The Sacrifices Made For Scriptures

A few nights ago for scripture study we talked about Moroni and how far and long he wandered to stay away from the Lamanites and protect the plates. I hadn’t realized that it was probably thousands of miles. My husband ended by saying and we have the scriptures right by our beds, we need to read them.

Then on Sunday morning I watched this video of the great sacrifices that Joseph Smith and other early saints went through to translate and make available the Book of Mormon. I love Elder Hollands words about how they would not have done what they did if this book wasn't true. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and I am grateful for the sacrfices made so that I can have access to its words.

Then I thought of others like Nephi who also risked their lives to obtain the word of God and I felt blessed and grateful to all of these wonderful men for their faith and their diligence in bringing the word of God to me. I think I often take for granted all that has gone on before so that I can have access to the scriptures right in my own home, right next to my own bed, always at my fingertips whenever I chose to pick them up. I need to be more faithful and diligent in my personal scripture journey because if I don’t I will be risking my own spiritual life and there is no reason why I or any of us should do this when our scriptures lie right by our beds (or on our bookshelves).

And when I shared all of these thoughts with my husband he reminded me of these great words from Elder Christofferson:

On October 6, in the year 1536, a pitiful figure was led from a dungeon in Vilvorde Castle near Brussels, Belgium. For nearly a year and a half, the man had suffered isolation in a dark, damp cell. Now outside the castle wall, the prisoner was fastened to a post. He had time to utter aloud his final prayer, “Lord! open the king of England’s eyes,” and then he was strangled. Immediately, his body was burned at the stake. Who was this man, and what was the offense for which both political and ecclesiastical authorities had condemned him? His name was William Tyndale, and his crime was to have translated and published the Bible in English.

William Tyndale was not the first, nor the last, of those who in many countries and languages have sacrificed, even to the point of death, to bring the word of God out of obscurity. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude. We owe perhaps an even greater debt to those who faithfully recorded and preserved the word through the ages, often with painstaking labor and sacrifice—Moses, Isaiah, Abraham, John, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, Joseph Smith, and many others. What did they know about the importance of scriptures that we also need to know?

In Tyndale’s day, scriptural ignorance abounded because people lacked access to the Bible, especially in a language they could understand. Today the Bible and other scripture are readily at hand, yet there is a growing scriptural illiteracy because people will not open the books. Consequently they have forgotten things their grandparents knew.

I suppose that never in history has a people been blessed with such a quantity of holy writ. And not only that, but every man, woman, and child may possess and study his or her own personal copy of these sacred texts, most in his or her own language. How incredible such a thing would have seemed to the people of William Tyndale’s day and to the Saints of earlier dispensations! Surely with this blessing the Lord is telling us that our need for constant recourse to the scriptures is greater than in any previous time. May we feast continuously on the words of Christ that will tell us all things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:3).

Bible for iPhones and iPod Touch

I recently was introduced to this new Wave Study Bible that you can use on iPhones and iPod Touch. It has 4 versions of the Bible including the King James Version. I thought some of you might be interested in checking it out. It is completely FREE so to find out more click HERE.

This is a statement from one of the creators -

"Other study Bibles are like libraries. They are full of a lot of reference works, and are real good at putting you in touch with what other people have seen in the Bible. Wave Study Bible is like a magnifying glass and is real good at putting you in touch with what *you* see in the Bible. It is not full of the results of other people's study, it fills you with the results of your study."

Words of Widsdom Wednesday: Answers to Everything

Address to CES Religious Educators • October 14, 1977 • Elder Boyd K. Packer

"There is no question—personal or social or political or occupational—that need go unanswered. [The Scriptures contain] the fulness of the everlasting gospel. Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it."

Any thoughts or experiences?

You can read from the Scriptures HERE.

You can request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon HERE (just scroll to the bottom of the home page).

What is the Book of Mormon?

I just discovered this wonderful page about the Book of Mormon on LDS.org. It answers questions such as What is the Book of Mormon, How can reading the Book of Mormon affect my life, and How can I know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true?

From this page you can read testimonies of modern prophets about the Book of Mormon, you can request a free copy of the Book of Mormon and much more.

I personally have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know that it is the Word of God. I know that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I know that he translated the plates and brought forth the Book of Mormon in our day. I know that the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ and that if we read it we can become more Christ-like and draw nearer to our Heavenly Father.

