1 Ne. 15: Understanding the Lord

So many times I find myself at a crossroads in life and many times it can be so hard to understand which way the Lord would have us go. I love the following 2 verses: 

"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." (vs. 11)

 "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." (vs. 3)

If we are willing to open and soften our hearts, going to the Lord in prayer and being prepared for His answers, we are more likely to understand. Many times I want something so bad, but it is not His will. The Lord knows all and I just need to trust He is leading me in the right direction. There are other times I doubt myself, wanting something so bad and not thinking it could even be the slightest bit possible, when really, I just need to have faith that through God, all things are possible. The impossible can be made possible and it all begins with a strong desire and then faith in Him. He is mightier than all and can help me to achieve the impossible.

Life is not easy. We will be asked to do hard things and in turn we will benefit from it and be made stronger. Think of Nephi who was asked to go back to retrieve the Gold Plates, even along side his elder brothers who complained and had zero faith that they could get them. Nephi had to chop off the head of King Laban, something he had been taught was against the commandments. He was ridiculed and tourmented by his family, at times standing alone. But he didn't give up. He knew where there was a will, there was a way. The Lord stayed by his side every step of the way, testing his faith. We will be blessed and great things will happen if we come to the Lord in faith, and with an open heart, ask for understanding. He will answer. I promise you, He is listening. 

"And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree?
"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 temptation and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." (vs 23-24)

I am striving to keep his commandments, staying on the path and holding onto the iron rod as a guide. I have always had goals and dreams in gymnastics. Many things in my life have happened, making it seem impossible to accomplish what I think the Lord wants me to accomplish. In the past month, since the Olympic games, when the Woman's US Gymnastics team earned gold, I have had many thoughts racing through my head. If they can do it, why can't I? If a 37 year old German women can be incredible on vault, why not me @ 30?

My body is falling apart and is exhausted from the stresses placed on it. But I feel strongly that He still has a mission for me in this sport. Through Him, nothing is impossible. You must have determination and faith that He will strengthen you as long as you come to Him for help. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and His guiding hand, leading me the way to success and living my life in line with his will. I know I will be happiest when I do this and

I KNOW I CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE THROUGH HIM! 

Despite my worn out knee, my aching back and shoulder, my reoccurring hernia, and my age; I can and will do this! Where there is a will there is a way! 

-Sarah M.

1 Ne. 13-14: The Establishment of God's Kingdom

The angel shares with Nephi the series of events which have lead to the restoration of God's kingdom here on Earth.
"His gospel was first established on the earth beginning with Adam and has been taught in every dispensation through such prophets as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others. Each of these prophets foretold the coming of Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of the world. Those prophecies have been fulfilled. The Savior did establish His Church...
"After the Savior’s Resurrection, He commissioned His Apostles to lead the Church and administer gospel ordinances. Faithful to this charge, they were persecuted, and some were eventually martyred. As a result, the Lord’s priesthood authority was no longer on earth, and the world fell into spiritual darkness." (Elder Robert D. Hales)
In 1Ne. 12:19-23 the Nephite nation is destroyed...

"The fate of these civilizations, as recorded in scripture, is a testimony to all the world: if we don’t have the word of God or don’t cling to and heed the word of God, we will wander off in strange paths and be lost as individuals, as families, and as nations.

As with voices from the dust, the prophets of the Lord cry out to us on earth today: take hold of the scriptures! Cling to them, walk by them, live by them, rejoice in them, feast on them. Don’t nibble. They are “the power of God unto salvation” ³ that lead us back to our Savior Jesus Christ." (Robert D. Hales)

"In the centuries that followed, God’s children had the Light of Christ, could pray, and could feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. But the fulness of the gospel had been lost." (Robert D. Hales)

Despite the wickedness of the world, the Lord made sure the holy records were preserved until the right time to bring them forth unto this latter day generation!

