Search, Ponder, Study the Scripture 1 Nephi 5, 19, 22; 2 Nephi 9, Omni, Jacob 4

 The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord:

 the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, 

a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness.  

A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.Zephaniah 1:14-16

The two towers fell and the destruction was great. I remember this day like no other because it had personal ramifications for my life. And afterwards while everyone was trying to figure out what it meant I remember my father’s words that this great event had been foretold by the prophets Isaiah and  Zephaniah. I remember picking my mouth up off the floor and not really understanding what he was trying to tell me? It was a defining moment for me - one when I knew I had to know for myself what it meant.  I had to have my own interpretation.  I had reached the point in my life, like Nephi, when prophesied destruction would not convince me.  I had to study it- for myself. (1 Nephi 11-16)

The scriptures are not just predictions of man’s doom, nor are they stories about his most unsavory mistakes. I have heard the Old Testament described as a lurid script for a common day soap opera. And while the descriptive sagas captivate our imaginations and help us to see the uglier side of mankind, their intended purpose is to warn and teach us of man’s need to reverence God and His commandments. They are meant to admonish us to live a holier more refined life filled with charity.

God's charity toward us can be found in the preservation of his word through scripture. The Bible is God's word that teaches us through story about man's past errs and triumphs. We have it because men of God obeyed his counsel and wrote it down.  The entire purpose of the Book of Mormon was to keep a record of Lehi’s family’s journey and relevance as a branch of the Israelites. It's testimony acts as a second witness to the Bible in declaring the sacred mission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Its entire purpose is to teach us the importance of studying the scriptures of God so that we might learn to work out our own salvation.

Every Book of Mormon prophet writes to not only record the truth of God’s love, but to also leave a witness to the divinity of Christ.  This divinity can best be learned through the study of the prophets written word; their purpose was to teach us to learn for ourselves through our own personal scripture study.

After sending his sons back to Jerusalem to retrieve the brass plates which contained the 1^st five books of what we now know as the Old Testament, Lehi searches them and rejoices. In them he found his genealogy, the prophecies of all the prophets through to Jeremiah, Adam and Eve’s story, and the commandments of Moses.  Lehi prophesied that the plates would go forth to all nations, never perish or be dimmed by time, and rejoiced when he realized their worth:

  And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.
1 Nephi 5:21

In 1 Nephi 19 Nephi has begun to read the “1^st five books of Moses” and begins to share some of what he learns. He is instructed to become like the scribes of ancient Jerusalem and preserve his civilizations’ most precious truths upon plates of ore. He shares his readings with his brethren and in hopes of helping them understand Isaiah’s writings he teaches them that the best way to understand scripture is to liken it unto ourselves.  (1 N 19:23)

Like Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Omni, King Benjamin, Alma the Elder, Zeezrom, Ether, Mormon, and Moroni all encourage the personal reading and study of the scriptures.  From Abinadi we learn what happens to a culture that puts aside the commandments of Moses and do not teach them. Of all of these many examples my favorite comes from Omni and Mosiah 25.

Omni first tells us of people who settled and built up the land of Zarahemla. Mosiah had discovered the Mulekites when he heeded the counsel of the Lord and fleed to the land northward where he discovers the land of Zarahemla. This people had come, like Lehi’s people, from Jerusalem – only their saga began at the time King Zedekiah was carried away into Babylon. They too had traveled across the waters but they had not brought with them historical records of their people. Nor had they kept any records. 

Great was their rejoicing at their discovery of Mosiah’s people. They rejoiced because of the record of the Jews, the history that the people of Mosiah brought with them.

And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla. Now, there was great rejoicing among the people of Zarahemla; and also Zarahemla did rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord had sent the people of Mosiah with the plates of brass which contained the record of the Jews.
Omni 1:14

And they rejoiced because of the interpreters they carried. While they had traveled in the wilderness they had come across another group of people who had, not withstanding their obedience in keeping a record, had not lived the word of God and had self destructed. The interpreters proved helpful in the translation of the Jaredite record and the understanding of how people who do not reverence the commandments of God make their own demise.

These Mulekites relished history. I guess it’s because they had lived without it. I call it the lesson of opposites. We value most what we do not have.