I know that I have received answers to prayers while reading the Book of Mormon. I know that I have found peace in the words of the Book of Mormon. I know that I am happier when I make my studies of the Book of Mormon a greater priority in my life. The Book of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Examplar.

If you'd like to learn more about the Book of Mormon please visit this great site.

Mormon Myths Made Simple

This is a wonderful video that simply explains and clarifies the many myths that are out there about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To watch more videos like this visit MormonsMadeSimple.com .

The Miracle of the Holy Bible

8th Article of Faith:
"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."

Enjoy this wonderful video of "The Miracle of the Bible"


To receive a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon or the Bible among many other DVDs and booklets vist Mormon.org.

What is Faith?

We are supposed to have faith. It is the first principle of the gospel. But do we really even understand what faith is? It is somewhat of an abstract concept.

A while back I set out on a study of faith and shortly after my studies died down with hardly any conclusions made. This last Sunday during Sunday School faith again peaked my interest and I have since done some more studying. I have reached some conclusions but know there is still much to learn about this basic and necessary principle of the gospel.

So here is what I discovered:

My main goal was to come to an understanding of what it truly means to have faith:

The dictionary shares many definitions of faith including the following:

1 - confidence or trust in a person or thing
2 - belief that is not based on proof
3 - belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion

I felt that they all held a portion of what faith entails but I felt like something was missing. I ended up turning to a different type of dictionary, the Bible Dictionary, where I formed my own definition of faith:

A confident belief in something or someone based on correct knowledge, that moves its possessor to some kind of action.

In other words, to have Faith in Jesus Christ is to have confident belief in Him that moves us to be obedient and/or righteous. So I determined that it is not enough to just believe in Jesus Christ, to have faith, we must follow Jesus Christ.

The Bible dictionary shares a lot about What Faith IS:

• Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true.
• Faith is to have confidence in something or someone.
• Faith is a principle of action and power.
• Faith is more than belief.

The Bible dictionary also shares a lot about How to Obtain and Strengthen Faith:

• Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith.
• Strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Faith comes by righteousness.
• All true faith must be based on correct knowledge.
• Faith must be cultured and sought after until it grows from a tiny seed into a great tree.

And lastly, the Bible dictionary shares the Effects of Faith:

• By faith one obtains a remisssion of sins.
• True faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical or mental action.
• Faith carries an assurance of the fulfillment of things hoped for.
• Lack of faith leads to despair, which comes because of iniquity.

Through this process I have started to realize that a principle which I thought I understood I am far from grasping fully.

The remaining portion of this Sunday School lesson we covered the rest of the Fourth Article of Faith which reads:

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I am beginning to realize that there are many aspects of the gospel that are seemingly so simple that I have overlooked the room for greater understanding and application. And faith is definitely one of those seemingly simple principles that I have overlooked.

I challenge us all to look more closely at our gospel knowledge and study out and come to understand the principles and ordinances necessary for our salvation. I challenge us all to share our testimonies more that our words might be the kindling that sparks the beginning of another's faith. I also challenge us all to continue to seek after faith, to culture our faith, and to develop our faith by our obedience.

Coming soon will be a sister post on Hope.

Mormonad: Differences...and 6 of my Quirks

I may have been tagged by my sister but I have a sister-in-law with my same name so I am not super sure. I generally don't get tagged since I don't have a personal or family blog and if I do I wouldn't normally respond but I thought it would be fun (whether I was actually tagged or not) to join in this one and give you a little peek at what I am like. Of course I would feel weird not adding a little spirtual twist so stay tuned to the end of the post for that.



So here are 6 of my quirky habits... I am not going to tag anyone else since most of you that check this blog are complete strangers. Enjoy my weirdnesses and think about the funny quirks you have.

1 - When I can’t sleep I stick my pillow on my head. This began in college when I had a roommate stay up late doing homework with her lamp on (annoying you might think, but she was actually one of my favorite roommates). To block the light I would stick the pillow on my head and now I have no light to block and for some reason it still sends me to the ZZZs a lot quicker when I am having a hard time getting there.

