Expectations. Thurs, Jan 29

Thurs, Jan 29th: Joseph Smith—History 1:8–17.

Let's talk about expectations. Expectations can mean peace or chaos. Having the mental and emotional tools to calmly and rationally adjust your expectations in any situation can determine how you feel about outcomes. Is that general enough for you?

What expectations do we have for Heavenly Father and the Savior? Here's what expectations I think Joseph had: none, to begin with. Well, maybe providing needs and blessings. After reading James 1:5: an answer. Perhaps an imminent answer, since the idea that he could ask God a question himself, struck him so strongly. But he really had no guideline as to how an answer would come or why it would come. His expectations were few. I think this in one of the reasons such an incredible, world-changing revelation came to him.

So, here we are, with numerous accounts of revelation and the knowledge that we can receive direct answers from God by direct prayer. We have accounts of revelation coming after much physical pain, like Job. Some that come immediately. Some that are initiated by God and some that are initiated by humans. Some revelations come in response to emergency, some come in quiet moments. Some revelations come because we want to serve, some come because Heavenly Father wants us to serve. Unlike Joseph, we have a step by step process as a guide to receiving revelation, but following each step is not necessarily foolproof or failsafe for anyone. There are all sorts of methods and moments of revelations.

So, if revelations come in such variety, perhaps it would be helpful for us to have few expectations. Only that we will be answered. Of course we can tailor our petitions to our needs, but one thing that we've been told is failsafe in asking for revelation, is to include "Thy will be done." We do not know the mind of God, nor do we know the working of the Savior, the atonement. So, we really cannot not help but include "Thy will be done." But we do our part to ask and then wait with wonder for the answer(s) that will come. Perhaps we should begin our petitions for revelations with: help me to recognize the answer(s) and be open to other possibilities and solutions.

I wouldn't say that our expectations should be low. That has sort of a negative connotation. Just few expectations. As our expectations are based on our knowledge, which is miniscule compared to the knowledge held by the being we're petitioning.

Answers Wed, Jan 28th

Wed, Jan 28th: DC 9

In this section Oliver Cowdery receives his answer as to further translation work. This is the greatest answer ever because it is so real. It's not the fairy tale ending to revelation. It's. . . you asked, I gave a little, you didn't do quite what you needed to do, I took it away so you can figure out what to do, then if you wait and work you can have it back. It's what we seem to live every day.

So, here are things that Oliver is told to do, in answer to his question.
Answer: you will be able to translate other records IF: You are patient. Follow the timeline of the Lord. Don't covet someone else's work or calling/you have a certain calling. Do not murmur, the Lord knows what is best for you. Study, ask and wait for an indentifiable answer. Do not fear. don't yield to temptation. Stand fast in the work you are called to do.

Here's one of the great truths about the Lord: "Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me." You can't just ask God for something and expect that it will appear like magic. You just won't learn the value of what you are trying to ask for or the process of asking. You won't learn anything about yourself and you wouldn't want to work for anything in your life because if it's as easy as asking and receiving all the time, what's the point in working for anything? Sometimes the answers come quickly. Sometimes answers come over years. Sometimes they do not come at all because your not intended to know the answer. The trick is to figure out your peaceful place in existance with any of these possibilities and still come out believing that what you have is what God intends, therefore you can be happy. Clear as mud? Great truth.

Doubt, Tues, Jan 27th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire
Tues, Jan 27th: DC 8

Anbother list for creating an atmosphere for receiving revelation: ask in faith, with an honest heart; believe that you will receive; do not ask for things you shouldn't ask for (which I think is guided by the spirit); doubt not.
Doubt is an interesting notion, especially when the opposite is faith. I think, more often than not, we tend to think of faith as the kind of faith that will move mountatins. And that even having a little bit of doubt negates any faith that we may have had. It do not think this is true. I think of the man who wanted Jesus to cure his son of a dumb spirit, in Mark 9. The Savior said to him "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Then the reply of the father: "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." Was this an admittance of a lack of faith? I think the father admitted to the Lord, his humanity. In essence saying, I believe that the Lord can do all things if it is His will, and then implored the Savior again for help despite his inexperience with the Savior's healing power. So, asking for revelation is asking for something you believe is in tune with the Lord's will, being ready for the answer if it's not or at least not quite the answer you were looking for. We ask in faith, perhaps not knowing that what we will ask for will be received, but having faith in the power of the Savior that is CAN be received, if it is His will.