Mosiah 25 helps us understand how those who have been without the written word of history are affected by the written word. King Mosiah had caused that the Mulekites join with the Nephites and that a record of the people of Zeniff be read.  Zeniff was the father of King Noah. He had left Mosiah’s people and traveled down to his land of inheritance, the land of Nephi where the Lamanites dwelled. Mosiah had the account of Zeniff’s people, the martyrdom of Abinadi and Alma’s escape back to Zarahemla read to them:

And now, when Mosiah had made an end of reading the records, his people who tarried in the land were struck with wonder and amazement.
For they knew not what to think; for when they beheld those that had been delivered out of bondage they were filled with exceedingly great joy.
And again, when they thought of their brethren who had been slain by the Lamanites they were filled with sorrow, and even shed many tears of sorrow.
And again, when they thought of the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God.
And again, when they thought upon the Lamanites, who were their brethren, of their sinful and polluted state, they were filled with pain and anguish for the welfare of their souls.

Mosiah 25:7-11

In reading this I was struck with the powerful words of emotion used to describe their reactions: wonder, amazement, "they knew not what to think", many tears of sorrow, and pain and anguish for the welfare of their souls.

I think of how the two burning towers of New York City brought such great emotion. I thought how I too did not know what to think? For at this time I had not read nor had I understood the scriptures. I was filled with great joy for those of our countrymen who were delivered that day, and with great pain and anguish for those who perished and suffered.

And I want to always to be able to say that when I think of the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering me and my family out of the hands of those who would destroy my life and put me into bondage, that I will like the people of Mosiah and the Mulekites raise my voice and give thanks to God. For as I study God's word I learn of his love and dealings with man. I learn to recognize his hand in my life and I am amazed.

Nephi and Lehi study the words of Isaiah which testify of Jesus Christ

25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.

Isaiah 30:25

The Atonement of Jesus Christ: The Best Victory of all.

My daughter coaching her Lacrosse Team

I was asked to speak on the atonement and its relevance to the Book of Mormon. I chose to use a sports metaphor as I believed it would reach the younger crowd in our ward. 

Choose your Sport 

In 2001, we moved to Georgia. Our daughter, who is now 28 was then a Junior in High School. When she discovered that her new High School did not have her beloved sport of Lacrosse.. she was not happy.

While investigating the possibility of starting a Lacrosse team, she was instructed(by her ex pro physician Dr. Kosobucki) that in the south there were only three sports. 1. Football 2. Football and 3. Football.

I tell you this because sports play an important role in our lives. For young people maturing and growing in our society they teach the importance of rules and laws.

Sports help teach the concept that rules help us achieve goals. 

Sports also teach us how to feel the joy of winning.. and how to handle the agony of loss.

There are numerous analogies that be drawn between sports and the game we call life.

Heavenly Father's Plan 

Life however is not a game. Rules that are broken lead to players being sidelined or even being permanently removed, ie. death.  There are no rain delays and certainly no tiebreakers in the game we call mortality. Mortality offers us no eternal security. 

Like the coaches that establish rules, draw up game plans and put key players into the game, our Heavenly Father has given us eternal laws, designed a plan of happiness for us and even given us a key player that insures us joy.

Games and sports allow for only one winner and many losers. Heavenly Father’s plan of Eternal Happiness, however, was designed that all might know the joy of success.

A Key Play: The Atonement 

This eternal plan of happiness as the Book of Mormon prophet Alma called it (Alma 42:8), is otherwise known as the atonement. Jesus Christ is the star and key player. Prophets both living and ancient bear witness of his divinity, of his role in helping us all learn how to practice and find eternal joy.   

The Atonement in the Book of Mormon: Law 

The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi understood he could not travel into the wilderness of a new land without the laws that taught of Jesus Christ’s divine mission and role in God’s Plan of Happiness. Without the brass plates he would not be able to teach of his father’s eternal covenants with God, of past prophets testimonies, of the Ten Commandments, or of God’s love.  

In 1 Nephi 4:15 we read :

Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law.

Lehi was the first prophet of the Book of Mormon to testify to the divinity of Jesus Christ’s role in the Great Plan of Happiness. The Book of Mormon has multiple prophets that testify of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

GamePlan: Atonement

The prophet Jacob asked, 

“Why not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him?” (Jacob 4:12)

Kay Player: Jesus Christ

­­­­­­­­

The brother of Jared shared the savior’s words to him : In Ether 3:14 we read:

Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ.

To the list of Book of Mormon prophets who testified of Jesus Christ and his divine atonement we can add Zenock, Neum, and Zenos ( 1 Nephi 19:10).  King Benjamin, Alma the Elder, Alma the Younger, Amulek, the sons of Mosiah, Captain Moroni, the brothers Nephi and Lehi, Samuel the Lamanite, Enos, Jarom, Amaron, and Amaleki also testified of the atonement.

