Making it Meaningful

We had a really great Stake Conference over the weekend! The emphasis of every talk was to follow the Prophet's words where he "implored" us to study the Book of Mormon daily. During the Conference, I had a few thoughts come to my mind of ways to improve our morning family scripture study with our kids each day.

A few months ago, we started a family google document where we record the passages we read and allow each family member to type in any thoughts or impressions they have after we've all read two verses. Our family scripture study usually lasts about 15 minutes... and between the kids eating breakfast, or the high schoolers darting out the door to catch their ride, there wasn't much time for them to record or share their thoughts. 

Over Stake Conference I had the impression to try a different approach with the hope that it will make scripture study more personal and meaningful for our kids. I shared it with Joseph and he really liked the idea. 

Instead of going around in a circle and taking turns reading a couple of verses, we're going to have everyone read silently to themselves the section of passages and then go around in a circle taking turns having each person share a verse or two that stood out to them and why.  As they share, I'll type each comment in our google document. This way, we each have time to share, we have record that our children participated, and they can look back and see what they learned.  

I think it turned out pretty great today!  Everyone shared this morning!  

Well... almost everyone... Micah zonked out the minute he sat down at the table. 

For his comment, I just typed, "zzzzzzzzz".   Oh well, you can't win every time, right? At least he got out of bed to join us for study. 

This morning was our first attempt doing scripture study this way: having them read silently first and then take turns sharing what they've learned. We'll see how it goes. We hope it teaches our children to ponder and apply the scriptures and not just glaze over them.  Ultimately, we hope doing it this way invites the Spirit more and makes it meaningful. 

-Alicia

Qualities That Qualified

I'm reading the Book of Mormon slowly from the beginning so I can, go into greater depth, lay things out, and find more patterns.  This morning, I noticed qualities that qualified Nephi to receive from God the answers to the questions he was seeking:

1. Nephi did NOT think his father's visions were foolish imaginations.
2. Nephi did NOT murmur or complain about leaving everything behind, he trusted that God was leading them.
3. Nephi believed that even the strongest cities can fall and their hometown was no exception. (1 Nephi 2:11-13 & 16)
4. He had "great desires to know the mysteries of God" so he took these desires to the Lord in prayer.
5. He received a witness through the power of "the Holy Spirit" that his father's visions weren't crazy, that he indeed was inspired by the Lord, and bore testimony immediately of this to his brothers.
6. Nephi had incredible faith.
7. He relied on God for spiritual answers to his spiritual problems NOT the intellect or "wisdom of the world". Instead he "sought [the Lord] diligently with lowliness of heart."  (I looked up the word lowliness in the 1828 dictionary and I love the description: "Freedom from pride"as if to illustrate the chains of bondage, the slavery that pride really is!)(1 Nephi 2:17)
8. He obeyed every command of God without whining or complaining because he knew and trusted in the character, the faithfulness, love, wisdom, and power of his Father in Heaven.
9. He didn't let fear of man or things that seemed impossible stop him. He knew God was stronger.(1 Nephi 3:7, 14 &15)
10. Unlike the popular majority, Nephi took the prophet's counsel seriously. (1 Nephi 3:18)
11. His priorities were straight and he clearly understood what truly mattered most. He knew the scriptures and records of those who had gone before were far more precious than any amount of money could ever buy. Even when he was mocked and beaten for this belief. (1 Nephi 3:19,20 & 28,29)

Some things I'll be thinking about today...

More thoughts to come in my journey to study this awesome book again.

-Alicia

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"Great and Terrible"

Last week, I took a walk around the neighborhood with my dear friend, Lou.  He was born in 1929 and over his lifetime, he has witnessed a lot of change in our world for good and bad.  As we walked, he expressed to me his fears of the future.  It's rare for me to hear Lou express anything that isn't positively upbeat and optimistic.... besides, I was surprised someone of his age worrying like he was because he won't have to live through much more.  But even though his years ahead are few, his children will still be here, and his children's children.  He asked, "Oh Alicia, what kind of world will they live in?"

I told Lou that the night before I had a similar conversation with my sisters-in-law.  Eight of us had gotten together for a girls night and the topic of the presidential election came up:  We all wondered and marveled together how America got to the place that it's in.  We discussed the possible changes we would face; the economy, religious freedom, parental rights, the persecutions that might come, the struggles and the hardships.  But the tone of the conversation shifted from the "terrible" and turned to the "great".  Soon, we began testifying of the miracles we would witness and have already witnessed, we began talking about the amazing youth who make daily deliberate choices to be true to the faith in the face of so much opposition.  We shared examples in the scriptures and personal testimony.

