They are they which testify of me

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"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."  ~ John 5:39

Inserts

One of the tools I love to use in scripture study are inserts.  I add them into my scriptures when I have additional information that I can't fit into the margins, etc.  (I can write fairly small, but I want to be able to read it twenty years from now.)  This, for example, is an interpretation of what the different types of ground represent in the Savior's Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13.

I frequently insert pictures into my scriptures.  I loved this one of Joseph and the many-colored coat, so I added it in to Genesis 37.  The artist is M. Edmund Mueller.  I just love how full and rich the colors are.  

 I added this picture, Jesus Christ Visits the Americas, by John Scott, into 3 Nephi 11.  

Inserts can be quotes, a handout from a sunday school class, a poem, anything that enlivens and supports your study of the scriptures!

This is a handout that I made at Christmas time when I was on my mission.  We read the verses from Matthew about the wise men following the star to find the baby Jesus, and then we invited people to consider what it was that brought them to Christ.  Was it prayer, scripture study, church attendance, etc., and then to take the opportunity to strengthen that.  Find your star, find the thing that brings you closer to the Savior.

Other examples of inserts that I have that have enhanced my understanding of the scriptures:

This one is in Luke 22, and I love the idea that the angel that came to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemene may have been Michael.  Christ's Atonement saved us from the effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve, so how fitting that Adam, as Michael, the archangel, might have been the one to sustain Christ in his darkest hour.

This one is at the beginning of the book of Isaiah.  Isaiah can be a hard read, so this insert reminds me of the things I can remember and utilize as I study it.  "Great are the words of Isaiah", so we can't just ignore them because we don't understand them.

This insert talks about what the parts of Nebuchadnezzar's dream represent, based on Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2.

This insert talks about the binding oath that Zoram and Nephi make to each other in 1 Nephi 4.  Most people these days do not make oaths like this, or stand by them, so it helps to understand why these oaths that Nephi and Zoram made to each other made such a significant difference to how they responded to each other. 

I would recommend using a glue stick or archival quality double stick tape to add inserts into your scriptures.  Wet glue, like Elmer's, or cheap double stick tape that will yellow and dry out over time, is not recommended.  

Inserts are a wonderful tool to enhance our understanding of the scriptures!!

Searching the scriptures

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"Only by searching the scriptures, not using them occasionally as quote books, can we begin to understand the implications as well as the declarations of the gospel."  ~ Neal A. Maxwell (Ensign, May 1986, pg. 34)

Writing Scripture Letters

Look what I just found!  It is from The Red Headed Hostess!  (Have I mentioned before how much I love her ideas and insights?!  Haha!)

What a marvelous idea!  I am going to try this and report in a future post on how it goes!  I will have two daughters in Seminary next year and they are going to be studying the Doctrine & Covenants, so I think I will write some letters as they do their study next year!  How fun!

To see all of Shannon's post on Writing Scripture Letters, click HERE.

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This is one of those ideas that I was talking about that I think, "Why didn't I think of that?!"

Maps and the Good Samaritan

I like to use every resource I can to help me understand the scriptures better.  I have never been to the Holy Land or to South America, so I rely on photos and maps to help me get a feel for what things would have been like there at the time when the scriptures were recorded.

A very good example of this is the Savior's Parable of the Good Samaritan. Just understanding the geography of the area can bless us to be able to see, hear and understand more about what the Savior is trying to teach us.

Matthew 13:9-13 - "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

"And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

"He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

"For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

"Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."

On the surface, for those who were in the Savior's presence to hear a good story, Jesus told a story about a man who was beat up on his way from one city to another.  Several men did not stop to help him, but a poor man stopped and helped him, giving all he could to help.  People who help anyone in need are called Good Samaritans.

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There is so much more that the Savior would like us to understand.  A map of the Holy Land can help us to gain a greater appreciation of what Jesus was trying to teach us.