The Book of Mormon – another testament of Jesus Christ – contains 6,607 verses. 3,925 refer to Jesus Christ.  It references the Savior’s atonement 39 times and speaks of the resurrection of Jesus Christ 81 times. When you consider that Jesus Christ is it’s principal character there can be little mistake that the Book of Mormon makes the solemn declaration that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. (A Testimony of the Book of Mormon)

One of my favorite prophets is the courageous Abinadi. He gives us a good understanding of the relationship between living the rules (law of Moses) and in utilizing the atonement of Jesus Christ.  After prophesying the people’s destruction, he has been taken before the courts of King Noah to be questioned.. To Noah’s priest’s, Abinadi taught and testified:

And again he said unto them: If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it?  Mosiah 12:29-31

Noah and his priests soon are ready to be done with Abinadi, but Abinadi is filled with the spirit of God and cannot be touched. He then recites to them the Law of the Ten Commandments and tells them they are not living them, nor are they written on their hearts.

He continues to explain the atonement to them.  From Mosiah 13: 27-28 we read:

And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

In  Mosiah 15:1-7 Abinadi continues:

 I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.And after all this, after working many mighty miracles among the children of men, he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.

 Mercy and Mistakes

In learning how to play a sport mistakes are inevitable. And mistakes ensure both a winner and a looser. Shots will be missed, fouls incurred, rules and boundaries broken, and we might even score a goal for the wrong team.

 In life we might commit what we perceive as an unforgivable sin, a no win situation, but as Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Seventy points out, “through the infinite Atonement, God has provided a means whereby we can both overcome our sins and become completely clean again. This is made possible by the eternal law of mercy. Mercy satisfies the claims of justice through our repentance and power of the Atonement. Without the power of the Atonement and our complete repentance, we are subject to the law of justice. (2006 April General Conference, The Great Plan of Happiness)

Additionally Alma taught that “mercy claimeth the penitent” (Alma 42:23) and that the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance.” (Alma 42:13). 

Russel M. Nelson said that, “The resurrected Lord taught, "This is the gospel which I have given unto you--that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me." (3 Ne. 27:13. Then He amplified that one-sentence definition: "My Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me." (3 Ne. 27:14)  This unique mortal mission of the Lord--the gospel as He defined it--we know as the Atonement., (A Testimony of the Book of Mormon Russel M. Nelson.)

The personal ministry of the resurrected Lord to people of ancient America bears an unmistakable testimony of the Savior’s mission.  To them He made this revelatory announcement:  "Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. . . .  ". . . The scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled. . . .  "I am the light and the life of the world. . . .  ". . . Whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost. . . .  ". . . I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.  "Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. . . . I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me, . . . and be saved." (3 Ne. 9:15-16, 18, 20-22) 1999 October General Conference, (A Testimony of the Book of Mormon)

 

Temp View High State Lacrosse Champs. My son as their coach. 

I have watched my children participate in many sport events. Some they have even coached and refereed for. I have witnessed their joy when the scoreboard favored their team. I have wiped away tears when it did not. 

But Of all the victories that I hope my children will understand and strive to win, I hope they will seek the victory of eternal life that comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Jacob taught that without the atonement we might all be like the losers on the sport field. We might all be lost.He said:  

And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me, for I have heard and seen; by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost. Jacob 7:12

The Book of Mormon testifies not only of the atonement, but of its infinite power to bring us joy, no matter what the score board might read. Through the Savior’s example of mercy and charity we all are given the power to lift not only ourselves up to a happier state, but to also offer that same score to our fellow saints and teammates. The atonement of Jesus Christ offers a win win situation.  

I bear witness that there is a power of goodness and healing that comes from reading the Book of Mormon. I believe this power stems from the pureness of God's atoning love and from the witness that is brings to us, the covenant people of Israel. 

In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

2 Timothy 4 ( Preach the word)

Elder Robert Shaw and his companion with fellow saints in the 

Angeles, Philippines Mission 2002-2004

In May of 2002, my son Robert left the United States for the Philippines. He took Paul's charge to Timothy to "preach the word".(2)  He took to heart and chose to serve two years preaching, so that like Paul, he could work to thwart the turning away of honest ears from the truth(4). He worked to keep the truth from turning "into  fables"(4). 