I put my arm around my friend and said, "Lou, your children will experience great things!  Joel said that it will be a 'great and terrible day'.  Sometimes, I think we forget the part that it will be great."  First Nephi 22:17 says that "the righteous need not fear".  I then shared with Lou the story from 2Kings chapter 16 about Elisha and the young servant completely encompassed by the Syrian army.  Lou had forgotten that story in the scriptures and he listened intently.  (It's not that he's never read it but that his memory is not well and sometimes he forgets me too.) I told him about the servant who was with Elisha when the Syrian army sought their lives... the young man opened the tent door and saw that they were surrounded on every side by their enemies and it filled him with terror. I told him how Elisha prayed that the young servant's eyes would be open.   When he looked out again, the veil was lifted from him and he saw hosts of angels (much more numerous than their enemy) standing in readiness to defend and protect Elisha and the young man.

I stopped and turned to Lou, placing my hand reassuringly on his shoulder, "I know that the darker the night gets, the brighter the stars shine.  We are going to see amazing things.  We are constantly, everyday, surrounded by angels.  We don't see them but they go before us and they have our back.  I know this!"  He was quiet and I could see tears well up in my friend's eyes, "Oh, thank you... I needed that.  Thank you for sharing that with me."  I hugged my friend and wished him a good night as he walked inside his home still thanking me, "Really, that makes me feel so much better.  Oh, how I needed that. Thank you again."

This morning in my scripture studies I was reminded of my walk with Lou and his concern for our country when I read, "We can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity." (Ether 2:9)

I recalled Mormon chapter 9 just a few pages earlier.  I love that chapter... because out of all the books of scriptures, out of all the numerous chapters written by ancient prophets, Mormon 9 is the one that mentions the word, "miracle" more than any other.  (14 times to be exact)

I love to hear Moroni's testimony.  If anyone knew what it was like to watch a nation fall apart, it was him.  But Moroni kept the faith and held fast in his testimony...  even when he stood alone.  Really, we have everything to hope for and look forward to.

"Behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles" - Moroni

-Alicia :)
Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast

A Priceless Treasure

It's that same feeling, like running into an old friend you haven't seen in ages: I found my set of scriptures from 20 years ago. It was great to reminisce, to read the things I had noted in the margins and wrote between pages on post-it tabs.  The value of these reminders have not been lost over time rather the words have become sweeter to the taste.  My appreciation and testimony of these truths recorded from previous years have become more real to me in the present day.  I have witnessed for myself the validity of practicing such principles.  Mastering them is something I am far from...but we keep trying, right? I will most likely be working on these 'till the end of my days.

Here's a copy of some things written within the pages of my "old friend."

• Pray Specifically!
• Be quick to praise and slow to criticize.
• Sacrifice will build the faith.
• Lengthen your stride, enlarge your vision.
• When in distress S.O.S. - Service - Obedience - Sacrifice
• Education is an investment, not an expense.
• Live your testimony. People are watching you.  Recognize the power within you.
• Be clothed with the Armour.  Go to the temple! Be worthy always!
• Be a brilliant stainless mirror that reflects back to God.
• Eliminate selfishness, cooperate with each other , sacrifice, and give your best, consecrate your time and efforts.  We are a church of sacrifice.
• If we haven't dulled our senses by excess, we can enjoy the simple things of life.
• After you learn... Glorify God, not yourself!
• Treasure up: possess it, own it, make it yours by living it.
• Live truth - be a good example of integrity.  Do not hold truth slave to expedience.
• Honor God - No one can surpass the life of Jesus Christ.
• We set our own thermostats as to temptation.
• Endure, press on, be firm and steadfast.
• Do what you can do.
• You are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God.  where are you standing in the battle?
• Anyone who has an appropriate relationship with their Father in Heaven should not have to worry about their self esteem.  (1 Cor. 12) (Prov 20:27) (Psalms 18:28)
• Be of good cheer even when there is nothing to be of good cheer about.
• You can handle what lies ahead.  Remember the weaver, "The dark threads are as needful as the light."
• To come unto Christ, we become very conscious of our weaknesses - if we are submissive, they can become our strengths.
• Don't give up in the transition of changing.  Rely on the Atonement. 
• Job did not charge God foolishly.  Suffering is part of the sweat that comes from working out our own salvation.
• Have faith in the Lord's timing.
• Sometimes our blessings come as bracings. "Thy will be done."
• Never go a day without thinking about the Atonement.
• It will be alright!
• If opening our hearts is the way to understanding and to see Christ is to understand Him more fully..... Then you must open your heart to Him and His teachings to see Him.
• Go Nameless!
• Complete Selflessness!
• How deep do you bury your weapons?
• Whatsoever is good, cometh from God.
• Don't let things you can't control - control you.
• If you want the tongue of angels, then feast upon the words of Christ.
• Cheer up.  You are free to choose.

