Christmas Gifts

As we think about Christmas each year, probably the number one thing on everyone's mind is gifts (at least I know it is for my kids😀). As I thought more about the symbolism of gifts this year, I realized how appropriate it is that we give gifts to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We follow the example of the wise men who brought gifts as part of their worship. More importantly, by giving gifts, we recognize the Gift that God gave to earth, the greatest of all gifts-His Son, our Brother, the Savior of the World. In Moroni 10:18 it says that "every good gift cometh of Christ." So, what are some of the good gifts we receive because of Jesus Christ being born?

• Gift of God’s love (1 Nephi 11:22)
• Gift of God’s word (1 Nephi 11:25)
• Gift of healing (1 Nephi 11:31)
• Gift of the atonement (1 Nephi 11:33)
• Gift of miracles (Mosiah 3:5)
• Gift of the creation (Mosiah 3:7)
• Gift of salvation (Mosiah 3:9)
• Gift of a righteous judgment (Mosiah 3:10)
• Gift of faith (Mosiah 3:12)
• Gift of repentance (Mosiah 3:12)
• Gift of joy and rejoicing (Mosiah 3:13)
• Gift of light in the darkness (Helaman 14:3)
• Gift of everlasting life  (Helaman 14:8)
• Gift of fulfilling promises (3 Nephi 1:13)

As a gift-giver, isn't it rewarding when we see someone using, appreciating, and cherishing a gift we have given? As you read through that list, do you find yourself using, appreciating, and/or cherishing these amazing gifts that we've been given? As we give temporal gifts to our friends and family members, let's not forget the spiritual gifts that have already been given to us. Let's not allow those gifts to go unused, be forgotten, or get discarded. Let's show our gratitude for these gifts throughout the year by using, appreciating and cherishing them everyday.                                                                 

 Merry Christmas Everyone🎄

Testimony of Christ

As I read through Moroni 10 this week, I was struck by the frequency in which Moroni used the name of Christ as he bore his final testimony. Before sealing up this ancient record, his thoughts and his focus are undeniably on our Savior, Jesus Christ. Moroni is a great example of talking of Christ and it is evident in these verses:

• the coming of Christ (10:1)
• the name of Christ (10:4)
• having faith in Christ (10:4)
• nothing that is good denieth the Christ (10:6)
• the Spirit of Christ (10:17)
• every good gift cometh of Christ (10:18)
• Christ truly said (10:23)
• the words of Christ (10:26)
• come unto Christ-twice (10:30, 32)
• be perfect in Christ-three times (10:32, 33)
• ye are sanctified in Christ (10:33)
• through the shedding of the blood of Christ (10:33)
• the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah (10:34)

I think the reason this stood out to me was because of a recent general conference talk we studied together as a family. The talk was given by Elder Neil L. Andersen in Oct. 2020 called "We Talk of Christ". The part of his message that really resonated with me was his admonition to speak of Christ more in our homes. He said "when your children ask you questions, consciously think about teaching what the Savior taught." As I've intentionally tried to do this in my home, I have found it so much easier to answer the hard questions my kids ask because my mind knows where to immediately go to answer their questions. And being able to answer those hard questions, with my testimony of the Savior, has been a rewarding and spiritual experience.

Reading the words of Moroni as he bears his final witness of Jesus Christ is such a fitting way to wrap up our study of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I know that my testimony of Jesus Christ continues to grow as I study the words of the prophets written in the Book of Mormon. I'm grateful for this inspired book of scripture that testifies of the plan of salvation and the central role Jesus Christ plays in that plan. I'm grateful to better understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how my choices affect my standing before God. I also understand more fully how merciful God is and how often He will forgive us as we repent and turn back to Him. I love that the character of Christ is that he never gives up on us. He is always waiting for us to repent and return to him. I'm so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I'm grateful for the peace, comfort, hope, excitement, and joy I feel as I study, serve, and share the things that I continue to learn from others and from the Spirit.

Real Intent

There were so many great phrases in the Come, Follow Me chapters of Moroni 7-9 this week that I thought about discussing, but the one that kept coming back to me was “real intent” (Moroni 7:6,9).

The word "intentional" is something I have focused on for a few years now and it’s amazing to me how much more motivation I have to do good things when I focus on doing things with real intent. It turns out, when I couple my responsibilities with real intent, those tasks becomes more rewarding - they profiteth me something. And, as we do things with real intent, we are more likely to see the tender mercies of the Lord in our lives. 

Elder Gong recently shared the story of a family that earnestly prayed that their family would be welcomed into their new community. After their house burned down, the community finally opened up to this family and showed kindness and acceptance to them. Because of this families' intentional prayers for people’s hearts to be softened towards them, they were able to recognize the house fire as an answer to their prayers and not just as a terrible tragedy. (All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues)

Another story I read had the opposite effect. This story was shared by Randall Ridd, who was serving as Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency when he shared it. "I learned the importance of real intent when I was a young seminary student. Our teacher challenged us to read the Book of Mormon. To keep track of our progress, he created a chart with our names down one side and the books listed across the top. Each time we read a book, a star was placed by our name. At first I didn’t put much effort into reading, and it wasn’t long before I found myself getting further and further behind. Spurred by a sense of embarrassment and my innate competitive spirit, I started reading. Every time I got a star, I felt good. And the more stars I got, the more motivated I was to read—between classes, after school, in every spare minute. This would be a great story if I could tell you I finished first in the class—but I didn’t. (I wasn’t last either, by the way.) But do you know what I did get by reading the Book of Mormon? I know you are thinking “a testimony,” aren’t you? But I didn’t. I got stars. I got stars because that was why I was reading. That was my real intent." (Living with Purpose: the Importance of Real Intent)

Being intentional with the small things takes diligent effort but provides the greatest rewards. Elder Bednar compared this process to looking closely at a painting of a wheat field. As you look close, you can see all the tiny brushstrokes (small, simple), and as you slowly back away you see the magnificent painting of a wheat field (great reward). The lesson is that we can't immediately see the effect of all the intentional things we do everyday, but overtime those small and simple things end up creating a beautiful landscape for us to enjoy. (More Diligent and Concerned at Home)

According to Brother Ridd's and Elder Bednar's talks, some of the small and simple things that we need to be intentionally doing are...

