Pathway Lesson 11: Ether 1-15

This week’s reading is from Ether 1-15. 

Ether 1:43 And there will I bless thee and thy seed, and raise up unto me of thy seed, and of the seed of thy brother, and they who shall go with thee, a great nation. And there shall be none greater than the nation which I will raise up unto me of thy seed, upon all the face of the earth. And thus I will do unto thee because this long time ye have cried unto me.

The Book of Mormon Student Guide says “Enduring obedience coupled with frequent and persistent prayers is powerful.”  Joseph Smith taught, “God is not a respecter of persons, we all have the same privilege.  Come to God weary him until he blesses you and we are entitled to the same blessings.”  When I read these two quotes, I couldn’t help but think about when we were struggling through our infertility years.  I spent many many nights in prayer.  I pleaded with Heavenly Father to send us a baby.  I believed these quotes and I couldn’t understand why our righteous desires to have a baby weren’t happening.  It was a tough 8 years for us.  But now, I know that we were blessed beyond measure and because we went through that time, we are able to fully appreciate the Lord’s hand directly in our family’s life.  All four of us were made for each other.  I know Heavenly Father prepared us for them and them for us.  I’m so grateful for my trials and to be able to learn from them. 

Ether 7:23-24

 And also in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent.

And it came to pass that the people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them. And it came to pass that King Shule did execute judgment against all those who did revile against the prophets.

Elder L. Aldin Porter of the Seventy said this about why people reject the teachings of the prophets.  “Some complain that when the prophets speak with clarity and firmness, they are taking our agency away. We are still free to choose. But we must accept the consequences of those decisions. The prophets do not take away our agency. They simply warn us of what the consequences of our choices will be. How foolish it is to fault the prophets for their warnings”

This is simple example, but when I was younger, I wanted to get a second piercing in my ear.  My dad told me I couldn’t.  So, I decided as soon as I moved out, I was going to do it, what harm could there really be in it?  Right as I was getting ready to get the second piercing, President Hinckley gave council stating women should only have one piercing in their ears.  The world wouldn’t have come to an end if I would have gotten that piercing, but I feel like it was a trial for me (and I’m sure others) to see if I was not only listening, but if I would obey. 

Another not quite so simple example is  The Family: A Proclamation to the World.  I was 14 years old when that came out.  I had no reason to question it.  But within the last few years it has been called into question about same sex marriage.  Things that do not make sense to me.  I have quite a few friends who have left the church because of things the prophets have said especially concerning that.  I know  The Family: A Proclamation to the World was written a time before it was needed.  I'm grateful for the strong testimony of prophets I have.  I know they will not lead me astray.   

Pathway Lesson 9: 3 Nephi 23-30

3 Nephi 23-30

This week’s reading was good…I was the lead student, which means, I get and keep a discussion going.  It went well and I'm grateful for my classmates and the friendships that have formed.  Its been so neat to discuss each week what we’ve read, I’ve learned from my fellow classmates and I’m kind of sad to be finishing up the Book of Mormon.  That being said, I’ve learned so much this year.  Anyone thinking of doing Pathway, I completely give it my stamp of approval! 

Our reading starts off with Isaiah.  I still seem to get a little lost when Isaiah’s teaching are being talked about.  When I start reading Isaiah, especially in the past, I usually skim over it, but Christ says at the beginning of 3 Nephi 23 how great the words of Isaiah are.  That really helped change my attitude for all the reading and really try to grasp what is being taught here.

President Boyd K Packer said “Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament.  The Lord Himself quoted Isaiah seven times, the Apostles forty times more.  In addition, there are ninety partial quotes or paraphrases of Isaiah’s words.   Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the Doctrine and Covenants.  Sixty-six quotations from thirty-one chapters of Isaiah attest to the singular importance of this great prophet.  All of this confirms that the Lord had a purpose in preserving Isaiah’s words.”

Sounds like I’m the one with the issue, because there is so much I can learn.

Christ continues to tell us how we need to study the scriptures to prepare for the second coming. 

