Note: Elder Oaks: Nevertheless, I often heard her say that the Lord consecrated that affliction for her gain because her husband's death compelled her to develop her talents and serve and become something that she could never have become without that seeming tragedy.

2 Nephi 2:2
Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.

Note: Elder Oaks, October 2000:

1 Nephi 20:10
For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

Note: It doesn't matter where, or to whom things happened ... if it's recorded in the scriptures, it's for us!

1 Nephi 19:22
Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these things; and it came to pass that I did read many things to them, which were engraven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old.

Note: Pretty much everything has been revealed to prophets and is recorded in the scriptures. We want to know our future? Study the scriptures. We want answers to life's questions? Study the scriptures.

1 Nephi 19:21
And he surely did show unto the prophets of old all things concerning them; and also he did show unto many concerning us; wherefore, it must needs be that we know concerning them for they are written upon the plates of brass.

Note: This is why missionary work is so important - why we must be everywhere!

1 Nephi 19:16
Yea, then will he remember the isles of the sea; yea, and all the people who are of the house of Israel, will I gather in, saith the Lord, according to the words of the prophet Zenos, from the four quarters of the earth.

Note: "The God of nature suffers" sounds so 'Native American'

1 Nephi 19:12
And all these things must surely come, saith the prophet Zenos. And the rocks of the earth must rend; and because of the groanings of the earth, many of the kings of the isles of the sea shall be wrought upon by the Spirit of God, to exclaim: The God of nature suffers.

Note: I love this - that the righteous are visited by his voice (so comforting!) while the wicked only experience the disasters.

1 Nephi 19:11
For thus spake the prophet: The Lord God surely shall visit all the house of Israel at that day, some with his voice, because of their righteousness, unto their great joy and salvation, and others with the thunderings and the lightnings of his power, by tempest, by fire, and by smoke, and vapor of darkness, and by the opening of the earth, and by mountains which shall be carried up.

Note: Elder Bednar, Oct 2006: In many instances, choosing to be offended is a symptom of a much larger malady. The Savior is the greatest example of how we should respond to potentially offensive events or situations.

1 Nephi 19:9
And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

Note: This makes me think that when recording things in my life - it really shouldn't matter what I think others may think of it. Some may esteem it as of great worth - and others may think it ridiculous that I took the time to write it. What IS important is that I record it.

1 Nephi 19:7
For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels.

Note: And the Lords has commanded us to keep records. Am I living that commandment? Are the records I'm keeping sufficient?

1 Nephi 19:1
And it came to pass that the Lord commanded me, wherefore I did make plates of ore that I might engraven upon them the record of my people. And upon the plates which I made I did engraven the record of my father, and also our journeyings in the wilderness, and the prophecies of my father; and also many of mine own prophecies have I engraven upon them.

Note: This reinforces my belief that EVERYTHING we need has been provided by Heavenly Father.

1 Nephi 18:25
And it came to pass that we did find upon the land of promise, as we journeyed in the wilderness, that there were beasts in the forests of every kind, both the cow and the ox, and the ass and the horse, and the goat and the wild goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were for the use of men. And we did find all manner of ore, both of gold, and of silver, and of copper.

Note: Elder Nelson, 1997: Loyalty to the Lord carries an obligation of loyalty to those called by the Lord to lead His Church. He has empowered that men be ordained to speak in His holy name. (See D&C 1:38; 21:5; 68:4) As they guide His unsinkable boat safely toward the shore of salvation, we would do well to stay on board with them. (See Acts 27:30-31; 1 Ne. 18:21-23) "No waters can swallow the ship where lies / The Master of ocean and earth and skies." ("Master, the Tempest Is Raging," Hymns, no. 105)

1 Nephi 18:23
And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days *we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land.

Note: I hope I can always remember this and be like Nephi when things are tough for me. Always.

1 Nephi 18:16
Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.

Note: Poor Nephi!

1 Nephi 18:15
And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.

Note: Also interesting and applicable is that the good suffer right along with the wicked.

1 Nephi 18:13
Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me.

Note: Although this was very literal for them, for us it is so symbolic. We act wickedly, we will no longer be directed. period.

1 Nephi 18:12
And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work.

Note: This is one good answer for when people ask WHY bad things happen to good people

1 Nephi 18:11
And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked.

Note: I love that the prophets taught not only the law of Moses, but also the INTENT for having it - which was as a symbol of the upcoming Atonement. This should have made it impossible for those who really heard the prophets not accept Christ.

Jarom 1:11
Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them.

Note: I wonder what else was commanded that they should take - the records, of course, but I wonder what else ...??

