All I have ever wanted was to be a mom. The only way I have survived this blessing being withheld is knowing I have the promise of this blessing if I remain faithful to my covenants. I think we are all really looking for the same thing, being together forever. Sometimes it takes real faith, even to this day to believe that somehow this will happen when I know I am so not deserving of it, but I start with what I do know and that is the only way it will happen is if I keep placing my faith in Him. I had a conversation with a roommate and she felt she
I think that keeping the commandments must not be working since she had tried that and it had not turned out for get yet. I was impressed to tell her I too was tired of being single and that was exactly why I was keeping the commandments. As Peter responded when Christ asked if they too would go away, Lord where would we go though hast the words of eternal life. I know the only way to obtain the blessings we seek is to put our faith in Christ. Even if that means mostly waiting until he knows we are ready to appropriately appreciate and receive that blessing and not squander it. I love the Lord. I know He loves me and that He will not wait any longed to bless me than absolutely necessary
I was reading in Ridges book about how one way to keep our testimonies strong is to remember past blessings from the Lord to us.
It is interesting that in Nephi 7:10-13 he uses the word forgotten 3 times. It talks about how forgetting past blessings from the Lord is a way to lose or ignore ones testimony. I really liked that because I think sometimes we are quick to forget the blessings we have received when hard times come. I need to be better at remembering. That is one of the many reasons I like keeping a journal. It is a good way to remember past blessings of the Lord and also the details of our lives. I am so grateful to read my family history and see the examples of the hard times they went through and also the blessings they received. I have loved reading all of the comments and I am learning so much from all of you. I hope you are saving your comments so at the end of this year you will have a great scripture journal. What a great treasure for you and future generations. I would love to have something like that from my grandparents.
For me, right now, the promised land I am seeking is just getting through the day with a peaceful heart. If I can remember the bigger picture of receiving the promised land of living with God, then I can improve my daily interactions, the little things.
I also thought Elder Cook's point of the scattering of Israel was interesting. It happened because of their unrighteousness, but He also used it to bless all nations. Sometimes, things that feel like a punishment to me are actually blessings. I keep thinking of the word "promise" as something yet to come. As in-"this looks promising."
So, I will remember the blessings to come to help me on my daily journey of trials.
My land of promise is simple, happiness and peace. I am the happiest when I am with those that I love. I feel the most peaceful when I am in the Temple. Forever families is my ultimate goal! As I am obedient to the commandments and remain faithful to my covenants I recieve my land of promise. The Lord is so good to us, He shows us our paths home daily, but we have to be as faithful as Nephi to remember which path we are seeking.
Verse 1 really stood out to me where it says "...it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone...". My main goal in life has always been to be a mom and to have a family and to raise my family along with my husband in righteousness and just as it talks about in verse 1, going alone in the wilderness, I do not want to be alone in the Celestial Kingdom, my "Land of Promise", family is everything to me and I want them there with me! I love Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone's promise, "I promise you that all who faithfully attend to temple work will be blessed beyond measure. Your families will draw closer to the Lord, unseen angels will watch over your loved ones when satanic forces tempt them, the veil will be thin and great spiritual experiences will distill upon this people." This is so comforting to me and know that if I do my part and put my faith in the Lord, that I can have have my eternal family with me always with "no empty chairs!"
What stood between Nephi and his family and the Land of Promise? Wilderness. What comes to mind when I think of wilderness--wandering, hunger, murmuring, thirst, struggles, feeling lost...seemingly no end... What else stood between them and the Promised Land? An ocean. What comes to mind when I think of the ocean--storms, tossed to and fro, endless, lost, sea sick etc. Sometimes I expect a direct pass to the Land of Promise, without the wilderness experience. What can we learn from Nephi's experience? In his wilderness, he continued to exercise faith and "go forth" That phrase keeps sticking out to me...I searched it and it is used 36 times in 1 Nephi. Nephi went forth, even when going forth, meant going back (as in twice, to Jerusalem). Makes me think of something Elder Christofferson said in this past conference"...go to work so that there is something for God to help us with." God will help us in our wilderness as we seek the Promised Land--if we but continue to go forth with faith in Him and His Son.
I heard sister beck speak and she mentioned so meeting similar. She said something to the effect that we want the blessings of the promised land without having the mortal experience (wilderness). Thanks for highlighting this. :)
My land of promise is to endure my trials as I strive to come unto Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love this quote but I don't know who said it that there is no growth in a comfort zone and no comfort in a growth zone. In my trials I sometimes wonder why I'm going through them. If I catch myself saying this, I realize that I'm forgetting God's purpose which is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) Trials help us to draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As we draw closer to them, we learn more about them and want to become like them! We experience this might change of heart and our faith grows stronger and we learn and grow through the thick times. Remembering why I have trials helps me to not get disappointed and to do as Elder Holland said, "doubt my doubts before I doubt my faith."