2 - So many of you will think this is crazy but I still bounce my son (just shy of 2 years old) before he goes to sleep. But that is not the quirky part…here’s my quirkiness - I actually count the number of times I bounce him. This habit began when he was younger and a very tough sleeper. I had to determine how many times I would sway back and forth to keep myself sane and know that when I hit that number I would put him down whether he cried or not. Well now it just stuck. I’ve kept counting but the number has decreased. I little OCD, I know.

3 - I actually like some of the cartoons my almost two year old watches on PBS kids. As sad as this may sound I kind of look forward to the song at the beginning of Sid the Science Kid…”I love my Mom.” “Uh-huh” “My Mom is cool.” “Uh-huh” - those of you with kids may know what I am talking about. If we turn it on after the beginning of the show I am actually slightly bummed. It’s catchy, what can I say.

4 - Now this one is pathetic…I am obsessed with checking the stats of this blog. I love to see where the people live that check the blog, how many visits the blog got the previous day, etc. I check every morning. Then if that isn’t enough I check at least 3 different times during the day to see if I have any comments. Sadly most often it is none. Obsessed, I know.

5 - I love words, especially their official meanings. For some reason I really like to look common words up in the dictionary – words that we all really know but I like to hear the official definition. Words like: live, change, continual, etc. There is just something about a good definition that does something for me. :)

6 – I never tuck our sheets in when I make our bed. I hate it when they are tight and you get in and feel like a mummy…I get Claustrophobic I guess. Some would still tuck to make it look nicer but I figure I would just pull them out before bed…why bother.

So you may be thinking, "She's weird" or "I can relate to that" or "How funny". But isn't it great that we are all so different - that we all have different things to add? Isn't it great that we each are unique with different talents, with different quirks, and with different experiences? How would the world be if your quirk was mine and mine was yours and there was no diversity? Well, it would be boring.

President Howard W. Hunter said, We are all different and unique individuals; we have each had different starting points in the race of life; we each have a unique mixture of talents and skills; we each have our own set of challenges and constraints to contend with.

1 Corinthians adds that each individual is needed. We are all a part of one body and without each of us, invidual and unique, our body would not be whole.

1 Corinthians 12:12-21
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one abody, whether we be Jews or bGentiles, whether we be cbond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the ahead to the feet, I have no need of you.

My Words...Never Cease

This is Elder Holland's tesimony of continuing revelation. It is a wonderful video. I too, know that God's words never cease. I know that we can individually receive revelation for ourselves and I also know that The Book of Mormon is a true book and is a testimony that revelation continues today. Enjoy the video of Elder Holland's words.

"My Words...Never Cease"

(click on title to read full text)

Elder Holland

To read from the different books of our
standard works click on the links below:

The Old Testament
The New Testament
The Book of Mormon
The Doctrine and Covenants
The Pearl of Great Price

To receive a free copy of the Book of Mormon click on the link below
then scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Request a Copy:

Free Book of Mormon

If you have any questions you'd like to have answered
by LDS missionaries click on this link:

Live Online Chat with Missionaries

I am a Child of God

Psalms 82:6
All of you are children of the most High.

Wouldn't the way we treat people, our tendency to judge,

and our love for Heavenly Father be strengthened

if we realized this simple scripture...we are ALL children of the most High?

I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.

Jeffrey R. Holland

Teaching and Learning in the Church

"That wonderfully revered Primary hymn

“I Am a Child of God”

has the children singing this request

to parents and teachers:

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
(“I Am a Child of God,” Hymns, no. 301.)

We are all children of God, and we must teach each other;

we must help each other “find the way.” "

"I Am a Child of God"

The Peace the Spirit Brings

So I am going to start off my scripture post with a very recent experience. I had an interesting night last night. It was a night filled with vivid and scary dreams, one in particular. In some ways I feel a little silly because this seems like something that might happen to a young child but I really did feel quite scared. I woke up in the middle of my dream because I was startled and terrified and then whenever I would close my eyes the images of my dream would reappear and my dream would continue. I couldn't stop thinking about my fears and I definitely couldn't fall back to sleep.


I finally decided to start singing some of the Hymns and Primary songs. I also recited my testimony in my head to try to get my mind off of my very realistic dream. I was not filled with peace immediately but as I continued to sing and to recognize my testimony I was able to feel a sense of peace and calmness in my heart.


