Drawings

A while back, I was talking about adding drawings to my studies, and over the last few months, as I have been studying the Old Testament, I have been drawing things in the margins, especially things that add to the understanding of a concept or definition.  Here are a few examples:

As we have been going through the lessons in Seminary, I have been adding drawings of the things that we are learning about.  The Tabernacle, for example.

Two weeks ago I got a wild hare to get much more decorative with my drawings and I have been having so much fun!

Again, I can't say enough about the wide-margin scriptures that you can find at www.bradjackman.com!  Having all that beautiful space to draw is wonderful! I am looking forward to continuing this as I go through all the standard works.  It is giving me a lovely outlet for my creativity, and my stress! :)

#ASaviorIsBorn

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has created a beautiful new video for the Christmas season called A Savior Is Born.  

Along with the video is a media campaign, using the hashtag #ASaviorIsBorn.  I used the video and the signs in my Seminary class, and I loved the phrasing that the students used!

A Savior is Born so I...

                ...could repent        ...could remember Him always

                                 ...could live with my family forever

...can be full of peace and happiness  
                          
                     ...could live and have a family

                                                            ...can repent and live forever

Aren't those wonderful, faithful answers?!  I love these kids so much!

This is mine:

In this world of turmoil and stress and distractions, I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and the peace that His gospel and the blessing of His atonement bring to my life!

General Conference and Scripture Mastery

I did General Conference a little differently this time around. I told my Seminary students to text me every time they heard a Scripture Mastery scripture during a Conference talk, so I had to seriously pay attention to all the scriptures that were mentioned throughout the Conference.  (I did take personal notes, but I was heavily focused on the scriptures.)

Scripture Mastery scriptures (from any year) were mentioned 24 times during Conference.

Women's Session (26 Sept 2015)
Sister Carol F. McConnell -- Moses 1:39

Saturday Morning Session (3 Oct 2015)
Francisco J. Viñas -- Isaiah 58:13
Elder Quinten L. Cook -- Isaiah 5:20 and Alma 41:10

Saturday Afternoon Session (3 Oct 2015)
Elder Robert D. Hales -- 2 Nephi 9:29
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland -- Isaiah 53:4 and Moroni 7:45
James B. Martino -- Moroni 10:3-5 
Elder Dallin H. Oaks -- Alma 7:11-13 and Philippians 4:13

Priesthood Session (3 Oct 2015)
Elder Neil L. Andersen -- Doctrine & Covenants 8:2
Pres. Thomas S. Monson -- Isaiah 1:18

Sunday Morning Session (4 Oct 2015)
Pres. Thomas S. Monson -- Matthew 5:16
Elder Dale G. Renlund -- Moroni 7:45, 47-48
Gregory A. Schwitzer -- Acts 2:26

Sunday Afternoon Session (4 Oct 2015)
Elder D. Todd Christopherson -- Moses 1:39 and Ephesians 4:13
Devin Durrant -- 2 Nephi 31:20
Sister Carole M. Stephens -- John 14:15 and Doctrine & Covenants 1:37-38
Allen D. Haynie -- Moses 1:39
Koichi Aoyagi -- Abraham 3:22-23 and Moses 1:39
Elder David A. Bednar -- Doctrine & Covenants 1:38

I love the Ponderize idea from Devin Durrant as well, and I am looking forward to adding that to our Seminary class!  I want to use it with our Scripture Mastery each week.

Sticky notes

Today at the end of Seminary class I gave each of the students a sticky note and asked them to write down the most important things they learned in Seminary this week.  Their answers were wonderful! I am so glad I did this!  It is definitely going to be a weekly thing now!  It made my heart happy!  What an uplifting way to end the week!

Seminary has begun!

All summer I have been preparing for Seminary!  Studying scriptures, attending trainings, completing the on-line trainings, emails to coordinators with questions, etc..  It has been a wonderful, yet a time-consuming process.  I keep sitting down to add to this blog, and then something would come up and now it's already begun!

As we hadn't made a list of people to do the Devotionals yet, I gave one today, on my favorite scripture, Helaman 5:12.  I read the scripture and I shared an experience that I had very recently that applied to the scripture.  I am sharing that experience here, with more details than I offered to my students.