"For, behold, saith the Lamb: I will manifest myself unto thy seed, that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious; and after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren, behold, things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb." (1Ne. 13:35)

In the 2000 years the fullness of the gospel was lost to man, many events occurred in preparation of the restoration:

1. Making the scriptures available and helping God’s children learn to read them. They had to be translated from Hebrew/Greek to Latin to English.

2. Through the influence of the Holy Ghost, an interest in learning began to grow in the hearts of people. This Renaissance or “rebirth” spread throughout Europe. 

3. Once translated, they had to be made available.  Johannes Gutenberg was inspired to invent a press with movable type, and the Bible was one of the first books he printed. 

4. Meanwhile, the inspiration of God also rested upon explorers. In 1492 Christopher Columbus set out to find a new path to the Far East. Columbus was led by the hand of God in his journey. He said, “God gave me the faith, and afterwards the courage.

      "And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of           
      my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and     
      wrought (divine guidance) upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even 
      unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land." (1Ne. 13:12)
5. The Revolutionary war occurs:
      "And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was  
     upon all those that were gathered together ^aagainst them to battle.
     And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were ^adelivered by the 
     power of God out of the hands of all other nations." (1Ne. 13:18-19)
6. December 23, 1805, the Prophet Joseph Smith was born.
"As a young man, Joseph “was called up to serious reflection” ⁹ on the subject of religion. Because he was born in a land of religious freedom, he could question which of all the churches was right. And because the Bible had been translated into English, he could seek an answer from the word of God. He read in the book of James, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,” ¹⁰ and he did as directed. In answer to Joseph’s prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him. ¹¹ This humble farm boy was the prophet chosen by God to restore the ancient Church of Jesus Christ and His priesthood in these latter days. This restoration was to be the last, the dispensation of the fulness of times, restoring all the priesthood blessings which man could possess on earth. With this divine commission, his work was not to reform nor was it to protest what was already on the earth. It was to restore what had been on earth and had been lost." (Robert D. Hales)
"After centuries of spiritual darkness, the power and authority to act in God’s name, to perform sacred ordinances, and to lead His Church were once again upon the earth." (Robert D. Hales)

 “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.” Elder John Taylor
"The Lord expects us to be as faithful, as devoted, as courageous as those who went before us. They were called to give their lives for the gospel. We are called to live our lives for the same purpose. In these last days we have special reason to do so." (Robert D. Hales)
“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
"At the end of the Book of Mormon, Moroni figuratively looks out over the last remnant of his people. He knew their extinction could have been avoided if they had not forgotten God’s holy word and lost the Spirit of the Lord. Is it any wonder that Moroni writes personally to us, to you and to me, pleading for us to claim the blessings of the scriptures?
“And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
"We are living in the latter days, brothers and sisters, in the fulness of times. We must remember that we have control over who we are no matter how difficult the world becomes. Like those in 1 Nephi, the true and faithful will be able to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary when he is loosed upon this earth." (Elder Hales)


-Sarah Mason

References:
Oct05 General Conference; Preparations for the Restoration & The Second Coming by Elder Robert D. Hales
Oct06 Ensign, Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto our Salvation by Robert D. Hales

1Ne. 12: Righteous Desires of Our Hearts

Nephi continues to share his visions.

President Boyd K. Packer spoke of Heavenly Father’s desire to give us the righteous desires of our hearts: “No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than ‘Ask, and ye shall receive’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 26; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21). Nephi applied the invitation to ask for the “things that [his] father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known” (1 Nephi 11:1). Nephi’s righteous desires were rewarded, for he not only recorded information that was similar to what we have recorded about Lehi’s vision, but he recorded a panoramic vision of this world to the end of time (see 1 Nephi 14:18–30). [Book of Mormon Student Manual p31]


Nephi shares challenges which the world will face : wars and rumors of wars; great slaughters among people; contentions in the land; mist of darkness (temptations of the devil); lightenings, thunderings, earthquakes, and other tumultuous noises; earth & rocks rent; mountains tumbling; plains broken up; cities sunk, burned with fire, and tumbling to ground...This all seems oh so familiar in today's world. Think about it. There are natural disasters happening everywhere, unrest & wars around the world, and Satan's temptations are stronger then ever! I have watched family members and close friends stray away and fall into Satan's traps. It breaks my heart to see them fall away and lose what is most important. Satan has a way of tempting even the strongest to fall away...and he does it little by little, inching his way into our thoughts. We must be careful not to play at the edge because this is when one decision can lead to another bad decision until you find yourself lost and no longer on the righteous path.