Answers will come: in your mind and heart by the Spirit. I will post more about receiving answers tomorrow since Oliver receives his answer in sec 9.

Also, one more interesting thing: Joseph and Oliver had not been baptized or received the gift of the Holy Ghost yet. That is one month down the road. Yet the Lord blessed them with the gift of understanding the Holy Ghost.

Revelation, Mon, Jan 26th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire
Mon, Jan 26th: Doctrine and Covenants 6

This section gives some direction as to the necessary atmosphere, purpose and benefits of revelation. It is a revelation given to Oliver Cowdery in beginning to help Joseph translate the plates. After listening to Joseph's family describe the story about the plates Joseph had, Oliver felt strongly that he had a part in translating the plates and in fact (as he told Jospeh after section 6 was given) had a revelation (to which v 22-24 refer).

Here are things that I noticed pertaining to revelation:
Creating atmosphere for revelation: v 5, be prepared to receive and v8 have desire to receive; v 6 keep my commandments, seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion; v7 seek not for riches, but for wisdom; v10 excercise your gifts.

Benefits of revelations: v 5 answers with come; v7 "you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation"; v 11 shalt know mysteries which are great adn marvelous (the doctrine of Christ which will bring salvation); v15 mind will be enlightened.

I was finishing up the section, trying to discover truths about revelation, then I read the last verse. And then read it over again. At this time the Lord is addressing both Joseph and Oliver and they see Him: "Behond the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen." Wow. Talk about revelation. This is interesting to me because, it is less likely that revelation to me will be manifest as in this last verse. However, revelation to me need not be as grandiose (or seemly grandiose to me), because I can be one of those who are blessed because I believe on the testimony of others. As I read that verse, I felt it. Perhaps, not as strong as Joseph and Oliver did in actually experiencing it, but I don't need it to be if I felt the spirit confirm that it really happened (both Joseph's and Oliver's experience and Christ's testament). If I take that feeling, file it in my mind and heart, the mystery of the atonement and the work of the Lord opens up a little more for me. As much as I would like to know everything right now, I can see the wisdom in "line by line, precept by precept." So I suppose that's part of revelation too, being ready to receive it which ever way the Lord wants to send it (I'll post about being receptive to that later), and ready for however much information He wants to give.

Jan 25th - 31st readings

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

We had Stake Conference last week, so I am one week ahead in my readings for our SS class. Hopefully by the end of the year, every one will be on the same page. Nothing's wrong with being ahead though! Please note that the readings for this week are also some of the same readings for next week. This weeks theme is "This is the Spirit of Revelation." Next week's theme is "I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost." So posts and comments will focus on these themes respectively.

Mon, Jan 26th: Doctrine and Covenants 6
Tues, Jan 27th: DC 8
Wed, Jan 28th: DC 9
Thurs, Jan 29th: Joseph Smith—History 1:8–17.
Fri, Jan 30th: Scripture Chain D&C 5:24 D&C 63:23 D&C 9:8 D&C 88:63–64 D&C 25:10
D&C 138:1–11

Thursday, Friday catch-up

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire
Thurs, Jan 22nd:DC 17; 20:5–15; 84:54–62;
Fri, Jan 23rd: Our Heritage,pages 5–10.

I just realized that I didn't blog about two days! Sorry about that!

I find it amazing that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ covered all the bases regarding the veracity of the Book of Mormon. They made sure there were three witnesses who saw the plates and eight witnesses regarded its truthfulness, fulfilled prophecy from Isaiah, fulfilled prophecy from Christ's own mouth and countless other testimonies. Yet, there are so many who claim it as unbelievable.

Here's an out of the blue question that doesn't really matter if there is an answer: When the Urim and Thumim was taken away from Joseph because he let Marin take the transcript, where did the Urim and Thumim go and how was it taken? Just an interesting thing to think about.

