We have been reading and I haven't been blogging. I want to catch up so that I will be fresh in my thoughts right after we read. So I will share my favorites from each chapter! I've been highlighting a lot in these scriptures so I can remember what I liked and mostly because they are pretty new and need some coloring.
Chapter 1: Lehi's Prophesies and challenge to his sons, he says, 23-24"Awake my sons; put on the armor pf righteosness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound and come forth out of obscruity, and arise from the dust. Rebel no more..."
Also I like this promise that was stated, 20 "...inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but insamuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence."
Chapter 2:Choice and Agency was the main subject of this chapter and talks alot about Adam and Eve, we even did role play for this one so the girls could get a better idea on what happened in the Garden of Eden. I really liked in verse 4 it said, "for the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today and forever." In 11 it says there must be "opposition in all things". <--- how true is that
and so vital.
Chapter 3: The Chapter of the Josephs! Lehi is seeing things for the last time before he is getting ready to pass and speaks to his son Joseph about the special Joseph's . I truly love the Joseph's in the church history and would nothing more to name a boy of mine with Joseph some where in the name. How fun it would of been for J Smith to read about himself in verses 24-25! I wonder if it took him a while to realize it was him or he knew it right away?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Nephi 22
What we read...
was about the Scattering of Israel. Too many details to really get into but...
What we learned...
we were reminded on how Satan will be bound! I loved hearing these words, "And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power." That's right no power! What a comfort and good goal to have.
was about the Scattering of Israel. Too many details to really get into but...
What we learned...
we were reminded on how Satan will be bound! I loved hearing these words, "And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power." That's right no power! What a comfort and good goal to have.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Nephi 20 and 21
And the Isaiah's begin.... thus why this isn't up to date. It isn't that I hate the chapters from Isaiah but it is so much harder to understand. So I will only quote my favorite verses from both.
20:10 "For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."
21:15 "For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?..."
20:10 "For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."
21:15 "For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?..."
Nephi 18 & 19
The Promise Land!
18- Nephi finishes the boat and on their journey the "bad brothers" rebel and tie Nephi up and are almost swallowed by the sea. His Father and Mother was sick and many plead for them to let him go. It was only through the threating from God that they did soften their hearts and let him go. Nephi prayed and all was calm again. They landed in the Promise land and were blessed with great growth.
19-Nephi made his plates of ore to write the history of his people, but to write on these on the things of God. Everyone will be scattered and then gathered back up. We are told to liken these scripture to our own lives!
18- Nephi finishes the boat and on their journey the "bad brothers" rebel and tie Nephi up and are almost swallowed by the sea. His Father and Mother was sick and many plead for them to let him go. It was only through the threating from God that they did soften their hearts and let him go. Nephi prayed and all was calm again. They landed in the Promise land and were blessed with great growth.
19-Nephi made his plates of ore to write the history of his people, but to write on these on the things of God. Everyone will be scattered and then gathered back up. We are told to liken these scripture to our own lives!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Nephi 17
Nephi is Commanded to Build a Ship
God makes is possible for Nephi to build a ship, his brothers see the power of God in Nephi and only after will they help him build the ship.
The girls liked this one because they are now both Nephi's and not the bad guys any more. :-)
God makes is possible for Nephi to build a ship, his brothers see the power of God in Nephi and only after will they help him build the ship.
The girls liked this one because they are now both Nephi's and not the bad guys any more. :-)
Nephi 15 and 16
What we read...
15-"Have you inquired of the Lord?" This is what Nephi ask his Brothers and they answer no, because the Lord doesn't make things know unto them. He chastise them for a little bit saying, really? really? How are your hearts so hard? Why don't you keep the commandments, but then he goes into teacher mode and explains the gathering of Israel.
16- They get the Liahona and Nephi Bow breaks and Ishmael dies
What we learned...
That sometimes even the BEST will murmur (Lehi questions why they are out there) and many want to go back . Nephi once agains shows great failth and courage and reminds them that the Liahona only works according to there faith. He is amazing!
Confessions...
So we missed a DAY! I think the first day you miss reading is the hardest! There are one of two things you can learn from the first day you miss reading. A) Feel really guilty and make an even more valiant ever to read the next day or B) next day say we didn't read yesterday we will start again on Monday and then Monday never comes. Luckily A was our method of choice.
Fridays are our busy days, Cameron has volleyball at nights, which is when we like to read. So we will just have to remember to do it before we leave!