"You and I have to learn to be righteous in the dark."- Brigham Young

"We must influence more than we are influenced." - James E. Faust

"True Christian soldiers are more than weekend warriors." - Neal A. Maxwell

"Not shrinking is more important than surviving." - Neal A. Maxwell

"We cannot have adequate faith in a Christ whom we do not adequately know." - Neal A. Maxwell

"My life is my message - Man radiates what he is, not what he pretends to be." - Sister Maxwell

"We have every reason to be optimistic in this world. Tragedy is around, yes. Problems everywhere, yes.  But look at Nauvoo.  Look at what they built here in seven years and then left.  But what did they do?  Did they lie down and die? No! They went to work!  They moved halfway across this continent and turned the soil of a desert and made it blossom as the rose... You can't , you don't build out of pessimism or cynicism. You look with optimism, work with faith and things happen."

 “By faith in God you can be attuned to the Infinite and by power and wisdom obtained from your Heavenly Father harness the powers of the universe to serve you in your hour of need in the solution of problems too great for your human strength or intelligence”  - Harold B. Lee

-Alicia

Two Sticks - Now One

I'm 153 pages away from reading the entire Old Testament.  This is not really that great of a feat since I've never done it before.  I've read the New Testament a couple of times but I've never been able to say that about the Old.  If another Christian from a different faith were to ask me if I've ever read the Bible all the way through, I'd be embarrased if I couldn't say that I have.  How would I reconcile with them our 8th article of faith.  I want to be able to honestly answer,"Yes, I've read the Bible - all of it, every last bit."  I started my goal to read the Old Testament all the way through probably around six years ago.  So it's taken some time.  I haven't been extremely dilligent but I've slowly pressed through.

Now I must admit that the King James Version isn't exactly a "page turner" the way the language is written can be a little hard to understand and can take some serious "chewing before swallowing."  But I have a little secret that has helped me through my study called biblegateway.com  There, I like to use the New International Version.  I match it up with my KJV, my footnotes, and the JST (Joseph Smith Translation) when needed.  It really makes the chapters much more clear and a ton easier to read.  Some of the versions on Bible Gateway can be pretty funny like the really modern language translation called "The Message."  As fun as that is, you won't find "Da Hawaiin Pidgin Bible" there... that's another website. ;)

I've read the Book of Mormon more than 20 times.  (What's interesting is how my testimony of the Bible has been strengthened through reading it.)  The Book of Mormon is just as it says on the cover, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ."  It is also a witness of the Bible.

Currently, I'm in the begining of Ezekiel.  Some of the most well-known verses are found in the center of chapter 36 where the Lord speaks of giving us a new heart and a new Spirit.  And then in chapter 37, where the word of the Lord comes to the prophet and commands him to "take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.  And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?  Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.  And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes."  Ezekiel 37:16-20

Under "Book of Mormon" on the "Gospel Topic Guide" it states:
The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and confirms the truths found in the Holy Bible. Far from undermining the Bible, the Book of Mormon supports its testimony of Jesus Christ. One passage says that the Book of Mormon “shall establish the truth” of the Bible “and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved” (1 Nephi 13:40).

I have witnessed this for myself.  The Book of Mormon makes the perfect mission companion to the Bible.  It doesn't undermine it in any way rather it supports and upholds it!!  Because of the miracles that have come into my life from daily personal scripture study, I can truly say that I don't just believe God speaks to prophets both ancient and modern, I can say I KNOW He does!  I know that Jesus is the Christ, my Redeemer and Savior.  I know He lives and I cannot deny it.  What a wonderful and glorious Gospel this is!

-Alicia

Would I Stand?

In the news we've recently heard about the shooter in Oregon who specifically targeted Christians.  An article from CNN reports the following:

"Stacy Boylan, the father of Anastasia Boylan, who was wounded, said she told him the gunman singled out Christians.

She said the gunman entered her classroom firing, told the professor teaching the class, "I've been waiting to do this for years," and shot him point blank, Stacy Boylan said.

While reloading his handgun, the man ordered the students to stand up and asked whether they were Christians, Boylan told her family.

"And they would stand up, and he said, 'Good, because you're a Christian, you're going to see God in just about one second,' " Stacy Boylan told CNN, relaying his daughter's account. "And then he shot and killed them."

