Pathway: Lesson 5 Helaman 10-16

This week’s reading is Helaman 10-16. 

The beginning of the reading Nephi is “pondering”.  Elder Russell M. Nelson shared this about the benefits of pondering, “As you ponder and pray about doctrinal principles, the Holy Ghost will speak to your mind and your heart [see D&C 8:2]. From events portrayed in the scriptures, new insights will come and principles relevant to your situation will distill upon your heart”  This semester I’ve tired hard to have my time to study the scriptures uninterrupted, so I can really dig deep into them and actually study them…not just read them.  This usually happens when my daughter is having her “resting time.”  I’ve noticed by separating myself from everything else in my life I can get better insights and I’m seeing more direct revelation from them.  Its been such a blessing.

Let’s talk about the cycle of righteousness.  Helaman 12:2 says “Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.”  This is a hard one, and unfortunately something I can see even in my own life.  When things are tough and hard we turn to the Lord for help and guidance and our faith grows stronger.  When things turn around and we start to prosper, we slack a bit.  This is the cycle we see shown again and again in the Book of Mormon.  How do we avoid it?  I think we avoid it by continually praying heart felt prayers, nurturing our relationship with Heavenly Father.  Continually read our scriptures as well.  Its those “Sunday School Answers” that will help us.

Next we read about Samuel the Lamanite.  He prophesied many great things which were fulfilled.  He prophesied of Christ’s birth in 5 years and the signs they would see because of his birth.  I loved reading about it from a different view than the bible.  He also taught them to prepare to meet Christ; to repent, believe in God.  He taught 4 truths:

Know the judgments of God

Know the conditions of repentance

Know the coming of Christ

Know the signs of his coming

These are truths we need to know and study now. 

In my directed study this week it asked if we would have listened to Samuel the Lamanite now and I immediately thought yes I would!  After thinking about it more, it would not have been easy.  Especially if everyone around me ignored his teachings.  All I can think is you have to go where the spirit is.  I’ve followed this in my life when things haven’t been easy and I feel like I’ve ended up where I need to be. 

When I was in Young Woman’s as a leader, we had an investigator come to our ward.  Her family got baptized right away and she didn’t.  She would ask very good questions each Sunday.  I always admired her for getting her own testimony before she would be baptized.  I always had my parents and I know for a long time I relied on their testimony.  But at such a young age she was able to gain her own testimony and that’s something no one can take away.  She is now getting ready to go on a mission.  She’s amazing.

I’m so grateful for examples in my life and for the examples in the Book of Mormon, there is always room for growth and that is exciting. 

Pathway Lesson 3: Alma 43-63

This week’s reading was from Alma 43-63.  Its filled with accounts of war.  We are in war every day.  The family is at war.  We must strive to protect it, to teach our children these eternal truths.  This week, we went to a funeral for Howard’s cousin’s 4 year old little girl.  I’m so grateful for the atonement and the knowledge of forever families.  I’m so grateful for hope and the peace our sweet cousins have felt.  I’m grateful for their example in this sorrowing time that they can see the hope and the light even in the darkness.  In Alma 43:47 it says “And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.”  Now we don’t have to defend our families like the Nephites had to, but we have to spiritually defend our families.  The Eagar family has shown us example of that.  We all want to spend eternity with our families and we need to always actively defend our family.

Now let’s talk about Moroni.  He was just 25 years old when he took command.  (see Alma 43:17) Alma 48:17 says Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.  He was prepared spiritually and temporally.  He had a perfect understanding.  What a blessing, and a blessing we all can have and should work for.  He never backed down.  Something we need to remember.  Stand up for our beliefs…no matter what.  After reading through these chapters, I’m at awe of Moroni.  He is a fantastic hero!  I will strive to be like him and continue to work for this. 

Alma 48:19 Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni;”.  I loved Hellman.  I loved the love that he had for his “sons”.  He truly cared for them and was so protected of them. 

President Howard W. Hunter said this “Not all of us are going to be like Moroni, catching the acclaim of our colleagues all day every day. Most of us will be quiet, relatively unknown folks who come and go and do our work without fanfare. To those of you who may find that lonely or frightening or just unspectacular, I say, you are ‘no less serviceable’ than the most spectacular of your associates. You, too, are part of God’s army.” 

