They're Not Really Happy

1 Nephi 8: 24-25:

"And it came to pass that I beheld others
pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of
iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the
rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the
tree.

And after they had partaken of the fruit of the
tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were
ashamed."

The last verse really struck me. People who did the right thing; who held strong onto the iron rod, and were able to partake of the fruit, acted as if they were ashamed when they saw all of the people in the "great and spacious building." I feel like that sometimes, too.
Trying to do the right thing and keep the commandments is not an easy task. especially in the world we're living in today. I can't count how many times I've seen people that are so close to me become manipulated into thinking that they'd actually be happier if they didn't have so many restrictions on what they can or can't do, that worldly pleasures would bring much more happiness than doing what we know to be right.
Wickedness NEVER was [never will be] happiness.
I know that being obedient to the Lord's commandments brings so many blessings unto us. I know the goodness of God and also the mercy he has on his children. I know that partaking of that fruit will be so much more fulfilling than the short-term gratification that comes from sin.
So why should we feel ashamed?
I am promised in my Patriarchal Blessing that I will have the occasion to speak to my friends about the gospel. It goes on to say, be not afraid and show by your actions the love you have of this Gospel.
I think the reason we might feel ashamed, is that we are afraid to do what is right when everyone around us isn't. That's why it has always been so important for me to choose my friends wisely. I struggled with this for a couple of years, and I saw how unhappy I was when I followed what my friends were doing, just because I was afraid (or ashamed) to do the right thing. Being the minority is definitely a challenge.

The Lord gives us strength to overcome the adversary if we ask for it. He will provide a way for us to be happy if we allow Him in our lives. Happiness that only comes from choosing the right. Happiness that is everlasting and eternal.

"To those of you who are inching your way closer and closer to that great and spacious building, let me make it completely clear that the people in that building have absolutely nothing to offer except instant, short-term gratification inescapably connected to long-term sorrow and suffering. The commandments you observe were not given by a dispassionate God to prevent you from having fun, but by a loving Father in Heaven who wants you to be happy while you are living on this earth as well as in the hereafter."
-Glenn L. Pace (New Era, June 1988)

Safety for the Soul

I finished the Book of Mormon today. Not because there was a challenge given to me to finish it by the end of the year, or because I had to read it with my family, or I needed to read it to pass seminary, but because I truly wanted to. I've never been so overwhelmed by the Spirit as I read the last Amen; I had goosebumps up and down my arms and legs. That was my conformation that this book is true. And I always love hearing Elder Holland's testimony of the Book of Mormon. I have such a strong testimony of this book. I have never been closer to the Lord than I am now, and I truly know that it's because I have been getting better at reading the Book of Mormon. I have had a complete change of heart and the time that I set apart to read is the best time of day. I feel so at peace, I feel comfort, I feel the Lord's love and realize how merciful he is. Never has a book brought so much peace and solace into my life. I truly believe that it is the keystone of our religion, without it my religion would be nothing. I know that by reading it everyday it becomes easier for me to resist evil temptations. I have the desire to do good continually because of this book. I know it is an inspired book that has been preserved for us in our day. I can't wait until tomorrow when I can pick it up again and start from the beginning!

The Atonement and Faith

I figure that since we get the Ensign delivered to our door step every month, I need to take the time to read it. I was reading through the April Ensign this month, and the talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks was the one that struck me. It's called, "The Atonement and Faith." Mostly the part about faith was for my benefit. Faith seems so simple, but it's always been a struggle for me. So this talk was more than what I needed to hear.



"Faith comes by hearing the word of God which comes by scripture, by prophetic teaching, and by personal revelation. The word of God teaches us that we are children of God the Eternal Father. It teaches us about the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. Founded on our knowledge of those things, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a conviction and trust that God knows us and loves us and will hear our prayers and answer them with that is best for us.

Faith in the Lord is trust in the Lord. We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will and in the Lord’s timing. As a result, no matter how strong our faith is, it cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him in whom we have faith. Remember this when your prayers do not seem to be answered in the way or at the time you desire. The exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is always subject to the order of heaven, to the goodness and will and wisdom and timing of the Lord. When we have that kind of faith and trust in the Lord, we have true security and serenity in our lives. "- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Having faith has been such a struggle for me because when I need an answer, I want it right away. I have a great deal of patience, except for when it comes to answers to my prayers. I have a lot to work on as far as Faith goes, but I know that the Lord knows what is best for me. He knows my future and what lies ahead. He knows all of the struggles and trials that I'll be faced with. He knows who I'll marry and when I'll marry. He knows how many kids I'll have. He knows how old I'll grow to be. The Lord knows what's in store for me, I just have to remember that it's in his time that he will make those things known unto me. I can't wait! ... I mean, I can wait. :)

Tender Mercies of the Lord

I can't believe that I didn't remember this talk addressed in General Conference. It was such a beautiful talk and I needed to be reminded that the blessings that occur day to day aren't just coincidence, but rather a tender mercy from the Lord.