As I read Paul's words to Timothy this second time before he is brought before Nero(footnote), I could hear in his plea a sense of for-longing for his missionary companions that forsook their mission of Christ for "this present world"(10-15) I could hear his faith resounding in his words of hope that reminded himself and Timothy of the "crown of righteousness"(8) that awaits those who "reprove, rebuke and exhort with long-suffering and doctrine"(2). 

I thought of the visit that my husband and I paid to our son at the close of his mission. He introduced us to all of his dear friends that he had taught and loved. I remembered the sacrifices and the lives that he saw changed as he helped those who "withstood  words"(15)  learn how to "endure sound doctrine"(3). 

Serving a mission for Christ is not an easy choice. It requires learning how to "do the work"(v5) and an ever watching "in all things"( 5). Paul prepares Timothy and all who choose to serve that you will need to learn how to "endure afflictions"(5) and work to "make full-proof of they ministry" (5), or finish the work. It requires learning how to separate "lusts" from "love", to put a stop to "itching ears", and how to say like Paul with conviction, "I have kept the faith" (vs 7). 

     My son learned to love his companions as well as those whom he taught. While there we met the Go family, whose son was an endeared companion of our son. From Elder Go, my son learned the nuances of the  Philippine culture, the Tagalog language, how to prepare the food, and so many life long lessons that only Elder Go would be able to teach him. From the people of the Philippines my son learned humility, grace, strength, and what it means to live on faith. He saw lives changed, covenants made, and the light of hope take refuge within the eyes of those who believed in Christ. 

While in the Philippines, he built great friendships with other missionaries who supported and did the work "diligently"( 9). But I believe the greatest relationship that he or anyone who embarks on this course is with our Savior. Paul speaks of how though so many of his companions had forsaken him while he was in prision, he still was able to pray that it "will not be laid to their charge"(16). But mostly he learned that "the Lord stood with me", and the Lord "strengthened me"(17). 

Now as our son has returned and as many of us have gone on with our lives "in this present world", it is Paul's hope that Timothy and all of those who serve God, will understand that in serving we are promised to be "delivered from every evil work"(18).  We are promised our "heavenly kingdom"  where Christ Jesus will reign in glory "for ever and ever." It is here that we must learn to forsake the present world and seek that truth that Paul suffered for. 

Paul had a mission to teach to the Gentiles, "that the Gentiles might here". 

Each of us has a mission, "a charge" to "be instant in the season" and not let the truth pass us by. 

Today I will ponder what is my charge? Is it not to do as Paul did and preach and endure sound doctrine? 

 Breakdown of verses 

1-2 - Paul charges to preach the word 

3-5  He speaks of an upcoming apostasy where men will seek after their own lusts 

6-7  Reconciliation for his fight 

8-9 Reward

10-15 Lonliness Loyalty, forsaken 

15- Enemy 

16- Alone 

17- 18 Lord's Support

19-22 Directions 

ye shall all be amazed and wonder (Helaman 14: 1-10)

The small room sat in the back west corner of our ranch house. We hadn't lived there very long. My Dad lived in a nearby apartment that we visited on weekends. My brothers (13, 11) and I loved the large hill that sloped down through the back yard. We had spent many hours blowing up ant hills, sinking model ships, and playing in the creek that ran through the meadow at the bottom of the hill. Because they had to "watch over" me, I was always the little sister tag-along. This room, that we were gathered now in, was the boys' room.

I stood with my back against the wall. My bandaged right arm leaned on the foot of my brother's electric hospital bed. The threshold to the door lay only a few inches to the left of my feet. As I leaned backward I could feel the light switch push in between my shoulder blades. I felt small. The room seemed to loom around me and the air swam thickly against my skin. I could see the hairs on my arm stand up.

My mother sat in a chair in the middle of the room. I remember how the ceiling light showered down upon her frail frame. I remember that her spirit exuded an understanding that I yearned to know. My two brothers were in the room, but I could only see my oldest brother. With the aid of his bed he sat as upright as his fractured vertebrae would allow. For him the doctor had prescribed "flat bed rest." Trying to find respite for our pain, he laughed. His jet black hair swung down across his pale face and he said something that calmed me. Then my mother began to speak with a quiet but pointed faith.

"He's here. Can you feel him?" She spoke with a sure tone. I looked at by oldest brother. His eyes grew large and rounded. He returned my gaze before we both turned to face my mother's question.

I had felt him from the moment I had gathered with them. I had known much of what my mother was to vocalize. She began, and I listened with an intent to know.

"Son, we know you are here. Have you come to say goodbye." An electricity shot through me and I stepped forward away from the wall. The stitches in my right knee smarted as I shifted my weight.

