Pondering the Scriptures Sunday

This will not be a scripture study entry today but because this is a forum for spiritual matters and I'm having spiritual concerns, then I'll share it here.

Simply put I'm physically sluggish, my mind's in disarray, and I'm in a spiritual lull.  In other words, my body, mind, and spirit are out of whack!  When one component is off-kilter the rest goes that way as well.  I have to get myself out of this mess!  So I'm going to brainstorm a list of things to do that will help me to do that ...like the saying goes, a goal not written is just a wish.  This is a wish (get myself out of this mess) that I want to come true and I need to do my part to make it happen.

Here's the list in no particular order:

• Study the scriptures daily for at least 15min.
• Brisk walk for 30 min. a day
• Eat less portions each meal
• Designate a day to clean a certain room/section of the house
• Kneel to pray as often as possible
• Pray in sincere supplication
• Find a book that teaches how to improve memory
• Read a book to my children each night
• Smile and laugh more
• Take time for glamour grooming ..mani/pedicure, fancy hairdo, make-up, perfume, etc
• Give up sodas
• Do service ...random acts of kindness, church duties, community cause, etc.
• Don't get overwhelmed, clean a box/small section of a clutter each day then walk away
• Plan family meals in advance
• Take my blood pressure medicine daily
• Take my blood pressure daily
• Have regular Family Home Evenings
• Designate time or how much time to spend on the computer each day
• Tackle stressful thinking by doing something else relaxing
• Write in my journal regularly
• Take a class for learning and fun ...like: photography, computer, dance, etc.
• Go to the temple regularly
• In essence cut down or eliminate, if possible, any stress!

There's probably more but this is a great start.  Plus, it's late and I'm tired and sleepy.  ~Goodnight!

P.S.  I will leave with you a random scripture verse afterall:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday: Peter and Cornelius

Today's scriptures study is found in the book of Acts chapter 10.  Here we learn about a centurion (officer of the Roman Army, in command of 100 men), named Cornelius.  He was described as a devout man that feared God, gave alms, and prayed always.  One day an angel came to him and told him to send men to fetch Peter in Joppa.  In the meantime Peter praying and very hungry and about to eat, fell into a trance.  He saw the heaven opened and laid before him were many animals.  He was told to kill and eat.  Remembering that he was never to eat anything common or unclean (see Leviticus 11), he refused.  He was then told that "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." (Act 10:15).  Still contemplating on the meaning of his vision, the three men that Cornelius sent came to Peter and told him of Cornelius's vision.  Peter agreed to go with them.  Meanwhile, Cornelius gathered up his family and friends in anticipation of Peter's visit and teachings.  Cornelius overcame by Peter's presence fell down at his feet and worshipped Peter.  Peter took him up and said that he was just a man.  Peter then seeing the multitude came to understand his vision.  See, up to this time the Apostles had been teaching the gospel to the Jews and most of the church members were under the impression that only the Jewish people can be taught the gospel.  Cornelius was not a Jew so Peter preaching to him and to those gathered (Gentiles) was unusual.  However, Peter realized that teaching the gospel is for all .."Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Act 10:34-35).  So Peter preached to these Gentiles and the Holy Ghost fell on them ... and so they were baptized. 

                                                              (courtesy of lds.org)

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19)

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday: Stephen, the Martyr

Sorry I missed last week ..had one of those days.  Anyway, I am going to really try to study the scriptures instead of just reading them.  That was truly the point of this meme but I got lazy and was afraid to offend or sound preachy so I ended up just posting scripture passages and left it at that.  Well, I'm going to make it a study again and be more descriptive. 

Today's study/pondering is about Stephen, the martyr.  His story is found in the book of Acts, chapters 6 and 7.

Here's a summary of Stephen's story:

After the death of Jesus Christ, the Jews thought that miracles and such would end.  However, the Apostles continued the work and followers increased to the point that the Apostles needed help.  Seven men were chosen, one of which was Stephen, "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 6:5).  Stephen preached the gospel and did many wonders and miracles among the people.  But many Jews were angered by his preaching and accused him of blasphemy because they did not believe that Jesus was the Saviour so they brought Stephen before a court of Jewish leaders.  At the trial, Stephen didn't try to defend himself but spoke of the history of Israel and told the people that they weren't obeying Gods commandments.  Those words and stating his vision, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56) angered them enough to take Stephen outside and stoned him to death ... full of the Holy Ghost, Stephen said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.  And when he said this, he fell asleep."  (Acts 7:59-60). 

Stephen's story is an example of a person who believes so strongly in something that he or she gives his life as a witness.  Stephen had a strong testimony of the Godhead and was martyred because of it.

Also we learn about laying on of hands (Acts 6:6) ... All who receive the priesthood are ordained by the laying of hands thus the Apostles gave the the priesthood authority, which they received from Jesus Christ, to the seven men.

What can we learn from Stephen's vision about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?    