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Jerusalem, the capital city, is in the center, about two-thirds of the way down.  Jericho, is above to the right.  They are about twelve miles apart, a long way for someone who is walking, or even riding a donkey.  The road between the cities was referred to as the Red Path or the Bloody Way because it was very dangerous.  People were frequently assaulted and robbed as they traveled this road.

Looking at the elevation map of the two cities, we learn something really interesting.

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Jerusalem is 2540 feet above sea level, while Jericho is 825 feet below sea level.  So, when Jesus began the parable by saying, "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho" (Luke 10:30), he really meant it.  The parable is symbolic of the Plan of Salvation.  We came from above, from an important place.  As we come down to the earth, to a lower place of existence, there are trials, pain and problems that we will face, sometimes pretty serious, but we must learn to help each other.  

It is imperative that we learn to care for all those around us, even those who we do not like.  We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves.  The Jews despised the Samaritans, considering them heretics (someone who holds an opinion contrary to accepted beliefs).  The Priest and the Levite were Jews who professed to be followers of the law, which instructed them to serve others, yet they passed by without helping the injured man.  Perhaps they were worried they would be accosted too, or perhaps they were in a huge hurry.  Either way, they decided to do other than what they professed to believe.  Yet, the Samaritan, knowing if the man were conscious he would most likely disdain him, picked the injured man up, put him on his own beast and took him to the nearest inn.  He paid the inn keeper two pence, or basically two days wages, probably all he had, to take care of this stranger.  Jesus Christ paid everything He had to pay for our sins, so that we can be healed and overcome our sins and transgressions, no matter who we are.  He died for everyone, even those who do not believe in Him, even those who despise Him.

We do not have to love Jesus Christ to understand the concept of loving our neighbor as ourselves.  It's just common decency.  But, thankfully we do love Jesus Christ and so we do as we are commanded, doing all we can to emulate the pure love of Christ.

Isn't that wonderful?!!  

"Our Search for Truth"

In Church yesterday, one of our lessons was from Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, Chapter 10: Our Search for Truth.  This lesson was all about scripture study, so, of course, I really enjoyed it.  I wanted to share some of the things that touched me and also, how the lesson brought other things to my mind.

(The underlinings and bolded words represent my study of the text):

"President Smith maintained this thirst for gospel knowledge throughout his life. As he learned the truths of the gospel, he shared them and, when necessary, defended them. Three years after he was ordained an Apostle, he received a priesthood blessing that included the following counsel: “You have been blessed with ability to comprehend, to analyze, and defend the principles of truth above many of your fellows, and the time will come when the accumulative evidence that you have gathered will stand as a wall of defense against those who are seeking and will seek to destroy the evidence of the divinity of the mission of the Prophet Joseph; and in this defense you will never be confounded, and the light of the Spirit will shed its rays upon your heart as gently as the dews that fall from heaven, and it will unfold to your understanding many truths concerning this work.” He lived true to these prophetic words. As a gospel scholar, teacher, and writer, he worked diligently to explain and defend the doctrines of salvation."  

I love those phrases, "thirst for gospel knowledge" and "you have gathered".  This kind of knowledge and blessings are not going to simply fall into our laps.  We reap what we sow.  We gather what we have made an effort to gather.

"Toward the end of his life, President Smith often reflected on the blessings he had received through his study of the gospel:

" 'All my life I have studied and pondered the principles of the gospel and sought to live the laws of the Lord. As a result there has come into my heart a great love for him and for his work and for all those who seek to further his purposes in the earth.'

" 'All my days I have studied the scriptures and have sought the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord in coming to an understanding of their true meaning. The Lord has been good to me, and I rejoice in the knowledge he has given me and in the privilege that has been and is mine to teach his saving principles.' "

I LOVE teaching the gospel!  I love the light that comes into people faces and eyes as they gain a greater understanding and love of the gospel principles!  It is truly my favorite calling in the Church!