• remembering Jesus Christ

• praying (personal and family)

• studying the scriptures (personal and family)

• having family home evening

• expressing love and showing it

• bearing testimony and living it

I know that as I step back and think of the reasons why I’m doing something then my perspective changes and I have a renewed energy for the task at hand. I know that as we focus on being intentional in our efforts to become more like Jesus Christ that our enjoyment for life can increase. The mundane tasks we are asked to complete on a daily basis will have more purpose and meaning to them as we look for the real intent behind our all actions. 

The One

I've recently been noticing how Jesus Christ finds it important to minister to the one. I first started noticing this in 3rd Nephi 17 where Christ heals every one that was brought before him (notice how the word is not everyone, but every one - I think it makes a difference in how you read that) (vs 9), and that he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them (vs 21). In the New Testament Jesus taught about the importance of leaving the ninety and nine to find the one (Matthew 18:12). And, in one of my favorite scriptures in the Doctrine and Covenants, 18:15, Jesus teaches about how great our joy will be in bringing even one soul unto him. 

It should be no surprise that when Christ organizes His church, he places a high importance on knowing each one of its members because that is consistent with His teachings and His character. And that's exactly how Moroni describes the church during his day. "They were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken." (Moroni 6:4 italics added). So one characteristic of the true church of Jesus Christ would be a church that knows, by name, all of its members. Why? Because Jesus Christ knows each of us. And he wants to make sure that we are known and numbered as one of his disciples. Sister Michelle D. Craig said "Jesus Christ sees people deeply. He sees individuals, their needs, and who they can become...Even in our busy lives, we can follow the example of Jesus and see individuals-their needs, their faith, their struggle, and who they can become." (Eyes to See)

The way the church is organized gives us not just a way to commune with God, but to connect with other saints. It is a way to follow the two great commandments: first, love God, and second, love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Many of us (including myself) have enjoyed the opportunity of receiving permission to have Sunday Meetings in our homes and have been reluctant to embrace a full return to church. Even though we've still been able to keep that connection with God during this time, our ability to connect with others has been severely limited and it has made keeping the second great commandment more difficult. So why has the return-to-church process felt so haphazard? Why don't we just wait until we have the "all clear" and can resume our meetings as normal? Why are we trying to stumble along through this process of gathering each week when it's weird and uncomfortable to wear masks and have classes on Zoom and when home church is so nice? It's because of the important and sacred nature of the second great commandment. We need to be watching out and caring for others. And one of the best ways to do this is by meeting together as often as we can (Moroni 6: 5-6). Moroni uses chapter 6 to talk about all the wonderful blessings that come when we worship together...

• we are remembered (6:4)
• we are nourished by the word of God (6:4)
• we can be kept in the right way (6:4)
• we can be watched over through prayer (6:4)
• we can fast and pray together (6:5)
• we can speak to one other concerning the welfare of our souls (6:5)
• we can partake of the sacrament together (6:6)
• we can feel the power of the Holy Ghost through talks, prayers and music (6:9)

"It is true that we attend our weekly Church meetings to participate in ordinances, learn doctrine, and be inspired, but another very important reason for attending is that, as a ward family and as disciples of the Savior Jesus Christ, we watch out for one another, encourage one another, and find ways to serve and strengthen each other... stop, look around, and ask yourself, “Who needs me today?” You may be the key to reaching out and touching the life of a peer or to giving encouragement to a friend who is quietly struggling...I can guarantee that there will always be someone at every Church meeting you attend who is lonely, who is going through challenges and needs a friend, or who feels like he or she doesn’t belong. You have something important to contribute to every meeting or activity, and the Lord desires for you to look around at your peers and then minister as He would." Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson (The Needs Before Us).

Jesus Christ knows us personally and remembers us and we need to know Him personally and remember Him. The sacrament prayers (the scriptures we hear repeated more than any other scriptures) remind us that we need to "always remember him" (Moroni 4: 3, 5:2). One way we can do this is to look for ways to connect with the one, because that is what He would do if He were here. Additionally, we can't forget that the one needing our love could be someone in our own home. If we are intentional about finding the one, God will put people in our paths, and we will see these people as someone to connect with and not as someone to avoid or ignore.

As we strive to become more like Jesus Christ, let us not only minister to those we are assigned to, but look for opportunities to see others who are in need of our love as well. To reach out to the one, to serve the one, and to focus on the one, that we might be the Lord's hands in making sure that every one is cared for and remembered. "Now, as we enter the Christmas season and celebrate the living Christ, one of the most powerful ways we can show our gratitude is by serving His children. Let us follow His example to 'Light the World' by loving and serving others, one by one." (Pres. Russell M. Nelson, Instagram Post, Nov. 29, 2020; italics added)

 

Faith

In one of the podcasts I listened to this week (Unshaken Saints), the host of the show mentioned something about Ether 12 that was very insightful to me. He pointed out the during the Jaredite civilization, the prophets prior to Ether cried repentance unto their people (Ether 7:23, 9:28, 11:12, 20), but it seems that Ether took a different approach by first “exhorting the people to believe in God” (12:3), or in other words, to have faith. 

Faith has to come before repentance (vs 3) because faith in Jesus Christ is the catalyst for us to see the changes we need to make. Pres. Nelson recently said "When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."(We can do better and be better). So having faith first will open our eyes to see the things we need to change/repent of in our lives.