I think it's amazing that the Lord knew a portion of the translation would be lost and so prepared a contingency plan, even instructing Mormon to include the plates of Nephi, not really telling Mormon why. Speaking of preparing for accidents, or needful things, it's amazing that Heavenly Father sent people or things Joseph's way just when he needed it, like Joseph Knight Sr. It's nice to trust in an all-knowing God.

How Satan works. Jan 21st

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire
Wed, Jan 21st: DC 10; D&C 17:6 D&C 42:12 D&C 19:26–27 D&C 84:54–58

We just finished the Ute football season with an awesome win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Mark has watched and read many shows and articles about preparing to meet Alabama. The players watched film, studied up on the players strengths and weaknesses and devised a plan to overcome the odds againsts them. And boy did they overcome!! But that's a different subject. The subject at hand is: the Lord is telling Joseph and us about how Satan works. We are to study and observe and then devise a plan to overcome. It is remarkable how much opposition Joseph, his family and others around him had to put up with in order to bring the gospel to light. Some say that the amount of opposition makes an even greater testimony to the truth of this work (did Satan not figure this out?). We would do well to learn from what he had to deal with. Here's what I noticed:

• Satan uses anger as a tool (v 24). How does he create anger?
• He flatters you (v25) . . . appeals to your pride. . . wants to make you think you deserve one thing or another. Then you think in order to preserve your high and mighty status. . .
• He tells you to lie and deceive other people (v 25,28) knowing that if you know you're lying to other people so you can't be trusted, you will assume that other people can't be trusted either (v 28) so. . .
• He points out seeming injustices (v 28) to keep you distrustful and paranoid enough that you only rely on yourself for survival, eventually closing all possibilities of God in your life, because hey! you run the show! Flatter, flatter. . . .

So here's what we're supposed to do:

• Don't run faster than we have strength, but be diligent. Translation to me: The Lord has given you what you've got. If you work with Him to develop what you've got, you're in good condition. If you try to have or get more than what He has given you, it's false. Because strength doesn't come from what you get for yourself, but what you develop with the Lord. (v4)
• Pray always. This does not consist of muttering "amen" under your breath every five minutes. This means live in such a way that your life is an offering to the Lord in addition to formal prayer. (v5)
• Be obedient to the Lord's direction and leave judgement up to Him (v37)
• Read and remember the words of the Savior (v70)
• Read the Book of Mormon and do accordingly (84:54-58)

I don't know if anyone is really reading my posts every day, but I'm getting a lot out of the readings. It's been extremely helpful for me to break up the readings by day. It doesn't seem as insurmountable. Good stuff.

Walk uprightly. Jan 20th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire
Tues, Jan 20th: DC 5; D&C 1:29 D&C 20:8–15 D&C 3:18–20 D&C 33:16

Everything will be revealed through Joseph Smith. "But this generation shall have my word thorugh you." If many people have a problem with Joseph Smith, I wonder how the world would prefer to know the word of God. I guess I know the answer to that.

These verses are very interesting to me, which really doesn't have much to do with the topic this week, the Book of Mormon, but worthy thought nonetheless (well worthy according to me):

5:21 And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more; 22 And that you be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith I have commanded you; and if you do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, even if you should be slain.

Joseph is commanded to repent and walk more uprightly and in the next verse is told that if he does this he is granted eternal life. I just had a conversation with some good friends about this. When I was in the MTC, one of my teachers asked our district if we were to die right now, how many of us believe we would be in the celestial kingdom. There were only a few of us who raised our hand. The friends that I discussed this with last night have asked this question to seminary classes and high priest groups and received the same response. Most people believed that if they were to die that moment they would go to the terrestrial kingdom. This is not truth and feelings not based on the doctrine of the atonement or plan of salvation. This promise Joseph was given is the same one we have. If we repent and walk more uprightly we are granted eternal life. Repentance is two things, I think. First, it is an event in time employed for a specific action, thought or non-action. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it is a frame of mind, a way of being, that keeps you on or at the very least within a few feet of the path of the plan of salvation. You have to want to do what's right. Sometimes, for whatever reason, you may not do what is right, but I don't believe that kicks you right into the great and spacious building immediately (Lisa's doctrine), without a pass for return. If you desire to do what is right because you just know that you will be happier, but just don't know exactly how to get there or haven't mustered the self-discipline to get there, hang on to that small desire to do what is right and start walking a little more uprightly everyday, even if you make the mistake again. Just don't give up trying to walk uprightly.