In the process of preparing for Seminary, there have been several times when I have felt overwhelmed at the magnitude of the responsibilities of my calling.  It seemed that there was always something MORE that had to be done.  In addition, for the past three weeks, I have been waking up at 5:00am in an attempt to get my body acclimated to the earlier mornings.  This has been difficult, as I haven't always been able to get to bed earlier.

One morning, about a week ago, as I was waking up and rolling out of bed I remember having a thought come to my head that I needed to go online and find some lesson ideas that other people have used to make preparing easier. Because of the rock on which I have built my foundation, I almost immediately recognized that thought as a temptation of Satan.  Do less, find a shortcut, you have so much to do already.  That is his tempting message.  

In the trainings this summer, I have been told over and over that I must rely on the Holy Ghost as I prepare, as my class is different than anyone else's and Heavenly Father knows these students better than I do and will guide me in the things that I should do and teach for this particular class.  (Not to say that I can't use ideas that others have had!  As a first time student, I am relying on the ideas of others to help get me started, but I should not just use what someone else has done to make it easier on me.)  

It may seem a small thing, that one little thought, but I feel that Satan would never tempt me to do drugs or steal a car, as he knows that is something I would not do.  But, he can try to put little, seemingly insignificant thoughts in my head, that if followed, could eventually lead me away from relying on Heavenly Father and His Spirit for guidance and direction.

I am so grateful for this calling and I am grateful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost in my preparation and as I teach!  I am relying on it!!

My humble little Seminary classroom

For My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures

I found this on Pinterest, but I don't know where it came from before that, but I LOVE it! Beautiful! There is SO much going on in life right now that I haven't had time to post, and I miss it.  I am gearing up for Seminary, all the summer activities my kids are doing, my two jobs, etc., etc.. With all of this going on, I value the time that I have to slow down for a portion of my day and read and study the scriptures! It is my delight!

"Is it such a fast that I have chosen?"

Back a few posts, I was talking about the most recent General Conference and I mentioned several of the points that had stood out to me during the sessions.

One was about Pres. Henry B. Eyring's talk:

"I love Pres. Henry B. Eyring prays to know what to fast for. That is exceptional!! I want to remember that. Also, this is the third or fourth time this year that I have heard Isaiah chapter 58 referred to, so I am planning to do a much more detailed study of that chapter very soon!"

Well, as it happens, a friend of mine, who is the Teaching for our Times teacher in Relief Society, won't be here this month, and she asked me to cover for her.  It turns out that the talk that was assigned for this month is "Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?" by Pres. Henry B. Eyring. So, I was able to do that detailed scripture study of Isaiah 58 a lot sooner than I was expecting to....and I am very grateful!

I gleaned a LOT from the study of both the scripture and the talk!  Mainly, that I am not doing very well at fasting!  I have become lackadaisical in my approach to the law of the fast lately, and this was certainly my call to repentance!

A few years ago I got physically sick while I was fasting, and so I have been a little skittish about letting myself get so hungry that I start to feel sick.  Because of that, I have found all kinds of justifications for ending my fasts earlier than a full 24 hours.  I know we need to be mindful of our health and physical circumstances, but I also know that I can do better than I have been.

I also have gotten lazy about my approach to the fast.  Sometimes my prayer at the END of the fast has been the first time that I really pray about what I am fasting for in the first place.  (Heavenly Father is omnipotent after all, so He knows what I am fasting for, right?!)  

Basically, I have been taking all the sacrifice out of my fasts, and that is the point of it in the first place.

I have been, however, faithfully been paying a fast offering at the end of my fasts, but I recognize that I could be more generous in that regard as well. 

My scripture study has brought about several goals that I will be focusing on in the coming months to improve my fasting, and, in consequence, my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

1. Consider what I will be fasting for well in advance and write it in my prayer journal.

2. Pray, as I begin my fast, for the strength to complete a full 24 hour fast.

3. Double my fast offerings.

4. Record the blessings/assurances/guidance/answers I receive in my prayer journal.

I know that as I focus on improving my approach to my fasting, that the Lord will "guide [me] continually, and satisfy [my] soul in drought, and make fat [my] bones: and [I] shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."  (Isaiah 58:11) I LOVE the poetry of the scriptures!  Beautiful!! 

May we know the truth of all things?

In the Book of Mormon, in Moroni 10:3-7, it reads:

     "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
     "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
     "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
     "And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.
     "And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever."