Seeing our need to repent is one gift we receive when we have faith in Jesus Christ. Ether 12 also lists many other gifts that come to us when we have faith.

Gifts of faith:

• By faith all things are fulfilled (vs 3)
• Faith gives us a sure hope for a better world and that we will dwell with God someday (vs 4)
• Faith will anchor our souls, and when we are anchored we are sure and steadfast. (vs 4)
• Faith motivates us to good works. (vs 4) 
• Faith leads us to glorify God (vs 4)
• Faith gives you hope for things you cannot see (vs 6)
• Faith allows us to see the hand of God in our lives-working miracles both large and small (vs.7-8, 12, 16, 18)
• Faith makes it possible for us to be partakers of the heavenly gift (vs 8-9). According to "The Book of Mormon for Latter-day Saint Families"(page 636), the heavenly gift is "receiving forgiveness of our sins and the companionship of the Holy Ghost."
• Faith allows us to have the priesthood here on earth (vs 10)
• By Faith the Atonement of Jesus Christ was fulfilled (vs 11)
• By Faith we obtain promises from the Lord (vs 17, 21-22)
• Faith allows us to understand His word (vs 20)
• By Faith we can be made mighty in word (vs 23)
• By our Faith the Lord can work through us to bring about righteousness (vs 29)

So what are some ways we can increase our faith? In Preach My Gospel it states that "your faith will increase through diligent study, prayer, dedicated service, and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the commandments. Your faith in Jesus Christ grows as you become better acquainted with Him and His teachings" Also, as we work to develop any Christlike attribute, we will also gain other Christlike attributes. "By focusing deeply on one needed attribute, as you progress in obtaining that attribute, other attributes begin to accrue to you." (Elder Scott D. Whiting Becoming like Him). So, even if you're focusing on another Christlike attribute like becoming more patient or more obedient, your faith can also increase during that process. 

The principle of faith can sometimes be an abstract concept to understand and hard to quantify, but as we recognize the gifts of faith in our lives, then our faith becomes somewhat easier to measure. For example, if you can recognize God's hand in your life or feel motivated to do good works, then those are gifts that are coming to you because of your faith in Jesus Christ. 

Gratitude

I loved reading Ether 6 this week and thinking of all the analogies that exist between the Jaredites’ ocean voyage and our own lives. The verses that stood out most to me in this chapter were 8-10. 

That furious wind that god caused (vs. 5) to blow their barges to the promised land, never did cease (vs. 8) and yet they did “thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.”(vs. 9) Wow. I don’t think I’d be able to find much to be grateful for if I was stuck in a barge-with animals-being tossed in the waves day after day. So I wonder for what were they thanking and praising the Lord during those 344 days? Maybe one thing they gave thanks for was that “they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water” (vs. 10). I think there's a lesson we can learn from those verses. No matter how furiously we're being tossed around in life by trials and challenges, there is always something to be grateful for which is the light of Jesus Christ in our lives.

I love this quote about gratitude given by Pres. Monson in Oct. 2010. He said: "When we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often difficult for us to focus on our blessings. However, if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given."

I hope that during this season of trial and challenges that we can take the time to look deep enough and see how the Lord has truly blessed us. I know I am grateful for the many blessings and tender mercies that, if I look deeply enough, I can see everyday in my life. 

Personal revelation

During this week of study, one of the prompts from the Come, Follow Me manual asked us to look more deeply at the principle of personal revelation and what more can we learn about that principle through Ether 1-5.

Pres. Nelson has recently said "I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation". We can look to the brother of Jared as an example of how to increase spiritual capacity before receiving revelation:

1. He repented and prayed to ask for forgiveness (2: 15)
2. He was told to sin no more so that the Spirit could be with him (2:15)
3. He performed the work the Lord had commanded him to do (2:18)

It's the same pattern our leaders ask of us today. Repent, live righteously and do the things the Lord has asked us to do. These are basic principles that allow us to have the amazing gift of revelation.

In Ether chapter 2, we learn that the brother of Jared had a problem. With the Lords instruction, he built these awesome barges that were so impenetrable that the best way to describe them was “tight like unto a dish” (vs. 17). But because they were so “tight like unto a dish” the passengers wouldn’t be able to breathe or see while traveling inside them. So, the brother of Jared prays to the Lord and asks for some guidance on what he should do about these two problems. His subsequent interaction with the Lord helped remind me that that revelation can come to us in different ways. 

First problem - no air. The answer from the Lord for this question came directly and with step by step instructions on how to solve the problem (vs. 20). This is my favorite way of  receiving revelation because the answer to my question comes directly to my mind accompanied by the method required to get the result. These are also the kinds of revelations that I remember best because they seem to be more dramatic in nature and because they don't happen very often. 

Second problem - no light. The answer from the Lord for this question involved a lot more work on the part of the bother of Jared. The Lord helped him rule out some possibilities (v. 23 - don’t even think about windows or fire!), but after that he had to come up with his own potential solution and present it to the Lord for approval (touch these stones that they may shine in the darkness) (3:1-5). This seems to be the more common way I receive revelation; when I need direction in my life the Lord expects me to put in some effort before that direction comes. 

I would like to share an example from my life about these two different ways of receiving revelation: When I was inspired to start sharing my testimony over social media, I had no idea where to begin. When I asked the Lord what he would have me do, the answer was clear and concise and came with instructions on how I should share and with whom I should share it - an example of the first kind of personal revelation (direct and with instructions). However, the Lord does not instruct me each week about what I should write in my blog posts. I have to put in a lot of effort through studying, pondering, and praying before I know what to write each week. This is an example of the second kind of personal revelation (I have to put forth a lot of effort before presenting to the Lord for his acceptance).