"If you be firm in keeping the commandments." What commandments? The Ten Commandments? Every single direction from the Lord? Consider that repentance is a commandment. Really. How many times in the scriptures are we commanded to repent? There are a lot, more than the Ten Commandments are listed. So, if you have broken one or many of the Big Ten, or any others, consider start keeping commandments again with this one: "Repent." I think this is a wonderful doctrine: that Heavenly Father gives us laws to abide by and consequences for breaking those laws so that we may have something to guide our lives by. What are the consequences for stealing or bearing false witness or not honoring father and mother? Jailtime and whatnot. What are the consequences for breaking the commandment to repent? We will not be granted eternal life. A little more serious than jailtime. It's funny though that keeping the commandment to repent is one of the hardest things to do. It requires us to come to ourselves, to admit that we've been stupid and self-serving and that we really didn't know what we were doing. These are hard things to admit because we so desperately want to own success and individuality and whatever else makes us feel good for the moment. But if we really want the kind of joy that The God in Heaven is offering, we've got to admit these things to ourselves, to Him and walk a little more uprightly.

I suppose it's more on topic than I thought, as one of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to help people repent.

Also, 20:8-15 is quite the proclamation.

Personalized DC, Jan 19th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

Mon, Jan 19th: Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65; Doctrine and Covenants 3;

One of the great things about the Doctrine and Covenants is, it is extremely personal. It is a group of revelations given to people that lived not so long ago. The Bible is a record of commandments, a record of the dealings of the Lord with people who were living the Law of Moses. The Book of Mormon is a record of the dealings with people who were first living the law of Moses and then the Law of Christ, with a little more of a story line and definately more information about doctrine. The Doctrine and Covenants contains direct revelations about problems people are having, questions about doctrine and administration and even personality and social issues.

Here are the issues that I picked up on in this reading that relate to issues I've had, have or probably will have:

• Trying to live with persecution and still do what's right,
• Having the patience to wait for answers to prayers - I am amazed that Joseph said that he "had full confidence in obtaining a diving manifestation, as I previously had" . . . THREE years later.
• Trying to understand acient scipture and having to read it at least four times for it to start to sink in and then finally receiveing confirmation that it is of God.
• Doing what you need to to make life work with your Spouse (I find it interesting that Joseph received the plates after he got married. Not that Joseph was given the instruction to be married or you won't receive the plates, but I'm glad that he had someone committed to him when the persecution began to thicken).
• Having delightful, spontaneous, unforseen blessings come into your life, like Martin Harris' $50.
• Wanting to give something to someone so badly, for whatever reason, doing it, then realizing afterward it was the wrong thing to do.
• Realizing that thinking too much about yourself has been preventing your progress and in fact sometimes reversing your growth.
• Fearing man more than God is sometimes a really hard thing to get over. Because humans are in your presence and tangible and human relationships often have immediate consequences. The consequences of spiritual decline are sometimes not noticed at first because your knowledge of salvation is assumed to be the same thing as faith. What a bold reminder for Joseph Smith, after having suffered much persecution and wanting something so much, that seemed so reasonable.

What an amazing experience, the realization of the Book of Mormon is. As is all of Joseph's life. Were it not for the Spirit tesitfying to me of it's truth and the doctrines from Joseph and the Book of Mormon that ring true to me, it would seem the things fantasy and fiction are made of.

Jan 18-23 readings

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

Mon, Jan 19th: Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65; Doctrine and Covenants 3;
Tues, Jan 20th: DC 5; D&C 1:29 D&C 20:8–15 D&C 3:18–20 D&C 33:16
Wed, Jan 21st: DC 10; D&C 17:6 D&C 42:12 D&C 19:26–27 D&C 84:54–58
Thurs, Jan 22nd:DC 17; 20:5–15; 84:54–62;
Fri, Jan 23rd: Our Heritage,pages 5–10.

Longer readings this week, but they are about the Book of Mormon!