My mom was brushing her teeth one day and notice a tiny spider that was crawling down in the sink. He would near the edge of the running water and scurry back up. The spider repeated this pattern, getting closer to the edge every time. Then, he got too close and was swept up by the water, which washed him down the drain.

If we are like this spider, getting too close to the edge, we too can be swept up by satan's temptations and lost.

The following is an article from the Nov.07 Ensign,
Have We Not Reason To Rejoice? by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.

No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.

Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation.

(“Now Let Us Rejoice,” Hymns, no. 3)

"These words by Brother William W. Phelps are quite a contrast to the world’s tendency to focus on bad news. It is true, we live in a time foretold in the scriptures as a day of “wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places” (Mormon 8:30), when “the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26).

"But how does this affect us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Are we living with apprehension, fear, and worry? Or have we, amidst all of our challenges, not reason to rejoice?

"We all go through different life experiences. Some are filled with joy, and others with sorrow and uncertainty.

"I remember a time when things didn’t look good for our family when I was a child. It was in the winter of 1944, one of the coldest during World War II. The war front was approaching our town, and my mother had to take us four children, leave all our possessions behind, and join the millions of fleeing refugees in a desperate search for a place to survive. Our father was still in the military, but he and Mother had agreed that if they were ever separated during the war, they would try to reunite at the hometown of my grandparents. They felt this place offered the greatest hope for shelter and safety.

"With bombing raids during the night and air attacks during the day, it took us many days to reach my grandparents. My memories of those days are of darkness and coldness.

"My father returned to us unharmed, but our future looked extremely bleak. We were living in the rubble of postwar Germany with a devastating feeling of hopelessness and darkness about our future.

"In the middle of this despair, my family learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the healing message of the restoredgospel of Jesus Christ. This message made all the difference; it lifted us above our daily misery. Life was still thorny and the circumstances still horrible, but the gospel brought light, hope, and joy into our lives. The plain and simple truths of the gospel warmed our hearts and enlightened our minds. They helped us look at ourselves and the world around us with different eyes and from an elevated viewpoint.

"My dear brothers and sisters, aren’t the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and our membership in His Church great reasons to rejoice?

"Wherever you live on this earth and whatever your life’s situation may be, I testify to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges. He said to Paul and to all of us, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” And like Paul we can answer: “My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9)."

As long as we are striving to be our best selves and following God's commandments, He will provide the way.

A few years ago, I considered very seriously serving a full time mission. I prayed about it and started to get very excited about the thought, knowing that if I did go, everything I worried about leaving behind (my car payment, my health, hopes to get married) would all be taken care of and that things would work out in the end. During this time of thought, I decided to get my knee checked. It was June 2010 I went in to see Dr. West and left to prepare for surgery number 3. When he got in there, he found things a lot worse then he expected and months of therapy followed. So, I prayed again about going. I felt that the Lord would be happy either way; it was up to me to decide. I had a righteous desire to serve a full time mission, but I also had a righteous desire to remain home and be a missionary right where I was. So, I prayed for opportunities to serve and to be a missionary right here in Utah. I prayed for opportunities to share the gospel and be an example to those around me. I found opportunities at Close To My Heart, and since I was laid off, I have found opportunity at various other jobs as well. At first I wondered why I found myself at a job, only to work it a short time and then move onto the next. But I was going wherever I felt the Lord wanted me. Each of these job included mostly non-members or inactive members of the church and I have been given many opportunities to shine and to stand as a witness.

