The new plan

Dusting is almost over. The plan ... to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover as one would a novel. That is the plan. Why not study pieces here and there? I'm not sure.

Taking a break

I've fallen into that slump again so I'll have to pick this up later. I suppose that's how it goes ... you fall, you get up and dust yourself, and then try it again.

Please pray for me. --Thanks.

Conference talks continued

More tearful moments. When you've prepared correctly, like ... pray before the read, comfortable chair and table, be away from too much noise, etc. , then spirit to spirit talks to each other and boom! tears of joy begins to overflow.

I don't know what else to say but try it!

General Conference talks

I have been enjoying reading the recent General Conference talks on the internet as my scripture study, reading a talk each day. It is bringing back warm feelings I felt when I was watching it live. I found myself in tears when I got to Sister Matsumori's (2nd counselor to Primary) talk. She spoke of recognizing the whisperings of the Spirit and there as I read, I was feeling the Holy Ghost bearing testimony of the truthfulness of that I have been reading. I was feeling "the sunshine" that the boy in her story described. This was so because I was providing an environment where the Spirit can be felt as she counseled.

Elder Scott (Qof12) also spoke about the Holy Ghost. I loved his grape/jalapeno analogy. He said, "The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit." He also said that Heavenly Father know that we'd face challenges or decisions beyond our ability to decide correctly so the Holy Ghost is with us to help discern. In my notes, my overall take on this talk with regards to the Spirit was ... listen, listen, listen, hear, hear, hear, act, act, act!

Another talk I found wonderful was President Uchtdorf's (2nd counselor) address about the love of God. Everything he said I found so insightful. I'm having a hard time picking what to point out. In my notes, it said "all!" ... meaning too much to summarize. A meager way to sum is that Pres. Uchtdorf expressed that the love of God for us is intense and by following His commandments we show our love for Him.

Wow, each talk had so much inspiring words! It's overwhelming to condense it all, so I really recommend that you read them ... you're likely to find an answers!

Restoration

From: Preach My Gospel; Ch 3, Lesson 1

From the beginning God, our Heavenly Father, set a pattern of revealing the gospel (God's plan for us to be successful in this life and to return to live with Him) to prophets, men who has been called by and speaks for God. At periods of time people have chosen to reject the prophets and the gospel and so spiritual darkness occurs and God withdraws His authority to administer the Church. Because of such darkness the fullness of the gospel have been distorted. Many good men, such as John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and John Calvin, protested practices of the existing church of their time, which they felt needed to be reformed. However, as previously mentioned, God withdraws His authority to administer the Church so a reformation of an existing church was not what was needed but a restoration of the true church! The Christian world was blessed by the courage and vision of these reformers and also teachings of other religious leaders have helped many people become more civil and ethical, such as Buddha, Confucius, and Mohammed. However, when the circumstances were right, Heavenly Father once again reached out to His children in love and called Joseph Smith as a prophet. Through Joseph, the true church was once again restored in the earth. This church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Our prophet today is the president of this church, Thomas S. Monson. Yes, we have a prophet today! That's awesome!!!

How to pray

I decided to start my scripture studies from the book "Preach My Gospel". The first thing I highlighted in this book was the statement that an "Effective daily study must always begin with prayer" (pg.17). Well, I think generally people know how to pray, but many years ago I as an investigator receiving missionary lessons, I came to learn of a structure of prayer. I learned to kneel, fold my arms, bow my head, close my eyes, then begin by addressing Heavenly Father "Our Father in Heaven, ...". After which, give thanks, make requests/ask questions, then close "In the name of Jesus Christ, amen". Doing this at least in the beginning and at the end of the day. Through the years I've learned further principles found in "Gospel Topics: Prayer" such as pray with meaning by praying with sincerity, real intent, and avoiding vain repetitions. Moreover, using language that shows love and respect like thee, thou, thy, and thine to address God to bring about closeness. Also, to seek guidance and strength and remembering needs of others. Likewise, when making requests we must do all we can to assist in its being granted, eg. if you request to find a job, you must do leg work to try to find one! In sum, prayer is a communication with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. Our prayers should be heartfelt and actively awaiting for His reply.

Preach My Gospel, pg 39
Prayer:
*Address "Our Father in Heaven, ..."
*Express the feelings of your heart (gratitude, questions, requests)
*Close "In the name of Jesus Christ, amen"

Articles of Faith

In my scripture study, I was referred to The Articles of Faith and thought it would be a good idea to have it written here, so if I mention it later it will be easily accessible (I will have the link to this at the sidebar). Plus, this will inform you of the basic beliefs of the LDS church.

THE ARTICLES OF FAITH OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
History of the Church, Vol. 4, pp. 535—541

1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4 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.

5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8 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.

9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory.

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Joseph Smith

The plan

I have many weaknesses but this blog will concentrate on one ... scripture reading. I know, it's a big one! So, finally I'm doing something about it. The inspiration to blog about it came while watching General Conference today. I got so excited and had brainstormed so much ideas that it got overwhelming and I finally settled on the original plan ... to record (once-a-week or as compelled to) what I learn through my scripture study.

A few days ago I set a goal to make scripture study a daily routine. Setting a reasonable goal of studying at least 15 minutes a day. Of course today was the first day I actually did it! In my defense, I set the goal the night before I ended up working back-to-back a 13-15hr shift respectively with 4hrs of sleep in between! OK, making an excuse already! Minor set back, but here's to a new beginning!

Anyway, I am confident that I will stick to this program and know that the promises of great blessings awaits me as I pursue this mission to feast upon the scriptures! I feel that as I strive to learn more about the gospel, all my other weaknesses will be strengths as well. But above all, the joy of knowing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will make me a better disciple, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, cousin, ... person! How cool is that?!!