President Hinckley said “I am grateful for the emphasis on reading the scriptures.  I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that , rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God.  I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted.  At First it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thought and words of things divine.”  This year, I can honestly say reading the scriptures has gone from something I quickly fit in to something I enjoy and spend time learning from.  If nothing else, I’m so grateful for Pathway for that.

Our study skill this week was symbolism.  I’m so glad I chose symbolism because there is so much symbolism in these chapters!

3 Nephi 24:2 But who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth?  For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap.

The Savior is the refiner, he will cleanse and purify our souls that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.  The Atonement is the fuller’s soap to help cleanse us of our sins and help us to be spotless before God.

I loved this Mormon Message about the Refiner’s Fire…so powerful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DIIgm6xABQ

So much doctrine is being taught in these chapters.  It testifies that on going scripture study is something that I need to be constantly doing.  There is so much there that I did not catch it all the first several times of reading it. 

President Kimball said “I have had many people ask me through the years, When do you think we will get the balance of the Book of Mormon records?  And I have said, How many in the congregation would like to read the sealed portion of the plates?  And almost always there is a 100 percent response.  And then I ask the same congregation, How many of you have read the part that as been opened to us?  And there are many who have not read the Book of Mormon, the unsealed portion.  We are quite often looking for the spectacular, the unobtainable.  I have found many people who want to live the higher laws when they do not live the lower laws”

This gives new (ok, new for me) perspective.  We need to do and obey all that we know and have now before we go asking for more.  And I think this advice goes for more than just the scriptures.  As we continue to learn we will be able to learn more and our knowledge will grow. 

Pathway Week 7: 3 Nephi 12-17

Our reading this week is from 3 Nephi 12-17.  I loved our reading. Starting off, we read about the Sermon on the Mount which is located in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  It’s the “Lord’s blueprint for perfection.”  President Harold B. Lee said “Christ came not only into the world to make an atonement for the sins of mankind but to set an example before the world of the standard of perfection of God’s law and of obedience to the Father. In his Sermon on the Mount the Master has given us somewhat of a revelation of his own character, which was perfect, or what might be said to be ‘an autobiography, every syllable of which he had written down in deeds,’ and in so doing has given us a blueprint for our own lives.”  I loved it put in those words.  If we read these few chapters we really can get a great glimpse into Christ’s life and can continually work on perfecting our life.

I really enjoyed digging in and studying the Beatitudes listed in Chapter 12.  I spent a few days just on this chapter.  I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts from it.

Give Head to the Apostles – Jeffrey R. Holland said “In such days as we are now in—and will more or less always be in—the storms of life ‘shall have no power over you…”  I don’t know about you, but each conference, I have issues, I have problems and each conference I get my issues resolved and problems solved.  I feel peace.  Our lives are not going to be sunny and happy each day; the storms of life will get us, but if we have that foundation in listening to our prophets and apostles we will be able to handle what comes our way.  

Blessed Are All They That Mourn- Recently Howard’s cousin lost their sweet 4-year-old in a tragic accident.  The next day, they had their baby born.  They had just moved into a new neighborhood and hadn’t unpacked yet. When she came home from the hospital from having her baby their neighbors had unpacked her house and put pictures up on the wall.  They mourned with them, they didn’t just say they were sorry for their loss, they went to work and made their burdens lighter. 

Blessed Are the Meek – President Kimball said “Humility is not pretentious, presumptuous, nor proud. It is not weak, vacillating, nor servile. …

“Humble and meek properly suggest virtues, not weaknesses. They suggest a consistent mildness of temper and an absence of wrath and passion. … It is not servile submissiveness. It is not cowed nor frightened. …

“How does one get humble? To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence. On whom dependent? On the Lord. How remind one’s self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer”

In the world we are told to be the opposite of this.  We shouldn’t be meek; we need to be independent!  But how lucky are we that we can be dependent on the Lord and we show him this dependence by prayer.

Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness- I think a lot of this hunger and thirst depends on our desire. We need to have the desire to make it an action word.  Sheri Dew said this “Hungering and thirsting translate to sheer spiritual labor. Worshiping in the temple, repenting to become increasingly pure, forgiving and seeking forgiveness, and earnest fasting and prayer all increase our receptivity to the Spirit. Spiritual work works and is the key to learning to hear the voice of the Lord”  Its not enough to just hunger and thirst we must then get to work!

