Final Post

With this last post, I had the opportunity to give my General Authority paper. I chose the topic of "The Strengthening and Enabling Power of the Atonement". I was first drawn to this topic at the beginning of the semester because I noticed that the majority of doctrine given by General Authorities on this topic was from Elder Bednar, who happens to be one of my favorite speakers. In addition, I explored additional topics but the Spirit kept prompting me to explore this topic.

As I started preparing for this topic, I looked into talks given by Elder Bednar. One of my favorite quotes that I found from one of his Conference addresses he states, "As we trust in and pull our load with Him during the journey of mortality, truly His yoke is easy and His burden is light. We are not and never need be alone. We can press forward in our daily lived with heavenly help."

https://hurstrobert.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/x-my-yoke-is-easy.jpg 

 As I reflected on this topic and how it has impacted my own life, I could think back to specific instances where I felt that I was being drawn astray, and through the atonement my burden was made light. As we continued with the discussion on this topic in class, the scripture 2 Nephi 25: 22. I really loved this scripture and how it connected to the reading that we had done that night, and additionally my preparation for this paper.

Another topic that we discussed recently was "Preparing for the Second Coming". Overall, I really liked this topic because it is truly so prevalent to our day. In fact, we listed the parallels in the signs that are happening in our day, and the signs that were foretold in ancient times. They were as follows:

• Secret Combinations
• Challenges of following the Prophet
• Good seems bad / Justification 
• Wars and Rumors of wars
• Natural Disasters
• Pride
• Government challenged = no unity
• Miracles  

 As a whole, we also studied in depth 3 Nephi 5. I found that our study of this chapter was super insightful for me as a whole, and I recommend reading through this chapter when studying this topic. Overall, it parallels the teachings in Issiah about the gathering of Israel in these last days.

 As we continued, we studied Christ's ministry among the Nephites. This reading touched me particularly, especially when we read in 3 Nephi chapter 18 that Jesus prayed unto the Father for their behalf, and he wept for their sake as well. This touched me because there are very few instances recorded where Jesus is weeping, and this instance is especially remarkable. Another notable scripture from this chapter was 3 Nephi 18: 24. In this particular scripture, I was touched by the metaphor of light (As I have found that I am drawn to all scriptures with light references...). As I read this verse, it touched my Spirit, so much so that I think I have found one of my new favorite scriptures.

As we continue in our studies of various doctrines of Christ and specifically the Book of Mormon, I have felt myself grow throughout this semester. My testimony has been strengthened by the insights of others, and the insights I have felt through the Spirit as I have done the assigned readings. Truly, these are the latter-days, and it is our duty to spread the gospel with zeal and enthusiasm. I am so very grateful for this gospel, and I know that this is the true restored church upon the earth. I am also so very grateful for the truths that the Book of Mormon holds, and I urge those of you who are interested to contact me for a copy (If you don't already own one). I know that our Heavenly Father truly cares about each of us individually, and he desires each one of us to achieve our wildest dreams. I am grateful for this class and the little things that it has taught me about myself and my testimony, and I highly recommend this class to anyone looking.

http://mormonmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Second-Coming.jpg 

 

I have also included the links to several of Elder Bednar's talks that are worth looking over and I think are absolutely fantastic below:

The Enabling Power of the Atonement- (actually by Carolyn J. Rasmus... but equally great)
Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease- Elder Bednar
The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality - Elder Bednar

Putting it all together #3

These last couple weeks we have covered several of my favorite topics, all of which have touched my spirit in various manners. Starting from where I left off, we began an in-depth (or as in depth as personal reading and a 60-minute class allow...) study of missionary work. Although the majority of our class had already previously served missions, it was very interesting to compare and contrast the opinions of those who have served, with those who haven't. Starting out, I found a magnificent quote given by Elder Bednar in October 2014. He states,
"The Book of Mormon in combination with the Spirit of the Lord is the greatest single tool which God has given us to convert the world. This Restoration volume of scripture is the keystone of our religion, and is essential in bringing souls to the Savior."
Truly, I have noticed this in my own life as I have strived to live up to the standard of "every member a missionary." Although I am still trying to aid his efforts, before I left for school I gave my boyfriend a copy of the Book of Mormon. He had attended many church meetings with me prior to this, and had a basic knowledge of our standards and what we believe. In fact, he even met with the missionaries once before I left. Despite this, he has still not fully recognized the eternal truths contained in this holy text. However, I continue to aid his search to the best of my ability, relying upon the truths taught in the Book of Mormon, as Elder Bednar stated. (some scriptures that also touched me on the topic of missionary work include Mosiah 28:3  and Alma 36: 24-25)

https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/36617/king-benjamin-addresses-people_1181293_inl.jpg 

