(Many instances of repentance are based on what a father said or taught when the child seemingly was not listening.–remove)

Examples in the Book of Mormon do not stand alone. There are several very clear and parallel examples of fathers in The Bible and in the Doctrine and Covenants (modern scriptural record) who deviated from paternal responsibilities. Eli, the priest who raised Samuel, comes to mind, as one who stood by silently as he sons engaged in wickedness. The scriptures record that it fell upon a young Samuel to pass the Lord’s message to his mentor: “In that day will I perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house . . . For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not” (1 Samuel 3:12-13). There are more modern examples of the Lord chastising other fathers, including at one time the entire First Presidency and the Bishop of the early Church (D&C 93:40-50).

The Book of Mormon offers additional insight into fatherhood. In fact, it does so more than any other body of scripture. It is the perfect guidebook to men, who – in today’s world – want to become better fathers (Title, Ensign, May 1988).

Nephi was “born of goodly parents” (1 Nephi 1:1). Surely, one of the ways his father was “goodly” was by instilling in his son a testimony: “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” (1 Ne. 2:16 (emphasis added)). And we are all familiar with Lehi’s desires for the salvation of his two oldest sons, Laman and Lemeul, exhorting “them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words.”

Unfortunately, “tenderness” did not seem to always work with Laman and Lemeul. And, so, in verse after verse in 2 Nephi, chapter 1, Lehi repeatedly admonishes his sons to repent with strong language. Just one example will suffice: “Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound” (2 Nephi 1:23).

Jacob followed the example of his father in teaching the gospel to his children. The words of Enos give us a glimpse of Jacob’s role as a father: “Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk keep into my heart (Enos 1:3) (emphasis added). While growing up Enos probably did not act like he was listening to or watching his father. But he was – and that made all the difference.

King Benjamin bore testimony to his sons before his bore testimony to his people: “O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. . . . I would that ye should search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby . . . . And many more things did king Benjamin teach his sons” (Mosiah 1:6-8). What did King Mosiah think about his father? He thought he was awesome: “[I]f ye could have men for your kings who would do even as my father Benjamin did for this people—I say unto you, if this could always be the case then it would be expedient that ye should always have kings to rule over you” (Mosiah 29:13).

The most poignant example perhaps in the entire Book of Mormon is from the Alma the Elder and Alma the Younger. Alma the Elder, who for a period of time did “many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord,” later repented and helped convert many hundreds of Nephites (Mosiah 23:9). On the surface, it appears that he was unable to reach his oldest son, Alma the Younger, and that the angel was brought in to do the job that the father could not. But a deeper look reveals a different answer. Alma the Younger later relates to one of his own sons what happened after the angel departed: “[A]s 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 one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sons of the world” (Alma 36:17) (emphasis added).

Like Enos, it was the words of Alma the Younger’s father etched in his memory that gave him the faith sufficient to repent and partake of the atonement. Later, Alma the Younger spent considerable time talking to his three sons, Helaman, Shiblon and Corianton – especially Corianton, who must have reminded Alma the Younger of himself (and his father). He did so out of love and because the Spirit of the Lord thus commanded him (Alma 39:12).

The examples continue. In the book of Helaman, Helaman names his two sons Nephi and Lehi after the first prophets of the Book of Mormon and exhorts them to keep the commandments of God. Helaman’s talk with his sons produces perhaps one of the most memorable verses of the Book of Mormon: “And now, my sons, remember, remember, that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation” (Helaman 5:12). And perhaps, equally important, is the response of his sons: “And they did remember his words” (Helaman 5:14).

The ultimate example of a father and son comes in 3 Nephi, which teaches us about the intimate and eternal relationship of the Father and the Son (3 Nephi 11:11 (“I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father has given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.”). Then, talking especially to the fathers in the “multitude” he taught this simple principle, among many others: “Pray in your families unto the Father, in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed” (3 Nephi 18:21) (emphasis added). Jesus showed, by example, how to pray to his Father for others in a beautiful series of prayers in 3 Nephi 19.

Little is known about Mormon’s relationship with his father, although we do know that his name was Mormon as well and they were “pure descendants” from Lehi (Mormon 1:5 and 3 Nephi 5:20). But much is written about Mormon’s own relationship with his son, Moroni. Though the two apparently were not around each other very much—Mormon mostly communicated with Moroni through letters from the “front lines”—the exchanges were always tender and loving. One example, which follows the commandment Jesus gave to fathers to pray for their children, suffices: “My beloved son, Moroni . . . I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end” (Moroni 8:3).