Pure in Heart – Joseph B. Wirthin said this about being pure in heart. “If we are without guile, we are honest, true, and righteous. These are all attributes of Deity and are required of the Saints. Those who are honest are fair and truthful in their speech, straightforward in their dealings, free of deceit, and above stealing, misrepresentation, or any other fraudulent action. Honesty is of God; dishonesty of the devil, who was a liar from the beginning. Righteousness means living a life that is in harmony with the laws, principles, and ordinances of the gospel” Two things I liked about his quote, one its required of the Saints.  We must be honest.  And two, by living righteous we are living in harmony of the laws, principles and ordinances of the gospel.  And we’re just plain happier. 

Peacemaker – this may be my favorite.  We talk about this a lot on our house.  We talk about being peacemakers at school at home with our siblings.  Bruce R. McConkie said “Peacemakers: In the full sense, only those who believe and spread the fullness of the gospel are peacemakers within the perfect meaning of this Beatitude. The gospel is the message of peace to all mankind. Children of God: Those who have been adopted into the family of God as a result of their devotion to the truth. By such a course they become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.”  I hadn’t really thought of being a peacemaker by being a missionary.  But it only makes sense.  The gospel brings peace, sharing the gospel is sharing peace.

Whoever is Angry With His Brother –We need to avoid judgment.  And I know this is much easier said than done.  And then in verse 24 Jesus taught that you need to get it resolved before you come to him.  Its better to avoid anger and judgement all together. 

I Would That Ye Should Be Perfect- James E Faust said “Perfection is an eternal goal. While we cannot be perfect in mortality, striving for it is a commandment which ultimately, through the Atonement, we can keep” This gave me a feeling of peace.  Perfection will not happen overnight.  It will not even happen in this lifetime, but its something I can continually work towards and grow. 

I know that if we work on this list of goals to better ourselves we can work towards perfection and continually being closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I’m grateful for these chapters. I’m grateful for my testimony growing this week while I learned directly from our Savior.

Pathway: Lesson 5 Helaman 10-16

This week’s reading is Helaman 10-16. 

The beginning of the reading Nephi is “pondering”.  Elder Russell M. Nelson shared this about the benefits of pondering, “As you ponder and pray about doctrinal principles, the Holy Ghost will speak to your mind and your heart [see D&C 8:2]. From events portrayed in the scriptures, new insights will come and principles relevant to your situation will distill upon your heart”  This semester I’ve tired hard to have my time to study the scriptures uninterrupted, so I can really dig deep into them and actually study them…not just read them.  This usually happens when my daughter is having her “resting time.”  I’ve noticed by separating myself from everything else in my life I can get better insights and I’m seeing more direct revelation from them.  Its been such a blessing.

Let’s talk about the cycle of righteousness.  Helaman 12:2 says “Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.”  This is a hard one, and unfortunately something I can see even in my own life.  When things are tough and hard we turn to the Lord for help and guidance and our faith grows stronger.  When things turn around and we start to prosper, we slack a bit.  This is the cycle we see shown again and again in the Book of Mormon.  How do we avoid it?  I think we avoid it by continually praying heart felt prayers, nurturing our relationship with Heavenly Father.  Continually read our scriptures as well.  Its those “Sunday School Answers” that will help us.

Next we read about Samuel the Lamanite.  He prophesied many great things which were fulfilled.  He prophesied of Christ’s birth in 5 years and the signs they would see because of his birth.  I loved reading about it from a different view than the bible.  He also taught them to prepare to meet Christ; to repent, believe in God.  He taught 4 truths:

Know the judgments of God

Know the conditions of repentance

Know the coming of Christ

Know the signs of his coming

These are truths we need to know and study now. 

In my directed study this week it asked if we would have listened to Samuel the Lamanite now and I immediately thought yes I would!  After thinking about it more, it would not have been easy.  Especially if everyone around me ignored his teachings.  All I can think is you have to go where the spirit is.  I’ve followed this in my life when things haven’t been easy and I feel like I’ve ended up where I need to be. 