 

In continuing on our topic of missionary work, we discussed the most important way that we can teach those around us. Brother Kinghorn shared "Six ways to Improve Teaching:"

1. Love God and those you teach
2. Focus on the student's needs
3. Teach from the approved gospel materials
4. Effectively prepare and present lessons
5. Teach by the Spirit
6. Teach to help others

Although I haven't had a direct missionary experience yet, I have been earnestly applying these six principles whenever possible, in order to benefit my teaching.

The next topic we studied after missionary work, was the scattering and gathering of Israel. When I dove into this topic, I had little background knowledge or understanding of this topic, so I was eager to find out more. While I was doing my personal reading, I found a scripture that stood out to me. It was 1 Nephi 22:25. I really loved this scripture because it talked about the Lord gathering his sheep, which is the greatest metaphor we see in comparison to the gathering of Israel. I really loved when it talked about "gathering his sheep from all four corners of the earth", because truly it shows his love for all of us, and the desire to bring everyone unto his fold. Also on this topic, a quote shared in class by Elder Nelson stood out to me. It states, "...if there were no Book of Mormon, then the promised gathering of Israel would not occur." This simple statement struck me with awe because it was not something that I had thought about previously. However, in the context of having just studied missionary work, it made sense. In addition, the Book of Mormon is they keystone of our religion, and as such carries great weight with our people and the uniting of the restored gospel upon the earth. In addition to the physical bodies on the earth, we also talked about the temple ordinances and covenants that we make in the temple to benefit our spirits. This segwayed into our next topic of covenants and promises of the Lord.

Ironically, one of my favorite scriptures of all time was an assigned personal reading for this topic. (Mosiah 2:41) In this verse, it talks about the "blessed and happy state" that we will be in if we simply keep the commandments and honor our covenants with the Lord. I have always loved this verse because I love the simplicity, and yet the great promises as a result of our obedience. Another scripture that I enjoyed reading on this topic was 3 Nephi 22:7. Although this verse is extremely brief, it demonstrates Christ and the Father's infinite love for us, and their desire to aid us in all things. In class, we also discussed an interesting religious figure. Although he was not of our faith, Cecil B. DeMille became "friends" with many general authorities, and also was a devout Christian. In an address he gave to BYU students years ago, he stated, "God made man free- and then gave him the commandments to keep him free."

 http://www.livingwaters-asia.com/uploads/6/5/8/4/6584115/5879854.jpg?180

 I truly love this way of viewing the commandments. Although many, including myself, are guilty of viewing the commandments as a burden, we need to realize that they are simply derived out of God's love for us as his children. In addition, it is an honor to live by his standards, in return for the tremendous blessings we receive. I know that in my own life, as I have willingly followed the standards and commandments, I have been blessed. Another quote that I enjoyed on this topic, was one stated in class, that "Obediance is the lifestyle of the Gods." Truly, we are children of an eternal Heavenly Father, and we are promised all that he has. In order for us to realize our true potential, we must become like him and follow the Savior's example through obedience to the commandments. As Elder Nelson states, "the greatest joy in this life can be found in being called a covenant keeper."

As we continued with Day 2 of studying covenants and obedience, we studied the promises that God promises his children as a result of their obedience. In a quote by Elder Clayton, he states, "the promised land today is not likely to be a place... Instead the promised land is a way of life." This quote made me think deeply about what I need to fix in my life, in order to live in "the promised land" manner.

As we ended class that day, Brother Kinghorn urged each of us to ponder this question:

How is our obedience? 

For those who are reading this, I invite us all to ponder this question. Truly, we must be obedient to inherit all that the Lord has. In addition, obedience brings blessings. As I stated previously, I have noticed this in my own life, and the lives of those around me.

I am so grateful for this gospel, and for this religion class that has allowed my testimony to grow over the course of several weeks. Truly, I have so much to be thankful for. 
 

Sources:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/come-and-see?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/the-gathering-of-scattered-israel?lang=eng

lds.org

Two Weeks Later

It seems to me as though time is flying by. It seems like only yesterday I was typing up my first putting it together...