1 Nephi 18:8
And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land.

Note: Of course, they had to have been preparing for quite some time - hunting and drying meat, collecting honey, gathering seeds, etc. So that when the time came, they were mostly prepared - just had to put it all together. That's how we should be, knowing that at some point we'll need these preparations. To wait until the night before when the command is given to get on the boat - that would be too late! ... much like the 10 Virgins.

1 Nephi 18:6
And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and our children.

Note: Neat that even though it was Nephi who was to build the ship, it was Lehi who received the inspiration of when to leave.

1 Nephi 18:5
And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship.

Note: This verse makes me wonder how much time passed between verse 1 and verse 4 - it sounds like the older brothers rebelled again and needed to see the finished ship to wake them up.

1 Nephi 18:4
And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord.

Note: Interesting again - Nephi went to the mountains to pray. Where is my mountain? Of course, the temple, but in my home, do I have a place that is sufficiently like the temple?

1 Nephi 18:3
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.

Note: I love that Laman and Lemuel had moments of goodness. And their works in helping Nephi showed that they weren't just passively repentant.

1 Nephi 18:1
And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.

Note: So, the stretching forth of his hand and shocking his brothers may have also been a test for Nephi. They wanted to worship him. There had to be a tiny bit of satisfaction in that. But Nephi passed with flying colors as he told them clearly who to worship and why.

1 Nephi 17:55
And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us. And they fell down before me, and were about to worship me, but I would not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee.

Note: 4.9.12 I see this as a great "tender mercy" for Nephi more than a lesson for his brothers. It is so neat that Nephi didn't just have to have faith that his brothers would "wither" if they touched him, but that he could see a physical manifestation. This is evidence of faith preceding the miracle.

1 Nephi 17:53
And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thine hand again unto thy brethren, and they shall not wither before thee, but I will shock them, saith the Lord, and this will I do, that they may know that I am the Lord their God.

Note: This is neat. It is clear that Nephi spoke by the Spirit - had those words given to him. It had to be an amazing experience to speak so boldly and so eloquently to his siblings .. so much so, that he was completely filled with the Spirit to the point that they could not touch him!

1 Nephi 17:47
Behold, my soul is rent with anguish because of you, and my heart is pained; I fear lest ye shall be cast off forever. Behold, I am full of the Spirit of God, insomuch that my frame has no strength.

Note: It is by FEELING that we are converted and that we can remember. Otherwise, our lessons are fleeting - we may hear and we may see, but if we don't FEEL we will forget.

1 Nephi 17:45
Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.

Note: Perfect example of the allegory of the olive trees

1 Nephi 17:38
And he leadeth away the righteous into precious lands, and the wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land unto them for their sakes.

Note: 4.9.12 For the Israelites being led by Moses and for Lehi's family .. they were so clearly guided by the Lord, yet they continued to harden their hearts. I wonder, when generations from now people look back on our day - how are we hardening our hearts, and what is happening that will be so clear to them then, that we may not be seeing now? It is so important to stay in tune and to recognize miracles and tender mercies. This may be one reason why in recent General Conferences we are told to record them. Yes, for our posterity, but more so that we will be aware and keep soft hearts.

1 Nephi 17:30
And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord their God, their Redeemer, going before them, leading them by day and giving light unto them by night, and doing all things for them which were expedient for man to receive, they hardened their hearts and blinded their minds, and reviled against Moses and against the true and living God.

Note: All the gifts we have, all the talents we possess - they are all to be used to build up His kingdom. Temple covenants and the law of consecration teach us this.

D&C 82:18
And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church—

Note: SYMBOLS: Vineyard = the world Master of the vineyard = Jesus Christ Tame olive tree = The house of Israel, the Lord's covenant people Wild olive tree = Gentiles (people not born into the house of Israel) Branches = groups of people Servants = prophets and others called to serve Fruit = Lives or works of people

Jacob 5:1
Behold, my brethren, do ye not remember to have read the words of the prophet Zenos, which he spake unto the house of Israel, saying:

Note:

Jacob 3:1
But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.

Note: Interesting that the Lord's preferred location for teaching is in the mountains. There and in temples.

1 Nephi 17:7
And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been in the land of Bountiful for the space of many days, the voice of the Lord came unto me, saying: Arise, and get thee into the mountain. And it came to pass that I arose and went up into the mountain, and cried unto the Lord.

Note: Elder Christofferson, April 2009 ... talk about covenants. Important.

1 Nephi 17:3
And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

Note: This is interesting, because usually it's during affliction rather than bounty that people become humble.

1 Nephi 16:32
And it came to pass that I did return to our tents, bearing the beasts which I had slain; and now when they beheld that I had obtained food, how great was their joy! And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord, and did give thanks unto him.

