Dear Mission Family

I have so many things going through my head right now. Essentially I just want the world to know and the Lord to know how much I love the Lord and how forever grateful I am to have had the great thrill of serving a mission. It has been the greatest 2 years of my entire life. I love missionary work! I know that it is the work of the Lord. I couldn't be happier. I have been so blessed throughout my mission the people that I have taught and met with have changed my life forever. I love California it owns my heart. I think my heart has grown at least ten sizes these last two years. If there would be one decision that I am happy and grateful I made it has been the decision I made to serve a mission. You know how all of us have something deep in the heart of our testimony that burns just a little stronger then other things. Whether its a power of prayer or the scriptures its different for each person. Well missionary work is right there in the heart of my testimony, and its not just because I'm wearing a name tag right now. When the Lord called me on a mission to years ago it was forever! I am a changed person now and I love it! The past two years have been the best. 

My favorite area would have to be when I was serving either hear in Vacaville because the word is really amazing. Over in Santa Rosa Shiloh park ward were I became so close to those that I was serving like the ward my converts and my companion Elder Buchan. I am so close to the people I taught there and there are some priest that I really saw there lives change. Lots of lives have been changed! Including my own. I am so grateful I have had such a wonderful springboard to the rest of my life of priesthood service in the church  I love Petaluma too. I was a greenie there so I always think I wasn't really as much understanding what was all going on but I have been able to see 2 of the people I taught there that got baptized. One is sealed in the temple now and one still does baptisms for the dead often. While I served in Crescent city I went through the furnace of affliction for sure, it was a trial that I wouldn't want to go back to but that I am so grateful for. In Vellejo I had some of the greatest times and had the greatest companion Elder Ramiah. He is the best. I will never forget the times when lives have been changed even saved at some times. I'm going to miss serving the missionaries the most I think sometimes. Being a leader on the mission has been such a great blessing. The missionaries are so great, I admire them, they are magnificent  I love them. There has been hard times, times that were so funny like when my companion complimented some guys dogs name that he didn't know because I had just told him my dogs name was Newman  Or the times that were tough and I felt like the world was against me. It seemed no body liked us. I love the people here, so many of them are just to "spiritual" for us. (that means one of two things they do yoga or they smoke pot) I LOVE THEM!  But being yelled at was heard but soo worth it! The times I remember most is times when the spirit would guide me. Times when it has truly filled my mouth and helped me solve my investigators concerns. Times when I could think of nothing but how much I love these people and the Lord. I love the scriptures too. I just couldn't be more grateful for all the things Heavenly Father has done fore me. It's amazing. I love my mission I thought this was something I was doing for God I realize now this is something He is doing for me. I don't have any more time and I have to go but I want you and Heavenly father and everyone else. I LOVE MY MISSION, I AM GRATEFUL FOR IT, I WILL ALWAYS BE A MISSIONARY. That is what I am and what I do. I love you all! I will be seeing you soon. I look forward to it.

Quest of Gratitude 100 things I'm grateful for!

I've decided to go on a quest of gratitude and share with you an activity that a start and never complete every night! This is inspired from Hermana Courtney Anderson, Elder Rumesh RamiahElder Daniel Wood Who have all played a part in helping me come up with this idea of expressing my gratitude.

I have decided to for next 10 days to list 10 things that I am grateful for each day so that I will have 100 things that I get to share with the world what I am grateful for.


1-10 "Missionaries that I am grateful for"

1. Jon Bunker and Susan Stewart Bunker who served as my first Mission President and wife and changed my life forever.

2. Rene Alba and Kathie Alba who are now my Mission President and wife who bring me so much happiness.

3. Elder Ramiah who is one of my favorite people in the world and is such a great companion. I LOVE MY SRI LANKAN FOREIGNER!

4. Elder Courtland Buchan who gave me some of the funnest times of my mission and taught me how to have greater love.

5. Elder Lee Hanson who has been a very close friend of mine. He is a spiritual giant and has given me so much good advice for life!

6. Trey Williams who was my trainer and great friend. Someone I always want to Honor my mission father!

7. Elder Danial Pilkington who has become my best buddy in the world and listen and loved me like no other! SO CHARITABLE!

8.My current Compaion Elder Wood who was an answer to prayer and is teaching me so much!

9. Every Sister missionary that I have ever served with as District Leader or Zone Leader. Sister Anderson, Skroski, Garo, Erlebach, Hyde, Mckay, Fenn, Williamson and Powell.