LDS answer is found in D&C 130:22

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #48

Today's topic is money.  It's been alluding me lately and with the holidays coming, it's on my mind.  But seriously, many problems stem from it and unfortunately I know too well (not me, a couple close to me).  So here's a few scriptures on the subject:

• Labour not to be rich:  cease from thine own wisdom.  Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.  Proverbs 23: 4-5
• A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.  Psalm 37:16
• Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.  Ecclesiastes 4:6
• But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God:  for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.  Deuteronomy 8:18

Thanks Daylight Saving Time for the extra hour!!  Happy sabbath everyone!!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #47

Several days ago I got to visit a 93 year old woman in a nursing home.  She's quite lucid for her age (comparatively her memory is probably better than mine!). In our conversation she had mentioned that she was ready to die.  She proclaimed that she's not scared to move on because she had read the scriptures and felt comfort.  She stated that she felt good about the time she has spent on earth and looking forward to the next adventure.

That conversation got me thinking about death, so it is today's pondering topic...

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."  Psalm 23:4

Fifty years from now I hope I'm able to say the same thing that my dear friend said ... but just in case I don't have that long, I shall turn to this verse for comfort.

Happy sabbath and have a great week.  :)

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #46

Nope, my computer isn't fixed. It's going to the computer shop tomorrow. Looks like it caught a virus and wiped out quite a chunk of my hard drive. :( ... My hubby's a dear and letting me have a moment with his computer. :)

There is this little  mansion near where I live that is situated in an odd place.  One would not think one was there.  It is hidden among somewhat deep in the midst of ordinary houses.  This got me thinking about the scripture in John that mentioned mansions...

"In my Father's house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you."  John 14:2

Pretty cool.  I get to live in a mansion after all!  Well, at least I'm trying to be worthy to get to heaven.  :D

Let's go claim our mansion!  Hope we're neighbors so we can hang out and talk about books all day long. :)

Have a FUNtastic week!!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #45

Today's scripture came to mind from the closing hymn we sang in church today, Secret Prayer by Hans Henry Petersen.  A lovely hymn and so I wanted to share the scripture that may have inspired the song:

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."  Matthew 6:6

A sincerely and humble prayer to God is quite a blessing/benefit (boon) and heaven reaching as suggested in the chorus of this hymn:

" May my heart be turned to pray, Pray in secret day by day, That this boon to mortals giv'n  May unite my souls with heav'n."

Happy pondering and praying my dear friends!!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #44

This week's scripture comes from part of Christ's conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount.

"Enter ye in the strait gate:  for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."  Matthew 7:13-14

For a bit more clearity, this is what is said in the Book of Mormon:

17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is fone God, without end. Amen.  ~2 Nephi 31: 17-21

Happy Sunday and have a great week!!

2 Mile Walk and Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #43

I have a lot of catching up to do.  I took the opportunity to walk with my BFF at the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes yesterday so with that and other things, I didn't finish the banned books week posts and reads.  Hence, don't be surprise if BBW turns up this week.

By the way, my friend raised $720!  Woot, woot!!!  Sorry no pictures, I look horrible!! .. Okay, maybe for privacy too.  But the image above was my participant number that was pinned on my back.

Okay, now for the Pondering the Scriptures Sunday:

Something to consider passing along to the youth in your life:

"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband..." Proverbs 12:4

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #42

The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king and this is want He said to Samuel in that respect:

"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Ha ha, book-wise this can apply to how one might judge a book by its cover.  Similarly in matter of people ..what's inside a person is where one should look on.

Have a great week!!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #41

Some time after Jesus Christ's resurrection, He appeared to his disciples and said the following:

"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."  Luke 24: 36-39

This is telling of his postmortal appearance ... Christ appears with a body of flesh and bones.  Why is this significant?  Well, it gives us a description of what our state will be when we too will be resurrected ... our spirit united with our body. 

Happy sabbath day!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #40

Brotherly love stands out to me on this particular anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.  The courage and sacrifice that many men and women took to save their fellow men defined the meaning of true heroes.  So, I will repeat the topic already discussed in PTSS #14 but will highlight one in particular:

"Let love be without dissimulation.  Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; ..." Romans 12: 9-10

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #39

Paul extols the high status of charity:

"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up .." 1 Corinthians 13:2-4

Charity (Bible dictionary):

"The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ.  It is never used to denote alms or deeds or benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive."

Happy pondering!!  :)

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #38

Today's scripture is simply stated and profound. 

Jesus is speaking:

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

Have a great week!!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #37

Beyond instincts, the Holy Ghost shines a brighter light.  Here's a few things he provides:

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."  John 14:26

Happy sabbath. :)

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #36

Life seems to be full of trials, temptations, obstacles, hurdles, and such; so today the following verse might be a stop to go to for comfort during those trying times:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:  but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  1 Corinthians 10:13

Yeay, we are not alone and we can pass any test!!!

Happy pondering. :)

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #35

Thank you for your uplifting words last week.  I had a better week ... tiring but better.  Anyway, in honor of friendship, here is today's pondering scripture:

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful"  Proverbs 27:6

Happy pondering!!

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #34

I've been MIA in this meme lately ... having spiritual struggles.  Generally been having plenty of "one of those days", so I've also been sparce in reading and blogging as well.  :( 

Anyway, here's one I need to ponder:

"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."  Psalm 147:3

I sure could use some encouraging words ... got any?  ~Thanks.

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #33

Simply pondering...

"And Levi made him a great feast in his own house:  and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. 

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentence."  Luke 5:29-32

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #32

The United States of America celebrates its Independence Day every fourth of July.  That in mind, I'm thinking about government and found this exhortation from Apostle Paul:

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."  1 Timothy 2:1-2

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!! 

GOD BLESS AMERICA

PEACE BE TO ALL

:)