"Donnie, can you let us know you are here? Can you give us a sign that you are here?" My mother's whispered words fluttered across the room. My heart raced. I nor my oldest brother said a word.

That's when the light's went out. Once. Twice. Three times. I remember stepping clear from the wall in wonder. I remember reaching out to my mother but never touching her. The emotion of Don's presence engulfed me. I felt him around me. I felt him above me. I felt him near me. It was undeniable that his spirit was with us, comforting, teaching, but mostly just saying "Good bye, I won't be too far," or "Don't forget me," but mostly, "I love you."

Now we all cried. So powerful was the testimony, the sign, his spirit, that our spirits were overcome. Mother said a prayer and my oldest brother and I joined in. We felt a total and complete love. I know that my spirit was touched that day with a truth that comes from the spiritual realms of heaven. A truth that was meant to guide me home.

Don had passed away a few weeks earlier. We had all suffered from injuries from the car accident that had taken his life. My mother had spent several hard days in the hospital healing from injuries that had almost taken her as well. Forty-two years have passed and I will never forget those powerful moments reserved for me. From that day forward I have let the "amazement" of that experience carry me. I have searched to understand and have sought to "believe in his name, the Son of God" that I might have opportunity to meet my brother again.

Jesus Christ promised us that he will "redeem all those who shall believe on his name." This means that Jesus Christ will make restitution for my mistakes. I made many.

For years I did not understand that my brother's death was not my fault. I carried a heavy burden. He had sat in the front seat. I sat there before mother had made me move.

It was from the front seat that he had been thrown from the car. In my young mind I rationalized that it was me who was supposed to go back to heaven. But then I didn't get to go. Why? I was told by well meaning adults that Don got to go because he was "ready", he was "perfect" and thereby God wanted him. So what did that leave me? Imperfect? I began anew knowing I had some work to do?

Jesus Christ, I found would help me. And he started helping me that one afternoon in my brother's bedroom. There I felt the presence of my brother's spirit. I knew where it was. I saw that he was able to turn the lights on and off as I stood not one foot from the unturned light switch. And as surely as I felt his presence, I knew when he had gone. Gone where?

Back to be with our Savior Jesus Christ whose name is so powerful that the heavens and the earth respect it.

I had so many questions. That is the day that my real journey began.

So when Dad wanted me to listen to "his" faith, I looked for answers.

I found them. I found answers to why Don was able to come back, and why he had to leave, and why many years later he could not come and "watch over" me as I struggled with life.

I was eight when he passed. He was eleven. My oldest brother was thirteen. It was a hard time, but because I have believed on his name, I have seen many signs and wonders. I have known the love of my Savior around me. This has been a great joy to me. But not the greatest joy. The greatest joy has come to me as I have been able to share the love of the Savior with others. Through service, testimony, friendship, and study.

WITH MY FATHER'S FAMILY (near the grave)

These verses talk about the years that preceded our Savior's life here on earth. Samuel was but one of many prophets who have testified to the signs that will witness to his birth, his death, and his purpose. It is a gift that God has given us to help us return to him. It is a gift that must not only be opened but also be used in order for it to give us any hope of His promise.

But I promise you this. I promise that for those who "shall believe on his name" shall have many signs and wonders of his love. We pass through so much of our life with blinders on. We are so very unaware of all the work that God's angels do in our behalf. Every now and again when we have insight into his mighty miracles that help us to understand the pureness of his love, I hope that we might "fall to the earth" and give thanks for all he does for us "that believe on his name."

Words and Phrases

vs 1 which cannot be written- some prophesies are not to be written. Some cannot be for they are too sacred. They must remain between a loving father who gives them and those that believe. For those who do not believe another sign of something they do not understand will not make a difference. We must first believe.

vs2 all those who shall believe on his name - these shall be redeemed.(put back on the right path) (cleansed of sin) ..Samuel told them that a sign he would give to help them understand, to direct their path, to give them hope... and strengthen their faith. 5 years Son of man will come.

vs 3 the sign is .. that 1. there will be lights in heaven 2. no darkness

vs 4 a day and a night and a day... what was supposed to happen happened but without darkness. We saw the lights go out, but no one turned the switch. The people of Samuel's day saw the sun go down and the sun rise but no darkness came.

vs 5 a new star - astronomers have astronomical proof as to the existence of the birth of a new star at the time of Christ's birth. If it were to be infatically proven with scientific data, like in the time of Samuel, it would only be a sign to those who believe. Other's usually do not have time to think or understand because their treasures are not found in the nature that respects God, it is not found in the laws that govern the universe.