One particular time I was in a room with 3 other friends who weren't active, as well as a nonmember. We got talking about the church and feelings toward the LDS church. They felt we expected perfection and they didn't understand having to attend church in such a reverent manner, dressed in Sunday Best, and they felt degraded for not knowing the doctrine perfectly. I explained to them that the church is a church of order and we go to worship our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ, in a reverent manner as respect. I told them that you didn't have to be perfect, all the Lord expects of us is to try our very hardest and to learn from our mistakes. Nobody is perfect. This is why the atonement is such a great blessing. We can repent and try again. I can see how members here in Utah might assume everybody knows everything about the church. It breaks my heart to hear how one friend in particular was offended in such away, she fears attending church because she doesn't want to be embarrassed again. But I was happy for the opportunity to stand as a witness and explain to them the meaning behind things they misunderstood. At first I was a little uncomfortable (4:1 ratio) but then I was touched by the spirit and had no probably expressing my thoughts and sharing my testimony.

One of these girls I am very close with, we are great friends and hang out quite a bit. We have a lot in common and have some good laughs. She is currently dating a young boy preparing to go on a mission. His preparation has been bumpy and things have gotten in the way of him going as soon as he had planned. She is having a hard time understanding it all and why the church is being so strict. She can see his frustrations which makes things harder to believe. I just continue being a friend to her, inviting her to church when I can and being an example of a faithful latter day saint. I pray for her always and hope she will someday come to a better understanding of the love this church carries and how much happiness it brings to life.

"...their garments were white even like unto the Lamb of God. And the angel said unto me: These are made white in the blood of the Lamb, because of their faith in him." (1Ne 12:11)

"White is a symbol for cleanliness, righteousness, and holiness. Being completely clean is necessary to be like the Savior. To have white garments symbolizes that a person is clothed in purity, or that purity is a characteristic of that individual. Such cleanliness is made possible only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, in which His blood was shed for our sins." (Book of Mormon Student Manual p26)

"The image of a loving, forgiving God comes through clearly to those who read and understand the scriptures. Since he is our Father, he naturally desires to raise us up, not to push us down, to help us live, not to bring about our spiritual death." (Pres. Spencer W. Kimble: God Will Forgive)

I firmly believe this to be true. I know that he has the power to forgive as long as we strive to better ourselves and follow the steps necessary for repentance. He knows our strengths and he knows our weaknesses...

 "For my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2Cor 12:9)


"Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weaknesses that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things." (Jacob4:7)


"The Savior has suffered not just for our iniquities but also for the inequality, the unfairness, the pain, the anguish, and the emotional distresses that so frequently beset us. There is no physical pain, no anguish of soul, no suffering of spirit, no infirmity or weakness that you or I ever experience during our mortal journey that the Savior did not experience first. You and I in a moment of weakness may cry out, “No one understands. No one knows.” No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He felt and bore our burdens before we ever did. And because He paid the ultimate price and bore that burden, He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy in so many phases of our life. He can reach out, touch, succor—literally run to us—and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do through relying upon only our own power." (Elder David A. Bednar: The Atonement & the Journey of Mortality)


What are your own desires in life? Are they righteous desires? Are they desires which will strengthen your relationship with him and lead you back to his presence? Strive to become a better you. Set goals, pray for direction, everything will work out in the end. I promise, as you strive to obtain righteous desires of your heart, you will find happiness and feel of his unconditional love! 


-Sarah M.

1Ne 11: The Tree of Life...

Nephi believed his fathers words, but had a deep desire to see these visions for himself and find an understanding of what it all meant. So, he finds a private and quiet spot to pray to his Heavenly Father for understanding. Nephi received a vision as a result of his righteous desires and willingness to be obedient. As we each align our own desires and actions with the will of the Lord like Nephi, we too can receive personal revelation “by the power of the Holy Ghost”

What Nephi sees:

Interpretations of his Father's Dream

Tree of Life  = The Love of God, which is also known as the fountain of living waters –-->Nephi sees the city of Nazareth and a virgin, who was the mother of the Son of God; He then sees her bearing a child in her arms who was the Lamb of God.