And the love was reciprocated. After all, in his declining years when he “wandered” for the “safety of [his] own life, Moroni kept his father’s letters in his possession and added them to the Book of Mormon after he “had supposed not to have written any more.” (Moroni 1:4.)

It was a loving and lasting testament to the book his father compiled that “was written for us today.” (“The Book of Mormon is the Word of God,” Ensign, May 1975, 63).

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people (Alma 7:11).

Admonishing Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Of course, in the historical context, the Apostle was referring to the Old Testament that Timothy had access, however, we have additional scriptures that help guide us as we meditate [upon them] day and night (Psalm 1:2). Thus, in the broader sense, we also come to understand and know that our Heavenly Father has provided additional revelation through these sacred records that provide each one of us an understanding of how we ought to live our lives and base our faith and testimony. Because of this, we have an opportunity in this coming year to read, study, ponder and meditate on the Book of Mormon. Whether one has devoted daily reading and studying, or this is the first time one has read the Book of Mormon, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have an opportunity of strengthening our testimony.

President Ezra Taft Benson (a late prophet from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inadvertently called the “Mormon Church” by friends of other faiths) published a book in 1998 titled A Witness and a Warning: A Modern-day Prophet Testifies of the Book of Mormon. Benson, Mormon prophet, writes:

The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ in addition to The Bible) brings men to Christ through two basic means. First, it tells in plain manner of Christ and His gospel. It testifies of His divinity and of the necessity for a Redeemer and the need of our putting trust in Him. It bears witness of the Fall and the Atonement and the first principles of the gospel, including our need of a broken heart and a contrite spirit and a spiritual rebirth. It proclaims we must endure to the end in righteousness and live the moral life of a Saint.

Reflecting upon this, a personal perusal of the Book of Mormon led to Mosiah 3:5-8where King Benjamin, a prophet in ancient America, is continuing his address to the multitude of people that had gathered to hear him speak. Prophetically, King Benjamin proclaims the coming of the Messiah, his mission and ministry, and the ultimate sacrifice the Messiah would make. This substantiates all of the ancient prophecies of the coming of a Messiah that we read throughout the Old Testament, and the fulfillment of those prophecies as we read and study in the New Testament.

Speaking on the subject of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Joseph Smith taught that it is: (1) the keystone of our religion, (2) contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, (3) most correct of any book on earth, and that (4) a person would be able to draw closer to our Heavenly Father (Benson, 1986 – The Book of Mormon – Keystone of Our Religion; see also History of the Church,4:461).

President Benson continues with the second reason on how the Book of Mormon brings a person unto Jesus Christ:

Second, the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention (See 2 Nephi 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon is similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time.

Today, we are living in trying times. General Authorities (leaders of the LDS Church) have spoken out on having faith, enduring and strengthening our testimonies. President Thomas S. Monson (Living Prophet, Seer, and Revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) spoke at the April 2009 general conference with his message of Be of Good Cheer

….[There] have been continuing signs that circumstances in the world aren’t necessarily as we would wish. The global economy, which six months ago appeared to be sagging, seems to have taken a nosedive, and for many weeks now, the financial outlook has been somewhat grim. In addition, moral footings of society continue to slip, while those who attempt to safeguard those footings are often ridiculed and, at times, picketed and persecuted. Wars, natural disasters, and personal misfortunes continue to occur.

Speaking at the April 2011 general conference, Elder Russell M. Nelson (a Latter-day Saint apostle) spoke on how we ought to face the future with faith:

We live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.

Along with these admonishments and counsel from Prophets and Apostles, the Book of Mormon, along with the other standard works of the Church, provide insight as to how we ought to conduct ourselves, live out our faith, and encourage us to face whatever obstacle or challenge we may face in our lives. God is a God of love and provides help and hope through divine messages and messengers.  As indicated in the Book of Mormon, those who are faithful in holding onto the iron rod–not perfect but faithful– (See 1 Nephi 15:23-24) are making their way to the Tree of Life.  That tree represents the love of the Savior and His presence!  In partaking of His life and love, we are filled with gifts and abilities to follow Him, to have joy, to make decisions that will optimize outcomes in our lives.