Well said June. I think that quote is from Uncle Tony as he was motivating the campers.
I like your point about remembering why we have trials. I've heard of some people that will pray for trials so they can grow. I'm not that brave and just shoot for keeping a positive attitude and trusting in the Lord in the mist of a trial, and by the end of the trial I'm thankful for the it because I've grown closer to God.
One thing that stood out to me today in the reading was the word forgotten too. As many posted about their experiences yesterday of when they knew for a "surety" of the Lords love for them and then in no time at all we forget. It is a reminder to me as to why the simple acts of obedience--prayer, scripture study, church attendance ect is so important. We need to do those things to maintain our ability to be in tune with the spirit so we don't forget the meaningful and quiet communications we recurve from God.
When I read this, I find it interesting that the Lord waited until Lehi’s family had already left Jerusalem before commanding Lehi's family to convince Ishmael’s family to come along. Even waiting until after the brass plates were obtained, and the sons had left Jerusalem a 2nd time. The Lord also could have sent an angel to tell Ishmael's family to seek out Lehi and go with them as they were exiting Jerusalem initially, but He didn't. He left the trial to Lehi's family, and the step of faith to Ishmael's family. Once they were in the wilderness, it took many years before they actually built a ship and left for the promised land.
The Lord is willing to let us go down the long roads of learning the hard way if that's what it takes to help us grow and learn. For example, I haven't always received clear guidance on what my long term professional goals should be. He leaves much of this growth to us to struggle through. I'm better because of it, so were Lehi and Ishmael's family for the struggles they went through to get there.
I also find it humorous that this is the one place we have NO record of Laman and Lemuel complaining about returning to Jerusalem. Great Blog Melissa.
I thought the same thing! I guess men of all generations will willingly go to find women! Haha!! However, their good behavior ended and their true colors came out once they were on their way back home.
Neat lessons to be learned from vs. 5. It was "The Lord" who softened Ishmael's heart. Once He softened their heart Ishmael heeded the urgings of Nephi and his brothers. Sometimes it takes The Lord softening my heart so I can heed the urging of prophets counsel, humble myself before my husband and children, or change my own future path. A humble heart is a prepared heart.
All I have ever wanted was to be a mom. The only way I have survived this blessing being withheld is knowing I have the promise of this blessing if I remain faithful to my covenants. I think we are all really looking for the same thing, being together forever. Sometimes it takes real faith, even to this day to believe that somehow this will happen when I know I am so not deserving of it, but I start with what I do know and that is the only way it will happen is if I keep placing my faith in Him. I had a conversation with a roommate and she felt she
ReplyDeleteI think that keeping the commandments must not be working since she had tried that and it had not turned out for get yet. I was impressed to tell her I too was tired of being single and that was exactly why I was keeping the commandments. As Peter responded when Christ asked if they too would go away, Lord where would we go though hast the words of eternal life. I know the only way to obtain the blessings we seek is to put our faith in Christ. Even if that means mostly waiting until he knows we are ready to appropriately appreciate and receive that blessing and not squander it. I love the Lord. I know He loves me and that He will not wait any longed to bless me than absolutely necessary
ReplyDeleteI was reading in Ridges book about how one way to keep our testimonies strong is to remember past blessings from the Lord to us.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that in Nephi 7:10-13 he uses the word forgotten 3 times. It talks about how forgetting past blessings from the Lord is a way to lose or ignore ones testimony. I really liked that because I think sometimes we are quick to forget the blessings we have received when hard times come. I need to be better at remembering. That is one of the many reasons I like keeping a journal. It is a good way to remember past blessings of the Lord and also the details of our lives. I am so grateful to read my family history and see the examples of the hard times they went through and also the blessings they received. I have loved reading all of the comments and I am learning so much from all of you. I hope you are saving your comments so at the end of this year you will have a great scripture journal. What a great treasure for you and future generations. I would love to have something like that from my grandparents.
Great thoughts regarding journals!
DeleteFor me, right now, the promised land I am seeking is just getting through the day with a peaceful heart. If I can remember the bigger picture of receiving the promised land of living with God, then I can improve my daily interactions, the little things.
ReplyDeleteI also thought Elder Cook's point of the scattering of Israel was interesting. It happened because of their unrighteousness, but He also used it to bless all nations. Sometimes, things that feel like a punishment to me are actually blessings. I keep thinking of the word "promise" as something yet to come. As in-"this looks promising."
So, I will remember the blessings to come to help me on my daily journey of trials.
My land of promise is simple, happiness and peace. I am the happiest when I am with those that I love. I feel the most peaceful when I am in the Temple. Forever families is my ultimate goal! As I am obedient to the commandments and remain faithful to my covenants I recieve my land of promise. The Lord is so good to us, He shows us our paths home daily, but we have to be as faithful as Nephi to remember which path we are seeking.