• “The Spirit made explicit that the Tree of Life and its precious fruit are symbols of Christ’s redemption” Jeffery R. Holland
• "Partaking of the love of God means partaking of the blessings of the Atonement." Elder Neal A. Maxwell 

THE TREE OF LIFE = THE LOVE OF GOD = The Condescension of God, which is the life, ministry, & sacrifice of the Savior.---> chapter 11 Nephi sees John the Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way before the Savior, baptize Jesus Christ (vs27). He sees him ministering among the people (vs28), healing the sick & afflicted (vs31) and 12 others following him (vs29). Then the people of the world took him and judged him & lifted him upon the cross for the sins of the world (vs32-33).

Rod of Iron  = The Word of God, which led to the tree of Life --->He sees the son of God going forth among the children of men and many who fell down at his feet to worship him.

Large & Spacious Building = the pride & vain imaginations of the world ---> many gathered to fight the 12 apostles; the building tumbles to the ground just as the destruction of all those who fight against the 12 , against Gods words (vs35-36)

River of Filthy Water = depths of hell ---> into which the wicked fall

Mist of Darkness = The temptations of the devil ---> which blind people so they lose their way and cannot find the tree 

All of these "symbols" can easily relate to todays world. There is so much evil out there to tempt us and lead us astray. Filthy things that entice us to do wrong, including drugs, media & entertainment, language, dress styles, and so much more. It breaks my heart to see how quickly my little brother went down hill when we first moved to Utah. He was 12 when we moved, and he found himself in the wrong group of friends; sometimes, that is all it takes. Friends can be such an influence on what we do and the path we find ourselves on. He has been through a lot but luckily is beginning to turn around. Despite his bad decision & habits, the family still loves him to pieces and we enjoy having him around to keep us laughing. He has such a sweet heart and works hard to keep his life moving forward. He has been successful in starting his own mobil detail business and is dating an adorable girl (who has been really good for him!) He is such a great uncle and an amazing little brother. We have had our moments, but all siblings do, right? We all pray that he will see for himself the important things in life and have a desire to want the true happiness, the kind that never ends. We pray that at some point, he will be touched in such a way that I wants the spirit of peace and guidance in his life. For now, all we can do his show our love and concern for him and let him know how much we care! I couldn't' imagine life without him.

In this world today, we need to do everything we can to hold onto the rod, with confidence and not doubting what we know is right. We must read our scriptures, pray to our Heavenly Father, humble ourselves, offer service, and only allow things into our life that won't push away the spirit. I strive to be a better person every day. No, I am not perfect, far from it actually, but I am trying my hardest and that is all that matters. We all make mistakes, that is part of life. That is why the atonement is such a vital part of our  existence, our eternal existence. He suffered, so we didn't have to. He died, so we could live again. He has given us tools to guide us and to help us stay close to the rod, on our journey back into his presence.
-Sarah

1Ne 11: My Dad

Nephi shows so much faith and persistence. He had so much strength and did all in his power to build his testimony by living righteously & continually having faith.

Nephi believed the words of his father, Lehi; he trusted him and knew through the spirit that he wasn’t crazy like others may have believed.