As we progress through the New Year, and the course of study within the Book of Mormon, let us contemplate the reality that the Book of Mormon truly is written for us today. Its message is more important for the world and for Latter-day Saints today than ever before. We should not neglect the reading and studying of the Book of Mormon. This is because as the days grow darker, the storm clouds forming and slowly moving in, the sifting of God’s followers will begin, and if we do not have a firm grasp and testimony, many of us will fall prey to false doctrines, ideologies, or our hearts will begin to fail us as we look at the condition of the world today.

As stated, the Apostle Paul revealed the purpose of scripture, and the Psalmist provides the blessings attributed to reading from, meditating and pondering upon the scriptures [law], and how we have been counseled on the importance of daily scripture study. This includes our own personal and family scripture study through the Book of Mormon. Finally, we ought to take solace in knowing that as we continue on our mortal journey, holding fast to the iron rod, and pressing forward with great faith and endurance, we will ultimately be blessed in partaking of the Tree of Life that is our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ. Let us become that man of God who is perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works.

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Activity Day Girls (Latter-day Saint Youth) Search the Scriptures for Answers to Life’s Questions

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, The Mormon Church) each serve within the Church today just as the Saints in the meridian of time did during Christ’s ministry. Latter-day Saints are likewise called of God through inspiration, and are set apart to their respective callings.

Currently, I have a spiritual responsibility–or inspired calling–in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  to support family and Church efforts to teach the gospel to young girls between the ages of eight and twelve years old, and to help them see the hand of the Lord in their lives as they apply its amazing precepts and discover their missions to know and to glorify Him.

These are very formative years and these girls come from a diversity of Latter-day Saint (nicknamed “Mormon”) families.  I’ve grown to love them as we have met bi-weekly to share everything from cultural arts’ nights, microwave-cake-cooking demos, mini-talent shows to intimate conversations about the Savior, Jesus Christ, eternal marriage, motherhood, real beauty and spiritual makeovers, loyalty in friendship, and more.

Together we have experienced and shared babysitting; caroling; serving the needy; making sandwich wraps; weaving bracelets; praying with and for one another; learning etiquette; diving into the scriptures and diving into the pool; using telescopic lenses to observe the sun (while discussing the “Son”, the Light of the World); attending patriotic concerts; writing letters of gratitude…. We’ve enjoyed making a Sweetheart’s dinner for our Bishopric (lay leaders of our ward or congregation, called of God, consisting of a Bishop, overseer or pastor, and his two counselors) and their spouses, visiting holy LDS temples, taking photos together, stuffing s’mores down, baking cookies for unexpected deliveries, learning chinese jumprope, sharing testimonies, and many other activities–building unity, life-skills and a love for gospel living.

Yesterday, my co-leader and friend, Teresa, and the girls gathered in our local clubhouse for our meeting. Our theme was Digging for Gold: Treasures in The Book of Mormon and The Bible.  After the rounds of hugs, news minutes and highlights, prayer and catch-up, the girls and us settled into a circular gathering on the couches and floor.  We talked about the everyday challenges and questions that surface in their lives–Math, homework, confronting bullies, having confidence, learning to balance (swim meets, karate, school, Church, homework, their Faith in God program wherein they grow spiritually by studying, reading scriptures, praying, serving), etc..  Then, we testified that what matters to us matters to the Lord, citing a recent story shared in a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ just a few days before (This LDS or Mormon Conference is magnificent global gathering of members and friends of all faiths who are interested to hear the words of living prophet and apostles, and other inspired Church leaders, male and female).

The LDS (“Mormon”) General Conference story referenced was of a tired man biking home, hungry and with little in his pocket; he asked the Lord if he might find a quarter that he might eat something and arrive home pleasantly to meet the needs of  his loved ones there. Submissively, he waited on the Lord, and was willing to accept a “Yes” or a “No” in response to his specific request.  Just as he arrived at the door of Kentucky Fried, and directly across on the road, his eyes caught sight of a quarter. He picked up the coin and was able to purchase, as he tells the story, one piece of chicken, which he gratefully and slowly savored. In similar fashion, we bore witness to these sweet LDS girls, that Heavenly Father knew each of their hearts and concerns and would respond to their prayers. One way they would receive such answers, we testified, would be as they dug for gold in His word–a virtual spiritual treasury filled with “precious jewels of truth” as Elder Scott, apostle of Jesus Christ, declared recently.