We are familiar with this scripture and it's promise.  If you read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it is true, then the Holy Ghost will let you know that it is true.  We usually stop after verse 5, and today my studies led me a little farther. Everything that is good testifies of Christ, and we should not deny the power of God.  We will see God's works in our lives as we exercise faith.

In summary, if we have prepared ourselves (reading the scriptures, remembering God's mercy and blessings), as we pray with sincerity and faith, by the power of the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things.  But does that mean that God is going to reveal to us "all things"?

We think of Moses as being one who was prepared, faithful, sincere, surely one who would receive great revelations and answers from the Lord, one who DID receive visions of all the world and it's inhabitants, and yet, as he stood face to face with God, ". . .the Lord God said unto Moses: For mine own purposes have I made these things.  Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me." (Moses 1:31)  In other words, even with all I have shown you, there are things that I am not going to show you.

Did that mean that Moses was unworthy?  That perhaps he had done something wrong in the eyes of the Lord?  That anything else the Lord had revealed to him wasn't true or of value?  Absolutely not.  The Lord, in His wisdom, decides when and where we will receive the answers, guidance, blessings, etc., that we stand in need of.  

Just because we may not receive an answer in the time frame that we are expecting, does not mean that the Lord does not have an answer to give us, or that there is no answer at all.  It could mean that we may not be prepared for the answer at this time.  That certain events or experiences have to take place in our lives before we can recognize the answer for what it is.  Or, perhaps the Lord wants us to figure it out on our own, rather than He just hand it to us, knowing that the figuring out is what is going to strengthen us.  Maybe the answer is not ours to have.

Some of us want answers to deep, complicated topics.  Some of us are trying to figure out why things happen to some people, but not to others. Some of us may be trying to justify certain behaviors by looking for an answer that we want to hear, rather than obeying the one that has already been given to us.

Does this mean that we aren't sincere in our desires for answers?  Does this mean that, even though the answer isn't absolutely essential for our salvation, we wouldn't really like to have it?  Absolutely not.  We may have devoted much time and effort in our scripture study and prayers to try to find the answers we are looking for.

And then we don't receive an answer.  Does this mean that God doesn't love us, value us, care about our desires? Absolutely not.

     "Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
     "And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.  The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours."  (Doctrine & Covenants 78:17-18)

I love the beauty of that scripture!  We have not even begun to understand all that our Heavenly Father has for us, in His own hands, in His own time.  We cannot bear (to hold up under, be capable of) all things now. Nevertheless, Heavenly Father WILL lead us along.  He WILL bless us.  All that He has He is willing to give us.  Because. . . 

     ". . .whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.
     "And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever."

Deny not the power of God!  Just because we do not receive an answer in the time frame we are expecting, does not mean that everything else we know is not true!  It is all true, and one of those truths is that we may need to wait upon the Lord at certain times in our lives.  He will love us through those times, He will lead us along through those times, He will work by power in our lives.  

I am grateful to know that my Father in Heaven loves me and that He knows me.  He knows my name. He knows my heart. He knows my spirit. He knows my testimony. He knows my needs, and my wants.  I know that with that knowledge, He will provide me with what I need to fulfill my life and mission on this earth. That I will be blessed continually, despite my questions, despite my fears, despite my weaknesses, despite my pride and sins.  The miracle of the Atonement of Jesus Christ!  I am imperfect, flawed, lacking in all eternal knowledge, and yet, I am provided, DAILY, with forgiveness, blessings, love, support, comfort, understanding, revelations, and, when I need them, answers.

General Conference - March/April 2015

What an amazing Conference!!  No surprise, but I loved it!!  I was filled and uplifted and inspired!  There were many thoughts that came to me as I listened to the words of our leaders (who I proudly and whole-heartedly sustain!).  I could go through every talk that was given and share my thoughts, but I especially wanted to touch on the ones that referred to scripture study.

I love Pres. Henry B. Eyring prays to know what to fast for.  That is exceptional!!  I want to remember that.  Also, this is the third or fourth time this year that I have heard Isaiah chapter 58 referred to, so I am planning to do a much more detailed study of that chapter very soon!

Elder Dallin H. Oaks talked about the Parable of the Seeds/Soil.  Our ground needs to be good and we keep it that way by prayer, scripture study, sacrament renewal, a mighty change of heart, etc.