15-"Have you inquired of the Lord?" This is what Nephi ask his Brothers and they answer no, because the Lord doesn't make things know unto them. He chastise them for a little bit saying, really? really? How are your hearts so hard? Why don't you keep the commandments, but then he goes into teacher mode and explains the gathering of Israel.
16- They get the Liahona and Nephi Bow breaks and Ishmael dies
What we learned...
That sometimes even the BEST will murmur (Lehi questions why they are out there) and many want to go back . Nephi once agains shows great failth and courage and reminds them that the Liahona only works according to there faith. He is amazing!
Confessions...
So we missed a DAY! I think the first day you miss reading is the hardest! There are one of two things you can learn from the first day you miss reading. A) Feel really guilty and make an even more valiant ever to read the next day or B) next day say we didn't read yesterday we will start again on Monday and then Monday never comes. Luckily A was our method of choice.
Fridays are our busy days, Cameron has volleyball at nights, which is when we like to read. So we will just have to remember to do it before we leave!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Nephi 13 and 14
Nephi 13 and 14 were all about the visions of Nephi! He saw so much of the future (now our history) and the things to come. The great and abominable church and the church of the lamb of God he saw. He saw the Americas coming together. He saw John and the books he wrote about the end of the world. Mostly, what we learned from these chapters were watching Nephi's faith make his testimony grow.
What would it be like to know of things to come? Would we like what we saw?
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What would it be like to know of things to come? Would we like what we saw?
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Nephi 12
What we read...
how Nephi saw the next generations!
what we learned...
what an amazing blessing and at the same time so discouraging to see. It would break my heart to raise my kids knowing that they will fight with their cousins and may stray from the Gospel. However, maybe, just maybe it would make try harder to be a better example, a better teacher, a better friend, and a better mother.
how Nephi saw the next generations!
what we learned...
what an amazing blessing and at the same time so discouraging to see. It would break my heart to raise my kids knowing that they will fight with their cousins and may stray from the Gospel. However, maybe, just maybe it would make try harder to be a better example, a better teacher, a better friend, and a better mother.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Nephi 11
What we read...
We read how Nephi asked to know the things his Father knows through his visions. Mostly he asked about the Tree of Life and was shown things like Christ Birth and from that he gathered that the tree was the love of God. He also learns of the Big and Spacious Building was a pride of the world and that it would fall.
Activity...
We played Nephi says (like Simon says) and the girls had a fun time with that! For FHE we always do our family jumping on the couch with chant, then sing songs, pray, read scriptures/tell stories, explain, have an activity/game (we have great LDS kids card games where the girls are getting familiar with the names and ppl in the BOM) and then DESSERT! <--- yummy chocolate cake tonight!
We read how Nephi asked to know the things his Father knows through his visions. Mostly he asked about the Tree of Life and was shown things like Christ Birth and from that he gathered that the tree was the love of God. He also learns of the Big and Spacious Building was a pride of the world and that it would fall.
Activity...
We played Nephi says (like Simon says) and the girls had a fun time with that! For FHE we always do our family jumping on the couch with chant, then sing songs, pray, read scriptures/tell stories, explain, have an activity/game (we have great LDS kids card games where the girls are getting familiar with the names and ppl in the BOM) and then DESSERT! <--- yummy chocolate cake tonight!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Nephi 10
What we read...
Today was great! Christ was mentioned! We think this is the first time his name as the Messiah is said in the BOM. Nephi told us about a vision his father had about Christ and preparing the way for Christ (by John). Also in his vision he saw Christ death and his atonement for us.
I love how the Holy Ghost was defined in here, it said "by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him (10:17)". Do I diligently seek him. Things to ponder about.
Lastly, Christ is the same yesterday, today and FOREVER!
Today was great! Christ was mentioned! We think this is the first time his name as the Messiah is said in the BOM. Nephi told us about a vision his father had about Christ and preparing the way for Christ (by John). Also in his vision he saw Christ death and his atonement for us.
I love how the Holy Ghost was defined in here, it said "by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him (10:17)". Do I diligently seek him. Things to ponder about.
Lastly, Christ is the same yesterday, today and FOREVER!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Nephi 9
Nephi Chapter 9
What we read...
tonight was Nephi explaining what the purpose of these scriptures were. That he had another set of that he kept more details of his people's history.