Next, Teresa and I shared passages–real flecks of gold, real nuggets, from The Book of Mormon and The Holy Bible that opened our eyes and helped us deal with real life issues. Teresa spoke of the principle of “fleeing” when peer pressure becomes great, just as Joseph in Egypt did, rather than lingering to see the outcomes when we are placed in situations that are compromising us spiritually or emotionally.

We shared a few other personal examples from the Word–including The Bible and The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  I mentioned that the Lord can even address a snowstorm concern in His word!  Who would have thought we’d even find that word in the scriptures!  He knows all, even something as simple as my wonderment while sitting on my bed waiting for a family member to return home in a blizzard; this loved one was coming through an area where an accident, mentioned on the news, had just occurred, involving scores of cars.  I prayed for peace and then happened to pick up the set of scriptures close by, on the nightstand. I flipped open to a verse in Proverbs about a virtuous woman –the words struck me unexpectedly–didn’t I already have this chapter memorized?–how had I missed this verse?–

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household.

“If the Lord would find a way to answer that question for me,” I testified, “He will do the same for each of you.” “And how much more will He provide for larger questions about life, about God, about bearing and balancing your demands? ”  I spoke of their homework, their desires to balance, the stresses of school, and asked if that was unlike The Book of Mormon passage that described others who had “burdens on their backs” (Mosiah 24:14). There’s more to the backpack than papers; there are expectations, challenging classes, desires to learn what our talents are, how we might use them.  We then expounded that scripture–what did the Lord do for those so burdened in ancient America?  He “eased the burdens on their back” so that they could not feel them.  Surely this was a delectable nugget that the girls could take in, enjoy, and hold onto in their lives. He cares about their burdens, their spiritual and physical backpacks.

We were now ready for an exercise in faith. We invited each girl–Megan, Amelia, Ahlia, Sadie, KK, Mia, Sarah, Camree, and Julia–to think of a question they had for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  Each came up with their own. I marveled as I heard these young girls share their questions:

Why is there a living prophet?

Did Jesus Christ die again after His resurrection? Or was that the last time?

Are there more scriptures that were written besides The Bible and Book of Mormon?

How can I increase my confidence?

Was Lehi the only one who partook of the fruit of the tree in his vision of the Tree of Life?

How many years did the Savior live?

We guided each girl to the Topical Guide, Bible Dictionary, and Book of Mormon Index. They prayed that Heavenly Father would help them unlock their treasures, help them find the gold nuggets, tailored for them. They searched as we assisted. They read various passages and within twenty minutes or so of engaging in this exercise, each girl had received a personal answer from the scriptures to her question.

We went around the circle, and each one shared their responses, citing a scripture that had now become their own treasure. The words of the living apostle of Jesus Christ, Elder Richard Scott in  the October 2011 LDS (Mormon) General Conference witnessing that the scriptures can be and are the repository of verses that will become our treasured and “enduring friends,” spiritual gold that will not fade or “be weakened with the passage of time,” had been borne out in a cozy clubhouse room with a group of wonderful 9-12-year old girls known by God and Jesus Christ.

We love you, girls. We love you, Jesus Christ. We invite all who read this to seek His Word and to come unto Him, and to learn about His re-established Church.

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Mormon Beliefs: Adversity, Getting Through Life’s Storms

Some people may find this author a little bit strange, but I actually love thunder storms. I enjoy listening to the roaring sounds of thunder, watching lightning dance across the sky, and the gentle, soothing sound of the rain as it falls.

When I was a young boy growing up, whenever it would begin to storm, my mother would go around the house making sure that everything was unplugged. Once she was sure that everything was unplugged, she would gather us kids together and have us sit quietly in the living room until the storm had passed over. She would not so much as answer the telephone if it rang during the storm. She would tell us that it was God’s work taking place and that we should be still, be quiet, watch and listen. If a storm were to arise during the night when everyone was fast asleep in their beds, my mother would get up from her sleep, go around the house making sure that everything was unplugged, and then light a candle or storm lantern for light and sit alone quietly on the living room couch until the storm had passed over.

