Book of Mormon Minute, Pages 171-180

   Howdy! I have chosen one verse or phrase from each page of the Book of Mormon to share with my family daily.  See the list here...

Page                       Reference                                               My Thoughts

171	Mosiah 12:27 Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. ...	How would today be different if I tried to see everything today from a celestial viewpoint? What would I try harder to do right the first time? What would I not let take away my joy? ...Father, thanks for giving us understanding as we do our best as you’d have us do. Please help me to think celestial.
172	Mosiah 13:4 But I must fulfill the commandments wherewith God has commanded me; ...	Is following a commandment of God a burden? … sometimes, yes. But, when obedience stops being a burden and starts being our quest, then God will endow (gift) us with His power! ...Father, thank you for giving me strength, courage, and help to do your will. Thanks that I can pray for a desire to do your will, when I know I should, but don’t want to. Then I can move forward with faith and develop a desire and receive your strength!
173	Mosiah 13:25 And it came to pass that after Abinadi had made an end of these sayings that he said unto them: Have ye taught this people that they should observe to do all these things for to keep these commandments?	We have a responsibility to be a righteous example to others and especially those who we will have stewardship over in this life. God expects us to teach others and then let them decide their own path. ...Father, thanks for all the folks who taught me your commandments. I pray for your help to be a good and faithful example.
174	Mosiah 13:28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.	No matter how hard we try to do right, we cannot save ourselves. It is only through the atonement of Christ that we will be saved, after we do our best. ...Father, thank you for the love and example of our older brother, Jesus, that makes it possible for us to live with you again. Please help me to keep striving.
175	Mosiah 15:1 And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.	Jesus did come to this earth and experienced this human journey. He has redeemed us from death and as we obey the commandments of God, can be with him forever! ...Father, thank you that Jesus did what he said he would. He redeemed us all and gave every person a chance to repent, try again, and you will be the judge of our hearts at judgement day. Thanks for being a merciful, all-knowing God who wants us all to come back home.
176	Mosiah 15:5 And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people.	Our spirits are stronger than our earthly bodies. With God’s help, we can follow our Savior’s example and not yield to earthly temptations. Jesus quoted scripture and set an example for us that gives me strength and courage to be different. ...Father, when people do not live up to my expectations, please help me see an eternal view that we’re all human, make mistakes, and have an opportunity to choose our own path. I want choose to be positive and hopeful. Please forgive me when I judge unrighteously. Please help me to improve.
177	Mosiah 15: 17, 26 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever! 26 But behold, and fear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection.	What will be said of us, when this life is over? Will people thank God that we were his hands or will we cause others to stumble because of our example? ...Father, I have been taught what is right and what is wrong. I’ve felt thy peace as I chose your path. I’ve felt the anguish as I yielded to Satan’s temptations too. Please forgive my weakness and help me as I choose each moment to focus on your higher and holier path of joy and peace.
178	Mosiah 15:30 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people,...	Sing for God. Lift up our voices in joyful sounds. It does not need to be perfectly in tune. Praise God for his goodness in your life! ...Father, I feel thy comfort when I see __, when I hear __, when I smell __, when I taste __, when I feel __. Thank You for your generosity to me, for I am but a weak, stubborn child who is trying to do good.
179	Mosiah 16:9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.	No matter how dark and gloomy my life feels, Jesus is the way to peace. No matter where or how I die, Jesus is the way to eternal life. ...Father, Jesus lights my path in life. Help me be a light to others who are having a dark moment, day, week, or longer. Help me to see the good in me and in others, for we are all beautifully and wonderfully made with the light of Christ in us all!
180	Mosiah 17:9 Now Abinadi said unto him: I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true;	The truth will not change. God is an unchanging God. We can depend on him and believe his words! ...Father, thank you for being consistent and making the path home known to us. I know what you expect and I know that you are with each of us through every good and bad moment of life.

Book of Mormon Minute, Pages 161-170

   Howdy! I have chosen one verse or phrase from each page of the Book of Mormon to share with my family daily.  See the list here...