One of my favorite talks about revelation was given by Elder David A. Bednar, (The Spirit of Revelation) in which he compares these two types of revelation to light. The first type of revelation is compared to a light is being turned on in a dark room and the details are immediately in full display. The second type of revelation is compared to the sun rising in the morning where the details start to become clearer over time. I think its reassuring to know that personal revelation can come to us in different ways. It's also comforting to know that the Lord will communicate with us the same way he communicates to his chosen prophets, for "all are alike unto God" (2 Nephi 26:33).

Last words

The Book of Mormon is filled with the testimonies and final words of many ancient prophets. But it is unique that in these three chapters of Mormon 7-9, we get to study the last words of the two last prophets who wrote in this record. It's true that Moroni ends up living longer than he thinks he will and ends up recording more of his testimony, but for all intents and purposes, chapters 8-9 are his farewell words. So what did these two prophets choose to record as their final words, knowing that their testimonies would be preserved to come forth in the latter days?

Mormon

• remember that you are from the House of Israel (7:1, 10)
• repent or you cannot be saved (7:2, 5, 8)
• lay down your weapons of war (7:4)
• believe in Christ (7:5, 8, 10)
• be baptized (7: 8, 10)
• receive the Holy Ghost (7:10)

Promised Blessings*

• dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom (7:7)
• sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above (7:7)
• live in a state of happiness with no end (7:7)
• it shall be well with you in the day of judgement (7:10)

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Moroni

• Search the prophecies of Isaiah (8:23)
• repent (9:6)
• believe in Christ and His miracles (9:11-21)
• preach the gospel to every creature (9:22)
• be baptized (9:23)
• hearken to the words of the Lord (9:27)
• doubt not, but be believing (9:27)
• come unto the Lord with all your heart (9:27)
• work out your salvation before Him (9:27)
• be wise (9:28)
• strip yourselves of all uncleanness (9:28)
• ask that ye will yield to no temptation (9:28)
• serve the true and living God (9:28)
• partake not of the sacrament unworthily (9:29)
• do all things in worthiness (9:29)
• endure to the end (9:29)

Promised blessings*

• the Lord will remember the covenant which he has made with the house of Israel-that they may be blessed forever (8:23, 9:37)
• (whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing) whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him (9:21)
• (he that believeth and is baptized) shall be saved (9:23)
• the gift of protection (9:24)
• (whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing) unto him will I confirm all of my words (9:26)
• you will in nowise be cast out (9:29)
• prayers will be answered according to your faith (9:37)

I find it comforting that the message that was repeated by both both father and son was to believe in Jesus Christ, repent and be baptized.  As you study the final words of other Book of Mormon prophets, they also repeat the same message. Probably the most widely quoted of these is found in 2 Nephi 31. This chapter, written by Nephi, the son of Lehi, is often referred to as the Doctrine of Christ, and Nephi repeats the same principles: follow Christ, repent and be baptized. Nephi also talks about the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end, which are both mentioned in the combined final testimonies of Mormon and Moroni. 

Out of all the words these prophets could leave behind, the most important things they chose to testify of are these five simple principles. So, at times when life starts to feel a bit overwhelming, thinking on these basic principles will bring our focus back to what is most important.

*these are more blessings promised to covenant Israel-you can add them to your list😊

Hope

These chapters in the Book of Mormon are always heartbreaking to read. The contrast between the perfect society we read about in 4th Nephi and the total wickedness and destruction of the people we read about in Mormon 1-6 is so depressing and yet can be so instructive as well. Mormon tells us in chapter one that because of the wickedness that did prevail in the land, "the work of miracles and healing did cease... and there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any" (v.13-14). To me, this points to the importance of always striving to have the Holy Ghost with us, because when the Spirit ceases to be with us Satan begins to gain power over us.

So what can we learn about how to stay faithful and hopeful during hard times from the history that Mormon relates to us in these chapters?

1) Surround yourselves with believers: There must have been some believers around when Mormon tells his story because we are told of Ammaron, the record keeper, who was "constrained by the Holy Ghost" to hide up the sacred records (4 Nephi 1:48). Ammaron must have had enough interaction with Mormon at a young age to be able to describe him as sober, quick to observe, and to entrust him with the care of the sacred engravings of the Nephite people. Surrounding ourselves with people who share our beliefs can bring us strength and hope.

2) Teach and learn from the scriptures:  Mormon also says that at about ten years of age, he "began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people" (Mormon 1:2). If you look at footnote "b" in that verse, it takes you to Mosiah 1:3 where it explains that to be learned was to be taught from the plates of brass, or, as we would say, the scriptures. So we know that someone (probably his family) was around to teach him from the scriptures. As we teach and learn from the scriptures we are anchoring our testimonies to a firm foundation that will bring us stability and hope during uncertain times.

3) Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ: Mormon tells us that he was "visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus." (Mormon 1:15) He also knew that "he would be lifted up at the last day." (Mormon 2:19) No matter how wicked the world is, we can choose to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We can know for ourselves the goodness of Jesus and have confidence that we too can be lifted up one day to be with Him. 

4) Fortify and gather: I'm always impressed that Mormon never gave up trying to help his people. Even though he has a couple of years where he "utterly refuse(s)...to be a commander and leader of this people" (3:11), he ultimately "repents of the oath which (he) had made" (5:1) and commands the army once again. As commander, Mormon continues to fortify the Nephite cities and gather the people together, even though he knows that unless they repent it will all be in vain. The comparison we can make here is that we can also fortify, or strengthen, our homes and families and be involved in the gathering of Israel. Additionally, we can follow Mormon’s example and never give up trying to help people.