Finding Happiness Amid Life’s Circumstances

How wonderful and marvelous are the sunshine days of our lives. When everything seems to be going along smoothly, we tend to be the most happy and content with our lives. Even the small bumps in the road along the way tend to be of little significance. It is during the sunshine days of our lives that we feel more comfortable, more confident, more willing to press on. It is during those hours that our faith and determination seem to be the strongest. It is as though nothing could stop us or turn us around. However, our lives will not always be filled with days of sunshine. In our lives we will also experience many storms that may occur at any given time. There will be times when the storm clouds will begin to gather, the thunder will begin to roar, and lightning will begin to dance all around us. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ  (Mormons) believe that opposition is essential to growth, that without tasting sickness, we could not enjoy health; without resistance, we would not improve. Latter-day Saints have a unique and helpful perspective regarding trials. So, the question for each of us becomes: When those strong winds of adversity begin to blow, do we find that our level of faith, trust, and confidence are the same as during the sunshine when all appeared to be well? During those times of storms do we choose to continue on with our business as usual hoping that the storm will soon pass over or do we take the time to be still, be quiet, watch, and listen?

The Bible and Adversity: Mormon Beliefs

Adversity enters into the life of every individual at various times and in various forms. It may be caused by the willful disobedience to the laws of God; however, those who with righteous desire seek earnestly to learn and strive diligently to do God’s will also experience adversities in their lives. Adversity in the lives of the obedient and faithful may be caused by disease, accidental injury, ignorance, or the influence of the adversary. The Lord also at times permits the righteous to suffer the consequences of evil acts by others. Some may respond to such adversity with resentment, anger, bitterness, doubt, or fear. Still others, with a knowledge and testimony of the divine plan of salvation, often respond with faith, patience, and a hope born of that “peace … which passeth all understanding.” In the midst of storms and adversity in our lives, the Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

The Book of Mormon: Jesus Christ Consecrates Afflictions for our Gain

Similarly, in the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ, we are given wisdom and counsel concerning the trials and adversities that we will face in life by ancient prophets in America. One such prophet was Lehi who assured his son Jacob with these words as recorded by the ancient prophet Nephi in 2 Nephi 2:12:

And now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my first–born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren. Nevertheless, Jacob, my first–born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.

In that same volume of scripture another example of how we should handle adversity in our lives is given to us through the lives of the sons of Mosiah, a king in ancient America of a people known as the Nephites who inhabited the ancient land of Zarahemla. The account is recorded by Alma the younger, a prophet and “chief judge” of the Nephites.

We learn that Mosiah’s sons in the course of their missionary labors, “had many afflictions … both in body and in mind … and also much labor in the spirit.” (Alma 17:5). Partly because of such experiences, they became “strong in the knowledge of the truth; … men of a sound understanding … [who] searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God” (Alma 17:2). They had also “given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God” (Alma 17:3). Because of their positive response to the adversities that they faced they were able to grow spiritually.

We further learn that in the time of Nephi, son of Helaman, “the more humble part of the people … [suffered] much affliction”; but they fasted and prayed frequently and became “stronger in their humility, and … firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation” (Helaman 3:34-35).

From these examples, we learn how to deal with storms and adversities in our own lives. As did they, in times of storms and adversity, we too should look to the Savior for Divine assistance. Paul reminds us in Hebrews 4:14-16:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The storms that come into our lives can be compared to my mother’s observation of thunder storms in that as she believed that during a storm God is speaking and busy performing His work and it is at the times of storms in our lives that God is speaking to us and wanting to perform a work in us. To be able to hear what He is saying to us, and to see the things that He wants to do for us, we have to do away with those things that would otherwise distract us and divert our attention from Him. Just as my mother would make sure that everything was unplugged during a storm, when storms arise in our lives we need to unplug from the world, be still, be quiet, watch and listen. And just as the light from the candle or storm lantern that my mother lit gave light to the room, if we will be still, be quiet, watch and listen, the light of Christ will enter in and teach us those things which He needs us to learn.

Some storms are more severe and last longer than others. Perhaps, at times, God needs more of our time and attention. But, have you ever stopped to take notice that even during the midst of a storm, the Son still shines, and at the end of every storm the darkness rolls away and the sun does shine again? I have learned to appreciate the storms in my life because it is during those times that I unplug from the world and allow the Light of Christ to radiate more brightly. It is during the times of storms that I can still hear my dear mother’s counsel to be still, be quiet, watch and listen.