During the lesson, the teacher asked what blessings have come to me as I have studied the scriptures.  In the margin of my manual I started to write words: understanding, spiritual strength, greater love, peace, knowledge, focus, delight, excitement.  The last two words, delight and excitement, really stand out to me!  I love the feeling I get as I gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the word of God!  That feeling is the spirit of the Lord, the Holy Ghost, confirming to me that what I am reading, what I am studying, what I am hearing, is true!  I feel an excitement of wanting to share that with others so they can be as happy as me! : )  This is why I love the scriptures and missionary work.  I love to share what I have learned, and what has made me happy, with others.

"We believe in education.  But we think this pursuit of worldly learning should be tempered (made less intense or violent, especially by the influence of something good or benign) with a like pursuit of spiritual understanding. It is more important, a thousand times over, to have a knowledge of God and his laws, so that we can do the things which bring salvation, than it is to have all the worldly knowledge that can be obtained.

"Everyone should learn something new every day. You all have inquiring minds and are seeking truth in many fields. I sincerely hope your greatest search is in the realm of spiritual things, because it is there that we are able to gain salvation and make the progress that leads to eternal life in our Father’s kingdom."

In 2 Nephi 9:28-29 is says: "O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

"But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God."

It is important to learn and to better ourselves, but the most important learning we can do is to strengthen our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The teacher said that her mother always said that the testimonies of their children were more important than their grades.  (I wish I head heard that earlier, when my children were younger.)

"Not all truth is of the same value or importance. Some truths are greater than others. The greatest truth, or the greatest truths, we find in the fundamentals of the gospel of Jesus Christ. First of all, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, who came into this world to die that men might live. That truth we should know. It is far more important to know that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, that he has given unto us the principles of eternal life, than it is to know all that can be obtained in secular education.

"So far as the philosophy and wisdom of the world are concerned, they mean nothing unless they conform to the revealed word of God. Any doctrine, whether it comes in the name of religion, science, philosophy, or whatever it may be, if it is in conflict with the revealed word of the Lord, will fail. It may appear plausible (having the appearance of truth or reason, credible, believable). It may be put before you in language that appeals and which you may not be able to answer. It may appear to be established by evidence that you cannot controvert (argue against, dispute, deny), but all you need to do is to abide your time. Time will level all things. You will find that every doctrine, every principle, no matter how universally believed, if it is not in accord with the divine word of the Lord to his servants, will perish. Nor is it necessary for us to try to stretch the word of the Lord in a vain attempt to make it conform to these theories and teachings. The word of the Lord shall not pass away unfulfilled, but these false doctrines and theories will all fail. Truth, and only truth, will remain when all else has perished."

We are told by the world, that we need to "get with the times", "adapt", "these things don't matter any more because no one believes them any more."  But, God has not changed.  His laws are still in effect.  He has not withdrawn them.  We do not need to change or conform, as what is popular now will change (it always has before) and will not last.  We only need to conform to the laws of God.

In the lesson there was a great deal of emphasis on the fact that if we study the scriptures, and live what they teach, then we will not be led astray!

"It would be well if we would follow the counsel the Lord has given us, which is: “And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived.” [Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37.] Treasuring up his word is far more than merely reading it. To treasure it one must not only read and study, but seek in humility and obedience to do the commandments given, and gain the inspiration which the Holy Spirit will impart (to give, bestow, communicate).

"We sometimes hear the complaint, “I haven’t time.” But we all have time to read and study which is our solemn duty. Can we not arrange to find at least fifteen minutes in each day to devote to systematic reading and reflection? This would be but a trifling amount of time, yet it would be one hour and forty-five minutes in a week; seven and one-half hours in a month of thirty days, and ninety-one hours and a quarter in the year. …

"… Very few among us read too much; most of us read too little. The Lord has said: “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith.” [D&C 88:118;109:7.]"

The teacher quoted from an April 2014 General Conference talk by Linda S. Reeves, entitled, Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home:

"A friend recently cautioned, 'When you ask the sisters to read the scriptures and pray more, it stresses them out. They already feel like they have too much to do.'