Because of this experience I thought of this scripture, which is one of my favorites, which reads:
Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I know that the spirit of fear comes from Satan and that through the Spirit of God we are given power and love. If we are obedient and if we invite the Spirit then we can have the Spirit with us always and should have no need to fear.

Jesus Washing the Apostles’ Feet

I really like this picture and story of our Savior. I think it so perfectly depicts his humility and selflessness. It amazes me that just prior to Him suffering for all of us he was thinking about washing His apostles feet. He is our perfect example.

LDS Gospel Art Kit

After Jesus had eaten the Last Supper with His Apostles, He removed His outer robe and put a towel around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and, one by one, began to wash and dry the Apostles’ feet. (See John 13:4–5.)

When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter asked the Lord why He was washing his feet. Jesus told Peter that he would not understand then but that he would know later. Peter said, “Thou needest not to wash my feet” (Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:8). “Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me” (John 13:8). Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9). Jesus told him that He needed only to wash his feet (see John 13:10; Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:10).

Jesus told His Apostles that they were not all clean because He knew one would betray Him (see John 13:10–11).

When Jesus finished washing the Apostles’ feet, He said, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:14–15).

I am Like a Star

What a wonderful and simple song this is.

We need to let our light shine and be examples to all those around us.

I am like a star shining brightly,

Smiling for the whole world to see.

I can do and say happy things each day,

For I know Heav’nly Father loves me.
Words and music: Patricia Kelsey Graham, b. 1940. © 1981 IRI

Matthew 5:14-16

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a

candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Blessed by Obedience

This is another portion of the talk a gave a few weeks ago.

Elder Paul V. Johnson - Every time we are obedient…we reap great blessings. We receive more blessings than we can understand at the time, and we continue to receive blessings long after our initial decision to be obedient.

Here is a list of just 10 of the many blessings that come from being obedient:

1 – PROTECTION AGAINST SATAN
Elder Wirthlin - Willing obedience provides lasting protection against Satan’s alluring and tantalizing temptations.
Elder Ted E. Brewerton - "If we do not obey, the power to obey is lessened. Our capability to recognize good is weakened." If we do obey, then our power to obey is stregthened.

2 – CONSTANT COMPANIONSHIP OF THE HOLY GHOST AND THE GIFT OF PERSONAL REVELATION
Elder Robert D. Hales - Our diligence in keeping the commandments allows the Holy Ghost to dwell within us. We are given the gift of personal revelation. This is a spiritual light that protects us and serves as a beacon, guiding us in righteous ways.” (So with constant obedience you can have the constant Companion of the Spirit.)

3 – ENDOWED WITH POWER
President Benson - "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment, God will endow us with power."

4 – RECEIVE HEAVENLY FATHER’S LOVE
John 14:21 - He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father”

5 – GREATER SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE AND A STRENGTHENED TESTIMONY
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine...
Simple phrase from the friend – I CAN GAIN A TESTIMONY BY BEING OBEDIENT

6 – HAPPINESS AND PEACE
Elder Wirthlin – (When you are obedient)You will enjoy your life more; you will be happier and at peace with yourself because you will know that your life is acceptable to your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

King Benjamin also taught this principle. "I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God, For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. (Mosiah 2:41).

7 – RECEIVE ANSWERS TO PRAYERS
D&C 101:7 They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. So if we are quick to obey, the Lord will be quick to hearken to our prayers.

8 – WE BLESS OTHER’S LIVES
Sister Ardeth G. Kapp: - “When you keep the commandments and follow the Savior’s example, it’s like holding up a light. Your good example helps others to find their way in a darkening world.”

9 – BE BETTER IN EVERTHING WE UNDERTAKE IN LIFE
Elder Wirthlin - In addition to helping you to become better servants of the Lord, obedience…will help you to be better in everything you undertake in life, whether it be your activity in the Church, your family, education, business, profession, science, athletics, or any other worthwhile endeavor…

10 – ETERNAL LIFE
Robery D Hales: “How I love the commandments of the Lord! They guide and protect us and allow us to return back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. If we faithfully obey the commandments, we are promised the blessings of eternal life. Eternal life, “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7), is to be exalted and to live with Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ in all the eternities to come. He dearly wants us to return to Him.

Noah's Ark

Just a fun video of Noah getting all of the animals to the ark.