We live in a very interesting time in the history of the world. All of the previous generations of the world
have looked to our time with great anticipation and excitement. They know that there would be amazing
miracles occurring and that the opportunities to share and teach the Gospel would be a lot greater than
what they currently faced. They also knew that while there would be great advances in the Kingdom,
the opposition from the adversary would also increase. A prophet-historian that lived in the American
continent named Mormon wrote for the future generations. He shared with us the way that we need to live
our life so that we would be able to overcome the trials and temptations that the adversary would use to
detour us from the path leading to eternal life.

The first lesson that Mormon shares with us is the importance of loving our Heavenly father and keeping the commandments that He has given us. He teaches us about the people who lived just after the Savior visited the American continent. They were a very righteous people and lived for nearly 300 years in peace. The reason that they were able to be so righteous is because they first loved God and as a result they treated each other with respect and dignity. They were more concerned with serving and helping others that they didn’t focus on themselves. We can improve our lives the majority of the time by starting to forget about ourselves and starting to serve our Heavenly Father and our fellow man.

The second lesson that Mormon teaches us is the importance of praying with real intent. He shares a
personal experience of when his prayers start to lose their meaning because he is starting to pray without
faith. He had been fighting in wars for a majority of his life and had spent a lot of time teaching the people
that they needed to repent or they would be destroyed. As a result he also spent a lot of time praying for
the people and hoping that they would change. He says that over time his prayers changed to where he
was praying without faith. I think that we also have the same thing happen to us today when we spend a
lot of time praying for things that we want to happen, but often we don’t expect them to be answered.
My hope and prayer is that we can start to show that we love God by serving others and that we also
have faith that our prayers will be answered. By doing these things we will be able to be the people our
Heavenly Father wants us to be.

Hi Andrea,

Our selection in the Book of Mormon for this last week has been from 4 Nephi though Mormon 6. It
has been very interesting reading especially from the perspective of having returned recently from my
mission. I am very grateful for missions because of how they bring one’s focus to the basic principles
of the Gospel and their role in daily life. While reading in Mormon this week I found it very interesting to
compare the faith of Mormon and Moroni with the fear and despair of the fallen Nephites. This section of
the Book of Mormon is of course the section where Mormon witnesses the total destruction of his people
in the final battle at Cumorah. Over these final chapters of the Book of Mormon the people are given
many chances to call on God and ask him to help them but reject this opportunity. I can only imagine
just how dark it must have been to be so uncertain as to the future of their civilization and their individual
lives. The final battle at Cumorah is of course the climax and ultimate fall. In this darkest moment I found
verse 7 of Mormon 6 to be especially descriptive of the people’s lack of faith. It says: “And it came to pass
that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching
towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to
receive them.” Without Christ and faith in God there is nothing left but to fear. We don’t know the end and
what will happen to us at any given moment.

Moroni, just as his father Mormon, had a different point of view with regard to his purpose and future. Interestingly, Moroni was also unsure of his future. He had people hunting him that wanted him dead. His attitude, however, was completely different from that of the fallen Nephites. Repeatedly throughout Mormon chapter 8 he says “it mattereth not” speaking of his life and future. I think we can learn a lot from this example because in the end it really doesn’t matter as long as we have faith in Christ. If we live by his law and by his commandments what happens will always what he wants to have happen and we do not need to concern ourselves with the details. We can place ourselves in his hands with complete certainty that there is nothing more to be done. I know that I have felt many times a feeling of complete peace and tranquility while in the midst of some of my biggest challenges. It is a wonderful feeling and
truly overcomes the sadness and despair of any external events. If we are here on earth and want to be happy then we can do what the Lord has asked and be certain that we will have happiness. I know this is true and am very grateful that I have felt many times in my life certainty and faith in God’s plan. My goal is to strive everyday to live with an attitude of faith and complete trust, seeking to complete the tasks that the Lord has planned for me. He wants the best for me and wants to guide me to find happiness.

I love you bunches and am glad for the wonderful life you live and the great example you are of service
and love. I hope the best for you every day and that you can have the inward peace the spirit brings.

Love,
Luke

In my Book of Mormon class this week, we discussed the book of Ether and how it provides a second witness of the Book of Mormon; showing us another nation and its destruction through pride and wickedness. I always feel sad at the end of this book, thinking about the literally millions who died because of their failure to repent and accept God.

Once Jared and Akish start their secret combinations in chapter 8, it’s the signal that things are about to officially go downhill with few righteous generations in between. I’ve always thought it was depressing, reading about the destruction of these people. However, I really saw the purpose of this in chapter 8, verses 25 and 26. Moroni says about secret combinations;

“whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries;and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil […] wherefore, I, Moroni,am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men”.

