1 Ne 7: Rays of Sunshine

Lehi is told that he should not take his family into the wilderness alone, but that his sons should return to Jerusalem again to bring Ishmael and his family with them. This way, the sons could marry Ishmael's daughters, allowing the family to grow as they make their journey to the Land of Promise. On their way back, they begin arguing amongst one another; Laman, Lemuel, & part of Ishmael's children wish to return to the city and be done with such madness. But, Nephi, reminds them of the good things that have occurred. He explains:

"How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord?
"Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us, in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record?

"Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.

"And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise..." (1Ne 7:10-13)

This only makes them more angry and they tie Nephi up, planning to leave him behind as bate in the wilderness. Nephi, without hesitation and with amazing courage, prays to his Father in Heaven;

"O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound." (1Ne 7:17)

Because of his great faith, he is freed. Again, they were mad and went to tie him up again. Thanks to a daughter and son of Ishmael, as well as his wife, they soften their hearts through their words of pleading. They begged for forgiveness of Nephi, their younger brother and Nephi "frankly" forgave them. 

I always thought I would be at a completely different point in my life then I am now, @ 25 yrs. I thought I would be married and beginning my family. I thought I would be done with school and graduated with a degree and had experience competing gymnastics nationally. I thought I would have the greatest happiness in the world and that life would just be dandy, living happily in Texas. I didn't doubt I would have trials - that is what this life is about, right? It is a test and we are all going to have our own trials and we are all going to take them differently. But I never imagined I would be fighting the trials I am now and I thought I would have a loving husband to help me along the way. 
Well, God had a different plan for me.  I am single. I am not currently dating anyone. I am a former gymnast, forced to quit far before I was ready. I am still working towards my degree. I am living at home in Utah. I have multiple health issues. This is not the life I dreamed of living. 
The last couple of weeks have been tough. I have found myself deep inside a black hole I can't seem to escape. I am depressed and I hate feeling this way. There I admitted it. I want to have fun and enjoy life. As I read this chapter, I realized I am not being anything like my hero, Nephi. Instead I am complaining as Laman and Lemuel, wishing things could be like they used to. Wishing to go home to where I grew up and not willing to move forward with faith. 
Ok, so now what? Now that I know my attitude needs to change and I want to be more like Nephi, what is the next step? Well, as I read Nephi's reminder of all the good things that have taken place, I decided to think of the good things in my life. The rays of sunshine that brighten each day and bring true happiness to my everyday life. 
1. My Family - I am so blessed with the unconditional love of my family and the good times we share
2. My Heavenly Father, His son Jesus Christ, and the Companionship of the Holy Ghost -  I am NEVER alone. Though at times it may seem, He is always there to comfort and to love no matter what!
3. Friends - I have great friends that bring me such amazing support and happiness, friends that make me want to be a better me
4. Knowledge of the Gospel - I am so blessed with the knowledge of the gospel and the principles that are there for us to follow; for the Prophet of this church and the leaders who are here to guide us along the path of righteousness in a world of such wickedness; for the scriptures and their continual guidance in my life. 
5. America the Beautiful & my Rights and Freedoms - I am so blessed to be an American, to live in safety and live according to my desires with great resources.
6. Education - I have learned so much in this life and though I have not earned my college degree yet, I am still learning everyday and working towards it. I am blessed with the opportunity to learn and succeed. The thing I love about learning, there is always more to learn :)
7. My Hobbies - Fitness & Health, Sports & Recreation (gymnastics), Scrapbooking, Writing, Photography, Playing the Piano, Outdoors Adventure...

My Heavenly Father has blessed me with so much! I shouldn't have any reason to be unhappy or disappointed in who I am and where my life is right now. I have so many blessings, so many great rays of sunshine beaming down on my life! And with every trial, I am strengthened, I am more prepared for what may come next! 
Don't lose hope. Don't give up. Know that Heavenly Father loves you and has a plan for you. He wants you to succeed and grow with every footstep. 


