1 Nephi 6 and Jer. 37, 38

In Sunday School we talked about how much time Jeremiah spent in prison. It is almost humorous in vs. 4 of chapter 37 "Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people; for they had not put him into prison." They had to point out he was not in prison (he usually was). It is interesting to me how Zedekiah would seek Jeremiah's counsel but then would not follow it and would throw him back into prison. Jeremiah wanted to hear things from the prophet that would be pleasing unto him and unto men, but Jeremiah only stated that which was pleasing unto God.

Nephi also declares he will write that which is pleasing unto God and not unto man. "For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved. Wherefore the things which I write are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world." I hope the things that I write please the Lord. I have not been good at keeping up with a journal for sometime and even though this does not record my history it does record what means the very most to me, the promptings of the spirit. Many times I receive insight as I read, but rarely record it. I hope this gives each of you the opportunity to do the same. Thanks for your inspiration!

1 Nephi 5 and Jer. 26, 36

I had just complained to Dad about something that now seems insignificant compared to Sariah's concern for her sons' lives. The Lord always has a way of putting things into perspective for me. When Lehi was studying the brass plates, I realized, that he had never seen them before. It reminds me of when the Catholic Priest was the only one allowed to read the scriptures. I have a greater understanding of Lehi's excitement about the brass plates going forth unto all nations, kindreds, togues, and people who were of his seed (vs 18). Lehi was able for the first time to see his genealogy and discover he was of the lineage of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. He read about Adam and Eve and the writings of all the holy prophets.

Jeremiah is a prophet whose challenges were great. He was put in stocks and told to never prophesy again. Jeremiah stated "Then said I, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay" (Jer. 20:9). Jeremiah was deeply saddened by his labour to teach an unrepentant nation. He also understood that the Lord "triest the righteous, and seest the reins [HEB- inward parts] and the heart" (vs. 12). In chapter 36 Jeremiah dictates to Baruch all the destructions to befall Judah and tells him to read it in the temple. The king and princes get word of it and take the roll and cut it with a penknife and throw it into the fire. Jeremiah was commanded of the Lord to write it all again and to prophesy of the punishment of all the kings house.
I love how the Lords words burn within a prophet. Many prophets have spoken boldly at the peril of their lives. Can the spirit burn any brighter than this?

1 Nephi 4 and Jer. 15, 20

vs. 2-3 Nephi relates the story of Moses parting the Red Sea and Israel going through on dry ground. It is a powerful scripture story, but what gave it more power was how he related it to themselves and what he and his brothers were going through, saying "Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians." The other day I pictured, in my minds eye, a ladder. I had forgotten about it until I saw a picture of a ladder while looking for blog pictures and it jumped out at me as being important. It reminds me of Nephi's experience of being attracted to Laban's sword. His curiosity about it caused him to draw it from its sheath, then the Lord was able to prompt him. Had Nephi not had Laban's sword in his hand he probably would not have had the courage to do what he was required to do next. It is also interesting that without Laban's sword Nephi would not have had a pattern for constructing other swords to preserve his people. He was prepared to preserve his people physically and spiritually. Getting back to the ladder. Had I not seen the picture of the ladder I would not have asked Dad what is the story of Jacob's ladder about. He said it is a representation of our journey on this earth and returning to the presence of the Lord. Jacob, like Nephi was following directions from his father; He was returning to the land of his fathers to those of like faith to preserve his posterity unto the Lord by marrying in the faith. On his journey he lay down to sleep and dreamed a dream; "and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it" (Genesis 28:12). This is important to me because I imagined seeing Angela climbing all the way to the top of the ladder and as she climbed, brightness increased; when she was almost to the top she slid down, then she climbed halfway up again and sat on a rung. There is a footnote for angels in the TG, defined as ministering spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. I do not know why we are led to think of one thing or another, God alone knows all things. I am just grateful for his guidance and for the scriptures, especially the stories that stay with us, teach and strengthen us.

1 Nephi 3 and Jeremiah 2

I love Nephi's determination in vs. 15 stating that he and his brothers will not return to their father "until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us." I don't know how many times I have to tell myself I have to accomplish a particular task and other things will just have to wait. This week I haven't been studying as much as I need to, partly due to trying to get this blog going. I feel like this is something the Lord wants me to do and as Nephi "I know that the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them (to accomplish the task)" (vs.7). Accomplishing their task required all of their earthly possessions, which were "exceedingly great." To do what I need to do does not require more than earnest effort, ingenuity, and prayer.

"Wherefore I will plead with you, saith the Lord, and with your children's children will I plead" (Jeremiah 2:9). I love how the Lord is only interested in our welfare, he reaches to us with outstretched arms, to beckon us home. In this chapter we see the remorse of the Lord at loosing the love of his people, Israel; "They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters" (vs. 13). Isaiah explains "with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation" (12:3). And Nephi defines living waters as the "love of God" (1 Nephi 11:25).

1 Nephi 2 and Jeremiah 1

After Nephi describes Lehi's visions and the Lord's direction to leave Jerusalem. Nephi introduces his family and each of their dispositions. I would like to introduce my family but I will do that in a comment later today. What I would like to focus on is conversions. Nephi cried unto the Lord for his confirmation to all that his father was requiring of him and his family and his heart was softened. Sam believed on Nephi's words. These are two different types of conversions, neither any less significant than the other. Nephi received an answer through the Holy Spirit and then he believed. Sam also was most likely touched by the spirit as Nephi related his experience to him. I clearly remember when I first felt the spirit. I believe I was just 3 years old. I never talked to anyone about it, but it is still so clear I can feel it. I was in Primary singing "I am a Child of God" and I felt such a warmth wrap around me and a deep feeling of love that sent such a feeling of peace and reassurance all through me. I knew undoubtedly that I was of great worth to my Father in Heaven. My next experience similar, but different was when I received the gift of the Holy Ghost when I was 8. When I was 10 I prayed earnestly to not be frightened by a very frightening dog. I felt that I was being watched over but my fear was not relieved. It was then I realized God loves me and helps me during tough times, but does not always remove the uncomfortable situation. I cherish these experiences and many others, but these were my first and they have only multiplied a hundred times from then to now. I'll post more later, got to go.

1 Nephi 1

I have been thinking about some of the afflictions that each of you, as Nephi, are enduring. The first verse in chapter 1 tells us that Nephi had many afflictions in the course of his days, but from what I am understanding each of you could substitute your name for his, "I _Adam,__Crystal,__Angela,_etc._ having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days." I know that Heavenly Father and our Savior are mindful of each of us through our struggles and blesses us not only through them, but because of them. I think I have less understanding about how this works in my own life than noticing what a patient loving parent Crystal is growing into, seeing Adam stretch to accommodate more demands on his time, some very rewarding-like Heather, and Angela dealing with a new set of learning obstacles. Realizing her value is much greater than what kind of a grade she may receive in a particular class, but in her determination, self-examination and refocusing her talents to find a perfect match for her. Coming back to Nephi many times my focus has been on Lehi's vision but this time I'll focus on the power of deliverance the Lord extends to us. Through comfort, guidance, we can be assured "that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hat chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." God will grant us deliverance from frustration, obstacles, as well as persecution (this may even come from ourselves, as we view ourselves as less than we are, or are capable of being with the Lord's help). I'll finish with Lehi's praise, "O Lord God Amighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!" I am grateful for His watchful care for each of you and am so grateful that Heavenly Father as allowed me to be your mother so I can also administer love and care where I can and share in yours joys, sorrows, and your strengths. Thanks!