The Book of Mormon teaches principles that bring blessings and happiness.

We talked in class about how Moroni and Mormon included all of these things for our benefit and for our day so that we may learn and help bring to pass the time where evil is nonexistent and Satan has no power. Unfortunately our world is full of secret combinations and evil people who seek to take away our liberty. This is a continuation of the war in heaven where Satan tried desperately to remove our agency.

Now that we are here on earth, he has many more opportunities to tempt us and the things that take away our freedom and happiness are paramount in his plan of destruction. Luckily we have the examples of the Nephites, Jaredites and many others in history. It is up to us to remember the past and learn from it; doing all we can to protect liberty. Satan will tempt us with short term pleasures that seem appealing but in the long run take away our freedom and agency.

We must fight every day to remember that although we go through trials and difficulties, our eternal reward is waiting for us as long as we remain faithful and repent when we fall. Take advantage of the Atonement and let its healing power change your life for the better. Protect your agency with all your might and reject things that take away your freedom and peace of mind.

This week in Book of Mormon we read the story of the Brother of Jared, who (fun fact) is actually named Mohonri Moriancamur! I probably spelled that really wrong…anyway, I read this scripture and was hit with how applicable this imagery is to so many different gospel principles.

We must keep our relationships and marriages “tight like unto a dish”. We can’t allow “cracks” such as pornography, pride, or judgmental thoughts through. Because in the end, even just one crack in a ship can be enough for water to get in and eventually sink a vessel, no matter how big or well-made it is.

We also must keep our relationship with the Holy Ghost, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ “tight” so that we can make it through the storms of life and finally to the “Promised Land”, or the Celestial Kingdom. I think that this has become one of the biggest struggles in the world today. If we could have a physical list of every person’s list of priorities in the world, the phrase “Celestial Kingdom and eternal life” would probably not be at the top of most lists. It’s important that we keep our line of communication with our Heavenly Father free from any static that can be distracting us from our real goal.

Third, we’re always encouraged to keep our standards high and be immovable in situations where these are tested. Once again, one little sin, one little crack in the side of a ship, can be enough to sink the best of us! Thus it’s important to identify “the line”, and then stay far from it.

Someone shared a story with me once that outlined this idea really well…let’s see if I can remember it!

Once, there was a rich man looking for a new driver for his carriage. He had several applicants for the job. Eventually only three applicants were left. According to them, they had the most experience of all of those who had wanted the position. The wealthy man couldn’t choose between them, so he decided to ask them each a simple question: How far would you be able get to the side of a cliff-road without falling off?

The first answered, “Well I can drive so that the wheel closest to the drop off is skimming the very edge!” The second answered, “I can drive with one wheel on the road and one wheel off without falling off the cliff!” The third answered, “I suppose I wouldn’t know. I always try to stay as far from the edge as possible. It’s not worth the risk!” Who do you think the wealthy man chose for his driver?

Finally, a common phrase is “Hold tight to the iron rod”. We must always stick to the ‘straight and narrow’. The beauty of this gospel is that it isn’t a 50% or 80% or even a 99.9% gospel. It’s 100%, all or nothing. Ironically, we all know that it’s pretty impossible to be that perfect, but , because of Christ’s Atonement for us, we can make it all the way, as long as we try our best and strive to keep ourselves “tight like unto a dish”.

First is “blessed are the poor in spirit.” All of us are poor in spirit at one time or another. Especially when we realize we have sinned before God. Second is “blessed are all they that mourn.” When we sin, we feel bad and mourn for what we have done. Third is “blessed are the meek.” Because we feel bad we humble ourself before the Lord and ask for forgiveness. Fourth is “blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Once we ask for forgiveness we need to strive to be better and do the right thing. Fifth is “blessed are the merciful.” If we want to be forgiven by the Lord, then we need to be forgiving of others. Sixth is “blessed are all the pure in heart.” Are we actually being better, are we hungering and thirsting after righteousness at this point. Seventh is “blessed are the peacemakers.” We need to strive to do the right thing and be peaceful and friendly with others. This shows that we are becoming like Christ. Last is “blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake.” We are going to be persecuted for doing what is right and for following Christ. The important thing is that this is a process we will continually go through in life.

The very first and last beatitudes both say that we will be blessed with the kingdom of heaven. Think of these 8 things as a spiral staircase going towards heaven. We will continually experience each step, but we will be moving upward, toward Heavenly Father. As we move upward ours will be the Kingdom of Heaven.

I hope you enjoyed this and learn something about our progress and repentance.