What we learned...
it is very clear that he was commanded by the Lord to keep this record and the best part is that he didn't know why, but yet still did it.
What we read...
tonight was Nephi explaining what the purpose of these scriptures were. That he had another set of that he kept more details of his people's history.
What we learned...
it is very clear that he was commanded by the Lord to keep this record and the best part is that he didn't know why, but yet still did it.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Day 8- Nephi 8: Tree of Life
Nephi Chapter 8
What we read...
All about Lehi's dream and his concerns for his sons.
What we learned...
I really loved the last verses of this chapter where it talks about Lehi's concern for his disobedient sons (Laman and Lemuel) . The best part of this is how we can relate so easily to this as parents. Here he has had a vision from God that pretty much tell him that his sons are not going to make it to the tree of life. I have no doubt this makes his heart just mourn with sorrow, but yet he still tries to preach to them, still tries to help them, still believes in them. Lehi is a very good example of a kind and loving Father and what to do with way ward children.
Insights/ Activity
We used a picture of the tree of life to help the girls imagine the dream my clearly. Then tested their knowledge and rewarding them with a slice of a chocolate orange!
What we read...
All about Lehi's dream and his concerns for his sons.
What we learned...
I really loved the last verses of this chapter where it talks about Lehi's concern for his disobedient sons (Laman and Lemuel) . The best part of this is how we can relate so easily to this as parents. Here he has had a vision from God that pretty much tell him that his sons are not going to make it to the tree of life. I have no doubt this makes his heart just mourn with sorrow, but yet he still tries to preach to them, still tries to help them, still believes in them. Lehi is a very good example of a kind and loving Father and what to do with way ward children.
Insights/ Activity
We used a picture of the tree of life to help the girls imagine the dream my clearly. Then tested their knowledge and rewarding them with a slice of a chocolate orange!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day 7- Nephi 7
Nephi 7
What we read...
Today Nephi and his brothers go back to Jerusalem AGAIN but this time to get the family of Ishmael to join them in the wilderness. Mostly for them to gain the daughters for the sons of Lehi to marry. Once they are there the Lord softens their hearts and they want to join them. Half way back to their campsite Laman and Lemuel are leaders of a rebel and want to go back! First Nephi was like seriously, why do you keep on doubting even after the Angel visited us, even after saving them from Laban, what makes them doubt now? Nephi says you have a choice, however, you will be destroyed back in Jerusalem. This made them very mad and they sought for Nephi's life and bind his arms and legs. Nephi prays for help and his bands are loosen. They sought his life again but was talked out of from others. The great thing that happened next was how Nephi reacted. His brothers ask for forgiveness and Nephi gives it freely but says now ask the Lord for forgiveness. Then they give thanks back at their fathers tent.
What we learned...
Wow! Ok, first that men are not meant to be alone (we know this from Adam and Eve but is nice to be reminded). Secondly, how the Lord's softens their hearts. Then how Nephi was freed from the bands after his prayer of faith. I would like to think I would pray in a case like this, but would I have enough faith. Here is my example of prayers and faith.
What we had for dessert...
Brownies with cream cheese on top!
What we read...
Today Nephi and his brothers go back to Jerusalem AGAIN but this time to get the family of Ishmael to join them in the wilderness. Mostly for them to gain the daughters for the sons of Lehi to marry. Once they are there the Lord softens their hearts and they want to join them. Half way back to their campsite Laman and Lemuel are leaders of a rebel and want to go back! First Nephi was like seriously, why do you keep on doubting even after the Angel visited us, even after saving them from Laban, what makes them doubt now? Nephi says you have a choice, however, you will be destroyed back in Jerusalem. This made them very mad and they sought for Nephi's life and bind his arms and legs. Nephi prays for help and his bands are loosen. They sought his life again but was talked out of from others. The great thing that happened next was how Nephi reacted. His brothers ask for forgiveness and Nephi gives it freely but says now ask the Lord for forgiveness. Then they give thanks back at their fathers tent.
What we learned...
Wow! Ok, first that men are not meant to be alone (we know this from Adam and Eve but is nice to be reminded). Secondly, how the Lord's softens their hearts. Then how Nephi was freed from the bands after his prayer of faith. I would like to think I would pray in a case like this, but would I have enough faith. Here is my example of prayers and faith.