These students were martyrs!
This has me thinking deeply about what I would do in this situation.  How strong are my convictions?  Would I have the faith to stand at gunpoint and profess my beliefs if it meant losing my life?

Even Peter, who was a devoted disciple of Christ, insisted that he would die before ever denying his beloved Lord and Savior. (Matt 26:35) Then when the time came, when Peter had the opportunity to stand for his convictions, three times he caved, he gave way to fear, and buckled under the pressure.

"Was Peter a weak man? No; but he was not without the infirmities of human nature, and when the trial came he faltered a little. After all I do not think the mistake so grievous, all the circumstances considered, for he was surrounded by, and speaking to, a riotous, corrupt and bloodthirsty people, only he had said he would not do it, but he did it, that's all." - John Taylor

When Peter realized what he had done, he repented and wept bitterly.(Matt 26:75)  Seeing his weakness now, he was able to be made strong and he never did again deny Christ but went to his grave as a martyr.

"Was Peter valiant for the truth? He was. Was he imprisoned for the truth? (Acts 5:18 Acts 12:3-5) Yes. Did he proclaim against vice and advocate virtue? He did. And did he go forth and feed the lambs and flock of God? Yes; and he acted every way becoming to a man of God, and finally suffered a martyr's death. Shall we find fault with either of these men? No, we love them for their good deeds, and for their fidelity and integrity, and the great work which they accomplished in their day, in bringing forth the truths of the everlasting Gospel." - John Taylor

Reading these quotes from John Taylor causes me to reflect on the life of Joseph Smith.  In summer of 2012 I had the opportunity to visit Carthage Jail.  My fingers traced the bullet hole in the door of the upper room.  I imagined in my mind the horrific events that happened there. I looked out the glass pane Joseph jumped through to the ground below. The Sister missionary pointed to the well outside and said after Joseph was shot, the mob took his dead body, propped it up against that well, and proceeded to continue shooting him.  They also took the ends of their rifles and beat his face and body. My heart broke as I pondered these things.

Standing by that well was such sacred ground, my heart was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for my dear brother Joseph.  Oh, how I love him!  He gave his beautiful life as a testimony, a witness of his faith, his love for Christ, and his conviction of the restored Gospel.

Now if a gunman were to threaten me, to ask me to stand if I were a Christian?
Would I stand?
What if the threat went even further?
What if the gunman were to ask all those to stand who believe Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God?

Would I stand?
I'd like to say I would.  I pray I would.
I hope I would have that kind of courage.
I know with all of my heart that this gospel is true and that Joseph was called of God.  The Book of Mormon is true, the teachings within it have led me to Living Water, to Christ and His love.  I pray for the kind of faithful heart that would willingly lay my life down for what I believe.  And for as long as I'm called to live, I desire to stand as a witness of these things "at all times, in all things, and in all places!" (Mosiah 18:9)

-Alicia

Patterns are Pointing

Just over a week ago, we had Region Conference for our church services.  Elder Dean Davies, 2nd Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, testified of patterns found within the scriptures, especially in the Book of Mormon.

In my personal studies this past week, I read about the Liahona sent from God to guide Nephi and Lehi's family to the "more fertile parts of the wilderness." I believe the patterns within the Book of Mormon are spindles on our own compass which point and lead us to "the more fertile parts" of the Gospel, patterns that enrich and deepen our understanding of what we must be aware of and be prepared for in these last days.

"And we did follow the directions of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness." - 1 Nephi 16:16

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings and He will direct the for good." - Alma 37:37

"The [compass or Liahona] did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done." - Alma 37:40

The Liahona led Lehi's family "in the more fertile parts of the wilderness," Likewise, the Book of Mormon points us and leads us to a greater understanding of our Father's plan, to principles of greener pastures and living water.

Spindles of the Book of Mormon

• Pointing to the Words of Isaiah

"give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy" - (2 Ne. 25:4)

" I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people" - (2 Ne. 11:2)

"my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah" - (2 Ne. 25:5)

"I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah" - (2 Ne. 15:20)

"I would speak unto you concerning things which are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will read you the words of Isaiah" - (2 Ne. 6:4)

"when the words of Isaiah should be fulfilled—behold they are written, ye have them before you, therefore search them" - (3 Ne. 20:11)

"search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah" - (3 Ne. 23:1)

"And now I write some of the words of Isaiah" - (1 Ne. 11:8)

• Pointing to the Book of Revelations

(The Second -Half of Nephi's Vision) "The angel spake unto me, saying: Look!...Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things; yea, and also many things which have been" - (1 Ne. 14:18-27)