When I was in Young Woman’s as a leader, we had an investigator come to our ward.  Her family got baptized right away and she didn’t.  She would ask very good questions each Sunday.  I always admired her for getting her own testimony before she would be baptized.  I always had my parents and I know for a long time I relied on their testimony.  But at such a young age she was able to gain her own testimony and that’s something no one can take away.  She is now getting ready to go on a mission.  She’s amazing.

I’m so grateful for examples in my life and for the examples in the Book of Mormon, there is always room for growth and that is exciting. 

Pathway Lesson 3: Alma 43-63

This week’s reading was from Alma 43-63.  Its filled with accounts of war.  We are in war every day.  The family is at war.  We must strive to protect it, to teach our children these eternal truths.  This week, we went to a funeral for Howard’s cousin’s 4 year old little girl.  I’m so grateful for the atonement and the knowledge of forever families.  I’m so grateful for hope and the peace our sweet cousins have felt.  I’m grateful for their example in this sorrowing time that they can see the hope and the light even in the darkness.  In Alma 43:47 it says “And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.”  Now we don’t have to defend our families like the Nephites had to, but we have to spiritually defend our families.  The Eagar family has shown us example of that.  We all want to spend eternity with our families and we need to always actively defend our family.

Now let’s talk about Moroni.  He was just 25 years old when he took command.  (see Alma 43:17) Alma 48:17 says 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.  He was prepared spiritually and temporally.  He had a perfect understanding.  What a blessing, and a blessing we all can have and should work for.  He never backed down.  Something we need to remember.  Stand up for our beliefs…no matter what.  After reading through these chapters, I’m at awe of Moroni.  He is a fantastic hero!  I will strive to be like him and continue to work for this. 

Alma 48:19 Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni;”.  I loved Hellman.  I loved the love that he had for his “sons”.  He truly cared for them and was so protected of them. 

President Howard W. Hunter said this “Not all of us are going to be like Moroni, catching the acclaim of our colleagues all day every day. Most of us will be quiet, relatively unknown folks who come and go and do our work without fanfare. To those of you who may find that lonely or frightening or just unspectacular, I say, you are ‘no less serviceable’ than the most spectacular of your associates. You, too, are part of God’s army.” 

“Consider, for example, the profound service a mother or father gives in the quiet anonymity of a worthy Latter-day Saint home. Think of the Gospel Doctrine teachers and Primary choristers and Scoutmasters and Relief Society visiting teachers who serve and bless millions but whose names will never be publicly applauded or featured in the nation’s media.

“Tens of thousands of unseen people make possible our opportunities and happiness every day. As the scriptures state, they are ‘no less serviceable’ than those whose lives are on the front pages of newspapers.

“The limelight of history and contemporary attention so often focuses on the one rather than on the many”

I LOVED that quote.  So many of us are Helaman’s, we won’t be noticed, but that doesn’t mean we are any less important in the Army of God.  Sometimes this can be hard, but if we can remember we are ‘no less serviceable’ and being like Helaman isn’t a bad thing. ;)

Of talking about the 2000 Stripling Warriors, Julie B Beck said “In the Book of Mormon we read about 2,000 exemplary young men who were exceedingly valiant, courageous, and strong. “Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him." These faithful young men paid tribute to their mothers. They said, “Our mothers knew it." I would suspect that the mothers of Captain Moroni, Mosiah, Mormon, and other great leaders also knew.

The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are, who God is, and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.”

How can I be a mother who knows?  I know that I have a testimony.  I know my children are learning about the gospel.  I know when we read our scriptures my children are learning precious truths.  I know the healing power of the atonement.  I know families are forever.  I know my children are very special and as their mother, I need to be worthy and prepare them for their future.  This can be a daunting task, but if we work on it line by line precept upon precept we will get there. I know I have a great power and influence for good on my children.  

Pathway Lesson 1: Alma 30-35

Hello new semester!!!  I’m excited to finish the second half of the Book of Mormon this semester.  Our reading this week was Alma 30-35. 