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.”(1Ne 2:16)

“Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father.“(1 Ne 11:5)

He loved his father and knew he was speaking the truth. As I thought about this, I reflected back on my life and how often my own dad gives me advice. He has helped me become part of who I am today. I find when I ignore his advice; I later regret it…

 My dad is the greatest. I have seen his testimony continue to grow throughout my own life and I am so grateful he holds the priesthood and is there for me whenever I am in need of a blessing. He has given me many blessings including, fathers blessing before every school year and just at times I need strength and courage. He has given me many blessings with anointment for the sick and afflicted. He gave me my very first blessing, my baby blessing, to give me a name & promised blessings. He was there to baptize me and helped me find the way along the straight and narrow. My dad has taught me a great deal through his example. He has helped me with homework and buying cars (though I should’ve listened to his advice with my first car, Bumble, because things have just gone downhill from there). He has taught me what I know about cars, plus more that I am sure I have forgotten :/ - I can put gas in my car and check & fill the air pressure in my tires as well as re-fill my washer fluidJ I know I have a turbo diesel fuel engine and that it is fast. He taught me how to drive stick shift, even after he came home with me in tears on more than one occasion. He has taught me how boys should respect me and how special I am, that I deserve only the best.  

He has warned me of the bad creeps that could be out there, like one I found online. Long story - short, after talking over the phone, we were going to go out, but I suggested we meet somewhere in a group setting (I was trying to be careful…you never know). My dad told me to be careful and to not do anything ‘stupid’; Duh Dad, I am not going to meet him in some dark alley… I just kinda ignored his comment and knew I was already being smart about it. When we decided to meet at a bowling alley with friends, he got really funny and persisted we meet somewhere beforehand to get to know each other. He wanted to know exactly what friends of mine were coming and other weird random info. Long story short, I finally told him I no longer wanted to meet and to leave me alone. That night, I told my dad what happened and he informed me that he hadn’t felt right about me going & was happy to know that I too listened to the promptings of the spirit. My dad was only trying to protect me by reminding me to be safe and not do anything ‘stupid’. Not sure what would’ve happened that night, but I feel that I did the right thing in backing off and de-friending him on Facebook.

Thanks to my dad I enjoy listening to Pink Floyd, Journey, America, The Eagles, & other oldies I can’t think of right now. He has shown me how to tie a tie, but don’t ask me to do it because it isn’t something I do every day. He has taught me how to be silly and make a hard situation more fun. He has taught me NEVER to park in HIS parking spot…lol…I had to throw that one in;) He has taught me how to camp and love the outdoors. He recently gave me pointers on skiing this last week and coached me down the mountain on the steep, scary spots after I tweaked my knee. He has taught me how to have courage and to stand up for what I believe. He has taught me the gospel and how to take a step closer every day to live a righteous & happy life. I love my dad and I trust his decisions. I am grateful I can turn to him when I need help, when I need answers. I love my dad, to the moon and back and a million more times…

Recently I watched a movie with my family called, Courageous. Despite the cheesiness of the movie,  it was really inspiring and had good meaning behind it. In the movie, a group of men (mostly cops with a few friends) write up a Declaration:

THE RESOLUTION

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. 

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home. 

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me. 

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength. 

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly. 

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy. 

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion. 

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family. 

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged. 

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God. 

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will. 

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory. 

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ---Joshua 24:15

I loved this! What a great thing to stand by. Fathers should be there to protect, to teach, to live worthily and be an example. This is something I would like my own future husband to abide by and follow.  According the movie, the whole thing was found within the scriptures. I like it. It is bold and has such great meaning.

Nephi had prayed from the beginning to know that his fathers’ words were true. Then, after that, he didn’t question! We should also try to be more diligent in listening & following the guidance of our own father. This is true to our Heavenly Father and his guidance as well. He knows all things and loves us so much. He has great power and is always there for us, guiding us along our journey.  We must build our trust with him so that we can be lead back into his arms to stay.