"then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John be unfolded in the eyes of all the people. Remember, when ye see these things, ye shall know that the time is at hand that they shall be made manifest in very deed" - (Ether 4:16)

• Pointing to the Teachings of Malachi

"And it came to pass that he [Jesus] commanded them that they should write the words which the Father had given unto Malachi" - (3 Ne. 24:1)

• Pointing to the Savior and His Ministry

The Book of Mormon has well over 650 references to Jesus Christ and the most important event is the Savior's visit among the ancient people after His resurrection. Verses of Matthew are referenced from several chapters with a strong emphasis on Matthew 5, 6, and 7.  There are numerous amounts of my favorite verses in the Book of Mormon that testify of Christ but if I had to narrow it down to one or two, it would most likely be, 2 Nephi 31:19 &20.

• Pointing to the Importance of Living Prophets

I did a blog post a while back on the pattern of prophets found in the Book of Mormon.  I discovered witness after witness of how God works through His servants.  I believe there has never been a time in the history of the world where true prophets, who speak the word of the Lord, have been more needed than today.  The Book of Mormon points to the truth of this Gospel, that it was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith and that we have living prophets today. General Conference, is just around the corner and my heart is elated to sit at the feet once again of these leaders who have been called of God.

.......

If we take a moment and study these areas where we have been directed or pointed to, what is being taught?  Why are these portions emphasized? What message do they contain?  It's been good for me to cross over and take a deeper look in these directions.  There are many patterns in the Book of Mormon to be discovered as we make a serious study of it: patterns of principle, patterns of revelation, patterns of pride, patterns of apostasy, patterns of conversion, and patterns of happiness.  

Oh how I love the Book of Mormon! Searching and studying it has literally saved me, it has been my anchor through every storm and the light of my every day.  It has shaped my testimony and continues to do so.  This is where I have discovered the abundant life!! It truly has led me to the "more fertile parts" of the Gospel.  I am so richly blessed!

"There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called 'the words of life' (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance." - Ezra Taft Benson - Oct. 1986

-Alicia

The Fruit of the Tree

Imagine a banquet table full of fruit with all kinds of varieties.  Most people could pick out any number of them, examine its characteristics (its color, shape, smell, taste, and feel) and be able to discern the type of tree the fruit has come from.  In fact, I bet most people could do it in the dark, blindfolded, by taste alone, because we've become so familiar.  

In the Book of Mormon, I'm currently studying one of my favorite parts, Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life. Are we familiar enough with this Tree to recognize the fruit in our lives when we see it, feel it, or taste it?  How is this fruit described so that we may discern and know, truly know?

Fruit of the Tree of Life

• Desirable to make one happy (1 Nephi 8:10)
• Sweet above all that is sweet (1 Nephi 8:11)
• Exceeds all beauty
• Exceeds all whiteness - pure (1 Nephi 10:8)
• Most precious
• Desirable above all other
• Greatest of all the gifts (1 Nephi 15:36)
• The life of Christ and those who follow in His way
• Christ's Grace and infinite Atonement (1 Nephi 11:27-33)
• The fruit is light (Alma 32:35, 42)
• Partaking of this fruit, we hunger and thirst after nothing more (Alma 32:42)
• The love of God (1 Nephi 11:22)

(The Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23) Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance

The Savior also taught that through examining the fruit, we may recognize the kind of tree it is from.  He said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” - Matthew 7:20

Upon further study of fruit, I find it interesting the characteristic of carrying seeds is what distinguishes it from being any other other kind of food.  Now this goes for both good trees or corrupt trees… Either way, the seeds have capacity to replicate and perpetuate the tree that it came from over and over again.  There is no limit to the amount of fruit one tree can produce.

But as we ponder about the Tree of Life and the pure and precious fruit that holds these seeds, we can conclude that - Every good thing comes of Christ and there is also no limit.  When properly cared for, there’s no concern of “not enough to go around” no shortages, dividing stages, or caps placed upon it.  “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” (D&C 50:24)

Some other patterns of gospel living that can also be found in growing fruit:

• Doesn't happen over night - it takes time
• Needs constant care, nourishing, weeding, pruning and cutting back
• Can be preserved and stored for seasons of scarcity
• Meant to grow in abundance, meant to be shared
• Must have strong roots

President Harold B. Lee once said: “Beautiful, luscious fruit does not grow unless the roots of the … tree have been planted in rich, fertile soil and unless due care is given to proper pruning, cultivation, and irrigation. So likewise the luscious fruits of virtue and chastity, honesty, temperance, integrity, and fidelity are not to be found growing in that individual whose life is not founded on a firm testimony of the truths of the gospel and of the life and the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ.”  - Stand Ye in Holy Places (1974), 218–19

I love the symbolism in trees. If we are familiar enough with the Tree of Life, we can know exactly "what fruit that is"... even in the dark.