5) Love and serve others: I'm also impressed that Mormon genuinely loved his people and prayed for them to repent and be baptized. That love came as he served them as their commander. Closer to the beginning of his commander years he says, "I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them." (3:12) And when the war is over and all but a few people remain alive, he again expresses his love for them by saying, "O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you! Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss. O ye fair sons, and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen! But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return." (6:17-20) Even though the people were so wicked and had no desire to repent and turn from their evil ways, he continued to love them and mourn for them when they were gone. The gospel principle that we love those we serve is so evident in Mormon’s lament. He never stopped serving his people and as a result he was blessed with the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ. Serving and loving those that are different from us can be hard, but the reward is the gift of charity, which is the greatest of all gifts. (Moroni 7:46)

At times when it feels like the world is so wicked and there is nothing good happening, it helps to know that there are things we can actively do to help bring hope into the world and into our lives. We can continue to live the gospel and stand as witnesses of Jesus Christ, and by doing these things we can keep hope alive in our hearts and in our homes.

The condition of our hearts

Recently, I've been drawn to studying about the condition of our spiritual hearts. It started a couple of months ago when I read an article on LDSLiving.com that was entitled "What was the greatest battle fought in the Book of Mormon?" The author, Robin Johnson, explains that as she had been curiously searching for the greatest battle in the Book of Mormon, she discovered something she wasn't expecting to find-that every war scene in the Book of Mormon was proceeded by the same phrase: "they hardened their hearts". Her conclusion was this: "If Satan can win the hearts of men, then destruction is sure to follow."

That was such a profound thought to me, and from that day since, I've tried to pay more attention to the word "heart" as I've read the scriptures and how the condition of the heart plays a major role in either the prosperity or destruction of the people in the Book of Mormon.

In this weeks reading of Come, Follow Me (3 Nephi 27-4th Nephi), we learn about a society of believers that were described as having no contention among them and as people that could not be happier among all the people who had been created by the hand of God because of the love of God that did dwell in their hearts (4th Nephi 1:15-16). But this perfect society only lasts for about 200 years until the power of Satan gets a hold upon their hearts (vs. 28) and the people begin to harden their hearts (vs. 31, 34) and begin to be proud in their hearts (vs. 43)

So why is the heart so important? Elder Marvin J. Ashton gave a talk back in October of 1988 entitled "The Measure of our Hearts" . In this talk he state’s “The Lord... has a different standard by which he measures a person. When it came time to choose a king to replace King Saul, the Lord gave this criteria to his prophet Samuel: “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; … for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16: 7). When the Lord measures an individual, He does not take a tape measure around the person’s head to determine his mental capacity, nor his chest to determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and potential to bless others. The measure of our hearts is the measure of our total performance. As used by the Lord, the “heart” of a person describes his effort to better self, or others, or the conditions he confronts.”

We often hear the word “soft" associated with the word "heart” as a way to judge whether or not our heart is willing to change and be molded. But what does a soft heart look like? Or, what are some other words that can be used to describe a heart that is willing to change? In order to answer this question, I looked in the scriptures to find what other words are associated with the word heart. The scriptures I read were both expansive and instructive. Here's a list of some that I found...

A heart that is lifted up (Ezekial 28:2)

A prepared heart  (1Chronicles 29:18)

A heart that pondereth (2 Nephi 4:16, Luke 2:19, Moroni 10:3)

One heart (Acts 4:32, Moses 7:18) 

Integrity of the heart (Genesis 20:6) 

A cheerful heart (D&C 59:15) 

A heart that trusteth (Psalm 28:7)

Wise hearted (Exodus 36:2)

strength of heart (Psalm 73:26)

a heart that is moved (Isaiah 7:2)

a valiant heart (2 Samuel 17:10)

pure in heart (Matthew 5:8)

a heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23)

a clean heart (Proverbs 20:9)

full purpose of heart (2 Nephi 31:13)

an open heart (Mosiah 2:9)

Real intent of heart (Moroni 7:9)

Lowly of heart (Moroni 7:43-44)

Energy of heart (Moroni 7:48)

Sincere heart (Moroni 10:4)

a song of the heart (D&C 25:12)

Paying attention to the condition of our hearts is so important today. The battle for our hearts has never ended. Satan is still trying to attack our spiritual hearts and we need to be ready. I hope that we can pay more attention to the condition of our hearts and use that information to bring us closer to Christ. I hope that our hearts are soft enough that the Savior can mold and change us into what He needs us to be in order to further His work in the kingdom here on earth.

There are more things...

 There are more things that I learned this past week while studying 3 Nephi 20-26 that I feel like I need to write down before I forget them and move on to next week's Come, Follow Me study.

First. Record Keeping/Scripture Study. I love Chapter 23, as Christ takes a little break from talking about the gathering of Israel to talk to the Nephites about the importance of record keeping and searching the scriptures and the words of the prophets. It's instructive to note that Christ has just been quoting Isaiah-and will soon quote Malachi-two Old Testament prophets whose words Jesus himself would have "searched diligently" during his own life and ministry in Jerusalem. So, again, he's providing us a great example of what he's asking us to do. I discovered a chiasmus in verses 6-14. If you don't know what chiasmus is, its a literary form where concepts are repeated in a reverse order to emphasize a main point. If you want to learn more about chiasmus in the Book of Mormon, visit this link "Chiasmus in the Book of Mormon" Here's the chiasmus that I found...

a. Jesus expounded all the scriptures unto them that they had received (vs. 6)

    b. other scriptures I would that ye should write (vs. 6)

        c. many saints should arise from the dead and minister (vs. 9)

            d. Samuel prophesied thy words and they were all fulfilled (vs. 10)

        c. many saints did arise and appear and minister (vs. 11)

    b. Nephi remembered that this thing had not been written (vs. 12)

a. Jesus expounded all the scriptures in one, and he commanded them to teach these things (vs. 14)

The main point that is being emphasized in this chiasmus, is that the words prophesied by the prophet, Samuel, were all fulfilled! I love that this principle is emphasized in the middle of theses chapters that are filled with promises from Christ to covenant Israel.