Elder L. Whitney Clayton gave an AMAZING talk about choosing to believe!  God does not force us to believe.  Our belief and testimony are not passive principles, we must hope and sacrifice for them.  We will not accidentally believe in Christ, we must actively pursue our testimony.  CHOOSE by praying, fasting, studying our scriptures, attending the temple, going to church and partaking of the sacrament, repenting.

Elder David A. Bednar quoted my favorite scripture: Helaman 5:12!

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom talked about a young woman who was questioning her faith.  She expressed the importance of prayer and scripture study in receiving the answers to our questions.  She also quoted Helaman 5:12!

Elder Jose A. Teixeia talked about how our choices with technology can determine our spiritual progress and maturity in the gospel.  He said that we need to take time to set aside our mobile devices and do other things like turning the pages of the scriptures!

Bishop Gerald Causse asked if the gospel is still wonderful to us?  Are we actively searching the gospel, cherishing it?  He told us to anchor our faith in the pure, simple principles of the gospel.  I really feel that my active scripture study is one of the main things that is keeping the pure, simple gospel wonderful to me!!

Elder Brent E. Nielson talked about the parable of the Prodigal Son and he made many references that helped me to see that parable in a different light, and I am planning on doing a more detailed study of that parable soon!

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk!  WOW!!!

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke about grace.  I really appreciated his talk, as I feel that grace is an underutilized and misunderstood principle.  I have done a study on grace in my scripture study journal, but this talk made me want to go back and reread all of it and look at it with fresh eyes.

Elder Kevin W. Pearson's talk was AMAZING!!  Again, I have done a study on Lehi's Vision of the Tree of Life in my scripture study journal, but this talk gave me so many more insights and I want to go back and revisit it!!  I love that he said, "Search the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets, every day!  Every day!  EVERY DAY!!"

I absolutely LOVED it when Pres. Uchtdorf got up after Elder Rafael E. Pino's talk and began speaking in German.  He apologized to Pres. Monson, saying, "I thought we were still speaking in our native language."  I love that our leaders are so funny, and human.  I know that probably won't make it into the Ensign or the Conference Report, so I wanted to make sure we remembered it. 

Elder Russell M. Nelson concluded the Conference by talking about the Sabbath Day.  He said we don't need a list of DOs and DONTs, our attitude on the Sabbath constitutes a sign to Heavenly Father of how we feel about the Sabbath.  Scripture study on the Sabbath (and other days) is a sign to Heavenly Father of my commitment to His word, His gospel, my own salvation!

I love General Conference!!  I am grateful for the words of our beloved prophet and the many other leaders of the Church that bless my life!

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#BecauseHeLives

On www.mormon.org there is a beautiful video for Easter about our Savior, Jesus Christ, entitled Because He Lives.  You can watch the video by clicking HERE.

There is also a link to download a marker to show where you feel the influence of Jesus Christ in your life.  I posted mine to Twitter.  #BecauseHeLives #Easter #scripturestudy #mormon #LDS

UPDATE:  I was showing the whole #HeIsHere #BecauseHeLives thing on mormon.org to a friend and when I got to the page, I got all excited, as there I was!  Right in the middle!  How fun!!

New calling

I am SO EXCITED that it is finally official and I can finally share!!

I have been called to be a Seminary teacher!!  

I am overwhelmed with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for this amazing blessing!  I am privileged to wake up extra early, and hang out with sleepy, whiney teenagers every morning.  Haha!  So, saying that tongue-in-cheek, but being realistic, that doesn't sound that great, but I really am thrilled for this calling and the incredible opportunity it gives me to study the scriptures and share my love of scripture study with others.  Even those who would rather be asleep.  That being said, I was very pleased with the positive response from the youth who will be in my class next year!  That makes me very happy!

The moment I was asked to accept this calling, I was immediately drawn to the Old Testament and the books of Moses and Abraham.  I have been studying them and am very anxious for the next school year to begin! 

What a blessing!!

2015 Spring General Conference

I'm excited!  Have been for weeks! 

I love that all the meetings are included as one now!  Perfection!

I am getting prepared... 

Great are the Words of Isaiah

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The prophet Jacob said: "And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may life up their hearts and rejoice for all men.  Now there are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men."  (2 Nephi 11:8)

Jesus Christ himself said: "An now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things.  Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah."  (3 Nephi 23:1)

I am heading into the Isaiah chapters of 1-2 Nephi and I wanted to share the notes that I have in regards to Isaiah and the Book of Mormon.