-Alicia

I Cannot Deny It

I'm back to the beginning and reading the Book of Mormon over again.  I love the testimony of Joseph Smith and the other witnesses at the preface.  One testimony that has been given but not found in these pages is that of Emma Smith, the wife of the prophet Joseph.  For a short period she assisted him in the translation. In her own words she describes how miraculous the translation of the Book of Mormon was.

“Although the Prophet would polish his skills over the years, Emma acknowledged that Joseph possessed only rudimentary literacy at the time he translated the gold plates:

“‘Joseph Smith … could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well-worded letter; let alone dictating a book like the Book of Mormon. And, though I was an active participant in the scenes that transpired, it is marvelous to me, “a marvel and a wonder,” as much so as to any one else.’ (Ibid)” (“A Treasured Testament,” Ensign, July 1993, 62–63).

It is nothing short of a miracle that Joseph Smith translated this powerful book!  I love what President Hugh B. Brown says in his dissertation "The Profile of a Prophet."

"I believe the Prophet Joseph Smith was a prophet because he did many superhuman things. One was translating the Book of Mormon. Some people will not agree, but I submit to you that the Prophet Joseph Smith in translating the Book of Mormon did a superhuman work. I ask you students to undertake to write a story on the ancient inhabitants of America, to write as he did without any source of material. Include in your story 54 chapters dealing with wars, 21 historical chapters, and 55 chapters on visions and prophecies. And, remember, when you begin to write on visions and prophecies, you must have your record agree meticulously with the Bible. You must write 71 chapters on doctrine and exhortation, and here, too, you must check every statement with the scriptures or you will be proven to be a fraud. You must write 21 chapters on the ministry of Christ, and everything you claim He said and did and every testimony you write in your book about Him must agree absolutely with the New Testament.

I ask you, would you like to undertake such a task? I would suggest to you too that you must employ figures of speech, similes, metaphors, narrations, exposition, description, oratory, epic, lyric, logic, and parables. Undertake that, will you?

I ask you to remember that the man who translated the Book of Mormon was a young man who hadn’t had the opportunity of schooling that you have had, and yet he dictated that book in just a little over two months and made very few, if any, corrections. For over one hundred years some of the best students and scholars of the world have been trying to prove from the Bible that the Book of Mormon is false, but not one of them has been able to prove that anything he wrote was not in strict harmony with the scriptures—with the Bible and with the word of God."- Hugh B. Brown

I have read and studied the Book of Mormon many times.  I know it is true!  I know Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God!  There are so many who struggle to believe though.  Joseph himself said: “I don’t blame anyone for not believing my history. If I had not experienced what I have, I would not have believed it myself."

Why is it that we are so skeptical of visions and revelation from heaven?  Perhaps because there are many stories where we hear of people who have been deceived.  

And how does a person know they are not being decieved?  I know that it's possible for me to be and that is why as far as communion with heaven, I may struggle with my own personal revelations regarding my own life and shake my head in disbelief. From time to time, I'll doubt if I have been led by the spirit or not...  
But even in all that I lack as far as gifts of the spirit, there is one thing I know I have not been decieved in and that is my testimony of this Gospel. I will never doubt the visions and dreams of Joseph Smith.  I know he was worthy, that he was divinely appointed to restore these things in this dispensation. I will never doubt the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, the reality of living prophets on the earth,  that God has spoken and continues to speak to us, and that prayers are heard and answered.  

Some of my favorite words found in Joseph Smith's History are these from the prophet:

"I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation." Joseph Smith--History 1:25

What a blessing a treasure is found in this wonderful Gospel!  It is priceless and it all started with a book, The Book of Mormon. Ever since I read it for the first time through and all the many times after, I have felt its light in my life.  I know it's true and I know Joseph Smith was called of God. I know we have living prophets today with authority to speak in Christ's name and I cannot deny it!

-Alicia

Parallels Principles and Prophets

Fifteen chapters make up the book of Ether.  Translated from records approximately 2,800 years older than his time, and faithfully commentated by Moroni, he placed this story at the tail end of The Book of Mormon before closing with his own final words.  Interesting parallels are contained within Ether’s 15 chapters of the Jaradites that echo similar themes found within the records of the Nephite and Lamanite nations which chronologically come after Ether’s account:  The Book of Mormon and Ether both start with families that are commanded to build ships and embark into the unknown.  Both books heavily preach faith, hope, and charity through Christ.  Both contain records of terrible war driven by pride, greed, envy, hatred, and secret combinations.  Both show a pattern of prophets, and both conclude with a lone prophet who ends up witnessing total annihilation of his own nation.  