Note: The tops of mountains are not only sacred places, but also practical places - from the top of the mountain, Nephi was able to see and find game for food.

1 Nephi 16:30
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top of the mountain, according to the directions which were given upon the ball.

Note: Elder West, April 1999: In the meridian of time, among other things, the Savior gave a touch here, a kind word there, food (both real and spiritual) to the hungry, advice and counsel to those in need. He gave prayers with the frightened, kindness to the passed-over, respect and affection for the children, loving care for those who are burdened. "And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things." (1 Ne. 16:29) "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." (D&C 64:33)

1 Nephi 16:29
And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.

Note: What could have been written on the liahona that could have caused so much fear?

1 Nephi 16:27
And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were written upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and our wives.

Note: Elder Bednar The compass also provided a means whereby Lehi and his family could obtain greater "understanding concerning the ways of the Lord" (1 Nephi 16:29). Thus, the primary purposes of the Liahona were to provide both direction and instruction during a long and demanding journey. The director was a physical instrument that served as an outward indicator of their inner spiritual standing before God. It worked according to the principles of faith and diligence.

1 Nephi 16:10
And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.

Note: Elder Snow, October 2005: My witness to you is that Jesus Christ continues to mark the path, lead the way, and define every point on our journey.

1 Nephi 16:9
And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord spake unto my father by night, and commanded him that on the morrow he should take his journey into the wilderness.

Note: I've seen things fall into place in my life much like this was for Lehi's and Ishmael's family. Heavenly Father knows the end from the beginning. If we follow His direction, things we never even thought about that could be an issue are resolved before they're even problems. I'm sure when Lehi took his family - he wasn't thinking, "who will my sons marry?" But as he followed his inspiration to get Ishmael's family, that issue was resolved before it was even a problem. I think of TIMING in my life. I absolutely could not orchestrate things so that the timing works out perfectly. But Heavenly Father does. More reason to stay "in tune" whether things make sense to me or not.

1 Nephi 16:7
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, took one of the daughters of Ishmael to wife; and also, my brethren took of the daughters of Ishmael to wife; and also Zoram took the eldest daughter of Ishmael to wife.

Note: Laman and Lemuel were like all of us, but maybe a bit more extreme (none of us try to kill our brother). They have hard hearts, listen to a prophet, hearts are softened, they become humble. The quest is to keep our hearts soft.

1 Nephi 16:5
And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord; insomuch that I had joy and great hopes of them, that they would walk in the paths of righteousness.

Note: 3.19.12 Mom shared with me her "being tutored" both on her mission and recently when between sleeping and waking. The first time, on her mission, she was in the mission home between transfers. It was about 2am and she "knew she was being tutored" but was so tired that after a while she prayed that she could just go to sleep. She did. And then since then she's regretted it because she hasn't had that experience again. Then recently, around the time Dad saw the urologist to have his blood work done and he got the good news, Mom again had a "tutoring" experience. When she awoke she kept repeating in her mind "3 Ether 5" so she would remember. Of course, there is no third Ether - so she came to this scripture. We were just on the phone when she was telling me about this and as I read it, I felt more comfort about this whole TV and BYU thing. Also, comfort for Michael. Heavenly Father can do ANYTHING and has worked so many huge miracles in my life! I know that He can and will make the right thing work out. I just want to make sure I'm acting in accordance to His will.

Ether 3:5
Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.

Note: Elder Oaks, October 2000: From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts--what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts--what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.

1 Nephi 15:33
Wherefore, if they should die in their wickedness they must be cast off also, as to the things which are spiritual, which are pertaining to righteousness; wherefore, they must be brought to stand before God, to be judged of their works; and if their works have been filthiness they must needs be filthy; and if they be filthy it must needs be that they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God; if so, the kingdom of God must be filthy also.

Note: This is a great promise - and it's one of those things that is so easy that people don't do it. If we hold fast to the iron rod, we will not perish. To me this means that if I regularly study my scriptures, learn from the living prophets, attend my meetings, ponder, pray - I am safe.

1 Nephi 15:24
And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.

Note: I find comfort in this - that Laman and Lemuel were not ALWAYS past feeling. They listened to Nephi, absorbed his teachings, and humbled themselves.

1 Nephi 15:20
And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who spake concerning the restoration of the Jews, or of the house of Israel; and after they were restored they should no more be confounded, neither should they be scattered again. And it came to pass that I did speak many words unto my brethren, that they were pacified and did humble themselves before the Lord.