"Quit thinking about where you want to be in life & focus on where you are in life!" -me


Have a happy day and let the sun shine down on you!!!
-Sarah M.

1Ne 5-6: Keeping a Record

I try to keep records of my everyday life. Not only the major things that seem most important, but the little things that make up your life. Those little facts & doings that make you - YOU. What you do when you hang out with friends, what you wish to become and do in the future, what thoughts enter your mind every morning you wake up and the little accomplishments you make throughout the day, or even what are your favorite things to do, places to go, foods to eat.
I have recently tried to record these little moments on my personal blog, http://princessflip.blogspot.com/
I want to include the things that happen every day. I want to truly record my life, not just events of my life.
Lehi searches through the brass plates which were brought back by his sons. In them, he discovers a whole lot that he didn't know before. He learns where his family comes from and that they are a descendant of Joseph. He discovers how precious they are and how important it was that they get them into their hands, to cherish them and protect their great value.

"And now when my father saw all these things, he was filled with the Spirit, and began to prophesy concerning his seed—
That these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed.
Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should never perish; neither should they be dimmed any more by time. And he prophesied many things concerning his seed.
And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us.
And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.
Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise." (1Ne 5:17-22)


"It can be a great thrill to discover a diary or journal written by a grandparent or loved one. For example, the record of a great-grandmother’s experiences as a bride and young mother can touch the heart of a granddaughter and cause deep love, even though the two are generations apart. Just as we are strengthened as we read the words of early prophets, we can greatly benefit from the testimonies of our own ancestors as they recount for us their trials and sacrifices." (Ensign July 1986: Hidden Benefits of Keeping a History By Gawain and Gayle J. Wells)

I think it is important to keep some type of a record for family after us. Not only that, but to learn and grow and to look back to see how far we have come in this life. I came across my great grandma's journal a couple of months back and it was pretty cool. Reading about her life, I was attached to the words on the page, and didn't really know her personally. I mean I did, but I wasn't super close. But because she was family, I was interested and wanted to read more - despite her messy handwriting... I have multiple scrapbooks, journals, and blogs that keep my records from the time I was born. It makes me happy and feel successful having completed so much history. I love to look back and discover past experiences, remembering and learning, and knowing I am going somewhere in this life. 

I recently asked my mom if she had written anything about the day I was born. She went to her room, and grabbed 2 journals, one was hers and the other my dads. In them, she flipped to the entries about my birth; this was the first time I have ever read their thoughts and feelings about the day I came into this world.
A piece of what my dad wrote:
July 19, 1986
"One week ago today, I had a daughter come into my life. Kathy and I named her Sarah. She is so special to the both of us.
The whole process of having Sarah started Friday July 11, when Kathy had contractions for 3 hours, then they stopped. She was just teasing us. Then Saturday morning, July 12 at 5am the contractions started again and at 9:30am we went to the hospital. The whole process of her coming into the world was different then we had anticipated, which made it all the more special....
...When we entered the birthing room to have the baby, we invited Mom Inkley & Sandy to stay and watch the baby be born. This made it all the more special.
At about 11:30am, Dr. Clark came in to check things out. He looked at Kathy and said she was dilated to 8 cm. Then he said he was going to plant some trees and left. He was not gone 5 minutes when Kathy cried 'it's coming! The baby is coming!'...
...Dr. Clark came rushing back in and everything was ready and in the process. the baby's head was just now beginning to appear and things were really beginning to get intense. Kathy was really using her breathing technique well and we were going all the way with no medication, it was going so perfect....
...Kathy kept asking 'what is it?''...she [came] out and tears of joy filled the room as we realized we had our baby girl. Kathy said over and over, 
'I got my baby Girl!'
"We then brought in Tyler to see his new baby sister and I don't think she was quite what he had expected. He looked at her and back up about 5 steps. He looked like he had just seen a ghost. 
Sarah weighed in at 5lbs 2oz. Dr. Clark said she was 3 weeks premature, Dr. Sharon claimed 4 weeks. Whatever she was, her nickname in the hospital became PEANUT. Kathy's nickname was speedy.
Everyone who came to visited commented on how tiny she was and how pretty she looked. I could not agree more. 
Since Sarah has been with us for a week she has become more special and precious then ever! I am very proud of the way Kathy handled the delivery and very happy my baby girl has arrived!"