We start off with Korihor, an Anti-Christ.  We all see anti-Christs all over the place in this world.  Alma talks with Korihor and uses a timeless method, his personal testimony.  Korihor asks for a sign.  He denies God and Alma warns him that he will be struck dumb.  He denies again and is struck dumb for the rest of his days.  We learn in Alma 30:60 And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.  Satan will not stand with you, where as Christ will never leave you. 

The biggest thing I got out of this week’s reading was on prayer.  In Alma 31 we hear the Zoramites prayer, which is the same prayer, it has no feeling, no requests.  It states what they believe and what they don’t believe.  Its like they are praying the articles of faith.  Plus they have specific place for them to pray.  Up high and only one person could fit up there.  How can Heavenly Father help them?  There is no request for help. 

Next we hear Alma’s prayer.  Alma’s prayer has lots of feeling.  He says “Lord” 14 times.  He prays with feeling, he asks questions.  He is specific.  He prays for others and is specific and he prays for them by name.  Alma talks candidly to Heavenly Father.  He tells exactly how he is feeling.  There is no sugar coating it. 

There is such a difference in their prayers.  We learn so much from Alma’s prayers.  Our prayers need to be heartfelt, specific, and for others.  Prayer is communication to our Heavenly Father.  Alma prayed to Heavenly Father as someone who he has a relationship with.  We need to pray to our Heavenly Father just like we would talk to our earthly father.  If we can do this, we can gain a better relationship with our Heavenly Father and will for sure be blessed for it. 

Eder Carlos E. Asay said “The souls of our brothers and sisters who may seem to be more feeble and less honorable are precious. The Church has need of them. We should make every attempt to know them and to help them claim the full blessings and joys of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our prayers should be as Alma’s: ‘Give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.’ (See Alma 31:35.)

“We must remember that our salvation is intertwined with the salvation of others. We must care more for those who seem to care less for their faith”

This struck me.  How do I react when someone I know is having a struggle with their faith or doesn’t follow what we believe?  I would probably think “that’s their choice.”  But I should act more like Alma and “care more for those who seem to care less for their faith.”  

Pathway Lesson 11 Mosiah 27-Alma 7

 I loved this week's readings.  We read about Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah's conversion.  We learned about the reign of Judges.  We learned about how one person's example can make a huge impact.  We also learned more about the atonement.  

I'll start off with Alma's conversion.  I love how as soon as he is converted he wants to go and spread the gospel.  In Mosiah 28:3 it says "Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."

 It made me think about my life, am I excited to share the gospel?  I’m not sure I have that burning desire, like these men do.  Something I need to change.  A few weeks ago I taught the Relief Society lesson on Member Missionaries.  As soon as I saw I was teaching on that, I started praying for a missionary experience.  Not much had happened, I think sometimes we get caught up in our own bubbles and see the same people.  I was afraid this was happening.  Then some controversy with the church on Facebook happened and I had to really research to understand my stance and what I believed in.  At that time, there wasn't anything put out by the church yet, so I turned to the scriptures and to prayer.  I was able to understand and get a testimony of what I believed in.   Then, the Thursday before I taught; we had a visit from our case worker.  We have a pretty close relationship and knowing that I’m a Mormon she asked me about this controversy.  I then shared my testimony with her.  I testified of the love and importance of families and how important they are to me.  She thanked me for sharing with her and helping her understand.  I was so grateful she asked me and I was able to share my testimony.  I think its simple ways like that we can be share the gospel. 

Next, we learn about how powerful one person can be.  Nehor teaches false doctrines and many people follow him.  It made me think how powerful our examples can be, either for good or evil.  My son Johnny was at a birthday party for a friend.  This friend is not one of his best friends, and is a little bit of an outcast.  While at the party, my son took this friend by the hand and had him come play with his group of friends.  His friends all played with this boy because of my son’s example.  We need to make sure we are using our examples for good rather than evil.  The influence of one is great. 

Moving onto the Atonement.  Reading about Alma’s teachings to the people are really great chapters.  Alma 7:12 says “And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”  Christ has taken on our sins and has shown us his mercy.  The atonement is the ultimate gift we could receive.  At this holiday season, I’m so very grateful for our Savior who came to this earth for me and for you.  I hope we can remember the true reason for the season.