Thurs, Jan 15th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire
Thurs, Jan 15th: Our Heritage,pages 1–4

I don't know how many times I've heard the story of Joseph Smith's leg surgery. I never connected the importance that it played in developing the necessary character he needed to receive the first vision. I imagine that such an experience was completely humbling. His mother, in the reading, mentioned that Joseph was given to much reflection concerning his immortal soul. I wonder if the surgery experience influenced this reflection. In my life, with diabetes, I think about my mortality and immortality every day. I imagine anyone who has any sort of disability or takes medicine for anything would also think of their immortality/mortality often.

It really is amazing how things that happen to you physically and spiritually prepare you for whatever happens with the rest of your life. I'm not saying the Heavenly Father caused the severe infection, any more than he caused me to have diabetes. I believe that if it wasn't an infection though, something else would have happened to cause him to learn much the same lesson. We are, afterall, human, subject to the consequences of our own choices, other's choices and whatever our bodies are subject to.

I'm so glad Joseph found an answer to his question, which answered many other question.

Wednesday, Jan 14th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire
Wed, Jan 14th: Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26

If I could bottle up Joseph Smith and put a label on it, it would say: INTEGRITY!!! Whether you are for or against Joseph Smith, you must admit, he had integrity.

These are possibly my favorite verses in JS-H (besides the obvious ones):

25 So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.

26 I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian world was concerned—that it was not my duty to join with any of them, but to continue as I was until further directed. I had found the testimony of James to be true—that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not be upbraided.

These verses have been an achor to my faith. One of the benefits of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, is to bring to our remembrance all things. These verses, along with the Holy Ghost, helps me remember why I believe what I believe, in the face of adversity. When it would seem much easier to choose a different way, in the end, I come to what Joseph Smith came to: what I have experienced in my life physically, spiritually and temporally is because of my Father in Heaven, and if I choose a different way I would offend God and would really not be true to myself.

Joseph Smith is an amazing example of intergrity, being true to others, but mostly being true to himself.

Comments for Jan 12 and 13th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire
Mon, Jan 12th: Amos 8:11–12, D&C 1:14–17 ,Acts 3:20–21, D&C 128:20–21
Tues, Jan 13th: Acts 20:28–30; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 4:3–4, Mormon 1:13–14

When we read and talk about the apostasy, I am always amazed at how it is part of the plan, the plan of salvation that is. The apostasy is part of the plan of salvation. This reminds me of the concept we learn when Nephi kills Laban: it is better for one man to perish than a whole nation. So, applied to the apostasy, it would be something like: it is better for generations to be in darkness than for people of all times to go without light.

I was impressed that in Amos the Lord says: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord." Whether the spiritual famine was a result of the people making choices that lead to apostasy, or the Lord just knew there needed to be a famine, or really a combination of both, I find it oddly comforting that it's part of a plan. I say oddly comforting because it seems that I shouldn't take comfort in a whole generation of people in darkness. Really, the only comforting thing is that it is part of the plan and that those who lived during that time will be judged according to what they knew, just like we are, and if they haven't already received spiritual light, I know they will be given the opportunity (which is really a whole different discussion where family history and gathering names is concerned, because records were not well kept at the time). Perhaps I should be grateful for those who had to live in gospel darkness just like I'm grateful for the pioneers to progress the gospel light.

Yup, I think that is a great thing to be grateful about, those people and the hope that I have for them and me because they set up the time for the restoration of light so that I can have that hope. Kind of a paradigm, or conundrum or something like that.

Just as a side note, I'm always a little amused when the scriptures refer to time passage. Like Acts 20:29 "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." I find it a little amusing because when I hear after, I think right after. But after to the Lord means from the time after His death to 1820. One thousand eight hundred twenty years after his death, maybe minus 33. I went through this period of time when I was younger, with fear in my heart that the coming of the Lord was nigh. Plus it seemed to be a popular notion to freak us out by saying something like: if the Lord were to come today would you be ready? If the Lord were to walk into your kitchen what would He think? I was very relieved to realize that the time of the Lord is looooong compared to my reckoning. Not that I don't need to work to have oil in my lamp, but I realize now that the Lord doesn't want me to live in fear, but live in faith (and he really doens't care what my kitchen looks like). I suppose I needed to feel a little of the fear, but just enough to prompt me to feel greater faith. I like living in the greater faith andswering questions like how? and what? and why? Instead of living in the fear of: when? That was a longer side note than intended and may not be completely relevant to the subject, but just a wild thought.