Note: Elder Abrea, April 2000: First, don't harden your heart. Seek to know. In other words, have an intense, consuming desire to know. Give place for a seed to be planted in your heart. And if you do this, do you know what the promise is? Alma tells us, "He that will not harden his heart, to him is given . . . to know the mysteries of God" (Alma 12:10).

1 Nephi 15:11
Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.

Note: Prayer should be my first action whenever I am confused, sad, misunderstood ... anything. Inquiring of the Lord will bring comfort and understanding.

1 Nephi 15:8
And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

Note: There have been times when I've felt that my "afflictions were great above all" but my feelings were purely selfish - Here, Nephi has seen the total destruction of his people! No wonder he felt the way he did! When I get to the point where my pain is great because of other people rather than myself - that's when I'll know that I'm getting closer to Heavenly Father

1 Nephi 15:5
And it came to pass that I was overcome because of my afflictions, for I considered that mine afflictions were great above all, because of the destruction of my people, for I had beheld their fall.

Note: Elder Maxwell's 1999 Talk on Laman &Lemuel is filled with insight into this verse and all the others showing us how we must fight so we do not become like them.

1 Nephi 15:3
For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought.

Note: Elder Nelson, April 2001: Meanwhile, in this world smitten with spiritual decay, can individuals prepared for temple blessings make a difference? Yes! Those Saints are "the covenant people of the Lord, ... armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory." (1 Ne. 14:14) Their example can lift the lives of all humankind. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

1 Nephi 14:14
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.

Note: Elder Packer: The Book of Mormon makes it clear that we never will dominate by numbers. But we have the power of the priesthood. (1 Nephi 14:14.)

1 Nephi 14:12
And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few, because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters; nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small, because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw.

Note: This is a sweet promise for missionaries and for all who share the gospel

1 Nephi 13:37
And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.

Note: It seems to me that it's for "the praise of the world" that most sins are committed ... even tiny things in individual lives. Why is it that we want recognition from "man" so much?

1 Nephi 13:9
And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity.

Note: It's crazy what the mind of man can do - for good and for bad. This great and spacious building is the vain IMAGINATIONS of men. We think we are better than others, we think we are worse than others - whatever it is, it is pride. When we are centered on Christ, we know our self worth and we also know our nothingness. Vain imaginations perish.

1 Nephi 12:18
And the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and a terrible gulf divideth them; yea, even the word of the justice of the Eternal God, and the Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and forever.

Note: SS Class - smoke - filled with light ...???

2 Nephi 16:4
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

Note: SS Class - "train" is a stream of righteous people

2 Nephi 16:1
In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Note: This had to be heartbreaking for Nephi. There's nothing that makes me more sad than when my children are contending with each other.

1 Nephi 12:2
And it came to pass that I beheld multitudes gathered together to battle, one against the other; and I beheld wars, and rumors of wars, and great slaughters with the sword among my people.

Note: Elder Eyring, October 2003: " You and those you love will receive the word of God by obeying it. That will allow them to feel His love. That is one of the great blessings of the gift of the Holy Ghost. When we feel that love we can know that our course in life is approved of God. That is the feast of the delicious fruit described in the Book of Mormon. (See 1 Nephi 11:21-23; 15:36)" My thoughts: when we can feel the love of God, we are on the right path. This is significant.

1 Nephi 11:8
And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me: Look! And I looked and beheld a tree; and it was like unto the tree which my father had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty; and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow.

Note: In 1948 the nation of Israel was restored

2 Nephi 10:8
And it shall come to pass that they shall be gathered in from their long dispersion, from the isles of the sea, and from the four parts of the earth; and the nations of the Gentiles shall be great in the eyes of me, saith God, in carrying them forth to the lands of their inheritance.

Note: Elder Maxwell: The valiant among us keep moving forward anyway, because they know the Lord loves them, even when they "do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Ne. 11:17). As you and I observe the valiant cope successfully with severe and relentless trials, we applaud and celebrate their emerging strength and goodness. Yet the rest of us tremble at the tuition required for the shaping of such sterling character, while hoping we would not falter should similar circumstances come to us!

1 Nephi 11:17
And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

Note: It's interesting that Nephi is commanded to testify of Christ after he sees him. I think that command holds for all of us - when receive testimony we are expected to testify. This is the way others may start their conversions.

1 Nephi 11:7
And behold this thing shall be given unto thee for a sign, that after thou hast beheld the tree which bore the fruit which thy father tasted, thou shalt also behold a man descending out of heaven, and him shall ye witness; and after ye have witnessed him ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God.

Note: Julie B. Beck, April 2004: A friend of mine suggested that I start looking for questions that the Lord asks us She then mentions a few: What desirest thou? What thinkest thee of Christ? She keeps this list in the back of her scriptures and records thought on those questions as they come to her.