Pattern of Revelation

There is something truly beautiful and wonderful about the unknown when it is placed before us by the hand of God.  What glory will be revealed as the blindfold is removed from our eyes and we see exactly how the Lord has been guiding us along our own journey through life. There is a great pattern of revelation exemplified in both Lehi and the Brother of Jared’s family to build a ship after the manner of the Lord, to leave behind all their comforts and embark in uncharted waters, knowing fully and completely that God was leading them towards a promised land.  Both fasted and prayed much and went to the mountain often to seek direction and as they did so, the Lord in His goodness instructed them and blessed them according to their desires.

“Here we go, going in alone, into the dark and wonderful unknown, let us go, let us go.” (Ingrid Michaelson - Wonderful Unknown)  

Pattern of Principles

Both records contain deeply rooted principles of faith, hope, and charity in and through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Alma gives a beautiful sermon on what it means to plant the seed (the word of God), to nourish it with full faith and complete hope that it will grow.  As the soil of our hearts are open and receptive - carefully and consistently cultivated,  the seed will grow into the most beautiful tree and bear the fruit of pure love, the love of Christ or charity.  

“These divine attributes should become fixed in our hearts and minds to guide us in all of our actions. We read in Moroni, ‘Cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all. … Whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.’ Charity can be the outward expression of faith and hope. If sought and obtained, these three foundation elements of celestial character will abide with us in this life and beyond the veil into the next life.” - (Joseph B. Wirthlin - Cultivating Divine Attributes - October 1998 General Conference)

Pattern of Pride

Among the virtues preached in these books, there is also a great warning of a horrible vice.  It was pride that led individuals, families, and nations to war and ultimate destruction.  The pattern is made clear as we observe the many contentious souls driven by, greed, envy, and hatred.  Spiritual things matter nothing to them for they cannot see beyond their own face.  With stiff necks, high heads, and blind minds - their souls are ugly, cankered and diseased by vanity and selfishness.  

“The Doctrine and Covenants tells us that the Book of Mormon is the ‘record of a fallen people.’ (D&C 20:9.) Why did they fall? This is one of the major messages of the Book of Mormon. Mormon gives the answer in the closing chapters of the book in these words: ‘Behold, the pride of this nation, or the people of the Nephites, hath proven their destruction.’ (Moro. 8:27.) And then, lest we miss that momentous Book of Mormon message from that fallen people, the Lord warns us in the Doctrine and Covenants, ‘Beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.’ (D&C 38:39.)” - President Ezra Taft Benson - Beware of Pride - April Ensign 1989

Pattern of Prophets

We have a Father in Heaven who loves us, He loves all His children. He doesn’t want to see us fall like these nations did. Witnessing His children destroy themselves or each other brings great sorrow to His heart (Moses 7:28-33).  This is why He constantly sends prophets, to call us to repentance so we have fair warning and so we may be healed (3 Nephi 9:13). Time and time again the prophets come and tragically they are rejected over and over.  In the October 2014 General Conference, Sister Carol F. McConkie taught:

“We heed prophetic word even when it may seem unreasonable, inconvenient, and uncomfortable. According to the world’s standards, following the prophet may be unpopular, politically incorrect, or socially unacceptable. But following the prophet is always right.” - Carol F. McConkie

Pattern of Courage Through Conversion

It may be hard to do what is right especially when we have opposing pressure from peers, family, friends, or coworkers.  They may argue over our decisions.  They may ridicule or mock us, telling us that we need to lighten up or relax.  But we must be firm in keeping the standards of the church, even if it means standing alone.  Dare to be strong and let go of worry over opinions or approval.  President Monson counseled in the April 2014 conference:

“It is impossible to stand upright when one plants his roots in the shifting sands of popular opinion and approval... Needed is the courage...to hold strong and fast... to do not that which [is] easy but that which [is] right... We will all face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us—all of us—have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully but also as the determination to live decently.” - (President Thomas S. Monson - Be Strong and of a Good Courage)

This kind of courage stems from conversion.  It is the soul that is so deeply converted that they will not compromise covenants and the things they know to be true even if they have to “stand alone.”  These two great prophets, Ether and Moroni, stood alone and they both witnessed the fall and total annihilation of their people. Even still, they remained firm and were true at all times.