Mon Jan 12th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire
Mon, Jan 12th: Amos 8:11–12, D&C 1:14–17 ,Acts 3:20–21, D&C 128:20–21

I think I will do a write up tommorw. After reading the scriptures for today and tomorrow, they really go together. So, for today think about how the Apostacy fits into the Plan of Salvation and operating on the Lord's time.

It's kind of nice to have short readings, I think. They don't take long, but doing it makes me feel like I'm accomplishing enough to be participative. I love that the verses in the links are highlighted too!

Jan 12-16 readings

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

Mon, Jan 12th: Amos 8:11–12, D&C 1:14–17 ,Acts 3:20–21, D&C 128:20–21

Tues, Jan 13th: Acts 20:28–30; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 4:3–4, Mormon 1:13–14

Wed, Jan 14th: Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26

Thurs, Jan 15th: Our Heritage,pages 1–4

Fairly short readings this week, but good topics!

Thurs, Jan 8th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

Thurs, Jan 8th: Scripture chain about the roles and attributes of the Savior: D&C 6:20–21 D&C 45:3–5 D&C 6:32–37 D&C 50:44 D&C 19:1–3D&C 93:5–19 D&C 29:1–2 D&C 133:42–52 D&C 38:1–3

I've been part of conversations about the relationship of God and Jesus Christ to man, where concern cropped about humanizing both. Man has an innate desire to make Holy Beings more human in order to relate to them, or understand them better, or to take the mystery out of Godhood, so that we really can have all the answers. I can understand the appeal in that. Having all the answers is very appealing, then we don't need anyone else, we are not insecure and vulnerable. Which is precisely why Heavenly Father hasn't given us all the answers. In Monday's readings the Lord told us that He will tell us the mystery of Godhood. Technically, he tells us the components of the mystery, not exactly the mechanics of the components, like how exactly you can go from sinning, guilt and remorse to peace. But I suppose right now, I only need to know the components and the mystery is what keeps me coming back for more (whether I like it or not).


This scripture chain is a great example of the combination of human attributes of Christ, and the Godly attributes of Christ. Or, things we can understand because we're human and we've experienced them vs. things we know only because we've been told and therefore must have faith in. For instance, "I will encircle thee in the arms of my love" vs. "I am the alpha and omega," "who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens" vs. "all things are present before mine eyes."


These scriptures remind me to strive to know God, but that I don't need to know everything. That Christ is my brother but also part of a Godhead. That I need to seek for His empathy because that's part of the healing and progress, but to honor and respect the mystery of Godhood and be thankful that even though I don't know all the how's, the atonement just works.

Wednesday, Jan 7th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire


Wednesday, Jan. 7th reading: D&C 18:11–12; 19:16–17, 20; 58:42; 76:62–70

SS question: What do these passages teach about the blessings we can receive through the Savior's Atonement?

SS Answer: We can be forgiven for our sins, we do not have to suffer as much as we could, we can dwell with God and Jesus Christ forever.

My thoughts: I love this verse: 76:69 These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood. I think sometimes when we talk about the atonement, we focus on the repentance process alone. We certainly need that, of course. But, I have been interested the last five years or so, in the parts of the atonement that do not involve the Bishop or asking for forgiveness (though I'm sure all facets of the atonement are intertwined).

I, trying to be a recovering perfectionist (how about that for definite resolution), love the doctrine that a "just" woman/man can be made perfect through Jesus. I should not require myself to be perfect, only to be just. That takes a load off, you know? Not that being just isn't a high bar, but being just seems to allow for personality, circumstance and history, it implies a work-with-me kind of feeling. The word perfection, to me, is a scary dictator. For this life anyway.