“Consider, for example, the profound service a mother or father gives in the quiet anonymity of a worthy Latter-day Saint home. Think of the Gospel Doctrine teachers and Primary choristers and Scoutmasters and Relief Society visiting teachers who serve and bless millions but whose names will never be publicly applauded or featured in the nation’s media.

“Tens of thousands of unseen people make possible our opportunities and happiness every day. As the scriptures state, they are ‘no less serviceable’ than those whose lives are on the front pages of newspapers.

“The limelight of history and contemporary attention so often focuses on the one rather than on the many”

I LOVED that quote.  So many of us are Helaman’s, we won’t be noticed, but that doesn’t mean we are any less important in the Army of God.  Sometimes this can be hard, but if we can remember we are ‘no less serviceable’ and being like Helaman isn’t a bad thing. ;)

Of talking about the 2000 Stripling Warriors, Julie B Beck said “In the Book of Mormon we read about 2,000 exemplary young men who were exceedingly valiant, courageous, and strong. “Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him." These faithful young men paid tribute to their mothers. They said, “Our mothers knew it." I would suspect that the mothers of Captain Moroni, Mosiah, Mormon, and other great leaders also knew.

The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are, who God is, and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.”

How can I be a mother who knows?  I know that I have a testimony.  I know my children are learning about the gospel.  I know when we read our scriptures my children are learning precious truths.  I know the healing power of the atonement.  I know families are forever.  I know my children are very special and as their mother, I need to be worthy and prepare them for their future.  This can be a daunting task, but if we work on it line by line precept upon precept we will get there. I know I have a great power and influence for good on my children.  

Pathway Lesson 1: Alma 30-35

Hello new semester!!!  I’m excited to finish the second half of the Book of Mormon this semester.  Our reading this week was Alma 30-35. 

We start off with Korihor, an Anti-Christ.  We all see anti-Christs all over the place in this world.  Alma talks with Korihor and uses a timeless method, his personal testimony.  Korihor asks for a sign.  He denies God and Alma warns him that he will be struck dumb.  He denies again and is struck dumb for the rest of his days.  We learn in Alma 30:60 And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.  Satan will not stand with you, where as Christ will never leave you. 

The biggest thing I got out of this week’s reading was on prayer.  In Alma 31 we hear the Zoramites prayer, which is the same prayer, it has no feeling, no requests.  It states what they believe and what they don’t believe.  Its like they are praying the articles of faith.  Plus they have specific place for them to pray.  Up high and only one person could fit up there.  How can Heavenly Father help them?  There is no request for help. 

Next we hear Alma’s prayer.  Alma’s prayer has lots of feeling.  He says “Lord” 14 times.  He prays with feeling, he asks questions.  He is specific.  He prays for others and is specific and he prays for them by name.  Alma talks candidly to Heavenly Father.  He tells exactly how he is feeling.  There is no sugar coating it. 

There is such a difference in their prayers.  We learn so much from Alma’s prayers.  Our prayers need to be heartfelt, specific, and for others.  Prayer is communication to our Heavenly Father.  Alma prayed to Heavenly Father as someone who he has a relationship with.  We need to pray to our Heavenly Father just like we would talk to our earthly father.  If we can do this, we can gain a better relationship with our Heavenly Father and will for sure be blessed for it. 

Eder Carlos E. Asay said “The souls of our brothers and sisters who may seem to be more feeble and less honorable are precious. The Church has need of them. We should make every attempt to know them and to help them claim the full blessings and joys of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our prayers should be as Alma’s: ‘Give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.’ (See Alma 31:35.)

“We must remember that our salvation is intertwined with the salvation of others. We must care more for those who seem to care less for their faith”

This struck me.  How do I react when someone I know is having a struggle with their faith or doesn’t follow what we believe?  I would probably think “that’s their choice.”  But I should act more like Alma and “care more for those who seem to care less for their faith.”  

Pathway Lesson 11 Mosiah 27-Alma 7

 I loved this week's readings.  We read about Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah's conversion.  We learned about the reign of Judges.  We learned about how one person's example can make a huge impact.  We also learned more about the atonement.  

I'll start off with Alma's conversion.  I love how as soon as he is converted he wants to go and spread the gospel.  In Mosiah 28:3 it says "Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."