"Brothers and sisters, because I know from my own experiences, and those of my husband, I must testify of the blessings of daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening. These are the very practices that help take away stress, give direction to our lives, and add protection to our homes. Then, if pornography or other challenges do strike our families, we can petition the Lord for help and expect great guidance from the Spirit, knowing that we have done what our Father has asked us to do."

I loved that!  Sometimes our "rewards" from being obedient aren't strictly related to what we are doing, but that we can say to the Lord, I need help with (insert need) and He will bless us because we have been obedient to other commandments.  When we study the scriptures, we are benefitting doubly.  We are keeping a commandment and will receive blessings and we are also increasing our knowledge and understanding. It is a great thing!

From the lesson manual again: "It is a requirement that is made of us, as members of this Church, to make ourselves familiar with that which the Lord has revealed, that we may not be led astray. … How are we going to walk in the truth if we do not know it?

"Our sole objective where the truths of salvation are concerned should be to find out what the Lord has revealed and then to believe and act accordingly.

"If we will follow the spirit of light, the spirit of truth, the spirit that is set forth in the revelations of the Lord; if we will, through the spirit of prayer and humility, seek for the guidance of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will increase our light and our understanding; so that we shall have the spirit of discernment, we shall understand the truth, we shall know falsehood when we see it, and we shall not be deceived.

"Who is it that is deceived in this Church? Not the [wo]man who has been faithful in the discharge of duty; not the [wo]man who has made himself acquainted with the word of the Lord; not the [wo]man who has practiced the commandments given in these revelations; but the man who is not acquainted with the truth, the man who is in spiritual darkness, the man who does not comprehend and understand the principles of the Gospel. Such a [wo]man will be deceived, and when these false spirits come among us he may not understand or be able to distinguish between light and darkness.

"But if we will walk in the light of the revelations of the Lord, if we will hearken to the counsels that are given by those who stand in the councils of the Church, empowered to give the instructions, we will not go astray.

"Let us search [the] scriptures, let us know what the Lord has revealed, let us put our lives in harmony with His truth. Then we will not be deceived, but we will have power to resist evil and temptation. Our minds will be quickened (to give or restore vigor or activity to, stir up, rouse or stimulate) and we will be able to comprehend truth and segregate (separate) it from error."

We are told that in the latter-days that even the elect may be deceived.  In Matthew 24:24 it states: “… there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, on of the Apostles of Jesus Christ on the earth today stated: "The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth." (Safety for the Soul, General Conference, October 2009)  In this talk he refers to a "counteroffensive", which is the study of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon.  (If you would like a free copy of my favorite book, click HERE)

Personally, I have always been a little worried about that declaration that even the elect could be deceived.  Does that mean me?  Could I be deceived?  How do I keep from being deceived?  I am grateful for CLEAR and DECISIVE answers to that question.  If I know God's word, and I LIVE IT, I will not be deceived!  Isn't that an amazing, strengthening promise?!!  It fills me with hope and joy!!

Also, in my personal feelings, throughout the scriptures there are references to women being "elect".  I think the prophesy in Matthew especially refers to women.  We MUST find refuge and power in the word of God!  So much of Satan's onslaught in the latter-days is against women.  We are subtly, and not-so-subtly, told that we have to dress a certain way (the more immodest the better), wear this makeup, be super skinny, in order to have beauty.  We are encouraged to leave our homes and our families to make money, to compete with men, to have power.  We are told that since "they are our bodies", that we should cheapen them by devaluing our sexuality to a mere object, and that the value of human life is below the value of personal responsibility.  There are those insisting that women need the priesthood to be appreciated for who they are.  Women are being desensitized to their own natures and value as daughters of God.  We are being deceived!  There is enormous value in our roles as mothers, wives, and women.  I feel that women ESPECIALLY need to be studying, CLINGING to the word of God!!  We need to make the time and effort in our every day lives and in our families to be studying the scriptures and LIVING THEM!