Today I met with a group to discuss and plan a project for another class. I don't remember exactly how the topic got brought up, but we started talking about our religion classes. I started talking about how much I loved my Book of Mormon class, and how I felt that my teacher was truly helping me grasp the concepts taught. Ironically, another girl was taking the same class with a different professor. It was interesting to bounce ideas off of each other, and compare and contrast the teaching methods of our professors. However, the one thing that we both agreed on, was the curriculum and the way the material was being taught to us. Truly, it allows for both the student, and the professor to benefit from what is being shared and spoken through the Spirit. On that note, I'll begin my analysis of the teachings that we have had since the last entry.

The last time I wrote, I finished with writing about the infinite Atonement. To continue, and add on to this topic I'd like to share a quote that I found touching while reading. It was a quote from Elder Oaks, given in the May 2000 Ensign, he states "The assurance of resurrection gives us the strength and perspective to endure the mortal challenges faced by each of us and by those we love, such things as physical, mental, or emotional deficiencies..." I was touched by this quote because I loved the message behind it. In my life especially, the knowledge and consolation that I can repent, be resurrected, and dwell with my Father in Heaven is amazing. I hope one day that I am worth to live with him again.

As I continued in the selected reading for this topic, I would draw hearts around certain scriptures that touched my spirit. One such scripture was Alma 12: 14-15. I especially related to when it talks about the extreme guilt we will feel as a result of our sins, and how we would desire that the "rocks and the mountains fall upon us to hide us from his presence." I know in my own life, if I have sinned, it is occasionally hard for me to even pray, due to my extreme guilt and the taunting of the devil. However, we must press on and desire ultimate repentance, and truly our great Lord will forgive us. For we "cannot hide our crimes from God..." and we must "repent and forsake our sins, and go no more after the lusts of our eyes..." as stated in Alma 39:8-9.

Continuing in my studies, I came across another scripture that I loved. While discussing obedience to God, his prophets, and the commandments, I came across a scripture that talks about the eternal debt that we owe God. (Mosiah 2: 20-23) One of my favorite lines is when it states that God grants our breath every day, and in return he asks us to keep his commandments. Granting us life seems like a huge blessing in the simplest form, and truly what he asks of us is small in comparison. Truly, we were created "out of the dust of the earth." A quote that was shared during class, about keeping the commandments, also touched me. President Monson states, "It is easier to keep the commandments one hundred percent of the time, rather than ninety-eight percent of the time..."

Following our study of the commandments, we talked about faith. While I was doing the assigned reading, another excellent example of faith stood out to me. We all have heard the story of Enos before, however, this time I was especially touched by verse four. I love when Enos talks about his "soul hungering" in desperate need for the gospel and forgiveness. Leading into our next topic of Repentance, truly Enos felt godly sorrow for the things that he had done. Sometimes, in my own life it has been difficult for me to feel true godly sorrow for my sins. However, if we pray with real intent our Heavenly Father understands our sorrows, and that we desire to be forgiven and become a better person, and he will aid us in that journey to becoming whole again.

(I really liked this picture of faith)

As we continued in our study of repentance, we studied Alma 36: 10-20, where Alma is going through the full repentance process. It was interesting for me to here insights on these verses, through our discussions in class, that I hadn't previously thought about before. These verses truly express the full cycle of repentance.

This last class, we had the opportunity to interview someone about their feelings on the sacrament, as we started a new discussion about Baptism and the Sacrament. As I talked to my parents, I was able to recognize the things in my life that have allowed me to get the most out of sacrament meeting.

Truly I am so grateful for this amazing gift of the gospel. Throughout these past couple weeks, I have felt God's influence in my life and his blessings being poured out upon me, as I strive to do his will. I am so grateful for my family and the lessons that I have learned so far from this class. 

Pictures: http://mormonthink.com/img/prophets.jpg
 http://www.fccwa.org/uploads/2/5/2/6/25263998/805150_orig.jpg
https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/37108/37108_all_027_01-passing.jpg

Starting Out

To be completely honest, I was not looking forward to having a 9 AM class. In addition, I wasn't quite sure what to expect taking a college level Book of Mormon class. Despite my doubts, I walked into class that first day and felt the spirit testify that this was the place that I needed to be, even if I was losing sleep in the process. As I have progressed throughout the class so far, I have been truly amazed at how my testimony has grown in just less than three weeks.