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Is Your Radio Tuned to the Right Frequency? A Biblical Reflection

Bible Verse:

Proverbs 2:1-5, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after
knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

In my apartment I have a replica of an antique table top radio that was once a gift that I had given to my mother. My father kept the radio in his house after my mother passed, and upon his passing I was able to obtain the radio and now have it in my possession as a precious keepsake. Although the radio may appear to be antique, inside of its case are modern electronic components that allow it to be turned on and tuned in to some of my favorite radio stations.

However, to hear the signal that I desire, I must be actively involved – I cannot just wish it so. Instead, I have to physically get up, go over to the radio, turn it on, set it to AM or FM, and turn the tuning knob until I find the location on the dial corresponding to the station that I wish to listen to.

When attempting to tune the receiver to get it centered on the correct frequency, I find that if I move the tuning knob just a little too much to the right or to the left, the result is a lot of unwanted static and background noise. Although I may still be able to discern the station that I have selected, the listening experience is not as clear and interference-free as it would be with the station perfectly tuned to its frequency.

Just as radio waves (and TV and wireless communication signals) fill the atmosphere around us, invisible to the eye, undetectable to the ear, unnoticed to the passer-by, so also does the Holy Spirit surround us all.

This life is an individual journey in which we each face our own trials, temptations, difficulties, and heartaches. At times it may seem that we are all alone and that there is no one who cares. Our Heavenly Father has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. He has promised that He would send us One who would be a comforter, guide, and constant companion. However, in order to receive the blessings of the constant companionship of this One and to learn from Him, we need to have our “radio” turned on and “tuned in” to the correct frequency in order to hear His voice as He guides, leads, and directs our path, and teaches us the truth of all things. In John 14:26 we read, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”.

Just as a radio will not automatically turn itself on and perfectly tune to the station that we desire to listen to without some interaction on our part, it is only through the renewing of our hearts and minds that we are able to turn on our spiritual “radio” and use its tuning knob, which is our faithfulness and obedience, to tune to the exact frequency wherein we will be able to clearly hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. As we continue to keep ourselves “in tune” with our Heavenly Father, through our faithfulness and obedience, our “radio” will continue to give a clear and undistorted signal; however, if we lose focus and begin to move the tuning knob a little to the left or a little to the right, we will become distracted by the cares of the world and will end up listening to a lot of static and distortion. We may also need to adjust the volume control so as to drown out the noises of the world and focus only on the Still Small Voice as He speaks to us.

Is your “radio” turned on, and is it tuned perfectly to the correct frequency? Solomon gave this wise counsel as recorded in Proverbs 2:1-5, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

I leave you these humble thoughts in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Amen.

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I grew up learning about the Book of Mormon, its stories, teachings and revelations such as; Lehi’s dream, Nephi and the Brass Plates, the miracle conversion of Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah, stories about an ancient civilization in the Americas, the poignant writings of the prophet Moroni, and much more.  Most importantly, interwoven throughout the Book of Mormon we learn that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer and Savior of the world.  That through Him and by Him, we can be reunited with our loved ones after we die, and we can have the opportunity to live with our Father in Heaven again, to live for all eternity.  Through Jesus Christ, each of us has the opportunity to gain exaltation.

As a child I believed the book to be true because this is what my wonderful parents and church leaders taught me.  At some point though, I had to receive my own testimony of the divinity of this book.  I do not remember this happening all at once.  My faith and testimony in the Book of Mormon came about in different ways, in various degrees and at different times throughout my life.  Time and again I have received a witness of the truthfulness of the book through the Spirit of the Lord.

