1 Ne. 17: Trials and Blessings

Nephi and his family, along with the others who traveled with them through the wilderness, had to deal with much heartache and great affliction. But as you read about their marvelous journey, you can see that the Lord didn't leave them to do it alone. He was there all along the way, guiding them and blessing them in many ways.
I love the following song:

I Saw God Today

By George Straight

Just walked down the street to the coffee shop 

Had to take a break 

I'd been by her side for 18 hours straight 

Saw a flower growin' in the middle of the sidewalk 

Pushin' up through the concrete 

Like it was planted right there for me to see 

The flashin' lights 

The honkin' horns 

All seemed to fade away 

In the shadow of that hospital at 5:08 

I saw God today 

I've been to church 

I've read the book 

I know he's here 

But I don't look 

Near as often as I should 

Yeah, I know I should 

His fingerprints are everywhere 

I just slowed down to stop and stare 

Opened my eyes and man I swear 

I saw God today 

Saw a couple walkin' by they were holdin' hands 

Man she had that glow 

Yeah I couldn't help but notice she was startin' to show it 

Stood there for a minute takin' the sky 

Lost in that sunset 

Splash of amber melted in the shades of red 

I've been to church 

I've read the book 

I know he's here 

But I don't look 

Near as often as I should 

Yeah, I know I should 

His fingerprints are everywhere 

I just slowed down to stop and stare 

Opened my eyes and man I swear 

I saw God today 

Got my face pressed up against the nursery glass 

She's sleepin' like a rock 

My name on her wrist 

Wearin' tiny pink socks 

She's got my nose, she's got her mama's eyes 

My brand new baby girl 

She's a miracle 

I saw God today

At times in our life, things can become so hectic and chaotic that we forget to see the tiny miracles and blessings in our life. Our Heavenly Father is so aware of us and what we are dealing with day to day. Lamen and Lemuel where too busy complaining about what they didn't have and what they were required to do that they didn't see these blessings. They only looked at the negative, blaming everything on their father, Lehi, and their younger brother, Nephi.

"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." 1 Ne. 17:3

"And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch 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.
"Yea, and the Lord said also that: After ye have arrived in the promised land, ye shall know that I, the Lord, am God; and that I, the Lord, did deliver you from destruction; yea, that I did bring you out of the land of Jerusalem." 1 Ne. 17:13-14

The Lord provided so many blessings along the way. It was because of the trials they were challenged with, they were strengthened and accomplished the things the Lord commanded them. Nephi was so courageous and never gave up! I can't wait to meet him someday! He is my hero! 

Challenges and Trials (up to this point):

1. Commanded to leave their home to journey through the wilderness
2. Commanded to return for gold plates (3x)
3. Nephi commanded to chop off head of Laban 
4. Constant complaining and threatenings from older brothers & friends
5. Broke all bow & arrows causing hunger
6. Women did bear children in the wilderness
7. Lived on raw meat
8. Journeyed through the wilderness for 8 years
9. Nephi commanded to build a ship - laughed at for thinking he could

"We had suffered many afflictions and much difficulty, yea, even so much that we cannot write them all..." 1 Ne. 17:6

Blessings from the Lord:

1. Retrieved the gold plates for future generations 
2. Wisdom in the Lord continued with them throughout their journey 
3. A compass provided to guide & direct 
4. Visions of understanding & direction
5. Commanded & then prepared a way for it to be accomplished
6. Strength to carry on
7. Made raw meet sweet to they didn't have to cook it
8. Guided them out of the wilderness to the seashore
9. Provided direction as to how to build a ship

Life is not easy. We will be asked to do many things and endure many trials. But as long as we keep believing in faith, knowing he will provide a way, we will be blessed. Open your eyes and see your own blessings in your life. 

My own current trials (just to name a few):

1. Still living the single life when I am ready to move forward to marriage & family 
2. Hernia #2 - scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks (making surgery #9)
3. Stressed because of personal training test & knowledge I have to retain to pass it
4. Continuing effects from my brain injury 3 1/2 years ago 
5. Our dog went missing, cried on & off all weekend 
6. Never-ending bills that just keep coming my way & school and car debt
7. Ongoing stomach issues bringing a variety of symptoms every day 

Blessings I have seen in my life:

1. Strength to make it through each day (even in pain)
2. Amazing family whom I love oh, so, very much! 
3. Great technology and incredible doctors doing all they can to help me
4. Increased knowledge as I study 
5. Prayer answered and Rex returned home 
6. Ability to pay every bill that I am faced with each month as I pay tithing first
7. I live in beautiful America, have a good home to stay in, great education, and awesome support from family and friends! 

What more could I ask for! I am so blessed in so many more ways then one! They are pouring down upon me each and every day! I love life and despite all I am going through, I am grateful for the strength I have gained from trials! I am such a stronger person because of them. 