“And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he finished his record” - Ether 15:33

“I even remain alone to write the sad tale of the destruction of my people. But behold, they are gone, and I fulfil the commandment of my father. And whether they will slay me, I know not.” - Mormon 8:3

Being true until the battle was over instilled within the souls of these prophets a Godly confidence.   Like Paul, they could say, “I have fought the good fight.” They could trust and know with certainty that great blessings awaited them for their faithfulness.  

“I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge” - Moroni 10:34

“Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen.” - Ether 15:34

I’m sure that Moroni felt a deep connection to the prophet Ether even though almost three-thousand years spanned between them.  They were bound in principles of truth.  Perhaps  Moroni was strengthened as he abriged Ether's record knowing that there was one who had walked a similar road as he did, who felt many of the same emotions, burdens, and lonliness carried by those called to be prophets of God. They both witnessed the same patterns among their people: Patterns of revelation, of principle, of pride, of prophets, and of conversion.  How do we connect with these righteous men? What can we learn from their records that will help us in our own journey?  I testify that their writings are made for just that - to help us along our way.  They are sacred and true.  The patterns of Ether and Moroni’s time also parallel our day.  I am forever grateful for all who sacrificed to bring them into my hands.  They are the word of God unto salvation.  I know this!!

-Alicia

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• Pattern of Revelation

1. “inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.” - 1 Nephi 2:20
2. “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.  Nevertheless I went forth.” - 1 Nephi 4:6,7
3. “Surely the Lord hath commanded us to do this thing; and shall we not be diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord?” - 1 Nephi 4:34
4. “I arose and went up into the mountain, and cried unto the Lord.... the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.  And I said: Lord, wither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown me?” - 1 Nephi 17:7-9
5. “As ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.” - 1 Nephi 17:13
6. “I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me… and I Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.” - 1 Nephi 18:2-3
7. “after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land” - 1 Nephi 18:23
8. “The brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner...according to the instructions of the Lord.” - Ether 2:16
9. “The brother of Jared cried unto the Lord”  “and he cried again unto the Lord” “he went forth unto the mount,...and cried again unto the Lord” - Ether 2:18,22 & 3:1
10. “they got aboard their vessels… and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.” - Ether 6:4
11. “And thus they were driven forth three hundred and forty and four days upon the water.  And they did land upon the shore of the promised land.” - Ether 6:12

• Pattern of Principles

1. “Now as I said concerning faith - faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” - Alma 32:21
2. “And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.” - Alma 32:42
3. “I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy” - 1 Nephi 8:10 “It is the love of God… the most desireable of all things, the most joyous to the soul” - 1 Nephi 11:22,23
4. “Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.” - Ether 12:4
5. “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore dispute not because ye see not” - Ether 12:6
6. “I remember that thou has said that thou has loved the world, even unto the laying down of thy life… I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity”- Ether 12:33,34
7. “Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ” - Moroni 7:47,48

• Pattern of Pride

1. “There are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught” - 2 Nephi 33:2
2. “there were many… who had become hardened and impenitent and grossly wicked, insomuch that they did reject the word of God and all the preaching and prophesying which did come among them.” - Helaman 6:2
3. “How could you have forgotten your God in the very day that He has delivered you?  But behold, it is to get gain, to be praised of men...ye have set your hearts upon the vain things of this world” - Helaman 7:20:21
4. “O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?” - Mormon 8:38
5. “He that will contend against the word of the Lord let him be accursed; and he that shall deny these things, let him be accursed” - Ether 4:8
6. “And [the secret combinations] were kept up by the power of the devil to administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as sought power to gain power” - Ether 8:16

• Pattern of Prophets

1. “there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent” - 1 Nephi 1:4
2. “the Lord God hath sent His holy prophets among all the children of men” - Mosiah 3:13
3. “God should redeem His people...all the prophets… have prophesied ever since the world began”- Mosiah 13:33
4. “O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out” - 3 Nephi 8:25
5. “there came prophets among the people who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent”- Ether 7:23
6. “there came prophets in the land again, crying repentance” “but the people believed not the words of the prophets, but they cast them out” - Ether 9:28,29

• Pattern of Courage Through Conversion

1. “I even remain alone to write the sad tale of the destruction of my people. But behold, they are gone, and I fulfil the commandment of my father. And whether they will slay me, I know not.” - Mormon 8:3
2. “Blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day” - Ether 4:19
3. “And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he finished his record... Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen.” - Ether 15:33,34
4. “I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge” - Moroni 10:34