Regarding the prophet Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon, I remember a visit to Carthage Jail in the winter of 1995.  My immediate family and I were visiting extended family in Missouri at the time.  My husband, my sister Wendy and I took a day trip to Nauvoo, Illinois.  The historical grounds look beautiful under the blanket of snow.  It was cold, yet still and peaceful.  We could see our breath as we walked on these beautiful and historical grounds.  I was surprised at the experience I had within the very room Joseph Smith was shot which led to his martyrdom.  As we stood there in that room, the guide pushed the button that began the audio recording, a re-creation of those final moments of the prophet’s life.  John Taylor was singing one of Joseph’s favorite hymns, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.”  I fully expected to feel sadness and perhaps even some bitterness.  To my surprise, I felt peaceful and had an overwhelming feeling of love for Joseph Smith and his brother.  What was more astonishing was a strong feeling of love and forgiveness for those who killed the prophet and his brother.  It was as if Joseph had not only forgiven them, he loved them with all of his heart.  That was the impression I received.   There was no logical reason for me to come into this place and have those impressions about those who killed a prophet of God.  These feelings did not come from my own heart, my own mind.  They came from the spirit of God.  It was a strong witness to me of the truthfulness that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God.  This experience strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon.

If someone were to ask me how the Book of Mormon has blessed my life, I would tell them that reading and pondering the words have calmed my troubled soul, brought answers to my questions and have helped me put my life into perspective.  I cannot stress this enough.  Even better, I have found that living the teachings of Jesus Christ and other prophets in the Book of Mormon has blessed me (and those I love) beyond words.  Supping from these Holy Scriptures is akin to finding the miracle cure to cancer, spiritually speaking.  Miracles have come to pass.  They are occurring right now.  They will continue to do so.  To read testimonies by other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, regarding the Book of Mormon and other gospel principles, go to www.mormon.org.  I testify of these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Examples in the Book of Mormon do not stand alone. There are several very clear and parallel examples of fathers in The Bible and in the Doctrine and Covenants (modern scriptural record) who deviated from paternal responsibilities. Eli, the priest who raised Samuel, comes to mind, as one who stood by silently as he sons engaged in wickedness. The scriptures record that it fell upon a young Samuel to pass the Lord’s message to his mentor: “In that day will I perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house . . . For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not” (1 Samuel 3:12-13). There are more modern examples of the Lord chastising other fathers, including at one time the entire First Presidency and the Bishop of the early Church (D&C 93:40-50).

The Book of Mormon offers additional insight into fatherhood. In fact, it does more than any other body of scripture. It is the perfect guidebook to men, who – in today’s world – want to become better fathers.

Nephi was “born of goodly parents” (1 Nephi 1:1). Surely, one of the ways his father was “goodly” was by instilling in his son a testimony: “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” (1 Ne. 2:16; emphasis added). And we are all familiar with Lehi’s desires for the salvation of his two oldest sons, Laman and Lemeul, exhorting “them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words” (1 Nephi 8:37).

Unfortunately, “tenderness” did not seem to always work with Laman and Lemeul. And, so, in verse after verse in 2 Nephi, chapter 1, Lehi repeatedly admonishes his sons to repent with strong language. Just one example will suffice: “Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound” (2 Nephi 1:23).

Jacob followed the example of his father in teaching the gospel to his children. The words of Enos give us a glimpse of Jacob’s role as a father: “Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk keep into my heart (Enos 1:3; emphasis added). While growing up Enos probably did not act like he was listening to or watching his father. But he was – and that made all the difference.

King Benjamin bore testimony to his sons before his bore testimony to his people: “O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. . . . I would that ye should search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby . . . . And many more things did king Benjamin teach his sons” (Mosiah 1:6-8). What did King Mosiah think about his father? He thought he was awesome: “[I]f ye could have men for your kings who would do even as my father Benjamin did for this people—I say unto you, if this could always be the case then it would be expedient that ye should always have kings to rule over you” (Mosiah 29:13).

The most poignant example perhaps in the entire Book of Mormon is from the Alma the Elder and Alma the Younger. Alma the Elder, who for a period of time did “many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord,” later repented and helped convert many hundreds of Nephites (Mosiah 23:9). On the surface, it appears that he was unable to reach his oldest son, Alma the Younger, and that the angel was brought in to do the job that the father could not. But a deeper look reveals a different answer. Alma the Younger later relates to one of his own sons what happened after the angel departed: “[A]s 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 one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sons of the world” (Alma 36:17; emphasis added).

Like Enos, it was the words of Alma the Younger’s father etched in his memory that gave him the faith sufficient to repent and partake of the atonement. Later, Alma the Younger spent considerable time talking to his three sons, Helaman, Shiblon and Corianton – especially Corianton, who must have reminded Alma the Younger of himself (and his father). He did so out of love and because the Spirit of the Lord thus commanded him (Alma 39:12).