Why did the Nephites quote Isaiah?

1. He was a relatively recent prophet.
          742-701BC - years of Isaiah's ministry
          100-150 years from the time of Nephi and Jacob

2. Main theme was the destruction of the House of Israel, of which the Nephites were an important branch.

3. Isaiah spoke of the status of the House of Israel in the last days and the Book of Mormon was preserved from those in the Latter-days.

4. Isaiah spoke repeatedly about the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

(I did not reference this list in my scriptures, so I am not sure if it was a quote from a book, or notes from an Institute class or something like that.)

Suggestions for better understanding Isaiah

1. Gain an overall understanding of the Plan of Salvation
          Prophets assume that their listeners understand what they are talking about

2. Study the doctrine of the gathering of Israel
          Most of Isaiah's writings are on this subject

3. Use the Book of Mormon - the Book of Mormon is our greatest scriptural commentary on Isaiah
          Quoted by Nephi, Jacob, Abinadi and Jesus Christ
          Bruce R. McConkie: "May I be so bold as to affirm that no one, absolutely no one, in this age and dispensation has or does or can understand the writings of Isaiah until he first learns and believes what God has revealed by the mouths of his Nephite witnesses as those truths are found in that volume of holy writ."  (Ensign, Oct 1973, pg. 81)

4. Use modern revelation
          In Doctrine and Covenants there are sixty-six places that use language similar or identical to Isaiah.  In Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith there are thirty-five Isaiah passages in twenty-one different chapters.

5. Learn how New Testament writers understood and explained Isaiah
          Jesus, Paul, John the Revelator

6. Know and understand the Old Testament settings and context for Isaiah's writings
          For example: because of the wickedness of the people, Isaiah often spoke in figures, types and shadows, but Nephi didn't have to.

7. Understand the manner in which the prophesies may be fulfilled
          Prophesies may have dual fulfillments or multiple applications.  Recognize contemporary events as fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

8. Seek the spirit of prophesy and devote yourself for serious study
          2 Nephi 25:4 - "Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel, and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn."

How important is it that we understand Isaiah?

"Isaiah has been reserved for a reason.  Nephi and Mormon went to great efforts to see that Isaiah's writings were a part of the Book of Mormon.  They are meant to be understood.  Nephi never intended that we skip or hurry through the now sixteen-page segment in the middle of his second book.  'If our eternal salvation,' Elder [Bruce R.] McConkie warned, 'depends upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them -- and who shall say such is not the case! -- how shall we fare in that great day when with Nephi we shall stand before the pleasing bar of Him who said: 'Great are the words of Isaiah'?. . . It just may be that my salvation (and yours also!) does in fact depend upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them.  For that matter, why should either Nephi or Isaiah know anything that is withheld from us?  Does not that God who is no respecter of persons treat all his children alike? Has he not given us his promise and recited to us the terms and conditions of his law pursuant to which he will reveal to us what he has revealed to them?'." (Ensign, Oct 1973, pg. 78) -- Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, McConkie and Millet, pg. 277

Understanding Isaiah is not the easiest thing in the world to do. I find it fascinating to understand how he described the things that he saw in our day.  I mean, how does someone who lives 700 years before the birth of Christ, centuries before the invention of the automobile and airplane, describe modern transportation?  "They shall come with speed swiftly; none shall be weary or stumble among them.  None shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken."  How might he describe a helicopter or a fighter jet? Maybe the "two tails of these smoking firebrands"? or the "hiss for the fly" or a "bee"?  

Most importantly, Isaiah prophesied of the Savior, Jesus Christ! Studying the words of Isaiah can increase our testimony and love of Jesus Christ! Isaiah's words apply to our day, even more than they did to his day.  I am grateful for the many resources we have to help us to better understand his words, especially the Book of Mormon!  (If you would like a free copy of the Book of Mormon, click HERE)

Ponder, consider and remember

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf posted this on Facebook today, and, as I prepare for General Conference, I thought that this bore repeating, or in this case, sharing:

"April general conference is a time when seasons change. In the southern hemisphere, the leaves turn colors as autumn begins, and spring flowers bloom in the north. Conference provides an opportunity to gather together as friends and families to become more united in our faith in Jesus Christ and in our efforts to serve Him.