 It made me think about my life, am I excited to share the gospel?  I’m not sure I have that burning desire, like these men do.  Something I need to change.  A few weeks ago I taught the Relief Society lesson on Member Missionaries.  As soon as I saw I was teaching on that, I started praying for a missionary experience.  Not much had happened, I think sometimes we get caught up in our own bubbles and see the same people.  I was afraid this was happening.  Then some controversy with the church on Facebook happened and I had to really research to understand my stance and what I believed in.  At that time, there wasn't anything put out by the church yet, so I turned to the scriptures and to prayer.  I was able to understand and get a testimony of what I believed in.   Then, the Thursday before I taught; we had a visit from our case worker.  We have a pretty close relationship and knowing that I’m a Mormon she asked me about this controversy.  I then shared my testimony with her.  I testified of the love and importance of families and how important they are to me.  She thanked me for sharing with her and helping her understand.  I was so grateful she asked me and I was able to share my testimony.  I think its simple ways like that we can be share the gospel. 

Next, we learn about how powerful one person can be.  Nehor teaches false doctrines and many people follow him.  It made me think how powerful our examples can be, either for good or evil.  My son Johnny was at a birthday party for a friend.  This friend is not one of his best friends, and is a little bit of an outcast.  While at the party, my son took this friend by the hand and had him come play with his group of friends.  His friends all played with this boy because of my son’s example.  We need to make sure we are using our examples for good rather than evil.  The influence of one is great. 

Moving onto the Atonement.  Reading about Alma’s teachings to the people are really great chapters.  Alma 7:12 says “And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”  Christ has taken on our sins and has shown us his mercy.  The atonement is the ultimate gift we could receive.  At this holiday season, I’m so very grateful for our Savior who came to this earth for me and for you.  I hope we can remember the true reason for the season.  

Pathway Lesson 9 Enos-Mosiah 3

To start our reading we read about Enos.  Enos taught us a lot about prayer.  He says "his my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer”  (Enos 1:8)His soul hungered.  I’ve had times in my life where my soul is hungering, I think its in moments like that that our faith is expanding.  This is when we learn the most from our Heavenly Father.  Now I think we need to learn to have our soul hungering all the time.  David A Bednar taught us in his conference address Pray Always “Morning and evening prayers—and all of the prayers in between—are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonition to “pray always””

Another scripture that stood out to me was Omni 1:26 “And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.”  I love this scripture.  I think its all summed up in this one scripture.  We need to come unto Christ and partake in his salvation and then offer our WHOLE soul unto Him.  Elder Maxwell taught that giving our whole soul is the only thing that is truly ours to offer up.  I’ve never really thought about it that way before.  By giving our whole soul we are showing we are willing to sacrifice and give our faith to Heavenly Father.   

Also, in this week’s reading we read one of my favorite scriptures: Mosiah 2:17 “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

I’ve always loved this scripture, but this week especially it touched me.  Our foster baby, Leah, who we’ve had since she was born went home to live with mom today after 18 months.  We knew this day was going to come, but it came earlier than we were expecting.  And out of the blue.  We were kind of thrown for a loop.  Needless to say, it was tough to process.  And then I read the above scripture.  The service we did for her mom is like we were doing it unto Heavenly Father.  That’s why it was so easy for us to love this sweet little babe.  That’s why we were able to love her unconditionally even though we knew she’d be leaving. 

Through this whole process I’ve had this unexplainable love for Leah’s mom.  I’ve had this amazing understanding about her situation.  I’ve been able to rally around her and I want mom to do what she’s supposed to for her to get her children back.  I know I’ve been blessed through this whole process.  I know I’ve had spiritual help as I relied fully on my Savior’s atonement to keep this love for Leah’s mom. 

We will miss our baby Leah, but we know we were able to help a family who needed help and a second chance.  We were able to do service for our Heavenly Father and I know we’ve blessed through the whole process.  

I was reading President Eyring’s Talk: Opportunities to Do Good.  I completely lost it when I read “For the Master I extend thanks for your work to serve the children of our Heavenly Father. He knows you, and He sees your effort, diligence, and sacrifice. I pray that He will grant you the blessing of seeing the fruit of your labors in the happiness of those you have helped and with whom you have helped for the Lord.”

I have comfort in knowing that my Heavenly Father knows me and he knows our efforts.  He has blessed us and will continue to.