Here are a few of my moms words:
July 13, 1986
"I am really not sure I can express how I truly feel. I am so excited and overjoyed that it is hard to put it down on paper. Yesterday at 11:53am I gave birth to a beautiful baby daughter. She is so perfect. Looks just like Tyler. She's very small however, 5lbs 2oz, 17 1/2" long. She was 3 weeks premature but she seems very healthy. The feelings I felt when she was born are overwhelming. I already love her so much!...
...Mom and Sandi watched the delivery, which was quite an experience for Sandi - being that she never say any of her children born. As for mom, she never gets tired of watching the beautiful event. Tyler is not quite sure how to react to such a small person. I think he though she would be old enough to play with. It was really funny because when he first saw her, he just backed away. I'm glad it's over with and that everything is fine. Life couldn't be better - I have a husband who I love with all my heart and soul; an especially beautiful boy and then my daughter. What a family. Oh, by the way, during my beautiful blessing which I received from my husband, the spirit told 'daddy' that it was a girl. I love life and everything in it. 
note: When Sarah was born, the doctor called her Peanut and it stuck in the hospital {and has continued to be my nickname throughout my life}....
July 19, 1986
"Well, today my little girl is a week old and she is even more precious than the day we brought her home...Tyler is really enjoying Sarah - he likes to stand on his stool and peek into the bassinet. He loves to hold her and pat her back. It's been so nice to have Allen home all week. He's been such a big help, I never could've done it without him." 


Reading them was so touching. Knowing I came into this world to a wonderful, caring mother and father, who have done a great job raising me.

I love reading of the Book of Mormon. There is so much we can learn from its words, and I know they are the words of God. I know them to be true and I have found so many answers and great inspirations in its pages. So, get to work, reading past experiences as well as working on your own! 

PS, one day, my goal is to pick up on the genealogy my Grandma has left behind. She was always going to teach me, and then her time came much quicker than anybody expected. This was one of her true-to-the-heart hobbies. She loved the work and she accomplished so much, yet, there is MUCH more to be completed...
-Sarah M. 

1Ne 3-4: Persistence = Blessings

Nephi and his brothers were asked to return to the city to retrieve the gold plates from the hands of Laban. It took them 3 attempts before finally getting a hold of the plated and returning safely to their family. Nephi had continuing faith and persistence in accomplishing that which the Lord had commanded them.

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1Ne 3:7)

When we pray for guidance from the Lord, we must be willing to do whatever he asks of us in return. He will help us, and it may not always be easy, but He is only trying to strengthen us and build our courage and confidence. He will provide a way! 

I was laid off from my job very unexpectedly back in August. Previously, I thought things were good and I felt secure. I enjoyed my job and was living pretty easily. But then, after they called me in, I left in tears. No job. How would I pay bills? I was devastated, confused, and hated life. And, I knew, this meant my health insurance would be dropped.
I decided to rely on a given talent of mine to coach. I knew it would be a HUGE pay cut and I knew it wouldn't be enough, but it was much better then nothing at all. I soon received a call back from a friend of mine, requesting the need of a team coach. This is something I have always wanted to do! Be involved with the competitive side of gymnastics again, only this time on the other end, as a coach. I quickly went to work, helping with the level 7s. Then, in December I got my own group of level 5 girls. It has been a great experience. Despite the pay being quite a bit less then what I was previously making, I was doing something I loved. I was helping girls fulfill their dreams of being star gymnast. But, the drama didn't end here. My health decreasingly became worse and I was missing work because of it. I have had to drop this semester of school due to my health conditions. 
Decreased work = smaller paycheck. Decreased school = Further away degree. 
Everything seemed to be tumbling downhill. I prayed, every night and every morning for direction. I was not happy with my life and I wanted so much more. I have since taken a moment to look at my many blessings. I have a great supportive and loving family, who have helped me through all of this. I have a job that allows me to share my talent as well as be an example of living the gospel. I have a wonderful friend who offered me a babysitting job and the experience has been great. I have been blessed with a much healthier body than many out there. No, it is not perfect, and sometimes I wish I could have a new everything, but I can at least fight to live my everyday life, I can walk, I can talk, and breath on my own. 
Come July, I will be cut off my dads health insurance because of my age. Currently I don't have a job that provides my own. I am not sure what I am going to do. But this is where I must be like Nephi, be persistent in my prayers and have faith that things will work out. 