vs 6 many signs and wonders - When we believe, God sends us our own signs and wonders that He lives. We are not left alone. We are not left to our own faith. God sends us signs to direct our path and guide our choices. But we will miss them if we don't believe.

vs 7 amazed and wonder - When ye shall receive your own personal signs, ye will have amazement and wonder. Record them. Ponder them, study them, consider them, and then ask God.

vs 8 believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life- Why? Because in believing we unwrap His gift to us. In believing we find hope. IN believing we are cleansed and redeemed from our sins. In believing we find strength and knowledge, but mostly we find forgiveness.

vs 9 Cry unto this people- When you believe and you have signs and wonders that direct you and give you guidance that keeps you from harm and helps you gain greater understanding, be sure to speak your part and tell others. The power of the word will change universes.

vs 10 it was hard against you - the truth is not an easy pill to swallow. Few people can naturally do so. To hear the word of God ye must be humble, teachable, and willing to change what needs to be changed within you: attitude, service, virtue, love, and hope.

Do not cast out those that speak truth. The sad thing here is that most of those that are bold enough to speak truth to us are within our own family. The demise of the family in these last days is due mostly to the pride of men's hearts. Do not be so proud as to not hear the pain and frustration of those that love you the most.

into his heart Helaman 13: 1-8

• An older gentleman with a weathered face and warm smile stood perplexed at the counter. His repeated attempts to get his YMCA card scanned kept failing. I looked into the eyes of his wife who watched over his shoulder. She seemed to be at a loss as well. "Help him out"... a clear message of what to do came into my heart. I reached over and gently helped him turn his card over so that the UPC code could be read. His eyes twinkled in appreciation. His wife

Picture from FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

giggled a measure of relief. And inside of me I felt myself smile. All because I let God's words come "into my heart".

"A handsome young man is waiting in the lobby to see you." I looked up to see the hostess of the Red Lobster where I worked as a waitress watching me. I wasn't surprised. I was decidedly overjoyed. Why? Because not more than an hour earlier a voice had come "into my heart" and told me.. "GolfGuy will be here soon". I pushed it out of my mind and decided I was too much in love to understand my own intuitions. I had somehow mixed up my desires with reality. When GolfGuy showed up (unplanned) I felt flattered, and emotionally prepared. Mostly I felt a calm assurance that this match was being guided by an unseen hand that kept putting cues such as these "into my heart".

• The cold air crept in around my ankles as I folded and stacked the laundry. My mind worried about my mother some 1000 miles south of me. Her health had recently taken a wrong turn and I was two days car drive away. My mind also turned to the difficulties our GuitarGuy was experiencing in his new middle school. I needed a plan. So I prayed. I prayed for guidance and ideas. The words "Call Jill" came into my heart. "Call Jill and talk to her about Charleston." When I called I told her I needed a five year plan. I couldn't see how we could move before GuitarGuy finished school. There was allot I couldn't see. But God could see and so Jill said.. "Come down and check it out".

We did and here we are in beautiful Charleston. Why? Because I learned to follow what God put "into my heart" and trust that I would learn to listen to his plan for me. God takes care of us. We need to learn like Samuel did to let his words find place "in our hearts".

Words and Phrases

vs 1 keep the commandments of God, according to the law of Moses ... Prayers have requirements. In order to hear the word of God we must live the word of God.

vs2 preach unto the people... When we stop letting the word of God into our hearts, God sends prophets to help us remember, to guide us, and to keep us close to him. Samuel was a prophet .. he kept the commandments according to the law of Moses.

vs 3 the voice of the Lord came unto him... How do we know when the voice we hear in our heart is of God or of our own thoughts. If it is of God, it is in our hearts as well as in our head. We hear it first with our hearts. We feel it pierce our souls. When we live the commandments we tune our souls to it so that we can hear it.

vs 4. whatsoever things the Lord put into his heart.... The Lord speaks first to our hearts... and then he sways our minds with practical reason.

vs 5 the words of the Lord... are words of comfort, words of guidance, and words of warning. When we become hardened by the ways of the world, the Lord's love protects us by sending us words of warning.

vs 6. Repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ - Samuel was not about Samuel.. he was a prophet that taught of Jesus Christ.

vs 7. An angel of the Lord - Angels do the work of the Lord by declaring truths unto those who will hear.

vs 8. I will take away my word from them... - we hear his word when we listen and live his commandments. If we do not listen he removes the blessings that come from having his word.

