of my two kids and the day one has gymnastics and the other has Scouts - I can't be expected to keep track of everyone's secrets too! (Yes, I realize that I am an "oddity" in Mormon culture with only two kids - those of you who have more...you are Superwomen. I don't know how you do it. You amaze me!)
My sister says to people, "Don't tell me anything that anyone else can't know." She's the smart one.
And look where secrets get the people in the Book of Mormon. Who do you know who to trust? This is the time when Gadianton is really getting things going and there are secrets everywhere! I kept thinking the same question, over and over, as I read this chapter and applied it to the same things happening today and wondering, "Who do we know who to TRUST?!"
Then I read the words of President Ezra Taft Benson - of course, the Lord has sent prophets to answer our questions - even before we have them. He knows us so well and he is in charge.
President Benson said:
"Our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of this land, Jesus Christ, and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations."
(A Witness and a Warning, p. 6).
What a strong reminder for me - keep reading the scriptures and listening to the words of the Prophet and the Apostles. Do not be distracted by others or the ways of the world. I need to remember to stay true to who I am and to listen to my heart.
And that I can tell to anyone I want - it's not a secret. :)
By the way, I always check the "B.C." number as a countdown to the coming of Christ in the chapter summary at the beginning of each chapter. Only 50 more years to go - I am so excited for these people!
Much love,
Chris
Sunday, March 8, 2009
One Word - Helaman, Chapter 1
To ready today's scripture, please click on the scripture reference below:
Helaman, Chapter 1.
---
One word...GREED.
That was the lesson to me in this chapter. (P.S. I have been reading since I last posted but I haven't been posting. Wanted to get back to it - it's my record.)
That is what this chapter was about to me. If Coriantumr and those who called him to go after the Nephites would have just appreciated where they were and who they were and the blessings they had around them, they would have been much better off. But when Coriantumr got a bit of the sweet taste of victory, he wanted more and thus, brought down his downfall and the retreat of his people.
This reminded me of a lesson I have been going over with my kids - and in doing so, I remind myself - ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHERE YOU ARE. Don't always want more so much that you don't take time to appreciate what you have.
Now, that is NOT to say, "Don't Dream" or don't have goals but I think it is important to take notice of what is around you - what are the gifts and blessings that you HAVE, rather than always want more or think that what you have isn't good enough.
I have heard several people say that much of the challenges of today are caused by greed at all levels.
It is a gospel principle and message that is shared time and time again and though it is a beautiful truth, sometimes it is hard to "believe" or have faith in, so much so that we don't have to want...
With living the gospel, it is all that we need.
I am reminded by a story that my friend recently shared and posted on her blog (private) about a recent trip to Disneyland. Her daughter LOVES the Disney princesses and they were excited to watch the Princess show. Somehow, one of the cast performers knew that they (my friend and her family) were watching and were LDS, as was he. After the performance, he whispered to my friend's daughter...
"You are a true princess and someday you will have a kingdom of your very own."
What a special message for each of us to remember - an ETERNAL vision - as daugthers and children of God.
Helaman, Chapter 1.
---
One word...GREED.
That was the lesson to me in this chapter. (P.S. I have been reading since I last posted but I haven't been posting. Wanted to get back to it - it's my record.)
That is what this chapter was about to me. If Coriantumr and those who called him to go after the Nephites would have just appreciated where they were and who they were and the blessings they had around them, they would have been much better off. But when Coriantumr got a bit of the sweet taste of victory, he wanted more and thus, brought down his downfall and the retreat of his people.
This reminded me of a lesson I have been going over with my kids - and in doing so, I remind myself - ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHERE YOU ARE. Don't always want more so much that you don't take time to appreciate what you have.
Now, that is NOT to say, "Don't Dream" or don't have goals but I think it is important to take notice of what is around you - what are the gifts and blessings that you HAVE, rather than always want more or think that what you have isn't good enough.
I have heard several people say that much of the challenges of today are caused by greed at all levels.
It is a gospel principle and message that is shared time and time again and though it is a beautiful truth, sometimes it is hard to "believe" or have faith in, so much so that we don't have to want...
With living the gospel, it is all that we need.
I am reminded by a story that my friend recently shared and posted on her blog (private) about a recent trip to Disneyland. Her daughter LOVES the Disney princesses and they were excited to watch the Princess show. Somehow, one of the cast performers knew that they (my friend and her family) were watching and were LDS, as was he. After the performance, he whispered to my friend's daughter...
"You are a true princess and someday you will have a kingdom of your very own."
What a special message for each of us to remember - an ETERNAL vision - as daugthers and children of God.
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