The examples continue. In the book of Helaman, Helaman names his two sons Nephi and Lehi after the first prophets of the Book of Mormon and exhorts them to keep the commandments of God. Helaman’s talk with his sons produces perhaps one of the most memorable verses of the Book of Mormon: “And now, my sons, remember, remember, that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation” (Helaman 5:12). And perhaps, equally important, is the response of his sons: “And they did remember his words” (Helaman 5:14).

The ultimate example of a father and son comes in 3 Nephi, which teaches us about the intimate and eternal relationship of the Father and the Son (3 Nephi 11:11 (“I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father has given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.”). Then, talking especially to the fathers in the “multitude” he taught this simple principle, among many others: “Pray in your families unto the Father, in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed” (3 Nephi 18:21; emphasis added). Jesus showed, by example, how to pray to his Father for others in a beautiful series of prayers in 3 Nephi 19.

Little is known about Mormon’s relationship with his father, although we do know that his name was Mormon as well and they were “pure descendants” from Lehi (Mormon 1:5 and 3 Nephi 5:20). But much is written about Mormon’s own relationship with his son, Moroni. Though the two apparently were not around each other very much—Mormon mostly communicated with Moroni through letters from the “front lines”—the exchanges were always tender and loving. One example, which follows the commandment Jesus gave to fathers to pray for their children, suffices: “My beloved son, Moroni . . . I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end” (Moroni 8:3).

And the love was reciprocated. After all, in his declining years when he “wandered” for the “safety of [his] own life,” Moroni kept his father’s letters in his possession and added them to the Book of Mormon after he “had supposed not to have written any more.” (Moroni 1:4.)

It was a loving and lasting testament to the book his father compiled that “was written for us today” (The Book of Mormon is the Word of God, Ensign, May 1975, 63).

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Chapter Two: 1 Nephi 6-10

1And now I, Nephi, do not give the genealogy of my fathers in this part of my record; neither at any time shall I give it after upon these plates which I am writing; for it is given in the record which has been kept by my father; wherefore, I do not write it in this work.

2For it sufficeth me to say that we are descendants of Joseph.

3And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God.

Elder Boyd K. Packer explained:

After the people of Lehi left Jerusalem, Lehi had a vision of the tree of life. His son Nephi prayed to know its meaning. In answer, he was given a remarkable vision of Christ.

In that vision he saw—

• A virgin bearing a child in her arms,
• One who should prepare the way—John the Baptist,
• The ministry of the Son of God,
• Twelve others following the Messiah,
• The heavens open and angels ministering to them,
• The multitudes blessed and healed,
• The crucifixion of the Christ,
• The wisdom and pride of the world opposing his work. (See 1 Nephi 11:14–36.)

That vision is the central message of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is in truth another testament of Jesus Christ (Conference Report, Apr. 1986, p. 76; or Ensign, May 1986, p. 61).

Elder George Albert Smith, a late prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the “Mormon” Church unknowingly by some friends of other faiths, so you may know us by that name), shares with us the influence of Satan’s power–subtle and deceptive:

Isn’t that just exactly what the devil says to the children of men today as plainly as it is written here? Oh, commit a little sin, that won’t do any harm, lie a little, that won’t do any particular damage, the Lord will forgive that and you will only be beaten with a few stripes and at last you shall be saved in the kingdom of God. That is what he says to the man or the woman who has been taught the Word of Wisdom when he says, “Oh, drink a little tea, that won’t hurt you; use a little tobacco, that won’t make any difference; a little liquor won’t do any harm. These are little things; he always does it a little at a time, not all at once. That is what I would like us to remember, my brethren, this morning. It is these insignificant insidious whisperings that betray mankind and that place us in the power of the devil. I want to say to you, in my judgment, that the use of tobacco, a little thing as it seems to some men, has been the means of destroying their spiritual life, has been the means of driving from them the companionship of the Spirit of our Father, has alienated them from the society of good men and women, and has brought upon them the disregard and reproach of the children that have been born to them, and yet the devil will say to a man, Oh, it’s only a little thing!” ( Conference Report, Apr. 1918, pp. 39–40).

Mormons are mindful of the little things and the big things that can hamper their growth, and seek to live by a code of health revealed to us by a prophet, known as The Word of Wisdom. We invite you to learn more about our lives, and our Christian values.