So, what doesn it mean to be just? One of the references is D&C 138: 12 : And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality. Being faithful in the testimony of Jesus. I can do that. That is attainable, though of course I will need the help of the Savior and the Spirit to do it and other stuff like enduring to the end and being nice and performing the actions of faith. If I really try to be just and faithful then I will be made perfect through the Savior. Here's the goal: This life: just. Next life: perfect. This is the hope the atonement gives me, or one part of the hope that it gives me. And that just makes me happy, even joyful!

Tues, Jan 6th

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

Readings for Tues, Jan 6th: D&C 88:14–18; 93:33; Alma 11:42–44

I can see the wisdom in using a thematic approach to the DC this year. There are so many topics covered in one section, that it's kind of nice to focus on a topic rather than try to fit in all the topics in a lesson. I discovered today the the Class Member Study Guide readings do not include all the readings in the teacher manual. I'm OK with that if you are!

So the question for this group of scriptures is: What can you learn about the Resurrection from these passages? Here are the Sunday School answers: spirit and body are reunited, prepares us for celestial glory and joy, all people will be resurrected.

Here are my thoughts: When I was younger, I believed that my spirit and soul were the same thing and my body was a seperate thing altogether. I remember when I learned that my soul was the combination of my spirit and body, a light turned on. Aha! To me, this is a beautiful truth and the doctrine of the resurrection makes it pristinely beautiful. I have a greater appreciation and respect for my body (diabetes, large thighs and all) because it is a part of my soul. My body and spirit are to work together to edify each part, now and for eternity.

Digression: this sort of reminds me of a popular (though mean) saying when I was younger. When looking at a person who, shall we say, didn't look like a supermodel, we might say, "he/she is a sweet spirit," trying to make an insult sound good. Thinking about this in regards to the soul (spirit/body combo), it is completely incorrect, not to mention being more shallow than the puddle one raindrop makes. I won't go off on judging other people by their looks, but hopefully the doctrine of the resurrection brings a little more comfort to how we feel about ourselves right now. Our bodies (as imperfect as they may be, which is relative) and our spirits are a great working organism, that when they are separated at death, need the other to get to the place Heavenly Father wants us to be. We have been given spirits, we have been given bodies, we would be ingrateful not to respect both. I am happy to know that there is a purpose for both, which the Savior has provided, both now and after this life. Now I need to do my part in caring for both, because it seems what care benefits one, benefits the other.

Mon, Jan 5th, Section 19 (readings for the week below this post)

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

January 5th: Section 19 The suggested reading are verses 1-3, 16-20. But I suggest reading the whole section. Keep in mind while you read this section that it is a revelation for Martin Harris 2 years after the lost manuscript incident. He wanted to know what his standing was with God and section 19 is his answer. I suggest reading it as if you were Martin Harris. I believe it is highly applicable, as there are few of us who have not had the need for repentance and maybe put it off a while.

The title of this lesson is "Behold, I Am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World." I was really blown away reading this through the perspective of what I think Martin Harris must have had. Imagine after two years of anguish over losing pages of manuscript straight from God and having the guts to ask Joseph Smith to see what his standing is with God. Then he gets the MEAT of the gospel of Jesus Christ, from Jesus Christ. Again, this could be viewed as a fire and brimstone kind of lesson. But as I finished all of the section, I thought it seemed more like the Lord trying to convince Martin Harris to stop doubting, just repent (which the DC manual points out as not just stopping sin, but moving on to do better things), "learn of me and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my spirit; and you shall have peace in me." Certainly a loving rebuke and encouragement.

Applying to the theme of the lesson, I don't think there is a better description of what Jesus Christ did for us than the one He offers Himself. I love in vs 8 that He says "I will explain unto you this mystery" and also vs 10 "For, behold, the myster of godliness, how great it is!" Explains the punishment is endless and eternal (I'm taking punishment to mean teaching), then commands Martin to repent and then explains the mystery of godliness, or perhaps the mystery of godliness includes exacting punishment as well as the act of the atonement.

And this just pricks my heart:
38 Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.
39 Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness?
40 Or canst thou run about longer as a blind guide?
41 Or canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me? Yea, come unto me thy Savior. Amen.

And then what does he go and do? Good lesson for us all, huh? The DC manual said something about doubting is fine if it leads to learning something better, but if your doubts become your obsession, that is a sin in itself.