"And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."(1Ne 4:6)

Because of Nephi's diligence and persistence in keeping the Lords commandments, he was blessed greatly. He was blessed with a safe return back to the tent of his father and he was blessed with the spirit to guide him. I do not know what life has in store for me. My plans have changed again and again in this life, but every time I head down a new road that has been opened to me, I grow and become stronger. I will be blessed. 
A friend once told me, 

"Your set backs do not create doors to discouragement but create doors to opportunity." Megan Hutchinson 


-Sarah M.

1Ne 2: What Do You Pray For?

"And it came to pass that when he had traveled three days in the wilderness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the side of a river of water. 
"And it came to pass that he built an alter of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God." (1Ne. 2:6-7)

Lehi was so humble and diligent in keeping the Lord's commandments. He left his home, his property and possessions; he was leading his family into the wilderness not knowing where exactly they would end up; and despite the conditions they were in, he still poured out his heart in thanks to Heavenly Father. 

Later, Nephi prays unto the Lord for comfort and understanding, as well as for his 2 older brothers:

"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...

"But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them." (1Ne. 2:16, 18)

 

How often do you thank the Lord for the trials you have been given? Do you remember to pray for those who spiritually need to be uplifted? Do you remember your family and friends as well as your enemies in your daily prayers? Do you pray for understanding of the things He would have you do? Do you pray for comfort? 

Elder David A. Bednar talked in a general conference about prayer and praying always. He said if our morning prayers are looking out toward the day and what’s coming, we’re previewing the day in our prayer. In our evening prayers, we report to the Lord on what’s happened through the course of the day. We may be thanking Him for blessings received, we may be repenting of a few things that happened that were not right, and then there are all the prayers in between.

Heavenly Father is just waiting to hear our voices. He knows each of us individually and our circumstances, but he still wants to hear from us. We must ask in faith, believing that he will answer. I can testify that he WILL answer, sometimes it may not be immediate, but he will answer.
For example, my health issues. I have had stomach problems for about 9 years and I have prayed for understanding, for answers, and I have received many priesthood blessings telling me I will be healed. No, the doctors still haven't figured out my spastic body yet, but I have learned continued patience through it all. I have learned to push through each day, no matter how I may feel. My attitude is positive and I try to bring happiness to those around me. I never give up and I try to have hope. I have adjusted to the pain I feel every day; I have just learned to keep living my life the best I can. As long as I do this, I will find happiness in life and I will be blessed and strengthened. In my own prayers, I try to remember to thank my Father in Heaven for my many trials. For I know my faith has been strengthened and I have become the person I am today because of them. I am so grateful for the support I have here on earth as well. For an amazing, loving and supportive family, and for great friends who are there when I need someone to talk to. Thank you.  

When I pray, I try to make it as meaningful as I can. Like Nephi, I try to pray for others.
I pray for my younger brother, to help him through this rough time in life, to bring him comfort. I pray that he will gain a better understanding and have the desire to do what is right. I pray for him to know how much his family loves him, and cares about him, every second of every day.
I pray for those whom I have passed along Book of Mormons to, that they will one day pick it up, and read its pages. That they will feel the spirit and want to learn more.
I pray for my friends and family, who may be sick or afflicted. That they may have strength and feel His comfort through times of need.
Prayers are part of my everyday routine. I try to make them meaningful by picturing my Heavenly Father in my mind and knowing I am talking to him, as a friend talks to a friend. I love Him so much and I know that he knows everything that is going on in my life. He knows my actions, my thoughts, my desires. I must come to him, with a full heart, and give thanks for ALL that I have, including the blessings and the trials. Doing so strengthens my relationship with Him and gets me one step closer to being more like my Savior.