ReplyDeleteVerse 1 really stood out to me where it says "...it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone...". My main goal in life has always been to be a mom and to have a family and to raise my family along with my husband in righteousness and just as it talks about in verse 1, going alone in the wilderness, I do not want to be alone in the Celestial Kingdom, my "Land of Promise", family is everything to me and I want them there with me! I love Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone's promise, "I promise you that all who faithfully attend to temple work will be blessed beyond measure. Your families will draw closer to the Lord, unseen angels will watch over your loved ones when satanic forces tempt them, the veil will be thin and great spiritual experiences will distill upon this people." This is so comforting to me and know that if I do my part and put my faith in the Lord, that I can have have my eternal family with me always with "no empty chairs!"
ReplyDeleteWhat stood between Nephi and his family and the Land of Promise? Wilderness. What comes to mind when I think of wilderness--wandering, hunger, murmuring, thirst, struggles, feeling lost...seemingly no end... What else stood between them and the Promised Land? An ocean. What comes to mind when I think of the ocean--storms, tossed to and fro, endless, lost, sea sick etc. Sometimes I expect a direct pass to the Land of Promise, without the wilderness experience. What can we learn from Nephi's experience? In his wilderness, he continued to exercise faith and "go forth" That phrase keeps sticking out to me...I searched it and it is used 36 times in 1 Nephi. Nephi went forth, even when going forth, meant going back (as in twice, to Jerusalem). Makes me think of something Elder Christofferson said in this past conference"...go to work so that there is something for God to help us with." God will help us in our wilderness as we seek the Promised Land--if we but continue to go forth with faith in Him and His Son.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts! This was really insightful to me.
DeleteI really like these thoughts, too.
DeleteI heard sister beck speak and she mentioned so meeting similar. She said something to the effect that we want the blessings of the promised land without having the mortal experience (wilderness). Thanks for highlighting this. :)
DeleteMy land of promise is to endure my trials as I strive to come unto Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love this quote but I don't know who said it that there is no growth in a comfort zone and no comfort in a growth zone.
ReplyDeleteIn my trials I sometimes wonder why I'm going through them. If I catch myself saying this, I realize that I'm forgetting God's purpose which is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39)
Trials help us to draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As we draw closer to them, we learn more about them and want to become like them! We experience this might change of heart and our faith grows stronger and we learn and grow through the thick times.
Remembering why I have trials helps me to not get disappointed and to do as Elder Holland said, "doubt my doubts before I doubt my faith."
That comfort zone quote is awesome, thanks for sharing!
DeleteI love that comfort zone quote too--what a gem!
DeleteWell said June. I think that quote is from Uncle Tony as he was motivating the campers.
DeleteI like your point about remembering why we have trials. I've heard of some people that will pray for trials so they can grow. I'm not that brave and just shoot for keeping a positive attitude and trusting in the Lord in the mist of a trial, and by the end of the trial I'm thankful for the it because I've grown closer to God.
One thing that stood out to me today in the reading was the word forgotten too. As many posted about their experiences yesterday of when they knew for a "surety" of the Lords love for them and then in no time at all we forget. It is a reminder to me as to why the simple acts of obedience--prayer, scripture study, church attendance ect is so important. We need to do those things to maintain our ability to be in tune with the spirit so we don't forget the meaningful and quiet communications we recurve from God.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this, I find it interesting that the Lord waited until Lehi’s family had already left Jerusalem before commanding Lehi's family to convince Ishmael’s family to come along. Even waiting until after the brass plates were obtained, and the sons had left Jerusalem a 2nd time. The Lord also could have sent an angel to tell Ishmael's family to seek out Lehi and go with them as they were exiting Jerusalem initially, but He didn't. He left the trial to Lehi's family, and the step of faith to Ishmael's family. Once they were in the wilderness, it took many years before they actually built a ship and left for the promised land.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord is willing to let us go down the long roads of learning the hard way if that's what it takes to help us grow and learn. For example, I haven't always received clear guidance on what my long term professional goals should be. He leaves much of this growth to us to struggle through. I'm better because of it, so were Lehi and Ishmael's family for the struggles they went through to get there.
I also find it humorous that this is the one place we have NO record of Laman and Lemuel complaining about returning to Jerusalem.
Great Blog Melissa.
I thought the same thing! I guess men of all generations will willingly go to find women! Haha!! However, their good behavior ended and their true colors came out once they were on their way back home.
DeleteNeat lessons to be learned from vs. 5. It was "The Lord" who softened Ishmael's heart. Once He softened their heart Ishmael heeded the urgings of Nephi and his brothers. Sometimes it takes The Lord softening my heart so I can heed the urging of prophets counsel, humble myself before my husband and children, or change my own future path. A humble heart is a prepared heart.
ReplyDelete