If you are interested, here is a quick history of Martin Harris, from the "I Have a Question" portion of the Ensign in 1979 ( you will need to scroll down a bit).

Jan 4th - 10th readings

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

After attending Sunday School today, I realized a few things: first, that the lessons for the DC are thematic, that is we're not reading the DC straight through, and second, you will need to be patient with me as I try to make this blog and the information easily accessible. If you have any suggestions at all, I am very open to them. Regarding the thematic teaching style, since the suggested readings are broken up and sometimes not in complete sections, I will try to read ahead and figure out if reading the whole section will give better understanding (as in Monday's reading).

Also, I just wanted to make sure that it is known this blog is in no way a replacement for Sunday School, just a venue for discussion.

Here are the readings for this week:
Mon, Jan 5th: Section 19 The suggested reading are verses 1-3, 16-20. But I suggest reading the whole section. Keep in mind while you read this section that it is a revelation for Martin Harris 2 years after the lost manuscript incident. He wanted to know what his standing was with God and section 19 is his answer. I suggest reading it as if you were Martin Harris. I believe it is highly applicable, as there are few of us who have not had the need for repentance and maybe put it off a while.

Tues, Jan 6th: Read D&C 88:14–18; 93:33; Alma 11:42–44.

Wed, Jan 7th: Read D&C 18:11–12; 19:16–17, 20; 58:42; 76:62–70.

Thurs, Jan 8th: Scripture chain about the roles and attributes of the Savior: D&C 6:20–21 D&C 45:3–5 D&C 6:32–37 D&C 50:44 D&C 19:1–3
D&C 93:5–19 D&C 29:1–2 D&C 133:42–52 D&C 38:1–3

DC Section 1

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

Wow. Can you say black and white? You know, we make fun of the fire and brinstone preachers sometimes, but as I read this, that's what entered my mind. But then I thought better or that thought and re-read this section using a "teaching voice" delivery and I got more of a I-love-you-so-much-that-I-want-to-prepare-you feeling. But the underlying feeling is: this is serious business. "Who's on the Lord's side, who?" type of deal.

The great thing about this section is it assigns us a purpose. Life is really not "eat, drink and be merry." The Lord tells us that we have a mission, a purpose: to progress (this implies work), and in that progression we will find joy. If we digress we can repent (I find it interesting that it is a direct promise - if you repent, you will be forgiven. End of story.), but you've got to keep trying to progress.

I am going to digress from progress, and talk a bit about what we think we deserve. I'm debating on deleting the word "deserve" from my vocabulary. I think it has gotten me and many people into personal digression. There are small things that we think we deserve, which I suppose it Ok: a dish of ice cream after a long day, for instance. But if you start thinking you deserve it every day, and the portions get bigger and bigger, you find yourself in a bit of digression in other areas of your life. Sometimes I think when we start believing we deserve something the object of our activity becomes on what we deserve not on our activity. Our object needs to be what is gained in the process, not what the process deserves. So, "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel." Finished with digression, both in this paragraph and hopefully in my life.

This is the golden line for the day: "I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh."

What did you discover?

Introduction to Our Heritage

Explanation of this blog: Another iron in the fire

This is a great introduction. One of my pet peeves, when talking about the Mormon pioneers, is when someone says something like: They were so strong, I just don't think I could go through something like that. . . . or. . . . they had so much more faith than we need to have today. Bah. Which is why I like this sentence from the introduction to Our Heritage: "As we learn more about the faith of those who have gone before us, we can better understand those with whom we have joined hands in bearing witness of the Savior and helping to establish his kingdom."

We are joining hands with those who have gone before us. We have different missions/jobs/purposes, but we're all in it for the same thing. Let's just do a little better than we did yesterday to be better witnesses of Christ.

I was also impressed by how much we rely on the testimony of the prophets and apostles. I'm reminded of the scripture that says something like blessed are those who believe on the words of other (concerning Christ). I have faith that these testimonies are true. I realize that having such faith would make me vulnerable in the eyes of some because I do not have solid proof. But being vulnerable, I think, is part of being humble. And boy am I humble! Ha. Ha. So maintaining faith is maintaining the possibility of being taught, learning something new, admitting that you don't KNOW it all, but you know who does! In my estimation anyway.