Page                       Reference                                               My Thoughts

161	Mosiah 7:19 Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and fed them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many more things did he do for them.	God has helped others. He can help me too! If God can help thousands walk through a full river on dry ground and feed them with manna for years, He can help me with my challenges… ...Father, thanks for the many examples of miracles you’ve helped simple folks with. I pray for miracles to help me and others stay on your path and do your will. Please help me to recognize your miracles! Thanks
162	Mosiah 7:33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.	Am I approaching my commitment to trust and follow Christ as if I’m swimming, but not wanting to get part of me wet, or am I cannon balling in, committed 100%? ...Father, I wanna be all-in with you. Help me recognize where I’m hesitant and figure out why I’m doubting. Then I can make a choice to be all in or just dip a toe in eternal joy. … I choose all-in, sopping wet with happiness!
163	Mosiah 8:16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.	God is all powerful and will give us power to do His will! If God is with us, who can stand against us? What can people do to us? If we trust God, we will not be afraid of people’s thoughts and actions and words cause we’ll have peace in Christ! ...Heavenly Father, please help me to keep my focus at a Celestial level. Please give me your power to do thy will!
164	Mosiah 8:18 Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.	If my faith is as small as the tip of a pencil, I could move a mountain… God will do the mighty miracle, I just need to do my best and be willing to be guided by Him! Father, please use me to be a blessing to others on this journey of life. Thanks for many examples you’ve shown me of faithful folks doing mighty and tiny miracles for thee!
165	Mosiah 9:17 Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers.	Are we physically and spiritually ready for challenges? What can I do today to prepare me to stand firm against Satan and his army? ...Father, I cannot make it through today without you. I need your guidance, comfort and help to keep the faith and know the path you’d have me take. Thank you for the atonement of Jesus that lets me keep trying when I mess up and be strengthened to avoid mistakes too!
166	Mosiah 10:2 And I set guards round about the land, that the Lamanites might not come upon us again unawares and destroy us; and thus I did guard my people and my flocks, and keep them from falling into the hands of our enemies.	How can we guard ourselves against Satan’s attacks? What tactics does Satan use that I will not be tricked by? How can I help others avoid his tricks? ...Father, please open my eyes and mind that I may be aware of truth and error, right and wrong that I can stay safe on your team and not be deceived.
167	Mosiah 10:19 ...I did stimulate them to go to battle with their might, putting their trust in the Lord; ...	What might I be able to do if I trusted God 100% and wanted to do exactly and only His will? We need to battle Satan with our might and trust in God that he will make up the difference of what we lack. ...Father, I trust that you’ll help me through life’s struggles, even though I can’t explain how you do it. That doesn’t mean you’ll immediately take away hard things, but you’ll help me make it through the hard times. Please help me when I doubt and can’t understand, cause I know you understand all.
168	Mosiah 11:7 Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them.	How is Satan deceiving us? The Spirit can confirm truth to guide us. Remember all good comes from God! ...Father, help me to not be deceived by things that sound good or look good or smell good or feel good, yet are not good in your sight.
169	Mosiah 11:20 And it came to pass that there was a man among them whose name was Abinadi; and he went forth among them, and began to prophesy, saying: Behold, thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me, saying, Go forth, and say unto this people, thus saith the Lord—Wo be unto this people, for I have seen their abominations, and their wickedness, and their whoredoms; and except they repent I will visit them in mine anger.	What would God have me say or do? How can I develop the conviction that Abinadi had? He did not worry about what people would think. He had a relationship with God that allowed him to set aside his fears of what people could do. ...Father, I want to know you better. Thanks for the scriptures I can study and for current leaders of thy church and for the ability to receive my own revelation through The Spirit. Help me be a tool in thy hands!
170	Mosiah 12:7-8 And they shall be smitten with a great pestilence—and all this will I do because of their iniquities and abominations. And it shall come to pass that except they repent I will utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth;...	Our challenges can teach us amazing lessons and bring us closer to God, if we let them. Let us not only lean on God when we’re struggling, but let us desire to have a relationship with God all day, every day! ...Father, thank you that we can repent anytime and all the time. Thanks for a Savior who loved each of us enough and believed in us enough to make it possible for us to be saved and experience eternal joy, if we choose it. I choose to look to you during struggles of this life.

Stake Conference - Sunday Session

 These are my notes from our local church's Stake Conference yesterday.

Bro T.’s talk

    I’d like to talk to the youth. There’s a song you might know…  “If you don’t walk as most people do, some people walk away from you, But I won’t! I won’t! If you don’t talk as most people do, Some people talk and laugh at you, But I won’t! I won’t! I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you. That’s how I’ll show my love for you. Jesus walked away from none. He gave his love to ev’ryone. So I will! I will! Jesus blessed all he could see, Then turned and said,  “Come, follow me.” And I will! I will! I will! I will! I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you. That’s how I’ll show my love for you.”