Elder Bednar said it perfectly, "The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."
“But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance” -1 Nephi 1:20

I've received a countless number of tender mercies from the Lord. He continutes to bless me each and every day. I'm so thankful for the strength I receive from Him to help me withstand the temptations of the adversary.
"I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us"- Elder David A. Bednar

Captain Moroni

"Yea, Verily, Verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." Alma: 48:17

In institute, Brother Hunsaker had pointed this verse out the other day. When I went home to read, I had left off right at Alma 48, where it talks about Moroni and included that verse. I knew that Moroni was a righteous man, but I guess I didn't know too much about him. (I don't have the brain capacity to remember all that I read, like my dad does!) So instead of reading chapter after chapter, I decided to study more about Moroni and what made him so righteous. I found all of these characteristics about him in Chapter 48:

• He prepared the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord Their God (A good example/teacher)
• He had been strengthening the armies of the Nephites and erecting small forts, building walls of stone...fortified and strengthened the land (A Great Leader, Diligent, Serviceable)
• Created places of security for those around him in frightening and perilous times. (A protector/comforter)
• Prepared to support their liberty, lands, wives, children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians. (A man of Integrity- Also, Submissive and Meek)
• A strong and mighty man (Nice body, perhaps?) :]
• A man of perfect understanding (Smart)
• A man that did not delight in bloodshed (Peace maker)
• A man whose soul did joy in the liberty and freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery. (Kind, Joyous)
• A man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people. (Self-less, Humble, Prayerful)
• A man who was firm in the faith of Christ (Strong Testimony, Didn't Doubt.)
• Had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood. (Again, Self-less, Willing to die for his country, people, and what he believed in, Courageous.)
• A man whose heart did glory in doing good, in preserving his people, in keeping the commandments, and of resisting iniquity. (Loving, Worthy, Faithful)
• A man of God (Lived his life serving the Lord and putting Him first, Highly Favored of the Lord)

The part that stood out to me the most was when it described Captain Moroni as a man whose heart did swell with Thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people. I don't think to thank the Lord for the blessings he bestowed upon anyone but me. I think that just shows his Humility and how self-less he was. These attributes and characteristics were just found in chapter 48; I know that he had so many other great qualities about him mentioned in other chapters, that I haven't gotten to yet. And forget about the list I made in Young Women's of the qualities I want in a future husband, I just want a Moroni!

[I think it's safe to say he had a nice bod. ]

Keep the Commandments

I'm reading in Alma, the part where he's speaking to his sons. Yesterday I read about his talk with Helaman, and today with Shiblon. Alma mentioned so many times in both of these chapters that, "Inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God, ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God, ye shall be cut off from His presence." Apparently this is important to remember, otherwise Alma wouldn't have repeated himself multiple times. It's always important to stive to live Heavenly Father's commandments, not only to prevent us from being cut off from his presence, but because when we are keeping his commandments we are worthy to hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we have the privilage of having the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. When we follow the commandments satan has less power over us, temptations are easy to turn down, and we are able to have peace in our lives. The primary song "Keep the Commandments" sums it all up.

1. Keep the commandments; keep the commandments!
In this there is safety; in this there is peace.
He will send blessings;He will send blessings.Words of a prophet:
Keep the commandments.
In this there is safety and peace.

2. We are His children; we are His children,
and we must be tested to show we are true.
Hold to His promises;Hold to His promises,
Heeding the prophets:
Keep the commandments.
In this there is safety and peace.

Mosiah 2:22
"And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you."

Conversion Stories

Since I hate writing, I decided to start a blog based on my scripture study and other spiritual notes. I'm doing this mostly for me, but not for the benefit of getting more comments, but because I want to remember what I read and study, and hopefully be helpful to others. In Missionary Prep today we talked about how important it is to keep a record of your writings, so I'm trying to get better at it, and eventually I'll print off all of these posts and preserve them for my posterity.

Anyway, this weekend was full of conversion stories. My roommate came home from a date yesterday, and said that the guy she went with made a complete 180 with his life. He used to be on the pathway to nowhere good, but is completely different now, and made the decsion to serve a mission. In Sacrament Meeting today, one of the Relief Society Presidents gave a beautiful talk about how her grandparents were converted when they were 90. And when I got home from church, I picked up from where I left off reading in Alma 36, which talks about Alma the Younger's conversion story. I took this as the Lord's way of telling me I need a conversion story.



I'm not necessarily a 'sinner.' I try to do what is right, but sometimes fail hardcore with it. Recently I haven't been reading my scriptures as diligently as I should be, and saying my prayers was like a chore for me. So it was really good to be reminded of all these stories where people weren't living the way they should, realized that they weren't happy, changed their ways, and ended up being these great people who have so much love for the Lord and his work. This is just what I needed to hear. So I'm working on my 'conversion story' where I will always have that same desire to do good, just like Alma the younger, who was probably the best missionary of all time.

I just want to close with a few passages from what I read today. I seriously was bawling by the end of every chapter because I knew this was meant just for me, and that just goes to show how inspired the Book of Mormon really is, and that the Lord truely hears and answers our prayers. "The Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is the most powerful resource in conversion." -Preach My Gospel


Alma 36: 12-22-- "I was racked with eternal torment for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.
Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
Oh thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct bothe soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.
And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.
And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold , I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of the one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
And now, behold when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
Yea, I say unto you my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.
Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea and my soul did long to be there."


My favorite talks in General Conference have always been the ones testifying of the Book of Mormon.

The first one that comes to mind was a talk given in October of 2008 by Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis called "Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon."

The second one was given in October of 2009 by Elder Jeffery R. Holland called "Safety for the Soul"

If there's anyone reading this, I would encourage you to read both of these talks and Alma 36, even if you're not struggling with your testimony, or you don't need a conversion story, because everyone needs to be reminded that the Book of Mormon is true. It is an inspired book. And it was preserved and brought to pass just for us and for our day.