Recently I was running around town, doing Christmas shopping and picking up girls from school. I was very low on gas but feared being late in picking them up, so kept on going. As I was going around the corner on a main street to get Brooklyn my car starting to jerk in a slow down motion. I had a pretty big hill to get up and with fear in my voice started to say a prayer. I just needed to make it to the top of the hill through a light an to the gas station. I was seriously scared and just kept on praying all the way up the hill and continued while all the pumps were occupied. I was so relieved and then said a prayer of thanks. I was so thankful we made it, so thankful that we were safe.
I imagion these were some of the feelings Nephi and his family had at this time, thanks for their saftey and thankful they made it.
What we had for dessert...
Brownies with cream cheese on top!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 6- Nephi 6
Nephi Chapter 6
This chapter was very short which was prefect timing for our kids who go back to school tomorrow.
What we read...
Nephi lets his readers know along with his next generations the intentions he wants for the writing to be write in this book.
What we learned...
Nephi is very clear that the purpose of the "book of Mormon" is for all men to be able to come unto Christ.
Insights...
Wow if Nephi could see us now! Do you think he knew what a HUGE responsibility it was for him to write down the records of his people? Do you think he could imagion the amount of people his words would touch and effect it has on peoples lives, their salvation. I would like to think that if he was looking down on my little family now and hearing his words uttered from the mouths of babes that it would send a chill of joy up his spine. Thanks Nephi!
This chapter was very short which was prefect timing for our kids who go back to school tomorrow.
What we read...
Nephi lets his readers know along with his next generations the intentions he wants for the writing to be write in this book.
What we learned...
Nephi is very clear that the purpose of the "book of Mormon" is for all men to be able to come unto Christ.
Insights...
Wow if Nephi could see us now! Do you think he knew what a HUGE responsibility it was for him to write down the records of his people? Do you think he could imagion the amount of people his words would touch and effect it has on peoples lives, their salvation. I would like to think that if he was looking down on my little family now and hearing his words uttered from the mouths of babes that it would send a chill of joy up his spine. Thanks Nephi!
Day 5
Nephi Chapter 5
What we read...
today we read about the coming home of the boys from Laban's place and Sariah's thoughts and feelings.
What we learned...
That sometimes we need a "sign" or "proof" in order to believe things. But we should not wait for one either, she cause her self lots of unneeded heart ache, which is often the case for many of us.
Insights...
I love this chapter because rarely is a women talked about in the scriptures. Cameron and I were both imagining what was going back home in the tent while their sons were gone.
Sariah- "When are the boys coming back! I can't believe you let them go to their deaths? What kind of a Father are you? Did you do the right thing? I am going to be so mad at you if they don't come back!"
Lehi- "Oh dear (as his eyes roll) I know what I am doing. Don't worry. Trust in God."
Lehi I am sure was so happy for the sons to be back for many reasons, ONE so his wife would stop nagging him. It must of been a big enough event that Nephi heard all about her doubts when he got home and then wrote about it. "Oh Mom!" Thinks Nephi.
What we read...
today we read about the coming home of the boys from Laban's place and Sariah's thoughts and feelings.
What we learned...
That sometimes we need a "sign" or "proof" in order to believe things. But we should not wait for one either, she cause her self lots of unneeded heart ache, which is often the case for many of us.
Insights...
I love this chapter because rarely is a women talked about in the scriptures. Cameron and I were both imagining what was going back home in the tent while their sons were gone.
Sariah- "When are the boys coming back! I can't believe you let them go to their deaths? What kind of a Father are you? Did you do the right thing? I am going to be so mad at you if they don't come back!"
Lehi- "Oh dear (as his eyes roll) I know what I am doing. Don't worry. Trust in God."
Lehi I am sure was so happy for the sons to be back for many reasons, ONE so his wife would stop nagging him. It must of been a big enough event that Nephi heard all about her doubts when he got home and then wrote about it. "Oh Mom!" Thinks Nephi.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Day 4
Nephi Chapter 4
What we read...
today we read about Nephi going to get the brass plates from Laban. In order to get them he ends up killing Laban and without trying tricks Zoram his servant, who then gives him a oath and goes into the wilderness with them.
What we learn...
that the spirit guides us in what we do, and it is okay sometimes not to understand why we are commanded to doing something. It was great reading about his struggle with the spirit (I am sure we have all been there and how natural it is to doubt)! He doubted what he was told many times (with good reason) and it was only until later that it was made clear to him why he had to do what he did. He is a good example of obedience.