It is our privilege to pray to our Heavenly Father, who “loves us enough that He gave His Son as our Savior.” —President Henry B. Eyring

-Sarah M.

1Ne 1: Faith During Trials

 I have a great love for the Book of Mormon! It is seriously the best book ever and I know its words to be true and written by prophets of God. It is here, for us, to receive inspiration, find answers, and increase our knowledge of the gospel and the things the Lord would have us do. Join me in my journey through the Book of Mormon, as I study its words and try to relate them to my own life. 

In the beginning, Nephi, a prophet of God, explains how he has experienced many afflictions in his day and he records his knowledge gained from these experiences as well as knowledge gained from his very own father, Lehi. Just as Nephi, we must go though hardships & trials to find strength & courage as Nephi did. I love the following quote,

We must have a good attitude and endure every step of the way, for in the end, there is a rainbow and great blessings will come to those who endure to the end. Lehi, Nephi's father, also had seen many afflictions in his days. Jerusalem is where he grew up, where he called home. When he heard of a prophesy, that the city would be destroyed, he went to the Lord in prayer and prayed "with all his heart...in behalf of his people" (1Ne. 1:5). He had a great love & concern for others. He was willing to leave his home to bring safety to not only him, but those he cared about, his family. Nephi had a wonderful father to look up to and his mother was so faithful and willing to follow her husband and trust his revelations. He truly did have "goodly parents" as it states in the very first verse of this book. Lehi did receive an answer to his prayer, and it was so powerful & overwhelming that he passed out, moving into a vision from the Lord. Amazing! Lehi is a great example of having faith.

When I was 16, my family had to leave our beautiful home in Pflugerville, Texas. My parents built it a year earlier, planning to stay even past retirement. It was beautiful and built just right. But when my dad lost his job a few months after moving in, things tumbled downward. His full time job became looking for a new job. He avoided applying to Utah because we just didn't want to come back. Our life continued, but my parents knew that if something didn't come up soon, we would be in trouble. My dad felt we should go to Utah. So we put our brand new home on the market. Then, one evening, a miracle happened. Some old friends of ours, received a prompting to buy our house, no questions, and to pay full price. They had never seen our home and it was in the next city from where they were currently living. They drove out one raining afternoon, my mom walked them through the house, and without hesitation, they offered full price.

Just as my parents received an answer, so did Lehi. He got his answer through a dream and he saw & heard the truths about the destruction of Jerusalem. He believed. He had faith. And despite the peoples mocking, He still prophesied.

"The tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen because of their faith...power of deliverance." (1Ne. 1:20)

For all who follow God's commandments and act upon personal revelations & promptings, blessings WILL follow and He will PROTECT you. Lehi is amazing in his act to follow the Lord, leading his family into the wilderness, leaving everything behind. As a teenager, I left with my family, leaving behind the only life I knew, leaving my friends, my gymnastics team, my home in Texas. But I had my family and I trusted my parents that they were making the right decision. The day we were leaving our home, to move to Utah, my dad got a phone call and was told that he had been accepted for the job he had applied for at Merit Medical. The Lord was looking after us and blessed my dad with a job, after 9 months of diligently searching. He knows us. He knows our situations. We just have to have patience and trust him to lead us on our journey here on this Earth. He can see the full picture and we must follow those promptings to do what the Lord has planned for us. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and the trials that He gives me, only to make me stronger. This life is the Test and we must do our best to put our will in line with the Lords. For in the end, we will found a beautiful rainbow. We will be blessed for learning to dance in the rain. Just take it one day at a time and count your many blessings along the way. 
-Sarah M.