Nephi reminds his brothers of the incredible miracles which were performed by the Lords hand in guiding the children of Israel out of the hands of Egyptians and carried out of bondage led by Moses

1. Waters of the Red Sea were divided allowing them to cross on dry ground
2. Fed manna in the wilderness and water flowed from a rock to quench thirst
3. Led along the way giving light by night

"And it came to pass that according to his word he did destroy them; and according to his word he did lead them; and according to his word he did do all things for them; and there was not any thing done save it were by his word." 1 Ne. 17:31

"And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said many things unto my brethren, insomuch that they were confounded and could not contend against me; neither durst they lay their hands upon me nor touch me with their fingers, even for the space of many days. Now they durst not do this lest they should wither before me, so powerful was the Spirit of God; and thus it had wrought upon them." 1 Ne. 17:50-51

The Lord has such great power! 

After the Lord shows Laman and Lemuel his great power (not the first time he has done this) through Nephi, they quickly ask of forgiveness and wish to worship Nephi...

"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." 1 Ne. 17:55

We, too, need to thank the Lord for our blessings. As I pondered this scripture I began thinking about all of my many talents and blessings. Each one is a gift from my Heavenly Father. I need to show my gratitude everyday through prayer and through sharing my talents with those around me. 

“[The Lord] will not permit us to fail if we do our part. He will magnify us even beyond our own talents and abilities. … It is one of the sweetest experiences that can come to a human being” Ezra Taft Benson 

Try to look more closely for those times where God has blessed your life. See his hand in helping you to be successful and strengthened. Think positive! I know that as you do this, life will seem so much better and you will have so much more to live for! Take each challenge one step and a time and just think how much stronger you will be in the end! 

-Sarah M. 

1 Ne. 16: Answer to Our Prayers

Nephi and his family continue their journey through the wilderness, guided by the Liahona and their faith. As they journey forward, Nephi breaks his bow.

"And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow, which was made of fine steel; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food.
"And it came to pass that we did return without food to our families, and being much fatigued, because of their journeying, they did suffer much for the want of food.
"And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord.
"Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, having been afflicted with my brethren because of the loss of my bow, and their bows having lost their springs, it began to be exceedingly difficult, yea, insomuch that we could obtain no food.
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my brethren, because they had hardened their hearts again, even unto complaining against the Lord their God.
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my father: Whither shall I go to obtain food?

"And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for they had humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul."(vs. 18-24)

Instead of complaining like the rest of his family, Nephi went ahead and did something about it! He handmade a bow and then went to the Lord for direction. He didn't just expect the Lord to make food appear or magically make things easier. He knew he had to do his part and in doing so, the Lord would provide a way and give direction. 

"As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings." (Bible Dictionary - Prayer)

This past weekend, our dog went missing. Rex is part of our family and we all love him so very much. I will admit, he can be a big pain and is the world's greatest trouble maker, but has become apart of our family. At the beginning of October, 6 years ago, I bought him as a puppy. He quickly stole our hearts and brings us joy to have have around. Then, Friday night, he went missing. Rex is like Houdini - he can find his way out of anywhere! At first, I didn't think much of it because he is always getting out and then easily finds his way home. But when I found out he still hadn't returned by nightfall (I was out on a date and then with friends) I became more worried. It didn't fully hit me until I climbed into bed, then the tears began streaming down my face. I kneeled before my Heavenly Father, pleading to bring him home. Praying for his safety and given direction as to where we should look. 

Morning came and in hopes of seeing him chillin' on the front lawn, wondering why we had left him out all night, there was no Rex. We had to rush off to get family pictures done, but the moment we were finished, we began posting flyers, called the pound, and I circled the neighborhood on my bike, asking if anyone had seen him. No luck. We posted 21 posters and listed him on KSL as missing. I couldn't study, I had a hard time functioning. I was trying to have the faith that he would return, but I also know that our will isn't always the will of the Father. I had done everything I could to return him home again, now it was up to the family's faith and prayers that we would have him back in our arms. Aspen even said a little prayer for him while in the middle of eating lunch. Nick and Zoe were praying too. I began praying that he would come home, not only because I missed him terribly, but also that Nick could see a prayer answered. 

Saturday night, Zoe's mom saw a Found Dog ad on KSL "Found Dachshund, no coller, Sandy". It was too late to call, but I got down on my knees again, hoping this would be him. First thing Sunday morning, mom calls. She rushes down to my room, "Sarah, I think it is Rex!" I jump out of bed and we rush the 1.9 miles across Highland to see if it was an answer to our prayer. There they were, a cute young couple. He was holding their baby and she had Rex in her arms! I was so relieved and thankful! Mom and I were hugging her and thanking them for taking care of him. 

Thank you Alisha and Eric for keeping him safe. However, he was hit by a car (we think that is what happened) before showing up on their street. We took him in to the vet and another prayer answered. No breaks and nothing serious, just a sprain or strain in his hind right leg.  

I am so grateful for prayer and for Heavenly Fathers awareness of all we are going through. He watches over and protects our loved ones and I am so grateful to have Rex home again. Now...I am praying that Nick and Zoe can see that this was an answer to our prayers and not just a coincidence.  

-Sarah M. 

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.