-Sarah M

1Ne 10: Straight & Narrow Path

As I look back at my life, I see the many trials I have overcome. It is because of life's hard moments, I have become a stronger individual and have gained a greater knowledge of things that have helped me through lives many challenges. I try to set goals throughout my life, major goals, with smaller goals that will build up to my ultimate destination and desire. Just as I did as a gymnast; I planned and dreamed of competing nationally and as a US Olympic team member. Then, when everything seemed to come to an end, I questioned, why did He have me go in this direction if I couldn't finish through to the end? But the Lord knew what he was doing. I just had to come to the understanding that His plan never changed. Many times, he will place opportunities, or trials, in our path to prepare us for the future. The Lord knows the way and it may end up different from what we expected. So, when we are told to follow the straight and narrow path, this doesn't mean it will be easy. We will still have trials and hardships that will jump before us, which we must have faith and courage to overcome.


"For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.
For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round." (1Ne 10:18-19)

I try my hardest to be in tune to the spirit so that I can receive the inspiration I need to make the right choices and head down the right path. When making decisions in life, faith typically plays a big role. Whether it be faith that I am doing the right thing when I don't get an answer right away or faith in Heavenly Father that He will not lead me astray. We must hold tight to the rod and follow His path back to his presence. I love the following story from Elder Joseph B Wirthlin,

"While traveling along a mountainous road one evening through a driving rainstorm punctuated with frequent claps of thunder and flashes of lightning, Sister Wirthlin and I could barely see the road, either in front of us or to the right and the left. I watched the white lines on that road more intently than ever before. Staying within the lines kept us from going onto the shoulder and into the deep canyon on one side and helped us avoid a head-on collision on the other. To wander over either line could have been very dangerous. Then I thought, “Would a right-thinking person deviate to the left or the right of a traffic lane if he knew the result would be fatal? If he valued his mortal life, certainly he would stay between these lines.”
That experience traveling on this mountain road is so like life. If we stay within the lines that God has marked, he will protect us, and we can arrive safely at our destination." ("The straight and narrow way" - Oct '90 Conference)

“For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.” (D&C 3:2.)

He will guide us. We just have to be willing to change our direction in life if it is not in line with the Lords.

"Let the Lord be your light. Let Him prepare the way before you to your promised land. “There [is] … no life so dark [that] he cannot light” (Sam Cardon and Steven K. Jones, “Come unto Him,” New Era, Apr. 1995, 10). You don’t have to be a prophet like Lehi or the brother of Jared. Just be you—with a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Trust Him. Keep your eyes riveted on your goal across the field and walk in the straight and narrow path of the Son—the Son of God. I testify of the light and the Spirit that comes from Jesus Christ." (Sis. Sharon G Larson: "Your Light in the Wilderness" - Ensign 1999)

So, what is the best way to follow the straight and narrow path?

Elder Wirthlin said the following:

"Good physical and spiritual health can help us to stay on the straight and narrow way. The Lord gave his code of health in the Word of Wisdom, a “principle with promise” that modern medical science continues to substantiate. (D&C 89:3.) All of God’s commandments, including the Word of Wisdom, are spiritual. (See D&C 29:34–35.) We need to nourish ourselves spiritually even more than physically. Are we giving adequate emphasis to our spiritual health?"


Sister Sharon G. Larson gives another suggestion:

"You know, don’t you, that prayer turns on the light? When you make prayer a regular part of your life, you begin walking in the light, in the straight and narrow way." (Sis. Larson)


"Through divine personal revelation, the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi and his son Nephi were each shown a vision of our mortal probationary state and its accompanying dangers. Lehi says, “And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost” (1Ne 8:23). Yet “he [also] saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to [that] rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree,” meaning the tree of life (1Ne 8:30)." (Sister Ann M. Dibb)


Ask yourself, are you following the straight and narrow path? 
I am trying my very hardest to keep his commandments and doing everything I can to keep the spirit with me. I try to listen closely so that I know the direction I need to go next. I am trying. And this is all he asks of us. 


“Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. Our trials come in many forms, but each will allow us to become more like the Savior as we learn to recognize the good that comes from each experience. As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father’s love. We may never know in this life why we face what we do, but we can feel confident that we can grow from the experience.” (Elder James B. Martino, “All Things Work Together for Good,” Ensign, May 2010)


-Sarah M.