Activity...
we like to act out our stories especially on FHE nights. Usually Brooklyn is the good guy and Avy the bad guy. But today Brooklyn was Nephi and Avy was Zoram, Cameron was Laban and I was the spirit. The girls always have fun doing this and we think they remember the stories better if they are "put into their shoes". We then ask what would you do, Brooklyn said, "not kill Laban", tough subject to teach (but glad she knows not to kill).
Extra insights...
We then asked other things the spirit can tell us to do and why we should listen to those. Would you have been able to listen to the Spirit? I don't think I could to this extreme... it had to been Nephi he was the only one there righteous enough to understand the BIG scheme of things. Glad it was him and not me.
What we read...
today we read about Nephi going to get the brass plates from Laban. In order to get them he ends up killing Laban and without trying tricks Zoram his servant, who then gives him a oath and goes into the wilderness with them.
What we learn...
that the spirit guides us in what we do, and it is okay sometimes not to understand why we are commanded to doing something. It was great reading about his struggle with the spirit (I am sure we have all been there and how natural it is to doubt)! He doubted what he was told many times (with good reason) and it was only until later that it was made clear to him why he had to do what he did. He is a good example of obedience.
Activity...
we like to act out our stories especially on FHE nights. Usually Brooklyn is the good guy and Avy the bad guy. But today Brooklyn was Nephi and Avy was Zoram, Cameron was Laban and I was the spirit. The girls always have fun doing this and we think they remember the stories better if they are "put into their shoes". We then ask what would you do, Brooklyn said, "not kill Laban", tough subject to teach (but glad she knows not to kill).
Extra insights...
We then asked other things the spirit can tell us to do and why we should listen to those. Would you have been able to listen to the Spirit? I don't think I could to this extreme... it had to been Nephi he was the only one there righteous enough to understand the BIG scheme of things. Glad it was him and not me.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Day 3
Nephi Chapter 3
What we read....
today we read about Nephi going and doing! He was given a commandment to go get the brass plates and knew he had to do it because he was commanded to. His brothers as always were complaining and even started to beat Nephi with a rod! Because after Nephi was turned down by Laban he didn't want to give up. An Angel came told the brothers to stop and that if they go up to Laban again the Lord would deliever them. In the very next verse after a visit from the Angel Laman and Lemuel still doubt that they would be able to do it.
What we learned...
that when we are commanded by the Lord we should do what is asked, even if at the time we are unsure how we can do it. Trust in the Lord. Never to give up,
Activity...
Cameron used toothpicks to help the girls understand to "cast lots" and to see who was going to go see the scary Laban.
Cameron's insights:
He thinks that they were related to Laban. And that Laban must be a captain or someone who is incharged of 50+ men.
What we read....
today we read about Nephi going and doing! He was given a commandment to go get the brass plates and knew he had to do it because he was commanded to. His brothers as always were complaining and even started to beat Nephi with a rod! Because after Nephi was turned down by Laban he didn't want to give up. An Angel came told the brothers to stop and that if they go up to Laban again the Lord would deliever them. In the very next verse after a visit from the Angel Laman and Lemuel still doubt that they would be able to do it.
What we learned...
that when we are commanded by the Lord we should do what is asked, even if at the time we are unsure how we can do it. Trust in the Lord. Never to give up,
Activity...
Cameron used toothpicks to help the girls understand to "cast lots" and to see who was going to go see the scary Laban.
Cameron's insights:
He thinks that they were related to Laban. And that Laban must be a captain or someone who is incharged of 50+ men.
Day 1 and 2
1 Nephi Chapters one and two
We read about...
Nephi and who he was and some things about his family. Also that they have left there lovely home and are now out in the wilderness.
What we learned....
We asked the girls who they should be like: Nephi who prayed to find out if his father, Lehi, was crazy or Lamen and Lamuel who murmured and mocked their father? Nephi was the winner and who we all wanted to be like.
That it would be really hard to pack up and leave everything that we love behind (our toys, our friends, etc).
We read about...
Nephi and who he was and some things about his family. Also that they have left there lovely home and are now out in the wilderness.
What we learned....
We asked the girls who they should be like: Nephi who prayed to find out if his father, Lehi, was crazy or Lamen and Lamuel who murmured and mocked their father? Nephi was the winner and who we all wanted to be like.
That it would be really hard to pack up and leave everything that we love behind (our toys, our friends, etc).
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