His word is the greatest blessing known to man. His word comforts us. His word guides us and teaches us all that we need to know in this life. His word is the way back to our Lord Jesus Christ. His word is his love. It is there. We must

let it into our hearts.

Shifting Sands and Treasures in Heaven

Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach S.C.

Helaman 5: 8-14

Shifting Sands

The beach is a wonderful place to rest and relax. The soft warm sand squishes between your toes and gives way as you saunter along the shore. It slides and makes way as you burrow your bottom into its supple surface under the shade of your beach umbrella. And it drips, drips, drips, one drop at a time as you let a wet handful sift through your fingertips to create a tall sandcastle turrets. Sandy beaches are great places to walk, build castles, and lie on as you bask in the summer sun.

Sand however has its limitations. Today my daughter and I tried riding our bikes on the beach. As we did our tires sunk into the sand leading us to change our gears and try again. What appeared to be firm and secure ground merely gave way under the weight of our tires, causing us to loose our balance and fall. As I turned we to leave the beach we noticed several tire marks where a car had foolishly tried to do the same. Unfortunately, for him, it appeared that he had to be dug out.. Also, as we rode our bikes, (on the hard pavement of the street) we noticed that all of the homes along the shoreline are built , not upon a sandy foundation, but rather upon fifteen-foot pilings that have been driven deep below the surface sand.

Sand shifts. In the sun’s heat, the wind’s whistle, and the wave’s wash, sand shifts.

Helaman taught his sons about the need to recognize life’s shifting sands. He counseled them to place their faith in eternal truths that “fade not away” or shift with the crowd’s whim. What are the sands of life that appear to be safe, but when you walk on them they lose their ground? They bring moments of fun but fail to live up to eternal laws. There are many ways that we can relax and enjoy ourselves, but we need to be careful not to build our life’s hopes and dreams on sands that shift .

Helaman taught his sons that eternal lasting rewards are found in the redeeming love our Savior Jesus Christ. He taught his sons the need to “remember, remember “ and to build upon the rock of our redeemer Jesus Christ.

How do we determine if the earthly pleasures we find so enticing are shifting sands or treasures in heaven? How do we know what is real? Real may not be something we touch. Real may in reality be something that touches us and leads us to the “precious gift of eternal life”.

Words and Phrases

Vs 8 lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven – treasures in heaven do not shift, change, or go the way of the earth. They are eternal, lasting, and sure. The elements of life do not change them. They do not fade. When we rely on Jesus Christ's atonement, we lay up treasures in heaven.

vs 8 Precious gift of eternal life – We are taught that God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39) His purpose of sending his son was to give us hope that we might strive for eternal life… truths that matter, truths that last.. truths that touch us and change us for the better.

Vs 9 O remember, remember, my sons, the words – words are important part of striving to gain eternal life. Words spoken by King Benjamin, and various other prophets speak of truths that will teach us how we can find and uncover the gift of eternal life within us.

Vs 9 no other way nor means – Jesus Christ is the only way we can have immortality. His atonement is the only way we can be saved not in our sins, but rather from our sins. (vs 10)

Vs 11 Why Jesus? Because God gave Jesus Christ power to redeem us from our sins… if we will repent.

Vs 11 How? He sent angles to tell us about repentance and its conditions. He sent angels to help us understand how the Redeemer Jesus Christ has power to bring salvation to our souls.

Vs 12 your foundation – Foundations support homes, buildings, and all things that are built. As we walked Folly Beach this morning, I noticed that Phase I of the restoration project for the Morris Island Lighthouse was completed. A small ship-worm had eaten through all of the foundation timbers and the lighthouse had begun to gradually settle toward the ocean (floor). A few million dollars of restoration has corrected this problem and the lighthouse now stands erect on a foundation of concrete footings. It will stand for many years to come as a guardian to the Carolina coastal waters. It is amazing to me that the foundation of such a mighty lighthouse that has protected thousands of ships from destruction did not face destruction because of the pelting waves, or gusting winds, but rather from a small mollusk worm that, like termites ate away until the timbers resembled tattered lace.

Vs 12 Rock upon which ye are built – Lighthouses that are built upon rocks stand for eons of time. Rocks do not allow infestations. Rocks do not shift like sand, or face infestation like timber. The oldest working lighthouse in the world was built upon a foundation of rock. It stands today in Spain as a national monument and reminder to the strength of rock foundations.