    My ancestors and I know what it’s like to be treated unkindly. Be kind and forgiving always.  Jesus shared the golden rule.  Love, do good, and pray for others. 

     When our family moved to Utah, my son was in 11^th grade.  He hated lunch breaks because he was alone. One day a girl noticed him and cheerfully asked him to join her group of friends. We are grateful for that kindness 21 years ago.

     Compassion is when you want what is best for another. Extend compassion by doing simple things… say Hi, smile, pat someone on the back.

    I’m going to share The Parable of The BB Gun. When I was 11, a neighbor boy invited me to shoot his bb gun. We went to a field and I stood 20 feet away while he shot things. He pumped his gun 12 times and suddenly he aimed at me.  I thought surely he wouldn’t shoot me.  I dove to the ground and covered my head, then glanced up and felt a searing pain in my eye and saw white. I thought I was in heaven.  I ran home bawling my head off.  The bb went in through my eye lid and I had a huge black eye. I did not lose my vision. In my baseball pictures a few days later my hat is pulled down almost to my nose.

            Fast forward 35 years and I was playing a game with the scouts.  I got kicked in the nose and went to the ER. They showed me an x-ray of my fractured nose but, they were more concerned with the copper bb they saw in the bottom of my left eye socket. It didn’t bother me so they left it there.   Now, I’ve never resented that boy. I didn’t wanna be his best friend, but all I felt was gratitude it was not worse.

            How will you choose to react to the unkindness of others?  Jesus said nothing to Pilate. He had a mission to fulfill. Through his atonement, we are all called back to him. We are called to bring others back with us.

Sister C’s talk

            Youth can get blessings from the temple.  President Nelson tells us that spending time in the temple helps us know who we are, who we can become, and how we fit in God’s plan. We are all different, yet the temple unifies us. We are promised many blessings if we attend the temple. It’s peaceful and quiet and helps us change. 

            President Eyring tells a story of his daughter doing temple baptisms. She was willing to do more and more until the last one on the list was done!  She did what the Lord would have her do.

            PresidentNelson taught that nothing will help you, protect you, bolster your testimony, or open the heavens more than serving in the Lord’s house.  Temples help us come closer to Christ and be like Him.

Sister O’s Talk

            I never had to go to church as a child in Smithfield, yet when I wanted to go, I was always supported.  My mom had me memorize Psalm 23. My dad and brother were dying, yet she taught me to write God’s words in my heart.  He IS my shepherd, always and every day.  Thanks Mom.   Memorizing The Living Christ has helped me. A while back, President R. asked me to write my own version of the living Christ to share at this conference.   I call it My Living Christ.  These are the feelings of my heart and my testimony.

 I marvel that He can save me from myself. He experienced all of me. He lived perfectly to show me He can overcome my imperfections. He rose from the dead so He can raise me. He fought for me. He wants me. He is my king, master, and God. He will gloriously return and rule as king of kings. May He always rule over me and my life. He died so I can live. He extends me mercy and frees me with forgiveness. He gives me calm. When I fail, the master builder builds with me again. He is my loving God. He helps me feel His love when I am so unlovable. He lives now so He can be aware of all of me. He is always the answer. May you each know that He is your Savior. I know my Redeemer lives to be all I need Him to be. I thank God for His son, Jesus Christ.

The Primary kids sang I Loveto See the Temple

 Sister L’s talk

Enos told of his wrestle with God. This week I’ve been on my knees in a wrestle with God. The Words of Mormon say, “I do not know all things, yet God knows all things.”   So many things in life fail but charity never will. I love my Savior. We’ve been through a lot and he helps me through it all.

 Brother J’s talk

Othello, by Shakespear, is a tragedy that didn’t need to happen. Othello loves his wife. When he comes home from war, they bring each other such joy. A lower officer, Iago, is jealous of Othello and wants to make him fail. He starts to introduce doubts and leads Othello to believe lies about his wife. Othello ends up smothering his wife only to discover, too late, that Iago had been lying all along. His wife had been faithful and full of love for Othello.  Othello had never asked his wife about the lies, just trusted Iago. Othello’s perception was the only thing that changed.