Each night, throughout the semester, we have an assigned reading. I remember my first time opening up the PDF for that night, and grimacing at how daunting the task before me seemed. Nevertheless, I pushed forward, and attempted to do so with a positive mindset. In each lesson, there is an introduction, a list of scriptures following a brief statement, and the "supplemental material", which include quotes from addresses given by general authorities.

Lesson one came with several insights about the divine origin of the Book of Mormon. The first quote I wrote down from my reading in lesson one was a quote from President Hinkley given in the November 2007 Ensign. In reference to Joseph Smith he states, "He was largely unschooled; and yet, in a very brief time, he brought forth the translation which published form comes to more than 500 pages...". I think this statement is simply amazing, yet something that, for some reason, I had never thought about before. How could Joseph truly have translated those 500 pages, written in a foreign tongue, without the Lord's help? The simple answer is, he couldn't. Yet another astonishing thing, is the worldwide acceptance of this book today, translated by a young man with little education, and no training, but through the aid of the Lord. In an address given by Elder Nelson, he details that the translating of the Bible took fifty english scholars seven years to translate, or roughly one page a day. In stark contrast, Joseph Smith translated ten pages each day, while simultaneously restoring the preisthood, receiving revelations, and much more. Truly, that in itself is a miracle, and one that I am so grateful for, as it produced the Book of Mormon as a result.

Another insight I had came while reading Joseph's Testimony. Joseph states that as he prepared for the eventual delivery of the plates, he had annual "interviews" with the Angel Moroni. Most Latter-day-saints have heard of these meetings between Joseph and Moroni, however what stood out to me was the word "interviews." Thus, implying that Joseph and Moroni had an open dialogue, and that Joseph was free to inquire through Moroni. I wish I was able to converse freely to an angel! Through this visitation, we come to fully grasp the manner in which the Lord works.

During lesson two, the emphasis was on the Creation of the world, the Fall of Adam and Eve, and the Natural Man. In spite of the fact that many other worldly religions base their teachings off of the Bible, the Book of Mormon truly gives the full explanation of the Creation. In addition, because of the Fall, mankind was in a lost and fallen state. Due to this, we are subject to physical and spiritual death. While I was reading the selected scriptures for this section, Mosiah 16: 8-9 really touched me. They state, "But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." As I have read throughout my life, I have always been attracted to the verses that compare Christ to a light. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best metaphors that is used to describe our Savior.

As we continued to talk about the Creation in class following my nightly reading, we addressed several other ideas that I had no previously thought about. Obviously, we know that Christ aided in creating our world that we know. Even so, in a quote by Joseph F. Smith, he talks about other "appointed rulers" and prophets that also possibly aided with the Creation. I thought this was a marvelous thought, and one that resounded with my being.

As we continued in our teachings, many things were clarified for me as well. One in particular was the fact that Christ is referred to both the Father, and the Son. Brother Kinghorn clarified during class that this was simply because Christ is the Father of the atonement, and because he was "conceived by the power of God", but the Son because he is God's anointed Son. A scripture that resignated with me while reading in this section was Alma 26: 35-37. I adore these simple verses where Ammon "glories in the Lord" and "boasts" in his God.

Another interesting discussion that we had during class was about the infinite atonement. I thought it was interesting when we read aloud the quote from Elder Nelson that states, "And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by him." For some reason, I had never truly wrapped my brain around the idea that the atonement also extended to those who live in other worlds. Although, it makes sense because Christ loves every one of us.

As we continued in our discussion of the Savior and his atonement, another interesting proposal entered into my mind. In a quote by Elder Taylor, he states that as a result of Christ's suffering on the cross, the world and nature suffered. Essentially, as a result of Christ's ultimate suffering on the cross, that anguishing pain radiated throughout the earth. Undeniably, our Savior suffered on the cross in order to fulfill our Heavenly Father's will to atone for our sins.

In closing, I am eternally grateful for the lessons and clarity that this class has provided for me in just the short space of three weeks. (If you managed to read all of this, I commend you.) As a result, my testimony of the Lord has been strengthened, and I have grown as an individual to feel the love that Christ has for each of his children.

President Hinkley- The Stone Cut Out of the Mountain

Elder Nelson- time required to translate the BOM