"If there is any doctrine or principle connected with the teachings of the Church that we do not understand, then let us get on our knees. Let us go before the Lord in the spirit of prayer, of humility, and ask that our minds might be enlightened that we may understand.

"The promise has been made to all those who will receive the light of truth and through their research and obedience endeavor (strive) to acquaint themselves with the Gospel, that they shall receive line upon line, precept by precept, here a little and there a little, until the fulness of truth shall be their portion; even the hidden mysteries of the kingdom shall be made known unto them; “for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” [Matthew 7:8; 3 Nephi 14:8; see also Isaiah 28:10; D&C 76:1–10; 98:11–12.] All these are heirs of salvation and they shall be crowned with glory, immortality, and eternal life, as sons and daughters of God, with an exaltation in His celestial kingdom."

What an amazing, beautiful blessing!!!

I am very grateful for the scriptures and the power they are to me in my life.  I am grateful for the knowledge and wisdom I gain from them that helps me to make good choices and serve in God's Kingdom here on earth.  I am grateful for the promises and blessings that are available to me as I study and learn from the words of God, and most importantly, apply them to my life and live in a way that is pleasing to God!

They are speaking to you

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“Crash courses are not nearly so effective as the day-to-day reading and application of the scriptures in our lives. Become acquainted with the lessons the scriptures teach. Learn the background and setting of the Master’s parables and the prophets’ admonitions. Study them as though they were speaking to you, for such is the truth” ~ Pres. Thomas S. Monson (“Be Your Best Self,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 68).

Studying with a specific purpose

My scripture study idea for today is to study the scriptures with a specific purpose or theme in mind.  A couple of years ago our Bishop challenged us to read the Book of Mormon as if it were our Patriarchal Blessings.  (If you are interested in a free copy of my favorite book, click HERE!)

(In case you are unfamiliar with a Patriarchal Blessing, it is a blessing directly from our Heavenly Father to an individual, with direct guidance and revelation for their life.  It is given by an ordained Patriarch.  If you would like to know more, click HERE.)

Our Bishop gave us all a copy of the Book of Mormon with a color code in it to mark different scriptures that apply.

I really loved going through the Book of Mormon this way!  Even though I have read the Book of Mormon several times, I was finding all sorts of "new" scriptures that I had somehow never seen before because now I was looking at it in a whole new way.  I love rediscovering the scriptures like that!

For example, in 1 Nephi 15:11 it reminds us that the Lord told us that in order to receive answers to prayer or blessings, we need to open our heart, ask in faith, believe that we will receive and answer, and keep the commandments (do our part).  I went back to my original scriptures and I had only underlined this passage, not delved into it like I did this time.

Another example is in Alma, chapter 5, where Alma asks many thought provoking, soul-searching questions.  This time around I read it, imagining it as a personal interview with my Heavenly Father.

(As a quick aside, another scripture study tip I would suggest is to put your name into the scriptures.  If it say, "behold I say unto you", I write my name above it so it says "behold I say unto you Lora".  Personalize the scriptures!  This gives you the opportunity for the Holy Ghost to speak directly to you!)

So, these verses would say, "Lora, have ye spiritually been born of God?  Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you?  I say unto you, Lora, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, Lora, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?"  It makes me strongly consider how I would answer those questions when I am standing face to face with my Heavenly Father.

Since then, I have read the Book of Mormon again, each time studying it in a whole new way.  One time I read it, answering all the questions that the Book of Mormon asks.  This year I am reading it looking for the attribute of Mercy.  It is one that I need to improve on.  The next time I go through it (after I go through it reading each chapter three times) I want to look for all the references to the Temple.

It is amazing what you find when you are really looking for it!