            Why would I tell you such a story? I see this too often in our youth… the gospel flame fades over time. Gospel items take a back seat to less spiritual, worldly sources of entertainment and interests. Do not let go of God’s truths. Nourish your testimony and worship God daily. Recognize when Satan tries to distract you. Do not let Satan win. Develop a habit of worshiping in the temple regularly.

            Satan, like Iago, is jealous. He wants to make us miserable and makes us doubt truths we already know. We must develop habits that will sustain us. Create joyful scriptures study and temple worship opportunities for your kids, but do not force them to go. Be an example to your kids of good, righteous habits. God’s love for us is infinite and unchanging. Our love for him is fragile. Our covenants will strengthen us and let us not be deceived.

Pres. R’s talk

Elder Bednar will be dedicating the Layton UT temple on June 16th!  There will be 2 sessions which will replace our normal Sunday church service.  He invites everyone to take someone with you to the temple open house from both sides of the veil. As you go through the temple, take some time to see the murals! They are beautiful. 

            Our goal in life should be to develop a Christlike character.. Here’s 4 ways to do that.

1. Luke 2:52 (And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.)    Strive to improve daily. Come to know Christ through studying the scriptures. Our faith will grow. Increasing our faith and improving is repenting.

2. Acts 10:38 ([He] went about doing good) Go about doing good. Minister (be a friend) to all, all the time.  Striving is the goal.  Love God. Love your neighbor as yourself.

3. Moroni 6:2-6 (Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end. And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they  might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.)

We take Christ’s name upon us through covenants. We need Jesus’ church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Matthew 28:20 (teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.)  Witness to others. What does the atonement have to do with missionary and temple work? Everything.  Make sure you’re heading in the right direction.

4. Ephesians 1:10 (That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him) The gathering is happening. Help others in normal and natural ways. Jesus is the beginning and the end. 

I am thankful for Joseph Smith. He translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. The Priesthood has been restored to the earth. I will speak good of Joseph Smith. I know more about Jesus because of Joseph Smith!  Jesus will come again, and we will be ready!

Song – I’ll go where you want me to go

My thoughts... How blessed we are to share our faith with each other and help each other on this crazy earth journey.  Hugs and have a blessed day!

Stake Conference - adult session

As I was walking to the church to attend the adult session of our Stake Conference, I visited with a friend and her sweetheart while they were working on their boat. They jokingly asked me to "tell us what we missed." ... I'm grateful for that suggestion because I took better notes and am able to share the info with my family and theirs... if they wanna read it :) 

 The Layton Utah Temple open-house has begun. All of us are invited to go see it. The youth in our area will be going next week with their youth leaders. I'll be going another day and hope to have someone to go with me... I'm excited! 

 Brother T.'s talk 

     Anthony Ray Hinton was on death row for almost 30 years. He was innocent. He was strengthened by him momma and the truths she'd taught him. Ray chose to focus on others problems, not his own. He'd try to help em laugh. He got released just shy of his 59th birthday.  We need to hold onto joy amid the turmoils of life. 

     To be a disciple of Christ, we will carry burdens... ours and others. Seek after joy. Not the joy of material, worldly things like Satan teaches, but eternal joy from keeping the commandments of God. Look to Jesus and give thanks daily.

      My dad was a Fish and Game warden. He now has dementia. I knew for sure that my dad had dementia when we went on a fishing trip. We stopped to get our licenses and when I got out of the car, my dad didn't budge. I said, "Dad, let's go get our licenses." My dad said, "Nah, I don't need one." What?... He was a Fish and Game Warden...I'd seen him take poachers fishing equipment. I know he will be made whole again! Focus on the joy that will come to us and others as we befriend and lift others and share Jesus' love. 

 Sister B.'s talk

     Live our life daily to prepare for the next covenant... baptism?, the sacrament?, or in the temple. What kind of life do you wanna live forever? Prepare now. How do you define and label yourself?... a child of God, child of the covenant, and disciple of Christ. God loves you more than anyone else. Help your testimony grow. Work for it. Nurture it. What truths do you know? What do you doubt? 