"As I have prepared for this conference, I have felt impressed that each one should ponder again about God's plan for our lives and consider our individual place in this divine plan as His children.

"Please, always remember that each one of us matters to Him, wherever we may be."(emphasis added)

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Comparisons, Symbolism and Examples in the scriptures

There is no possible way that I can spend any amount of reasonable time talking about symbolism in the scriptures.  There is just WAY too much to even BEGIN in one blog post.  I mean, the Savior specifically used parables and symbolism so He could separate those who wanted to hear a nice story and those who wanted to understand the greater meaning of the gospel, and they are EVERYWHERE in the scriptures!  However, I would like to lightly rub the surface for a few minutes, based on what I have been reading in the scriptures recently.

This year (and possibly longer) I am reading through the Book of Mormon three times.  It is taking me a LOT longer to do it this way, but I am really thrilled with the results.  I was especially fascinated by 1 Nephi chapter 17.  It took me two weeks to get through this one chapter.  I was AMAZED by all that I had never seen before in this chapter.  (The funny thing is, I am sure that many of you reading this will say, "Pffft! I already knew THAT!"  It amazes me how we all see the same thing in different ways and at different times.)

Specifically, I had never before noticed the incredible amount of comparison and symbolism between the Israelites leaving Egypt and being directed through the wilderness to the promised land, and Lehi's family leaving Jerusalem and being directed through the wilderness to the promised land.  How had I missed that?!!

A FEW comparisons and symbolism that I noticed:

The Israelites had many faithful believers amongst them, and many people who were quick to find fault and complain.  Lehi's family had the same.

The Israelites went through many cycles of obedience and murmuring, as did Lehi's family.  In both instances, there was much "affliction, hunger, thirst, and fatigue," and in both instances many "were desirous to return"to where they had begun their journey, even if that meant bondage.

The Israelites were led through the wilderness by a pillar of fire, and Lehi's family were led through the wilderness by the Liahona.  (Interestingly enough, Hugh Nibley stated that the interpretation of the word Liahona is "to God is light" or "of God is light".)  Both were led through the wilderness by the light of God.

The Israelites were fed in the wilderness with manna, quail and water, and Lehi's family were fed in the wilderness by the fact that they didn't have to light any fires to cook their food.  They Lord blessed that their food was sweet to them.  It was symbolic of the sweetness of the Lord's blessings, and to the Israelites, it was specifically symbolism of the Savior.  Manna represented the Bread of Life and the water represented the Living Water, both references to Jesus Christ's roles as the Redeemer of mankind.

The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for the space of (around) forty years, mainly as a refining period in which the Lord strengthened those who were willing to remain faithful to Him through their trials.  Lehi's family were in the wilderness for eight years, mainly for the same reason.

In both instances, many reverted to riotous, inappropriate actions, forgetting the power of God that had brought them out of bondage.

In both instances, quite often, direct revelation was received by a visit to a high mountain, representative of the Temple.

As I was sitting in sacrament meeting, as the sacrament was being passed, I considered how I approach the Temple.  Do I approach it as Nephi did, with a newly made bow in hand, asking for directions on how to get food, or do I show up expecting God to fix all of my problems without trying to come up with an idea or a solution on my own?  Honestly, kinda the last part.  It made me realize how I need to rethink the way I approach the Lord.

So, beautifully, wonderfully, the experiences in the scriptures of the Israelites escaping the bondage of Egypt, and Lehi's family escaping bondage of the destruction of Jerusalem, are a comparison, a symbolism, of each of us, individually, escaping the bondage of the natural man, as we strive to become more like our Heavenly Father, returning, one day, to His presence (the promised land).

My heart is full!

The scriptures make it clear

I saw this quote from Pres. Henry B. Eyring and it really struck me! He tells us how important the scriptures are to help us see the dangers that will come if we put off the things we need to be doing.

"The scriptures make the danger of delay clear. It is that we may discover that we have run out of time. The God who gives us each day as a treasure will require an accounting. We will weep, and He will weep, if we have intended to repent and to serve Him in tomorrows which never came or have dreamt of yesterdays where the opportunity to act was past.

"This day is a precious gift of God. The thought "Someday I will" can be a thief of the opportunities of time and the blessings of eternity." - Pres. Henry B. Eyring

Fill Our Souls With Faith

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