One of the most famous and talked about sections in the first book of Nephi is Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life along with Nephi’s subsequent vision and explanation of what his father saw. We speak about this vision a lot, and rightly so, as there is so very much to learn from it. … Continue reading The Strait and Narrow Path is Not Straight
Nephi had some really awesome adventures. He was a man of action and he knew how to get stuff done. He got the scriptural records from their murderous cousin, he persuaded another family to join them in the wilderness, he made his own bow after his old one broke, he built a boat and crossed … Continue reading Abusive Relationships in the Book of Mormon, Love Him or Leave Him?
To be totally honest, Nephi is not my favorite. He and I have a troubled past, but he and I are learning to work through our differences. As arrogant as I think Nephi is, there is one thing he has taught me about the awesomeness of humility. Soon after leaving Jerusalem, Lehi tells his sons … Continue reading Is Nephi Arrogant or Humble? The Underlying Confidence Necessary for Powerful Humility
What is the real difference between Nephi and his brothers Laman and Lemuel? We could also ask, what is the difference between someone who is happy in a church and someone who is not. When these stories are taught there is an emphasis on obedience and cheerful work without murmuring. Perhaps I am prone to … Continue reading Revelation, the Cure for Whining
It’s been so long since I’ve posted regularly, mostly because we have been battling a lot of different illnesses at our house this winter. Nothing major, just a lot of viruses and infections, one right after the other. I did a lot of reading (and a lot of Netflix bingeing) but did not have the … Continue reading Destruction as a Path to Salvation and the Importance of Context
My church rotates among our four main books of scriptures every year, and this year’s focus is the Book of Mormon. To begin this year’s study of the Book of Mormon, I started by reading Joseph Smith’s account of what we now call the first vision. I have read his account many times and always … Continue reading Moving Past the Form of Godliness to Claim the Power Thereof
While perfectionism is disconnecting, true perfection requires unity.
A book to help us all find hope in easing the burdens of depression for ourselves, for those we love, and for our whole society by listening and loving each other.
Commandments are ways for us to learn doctrines by living them. Keep yourself in a growth mindset by looking for new things to learn and stop beating yourself up about things you don't understand yet.
We are blessed for living commandments, but not always in predictable ways. When we don't get the blessing we were counting on, we may blame ourselves or Heavenly Father. Using commandments to connect with Heavenly Father, however, will always bring us the blessings of His presence and we will have joy and peace regardless of other circumstances.