 Brother R's talk 

     This is my family's journey over the last 10 years... 10 years ago, we were active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We learned some history and made a choice to step away from the church. It was a hard decision to leave. We continued to study the Bible, love others and teach out kids the values we believed. We searched for other churches but nothing felt right. Five years ago, we were living in Texas and decided to move closer to grandma and grandpa. We moved back to Utah.          About 1 year go, our daughter was invited to take the missionary discussions. She was hesitant because she'd lost friends because she wasn't a member of The Church. She had an amazing missionary that told her, "God loves you. God knows you personally." She found peace and knowledge. Later, my wife and I decided to talk to the missionaries. One day, while driving home, I stopped by the bishop's house. He was working in his yard, and I asked if he could come by sometime to talk... as the bishop. He was surprised. Grandpa baptized my daughter and it was beautiful! The next day, my son said he was ready to be baptized as soon as tomorrow... that would have been nice to know a couple days earlier when the whole family was already together :). We are all baptized now. 

        How can we help others? Be genuine and kind. 

     There was a lady who asked her friend if she wanted to come to church with her. The friend said no. The lady asked her friend if she could go to her church with her. The friend was surprised and said yes. They ended up studying the Bible and discussing it and growing spiritually together. 

     Something that helped our family was my mother-in-law told us, "Whether you go to church or not, We love you. We want you with us." 

     A neighbor invited us to have the missionaries share a message with us. I told em No :) Thanks for thinking of us, but we're ok... He stayed my friend. 

     See everyone as a child of God. Laugh with them. Cry with them. Be a friend. Love 'em. Do you have questions about the gospel? Good! Stretch your soul. Learn about the Savior. Is there a God? Is Christ real? The last ten years have been a faith journey. Jesus put people in our path to help us! Do you wanna be with your family forever? Moses 1:39 tells us God's purpose. (For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.) This is what our life is all about. 

     Song - I Wonder When He Comes Again 

Sister O's talk

    My Cancer Journey. was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in 2019. I had 3 kids, my youngest was 5 months old. I had many physical and emotional struggles. I knew Jesus could heal me but wasn't sure if it was appropriate to ask for His healing.  I was inspired to prepare a book to help the living relatives after my death. It had important documents, passwords, and more.  Let me tell you, shopping for a headstone is not a fun date night.   

    I felt like I can and should pray for healing, yet prepare for the worst.  Put my trust in God, not just in the situation.  When I had a brain surgery, I was grateful for the book in case I had memory loss.  It helped my husband and I.  Attending the temple helps me focus on the big picture. God's angels will have charge over us to help us.

    My 5-month old baby needed to take a bottle cause of radiation I'd be having.   We tried every type of bottle and had others try to feed her without me around and at 21 days, she would take nothing. I prayed in the dark and finally, that night she took to the bottle like she'd always had it.   We had to find more breast milk cause she had an allergic reaction to the formula.  We were blessed by many others and she had plenty of milk because of others generosity. She drank her last bottle when she was 15 months old.     Many folks blessed our family with everything from meals, to helping our kids with homework.  Doctrine and Covenants 25:10 says, "lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better."  Joseph Smith taught, "If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates."  As of January, I am cancer free!  This trial has blessed me with spiritual growth. Focus on Jesus. Focus on keeping covenants.

Pres. R's Talk

    Read, watch, or listen to President Nelson's last conference talk each Sunday until the Layton Temple is dedicated on June 16th. 

    My wife and I gave some tours of the Layton Temple.  

...We see all the white clothing which reminds us that we all want to be unified and pure.  I'm not someone who goes to art museums, but the paintings are amazing!   There's a stain glass window which shows the Savior. It was in a Presbyterian Church which was being dismantled. It is now in our temple!       By the celestial room, there is a painting of the Savior's ascension and it's beautiful.  In the chapel, a painting of "all will be gathered to Him" includes a lady running to the savior and tossing away her worldly things.  In the east sealing room with a really high ceiling, my wife reminded us that what we DO in the temple is more beautiful than what we SEE in the temple.       We heard the song, "Nearer my God to Thee."   

Go to "The House of the Lord"   Brother Walter Spate made a painting which included an image of the  the Pearl and the Box, a vase of calla lilies, and the Sao Palo Brazil Temple.  Someone mentioned that it needed pearls... Brother Spate painted people at the temple.  He said we are the pearls, the beauty of the temple.  Jesus is the Pearl of Great Price. 

Me...  I feel so blessed to know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that I'll live in a way that God can use me as a tool to bring joy to this world.  It sure is beautiful!   Hugs and prayers for y'all to have a blessed day.