1 Nephi 11:2
And the Spirit said unto me: Behold, what desirest thou?

Note: I love the importance of mountains. And I wonder at them.

1 Nephi 11:1
For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.

Note: This is interesting to me: It's Heavenly Father's authority, but goes through the proper channel - through the Holy Ghost to the prophet.

1 Nephi 10:22
And the Holy Ghost giveth authority that I should speak these things, and deny them not.

Note: We have all been tempted with that delay. We know from our own experience that President Spencer W. Kimball was right when he wrote: "One of the most serious human defects in all ages is procrastination," and then he defined it: "an unwillingness to accept personal responsibility now" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 48; emphasis in original). And so Satan works on both our desire to think we have no cause to repent and our desire to push anything unpleasant into the future. He has tempted you and me, and those we love, with thoughts like this: "God is so loving; surely He won't hold me personally responsible for mistakes which are simply the result of being human." And then, if that fails, there is the thought that will almost surely come: "Well, I may be responsible to repent, but this is not a good time to start. If I wait, later will be better."

1 Nephi 10:21
Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.

Note: Nephi didn't really know why he had to keep 2 records ... it must have been tiring. But he did - because the Lord told him to.

1 Nephi 10:15
And after this manner of language did my father prophesy and speak unto my brethren, and also many more things which I do not write in this book; for I have written as many of them as were expedient for me in mine other book.

Note: As I read through Nephi's records of what his father taught, I'm reminded that I need to keep better notes - better journals. I need to not only write my thoughts and feelings, but also what I learn from others - especially my parents.

1 Nephi 10:12
Yea, even my father spake much concerning the Gentiles, and also concerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared like unto an olive-tree, whose branches should be broken off and should be scattered upon all the face of the earth.

Note: what was the content of this all-night prayer? (Pres Steadman 2/5/12)

Luke 6:12
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Note: Verses 5 & 6 remind me who is really in charge. And that even with my own children - even with myself - Heavenly Father is the only one who really knows what's best. That's why when raising children, trying to understand another person, etc - prayer is really the only way to be effective because Heavenly Father knows His children way better than I ever can know them.

1 Nephi 9:5
Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.

Note: 12.19.10 Bedford TX SS class: Law was that only sheep that were being raised for sacrifice could be in the fields near the city. The reason the shepherds were in the field that night is because the sheep were lambing. This is symbolic!

Luke 2:8
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Note: See proverbs 28:13 we have to strip ourselves of pride enough to confess our sins. It is essential! This is SO SAD.

D&C 121:37
That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

Note: 12.5.10 where is my heart? What is my true motivation, intention, desire, etc when I am going about ANY task? Do I keep my eye single to His glory?

D&C 121:35
Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—

Note: 12.5.10 wow! Joseph was given knowledge that even Moses and others didn't have

D&C 121:26
God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now;

Note: 12.5.10 not only with sinning, but all fault-finding. When we fin faults in others it is because we have those same faults. If we would be fault-free, we must look for only the good in others. " charity covereth w multitude of sins" means, in part, to me that when we have true charity, we are able to let go of our sins.

D&C 121:17
But those who cry transgression do it because they are the servants of sin, and are the children of disobedience themselves.

Note: 12.3.10. Talking with Brooke ...this may refer to our temple covenants and promises

D&C 121:45
Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

Note: 11.28.10 Newport ward RS sister Tristch. Dime store pearls story ... Jenny, do you love me? Then give me your pearls

Reflections on a Consecrated Life
True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives-that is, our time and choices-to God's purposes.

Note: 11.28.10. Newport ward SS the temple is healing

Ezekiel 47:12
And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

Note: 11.28.10 new poet ward sacrament meeting: bishop Shapiro's last Sunday ... The way to avoid distractions is by attending the temple

Ezekiel 43:1
Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:

Note: 11.28.10. Newport ward SS. The thing about carcasses ... The temple is a place of life. Although we're doing ordinances for the dead, its so they can have eternal life

Ezekiel 43:7
¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.

Note: Newport ward SS 11.28.10. Glory ... the glory of God is intelligence ... The temple is a place of learning

Ezekiel 43:5
So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house.

Note: We are given what to pray for

Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Note: Pattern of progression begins with a question

JS-History 1:7
I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My father's family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith, and four of them joined that church, namely, my mother, Lucy; my brothers Hyrum and Samuel Harrison; and my sister Sophronia.

Helaman 5:12
And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Isaiah 55:6
¶ Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Note: hi Denalee I love you 10/31/10

Isaiah 55:6
¶ Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

D&C 58:27
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;