Second. The blessing of paying Tithing. In this most recent General Conference, Elder Bednar gave a talk entitled "We will Prove Them Herewith". In his message he talks about how this life is a test and whether or not one day, we will be able to prove to God that we were willing to keep His commandments. So, after hearing that talk, it was interesting to read the words in Chapter 24:10 "prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it."(italics added) So the Lord is saying to us that now it's our turn to put Him to the test. And the test is this: If you pay your tithing, I will pour out blessings upon you. When we know the character of God, and that He keeps all his promises, then we should never fear the commandment to pay our tithing, because we know that God keeps His promises.

Third. A refiner's fire. Chapter 24:2-3. I heard someone tell a story this week about two ladies that went to see someone who was a refiner of silver. As they watched this process of the worker firing the metal in order to remove the impurities, one of them asked him, "how do you know when you're done?" And he responded "when I can see my reflection in the metal." I like the analogy there, that we're not "done" being perfected until Christ can see His reflection in us.

Fourth. The Importance of the Sacrament. Christ is only with the people for three days (26:13), and yet during those precious few days, he partakes of the sacrament twice with them (chapters 18,20).  And then after he leaves, the scriptures say that he "showed himself unto them oft, and did break bread oft, and bless it, and give it unto them." (26:13). When Mormon tells us that he could not write "even a hundreth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people."(26:6), then its important to note the emphasis that Christ/Mormon put on recording the time that was spent partaking of the sacrament.

Promises to covenant Israel

I love the object lesson Christ teaches about the gathering of Israel right before he begins to teach the Nephites about the real gathering of Israel. Back in 3 Nephi, chapter 16, Jesus starts to teach the Nephites about the gathering of the House of Israel, but he stops because he perceives that they are weak and cannot understand everything that He's been commanded by the Father to teach them (3 Nephi 17:2). So, instead of plowing through His sermon about the gathering of Israel (which is huge!), He sees an opportunity to teach about the principle of gathering on a much smaller scale. He asks all the believers to leave and go find somebody who needs to be healed and that they then bring that person back with them to the temple, to Him, to be healed. That is exactly what the gathering of Israel is all about! The ones who have already been gathered (covenant Israel/us) are asked to go and gather those who need to be gathered (scattered Israel) and bring them back to the temple/Jesus (where they can make covenants) and be made whole! (3 Nephi 17: 7-10) I love the symbolism in that object lesson. 

It’s amazing that just one week after President Nelson’s General conference invitation to "make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel" ("Let God Prevail"), we are studying 3 Nephi 20-26,  which is full of these promises! These are great chapters to start making your list. I'm sure I've missed some, but here's my attempt at starting a list of promises for covenant Israel. 

1. We shall be gathered and brought to a knowledge of our Redeemer. The fullness of the gospel will be preached unto us. (20:13, 29-30)
2. We shall be given a land for our inheritance (20:14, 22, 29)
3. The power of heaven will be among us (20:22), (21:25)
4. Our seed shall bless all the kindreds of the earth (20:25, 27)
5. We will have the blessing of the pouring out of the Holy Ghost; which blessing shall make us mighty above all (20:29)
6. The Lord will go before us and be our rearward (20:42) (21:29)
7. He will establish His church among us (21:22)
8. Christ will be in our midst (21:25)
9. We will receive everlasting kindness, mercy, and peace from the Lord (22:7-8, 10, 13)
10. Our children shall be taught of the Lord (22:13)
11. We shall be far from oppression (22:14)
12. We shall not fear (22:14)
13. Terror shall not come near us (22:14)
14. Those that gather against us shall fall (22:15)
15. No weapon that is formed against us shall prosper (22:17)
16. As we pay tithing the windows of heaven will open and blessings will be poured out so that there will not be room enough to receive them (24:10)
17. The Lord will rebuke the devourer for our sakes (24:11)
18. All nations shall call you blessed (24:12)
19. We will be spared as a man spareth his own son that serveth him (24:17)
20. We will be able to discern between the righteous and the wicked (24:18)
21. The hearts of the fathers will be turned to their children, and the children to their fathers (25:6)

We are covenant Israel and these are our promised blessings! And just as President Nelson prophesied, I was astounded to find so many promises in these chapters that have been "hidden" from me until I accepted his challenge to look deeper. As I've been thinking about these promises throughout the week,  I'm beginning to understand how President Nelson can be so optimistic about the future. When we truly understand that God keeps His promises, then we can trust that He will fulfill all of the promises that he has made to covenant Israel as well. President Nelson is encouraging us to look for these promises in our Book of Mormon studies because he wants us to be as joyful and optimistic about the future as he is! And as we begin to understand how the Lord will lead, guide and protect us through these challenging times, then we will be blessed with that same joy, excitement and optimism as well😊.

More promises to covenant Israel- these are found in Mormon 7-9 (added Nov. 5, 2020)

• dwell in the presence of God in his Kingdom (7:7)
• sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above (7:7)
• live in a state of happiness with no end (7:7)
• it shall be well with you in the day of judgement (7:10)

• the Lord will remember the covenant which he has made with the house of Israel-that they may be blessed forever (8:23, 9:37)
• (whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing) whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him (9:21)
• (he that believeth and is baptized) shall be saved (9:23)
• the gift of protection (9:24)
• (whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing) unto him I confirm all of my words (9:26)
• you will in nowise be cast out (9:29)
• prayers will be answered according to your faith (9:37)
• Armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory (1 Nephi 14:14)
• Gates of hell shall not prevail against you, the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your glory (D&C 21:6)

Patterns in Prayer

As I counted the word prayer 43 times in 3 Nephi 17-19, I thought it might be important to look more closely about what we can learn about prayer from these three chapters.