Discovering luxuriant meadows of meaning

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"One reason to 'search the scriptures' is to discover these luxuriant meadows of meaning, these green pastures that can nourish us in our individual times of need."  ~ Neal A. Maxwell (Not My Will, But Thine, Bookcraft, 1988, pg. 30)

Scripture Study Technique - read it THREE times

Very recently I discovered a MARVELOUS, WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC, INCREDIBLE, AMAZING scripture study tip from Shannon at The Red Headed Hostess blog!!!  

The link to her original post is HERE

In a nutshell, you read the passage, chapter, section, whatever, three times.  It seems like it would take a long time, and it does, but it is SO worth it!

The first time you read through, using one color of pen, you mark first impressions, circling, underlining, definitions, etc.

The second time you read through, using another color of pen, you mark additional insights, principles, doctrinal teachings, read-between-the-lines moments, and teachings that you can apply to your life.

The third time you read through, using another color of pen, you write down your thoughts.  You may want to do it on a separate piece of paper.  Or in a notebook.

The first time I tried this was with the Conference talks for a lesson in Relief Society.  I was absolutely blown away with how much insight I gained into the lesson as I used this scripture study technique.  

Before I saw this idea, this was what my study of the Conference talks look like:

A few notes, a few underlinings, that is about it.

After I saw this idea, this is what my study of the Conference talk looks like:

Isn't that an amazing difference?!!  I have come to a much greater appreciation of what I am capable of learning and understanding!  I love it!

In this talk The Key to Spiritual Protection, by Pres. Boyd K. Packer, from the October 2013 General Conference, Pres. Packer talks about how "the scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection. They contain the doctrine and laws and ordinances that will bring each child of God to a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer."  In my personal notes I wrote that it is "not just spiritual protection from evil and danger, but protection from deception, apathy, depression, fear, doubt, misunderstanding, unhappiness, relationship issues, indiscretions, etc.."  That is the power of the scriptures.  That is what we gain from our study of them.  

Pres. Packer continues: "Make scripture reading a part of your regular routine, and the blessings will follow."  It is a marvelous talk!

I have started reading through the Book of Mormon this way and it has been wonderful!  I am looking forward to going through every book of scripture!  Especially the New Testament.  I read through one of the Relief Society lessons (this year it is in the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith) a few weeks ago and some of the most amazing insights came to my mind.  It was chapter 6: The Significance of the Sacrament, and I went through the lesson three times.  The morning of the lesson, I read through it a fourth time as I prepared to go to Church and partake of the sacrament.  Interestingly enough, it was this fourth time through that I read something I had missed three times previously.  In section 2, Pres. Smith is talking about how we partake of the sacrament in remembrance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

"It is impossible for weak mortals, and we are all weak, to fully comprehend the extent of the suffering of the Son of God. We cannot realize the price He had to pay. To the Prophet Joseph Smith He said:

“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not repent, they must suffer even as I; which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit; and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink—nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.” [D&C 19:16–19.]"

As I started to circle the word "partook", I felt a thought strengthen in my mind that Adam and Eve partook, Lehi partook, Jesus Christ partook, and as we partake of the sacrament each week, we are partaking in the grand Plan of Salvation.  We all have a part, we ARE a part.  We are all participants sharing in the process of Heavenly Father's plan for the salvation of everyone of His children!  That made the sacrament so much more meaningful for me.  

I would not have had this wonderful thought come to my mind - revealed to my mind - without the time I took to study and search for it!  I am grateful that our earnest efforts to study the scriptures are always rewarded!

"Which will yield all that you are willing to earn"

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"One must prospect through and dig into the scriptures like a miner searching for precious metal. Scattered here and there are nuggets, some pure, and some alloyed with other doctrines. Occasionally one strikes a rich vein which will yield all that you are willing to earn, for the scriptures do not explain nor interpret themselves." ~ Boyd K. Packer, A Tribute to Women, Ensign, July 1989 (delivered at the Priesthood Commemoration Fireside broadcast by satellite from Temple Square on 7 May 1989)