A foundation wheron if men build they cannot fall – Sand is not a foundation to build on as it shifts. But truths that stand firm in the face of trial, persecution, fads, and the whims of man will be as a rock. They will be as a lighthouse to you as you seek to gather your eternal treasures to take back to heaven. These truths come from our Savior Jesus Christ.

Vs 13 Helaman taught to his sons; We need to teach one another. Teach our children, our sons and our daughters. We need to love them so that they will listen and learn from our examples.

Vs 13 which are not written, and which are written – There is a great power in words. Words spoken with sincere sink deep into our hearts and help us make decisions from day to day. But sometimes its not our words, its what we do. We need to teach.. do what I do… and what I say.

14 And they did remember his words- Helaman’s sons remembered what he taught. Why? Because he was a man of his word. I noticed that while he was alive there were years of peace and prosperity, but soon after his death contention again began to enter the land. Why? I think that a strong leader who knows good from evil and can sway people.. not just by his words but by his actions.. by what is not written.. by the way he loved his sons, the way he loved his family. The way he treated others and loved his people more than the earthly possessions that like “shifting sands” lose their value once our eyes are closed to our earthly life.

A Plan to Look For

1 Nephi 11: 23-36

I was having a hard time finding something to draw from these verses so I began discussing them with my son. He told me to dig deeper, to think a little harder. First I had to let it go and walk away a bit. Then I had to go back and LOOK. Hidden in the story of Nephi's lesson with the angel I found a greater understanding.

There is always a plan. God gives us a plan. Most of the time we don't see it because we are so distracted with the daily chores of life, but I promise there is always a plan.

I think the angel wanted Nephi (and me) to see more than the story of God's life here on earth; he wanted me to understand that it was planned for from the beginning. We are the ones' who stray from the plan. If we will but look, there is so much we can see.

These verse deal with God's plan for man. Within the chapter there are 18 versions of the word LOOK. Most of them are dealing with how the angel was showing the vision to Nephi. But what exactly was he showing Nephi? A Plan for Man.

No words or phrases today. Just what I discovered.

Vs. 7 ... The angel tells Nephi that after he beholds the tree of life (vs. 22 tells us this is the Love of God), he will see a man descend from heaven. It is Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Vs. 8... Look and see the Love of God. After he has seen and felt the love of God, the angel asks what desireth thou?

Vs. 9. Nephi wants to know what it means? What does the love of God and the Son of God have to do with one another?

Vs. 12 Look! ... and he vanishes only to have a vision of the plan of earth comes into view.

1. Vs. 13. The Virgin Mary

2. Vs. 16 The condescension of God

3. Vs. 19 Look... the birth of Christ upon the earth

4. Vs. 21. Why does the angel ask him (after telling him of the birth of God) if he understands the meaning of the tree? Why does he put these two things together? What is the connection between the Tree of Life (love of God) and the birth of Jesus Christ? Look to vs. 25

5. 24. Look... the Ministry of Jesus upon the earth

6. 25. Look. the rod of Iron.. the word of God upon the earth and which leads to the tree of life (or to Jesus Christ).

7. Vs. 27... John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus with water and the Holy Ghost

8. Vs. 29 The Twelve Apostles

9. Vs 31. The power of the priesthood manifest in the healing of men

10. Vs 32. Jesus Christ is judged of the world

11. Vs. 34. Crucifixion of Christ and the apostasy of the Church

12. Vs. 35. The multitude of the earth is gathered together against the Church.

The angel will continue to lay out in vision the plan of God for man. He shows him that Jesus Christ was born to redeem mankind from their sins. There are many different lessons in these verses. The lessons will only be found if I will LOOK for them.

In looking at Nephi's vision I can see how God made manifest his love unto the children of men. I can see how God brings us love through providing a way for us to escape from our own mistakes and our own sins. I can see that if God wanted Nephi to LOOK and see the plan of salvation unto man, why would he not want me to look and discover my own plan.

In looking through the scriptures (like looking through a looking glass) I can see so much of my life and find the direction I need.

I wonder what keeps us from looking. If an angel came to me and told me to LOOK would I?

the pride of the world (vs. 36)... I think that is what keeps us from looking.

When I go on a trip, I look constantly at my map (my plan), my trip ticket (my plan), my route of travel (my plan). When I begin a project I have a plan and I refer back to it over and over.

The scriptures are our map and guide while we are here on earth. If we will take time to do what the angel instructed... to LOOK... at what? the plan.. the instructions, the story, the example that the Love of God left for us. We can find the strength to discover our own plan and discover within us a "most joyous soul". (Vs. 22).