1st) Chapter 17-Jesus gives us an example of prayer as he prays with the people

2nd) Chapter 18-Jesus instructs the people how to pray

3rd) Chapter 19-Jesus continues to instruct the people and give personal examples of how to pray

I think there's a pattern we can follow here when it comes to teaching anyone about any aspect of the gospel. First, be an example. Second, teach them. Third, continue to teach and provide that example. "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up-that which ye have seen me do." (3 Nephi 18:24). As we pattern our life after the Savior's example, we in turn will be an example to others.

As we look closely at what Christ does in each of His prayers, we can find another pattern to follow in our own personal prayers.

1st)  go to a secluded place (19:19, 27, 31)

2nd) kneel/bow down (17:13) (19:19,27)

3rd) express gratitude (19:20, 28)

4th) pray for others (17:21) (19:23, 28)

Ministering as Jesus Christ did

One of the prompts in the "Come, Follow Me" manual this week was to look for how the Savior ministered to the people and discover how we can follow His example. Even in a multitude of 2,500, the Savior ministered one by one (11:15, 17:21). It is part of His character to know each of us individually. And if we want to become more like Him, we need to minister like Him. 3 Nephi 17-19 are great chapters that teach us how the Savior ministers to His people and how we can do the same.

1. have compassion for your people (17:6)
2. bring your people to Him (17:7)**
3. worship Him (17:10)
4. pray unto the Father for your people (17:15-17)*
5. be willing (18:10)
6. watch and pray always (18:15,17)*
7. meet together oft (18:22)
8. hold up your light (18:24)
9. never give up - "you know not but that they will return" (18:32)
10. pray-minister-pray (19:7-8)*

*In these three chapters alone I counted 43 forms of the word prayer! Truly there is a powerful connection between prayer and ministering.

**I love that the Savior asks the people to go and find others that need to be healed and bring them to Him (17:7). Here's a question to think about...who would you bring? There's a lesson we can learn here: Our job is to bring people to Christ to be healed. Christ's job is to heal. 

Just like when Jesus came to visit the Nephites and introduced a higher law to them (3 Nephi 9:19-20), we've also been given the higher law of ministering. When Pres. Nelson announced the decision to "retire home and visiting teaching as we have known them" he then announced that we would be replacing that effort with "a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others." Ministering like Christ invites us to become holier; to become more like Him. I like this quote I found about living a higher law. It states, “the higher law is a law for celestial living. It is a law of heart and soul. It is not a schoolmaster of specific behaviors, but a law of living a Christlike life that we might become perfect” (Teachings and Commentaries on the Book of Mormon by Ed J. Pinegar and Richard J. Allen, pg. 440)

I hope that I can do better to follow Jesus Christ's example when it comes to ministering, and approach that calling not just as a responsibility, but also as an opportunity to love and care for others the way our Savior did.

Spiritual Gifts

Have you ever wondered what your spiritual gifts are? Or what spiritual gifts your children have been given? Did you know that there are more spiritual gifts than just the ones listed in Moroni 10: 9-16? My good friend shared a talk with me a while back entitled "There are Many Gifts" by Elder Marvin J. Ashton. In this talk he references 3 Nephi chapters 11-26 as chapters that contain "many gifts". For my Come, Follow Me study this week, I have gone through the first half of these chapters (11-17) and tried to find some of these "less-conspicuous" (as Elder Ashton calls them) spiritual gifts. Here's what I found (several of these can also be found in Elder Ashton's talk):

• the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice (11:3)
• the gift of testifying of Jesus Christ  (11:15)
• the gift of avoiding contention (11:28-29)
• the gift of being calm (11:30)
• the gift of becoming like a little child (11:37)
• the gift of listening to the prophets (12:1)
• the gift of being humble (12:3)
• the gift of empathy (12:4)
• the gift of being meek (12:5)
• the gift of hungering and thirsting after righteousness (12:6)
• the gift to forgive others (12:7, 39)
• the gift of being pure in heart (12:8)
• the gift of being a peacemaker (12:9)
• the gift of being a disciple (12:10)
• the gift of being joyful (12:12)
• the gift of being an example (12:16)
• the gift of being agreeable (12:25)
• the gift of communication (12:37)
• the gift of generosity (12:40-42)
• the gift of charity (12:43-44)
• the gift of having righteous motives (13:1-6)
• the gift of avoiding vain repetition (13:7)
• the gift of offering prayer (13:9-13)
• the gift of being able to fast (13:16-18)
• the gift of prioritizing (13:20-21)
• the gift of dedication (13:22)
• the gift of seeking the kingdom of God (13:33)
• the gift of not passing judgment (14:1-5)
• the gift of recognizing sacred things (14:6)
• the gift of asking (14:7-8)
• the gift of benevolence (14:9-11)
• the gift of discernment (14:15-20)
• the gift of obedience (14:21)
• the gift of loyalty (14:21-23)
• the gift of wisdom (14:24-27)
• the gift of remembering (15:1)
• the gift of looking to God for direction (15:9)
• the gift of being able to endure (15:9)
• the gift of trusting in Gods word (15:14-15)
• the gift of being able to ponder (17:3)
• the gift of compassion (17:6-7)
• the gift of being able to weep (17: 5,10,21,22)

Do you recognize any of those gifts in yourself? Or in your children? "For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby." (D&C 46: 11-12) "And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will." (Moroni 10:17) Based on those two scriptures, we know that we've all been given at least one gift, but, we can also obtain more gifts through righteous desires, prayerful requests, and diligence. I'm grateful to know that spiritual gifts are "endless in number and infinite in variety" (Bruce R. McConkie), because that means I always have something to be working on that will help me become more like my Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ.😇

Here are some more talks that I've found especially enlightening on the subject of spiritual gifts.