Mormon Beliefs

I was recently terminated from my employment—where I had worked for thirteen years—and consequently suffered from bouts of loss, embarrassment, heartache, discouragement, anger, resentment, fear, and worry for my future. At times these feelings were overwhelming and paralyzing.

Reading the scriptures, particularly Psalms and the Book of Mormon, has given me the direction, solace, and courage I have hoped for.

Two years ago I set a goal for myself to read the Old Testament in the Bible. The same month that I lost my job, I had progressed through the book of Job and had started reading the book of Psalms.  I thought this was more than coincidental, because I felt comfort while reading words that reflected my feelings about my current situation, such as “Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress” (Psalm 4:1), “Fearlfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. . . . As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me” (Psalm 55:5, 16), “In the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Psalm 57:1), and “Hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily” (Psalm 69:17). I prayed to Heavenly Father in my own words of pleading for his help to find a new job that met my family’s needs. Sometimes, however, I felt helpless, hopeless, and inadequate to accomplish this.

Latter-day Saints also turn to the Book of Mormon for guidance and insight. “The Book of Mormon is more than just a history book. It is a book of healing and comfort—of guidance and direction that leads us to Jesus Christ—it is literally the word of God.” (See the article “Answers for life.”)

After finishing the book of Psalms, I began reading a personal meditation on the book of Psalms.1 While reading the author’s thoughts on Psalm 94:18, I was reminded of a favorite scripture from the Book of Mormon. In the history, a man named Alma, and his followers, have been conquered and forced to be subjects to a new king. Alma and his people were given “heavy burdens upon their backs” and physically abused. (See Mosiah 21.) They were not allowed to pray for God’s help and were threatened with death if they attempted it. They did not pray vocally, but they “poured out their hearts” to God asking for relief from their afflictions (see Mosiah 24:10–12). God heard their prayers and answered that he would “ease the burdens” placed on them by strengthening them so that they can “bear up their burdens with ease” (Mosiah 24:13–15).

Reading this passage in the Book of Mormon was like running into an dear old friend. I have read the Book of Mormon virtually every year of my adult life and I have experienced many occasions when I felt the weight of the challenges I was facing. During almost every adversity that I have experienced, I have found that Heavenly Father helped me get through the challenge rather than get out of the challenge. In other words, I have felt strengthened or enabled to endure, learn, and grow from my hardships.

Through prayer during my difficulties, I have felt closer to Heavenly Father and have understood that he is interested in me and what is important to me.

At this moment, I have not found a new job; but I am not worried. Through my prayers to Heavenly Father, and by reading accounts in the Bible and the Book of Mormon about his tender care of his children, my feelings of loss, embarrassment, heartache, discouragement, anger, resentment, fear, and worry for my future don’t afflict me much. Like the people of Alma, I feel able to “submit cheerfully, and with patience” to the will of the Lord (Mosiah 24:5). Eventually, God provided a way for Alma and his people to escape their difficult circumstances (see Mosiah 24:16–25). I start each day with hope and confidence that I will find a job that will provide me and my family with what we need.

This article was written by Paula Hicken,  a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Paula Hicken was an editor with the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship from 2000 to 2013. She earned her BA degree in English from Brigham Young University. She edited Insights, the Maxwell Institute newsletter, and was the production editor for Faith, Philosophy, Scripture, Hebrew Law in Biblical Times (2nd ed.), Third Nephi: An Incomparable Scripture, and was one of the copy editors for Analysis of the Textual Variants of the Book of Mormon. She also helped manage the Maxwell Institute intellectual property and oversaw rights and permissions. She has published in the Ensign, the Liahona, the LDS Church News, and the FARMS Review.

References:

1.  Jeffrey R. Holland, For Times of Trouble: Spiritual Solace from the Psalms (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2012).

Additional Resource:

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Challenge to Read the Book of Mormon in the same amount of time it took for Joseph Smith to translate it by the power of God

Alma 37:6

6Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

Accustomed and acculturated to look for large events, patterns, trends, happenings, we often overlook the prosaic, ordinary or small things that can tip our world, someone’s life experience, our conversion, our demeanor, or even  have multi- generational impact.  Even a faucet dripping consistently for long enough could flood a home. Likewise, our righteous acts, the following of an impression, can at a singular moment, change lives. Mormons, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints–Christian disciples of Jesus Christ–recognize the value of making prized daily choices that count. In our imperfection we strive to follow the Holy Ghost more fluidly each day, recognizing that this day counts for eternity. In the words of a Mormon prophet (more accurately, a prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints):

The course of our lives is seldom determined by great, life-altering decisions. Our direction is often set by the samll, day-to-day choices that chart the track on which we run. This is the substance of our lives-making choices (Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand a Little Taller, 13).