"Why Not Ask" by Elder Larry R. Lawrence

"I have a work for thee" by Elder John C. Pingree

"A Plea to my Sisters" by Pres. Russell M. Nelson

Teachings concerning Spiritual Gifts by George Q. Cannon

Character of Christ

As I read through 3 Nephi 8-11 this week, I was looking for the things Jesus Christ did or said as he visited the Nephites in the new world. As we read about all the destruction that happens in chapters 8-9, it's easy to get the impression that Christ is mean or vengeful-especially since the pronoun "I" is used repeatedly throughout the text. But if you read carefully, the reason this is happening is because of the wicked choices being made by the people, "to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face." (3 Nephi 9:2,5,7,8,9,10,11,12). It is very clear that Christ wants them (and us) to understand that this destruction was a direct consequence of their choices.

So, to make sure they understood His true character, he then speaks directly to the surviving Nephites to let them (and us) know exactly who He is and His righteous intentions.

1. repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you (9:13). He wants to help us.
2. mine arm of mercy is extended towards you (9:14), (11:9). He is merciful
3. whosoever will come, him will I receive (9:14). Everyone is accepted by Him.
4. blessed are those who come unto me (9:14). Blessings are unlimited.
5. the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled (9:16),(11:10, 12) He keeps his promises given by the prophets
6. as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God, and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name (9:17). He forgives
7. I am the light and life of the world (9:18), (11:11) He gives us hope
8. I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin (9:21) He is selfless.
9. I have laid down my life and taken it up again (9:22) He knows about sacrifice.
10. how oft would I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings (10:4-6) He wants to gather and protect us.
11. I have drunk out of that bitter cup (11:11) He did hard things
12. have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world. (11:11) He is humble
13. I suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning (11:11) He is obedient
14. Arise and come forth unto me (11:14) He is approachable
15. the multitude went forth...one by one. He spake unto Nephi (11:15,18) He knows us each individually
16. I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people (11:21) He cares about covenants
17. there shall be no disputations, contention or anger among you (11:22, 28-30). He loves peace and unity.
18. I will declare unto you my doctrine (11:31) He is a teacher
19. I bear record of the Father...(11:32) He testifies of the doctrine
20. go forth unto this people and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth (11:41) He wants us to follow His example and testify of His doctrine.

I love that in these four chapters we see this huge contrast between dark and light, sadness and happiness, destruction and restoration, death and life. It makes things so much clearer to see that we need to look to Jesus Christ in order to have peace, joy and happiness in our lives.

 I recently studied the April 2020 General Conference talk by Elder Christofferson entitled, "Sharing the Message of the Restoration and the Resurrection". In his message he talks about three things we need in order to share the gospel more effectively..

1.  Love
2.  Example
3. Use of the Book of Mormon

As he talked more in depth about each of these items, I really enjoyed the section about being an example. He states "what is it that will make your invitation appealing to someone? Isn't it you, the example of your life?" He then says "we need to understand and live the principles of the restored gospel as best we can for our invitations to be inviting. It is something often referred to today as authenticity."(italics added)

 I loved the use of the word authenticity (which he uses again a second time, later on in his talk), and it made me stop and examine my life and think about whether or not I'm being authentic with all of the different hats I wear. Am I the same person as a wife, and as a mom and a soccer coach and a young women leader and a  community volunteer? Am I the same person in each of these different settings? Do my values change depending on the company I'm keeping? As I've asked myself these questions, I know there is room to improve. 

I hope I can be more authentic in every aspect of my life so that my example carries more weight to those who are looking for true followers of Jesus Christ. 

Hello! This is Melody here making my social media debut. I know, I'm a wee bit behind the times, but I've never felt the need to "put myself out there" until recently when I listened to a talk by Elder David A. Bednar (To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood, Brigham Young University Campus Education Week address, Aug. 19, 2014) that inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and find a way to share my testimony on social media. After fasting, praying and pondering, it was brought to my remembrance that we once had a blog and that that is where I should begin. So here I am. 

My goal is to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As I study the scriptures, General Conference talks, and the Come, Follow Me curriculum, I want to share my love of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the things that I'm learning.

Here's one thing I learned this week while studying 3 Nephi 1-7. In the Come, Follow Me manual, it challenged us to look for the things the believers did to keep their faith during this challenging time. As I read those seven chapters, I found 25 things the believers did or characteristics they had that allowed them to stay faithful during such challenging times. When I've read these chapters in the past, I've always focused on what the wicked people are doing. It was so refreshing to read these chapters and look for the things the righteous people are doing. 

We also live during challenging times and can apply these same principles in our lives right now.

1. watch steadfastly for signs and miracles (1:8)
2. cry unto the Lord on behalf of others (1:11-12) (3:15)
3. lift up heads and be of good cheer (1:13)
4. firmness in belief (3:5)
5. noble spirit (3:5)
6. cry unto the Lord for strength (3:12)
7. gather together (3:13)
8. build strong fortifications (3:14)
9. place guards around fortifications (3:14)
10. repent of iniquity (3:15) (5:3)
11. follow leaders with all your might (3:16)
12. fortify yourself against your enemy (3:25)
13. arm yourself after the manner of your leaders instruction (3:26) (2:12)
14. fear God and supplicate Him for protection (4:10)
15. repentant and humble (4:33) (6:13)
16. believe in prophets (5:1)
17. serve God with all diligence (5:3)
18. industrious, hard-working (6:7-8)
19. receive railings, persecution and affliction (6:13)
20. firm, steadfast, immovable and diligent in keeping the commandments of God (6:14)
21. testify of Christ (6:20) (7:16)
22. support religious freedom (6:25)
23. believe in angels, having personal revelation (7:15)
24. minister (7:17)
25. believe in priesthood power and miracles (7:19-20)

I'm grateful for the scriptures and for inspired questions that lead me to search more diligently and study things I haven't thought about before. I'm grateful for the happiness and peace that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. And I'm grateful for these things that have now been written on my heart💗