10. Elder Robert Vomicil who has always made me feel like a million bucks and showed a great example of knowledge faith and confidence etc.

I LOVE EVERYONE SOOO MUCH THOUGH SORRY IM LIMITED TO TEN!!!

#2 of my Quest of Gratitude naming 100 things!

11-20 "People from home that I am grateful for"

11. My mom, Julie Millard she is my best friend. I love her so much it hurts!

12. My best friend Bryce Whiteley who I have always had a blast with through the years.

13. Orderville 1st ward old Bishop, Shane Frost. He helped me so much as I prepared for a mission.

14. My other best friend Jeff Cox who loved me unconditional of anything that I've ever done. He is awesome.

15. My Grandpa Gary and Grandma Rose. They are who I want to be when I grow up. They are definitely celebration to me.

16. My Sister April who is so carrying but just sharp enough to be the oldest of three boys.

17. My brother Jake who is way to cool for me sometimes but as taught me about gospel knowledge and trusted me like no other.

18. My Grandma and Grandpa Kelley who love me like so much, and always keep in contact.

19. All my cousins and extended family who I always have a blast with. Lauren Venessa Victoria Lisa etc.....

20. Every other friend of mine! I'm cant pick them out they are all to special to me. Even though Orderville my home time is tiny I manage to be friends with the whole town! All 350 of them and then some.

I love being grateful! Stay tuned!

#3 of my Quest of Gratitude of 100 things!

21-30 "Things about the mission that I am grateful for"

21. You have a companion, you never have to be alone! ( I hate being alone)

22. Almost all members and missionaries LOVE YOU!

23. We obtain super powers to LOVE EVERYONE!

24. We teach from the heart about somethings we really care about JESUS!

25. We get to Study the Lds Scriptures.

26. We own the public. (there is no door, side walk, crosswalk, neighborhood, Street or public place that we don't go to.)

27. I'm rarely ever hungry because we always specifically plan for eating at noon and 5.

28. We always look good. (more then once I've had young kids ask if I actually sleep in my shirt and tie!... I said we did ;)

29. Sometimes when I talk I quote scripture with out even meaning to. I love it when that happens.

30. The lessons we learn, the people we teach, the friends you make, YOUR FAMILY THAT GROWS!

#4 of my Quest of Gratitude of 100 things!

31-40 "People (not missionaries) That I am grateful for from the mission"

31. Vivianna Estrella Rael who was the biggest snot until Heavenly Father softened her heart and now is the coolest girl ever.

32. Cheryl Rardin who is full of faith, such a diligent and charitable person. I met her when I was green as they get!

33. Chris Martinezz who was such a miracle. A man who can really feel the spirit.

34. Scott Satterfield the most knowledge able and service oriented ward mission leader around.

35. Sister Dixon who was my other mother when i started the mission. Sweet as they come she is! (Ava Dixon is her daughter)

36. Chris Comyns unbeatable faith! A man who trust God so much.

37. Sister Denise Valentina Olson who made Crescent city such a great experience!

38. Rob Roberts the most giving person ever. Where I learned my way around taco bell due to our many visits. Thanks Rob!

39. Ben Taua Striplin a future missionary and such a full of faith and independent person.

40. EVERYONE ELSE! Bishop Tanner Bishop Cupp Bishop , Bishop Christianson Bishop Andraus All my past ward mission learders RS presidents and the Brigett Daniels LaBiers! the Amy Ambridge, The Donahues in CC, Keysha Clark sister karr, The Hardistys and EVERYONE! LOVE YOU ALL!

#5 of my Quest of Gratitude of 100 things! Feel free to add your own below!

41-50 "Things about today that I am grateful for"

41. I was reunited with my companion after a long exchange.

42. I got to have interviews with our mission President and it made me feel like a million bucks!

43. Elder Andrew Pelton became my newest close friend from the mission and is a extremely excellent missionary!

44. I had a decent personal study that made me feel pretty smart:)

45. I got to invite someone to learn more about the savior Jesus Christ and it made me feel great!

46. I got to talk with some super cool missionaries at the church Namely Sister-Jenna Erlebach Elder Silvester, Sister-Alex Williamson, Elder Matthew Kjar and Elder Tomson, Pelton, skidmore and blowers.

47. I didnt die of heat exhaustion even though I felt like I might have haha.

48. I got to talk on our cool Bluetooth in our car which is always cool.

49. I laughed and got to talk about old times. I was also told to be more forgiving of myself so I dont have to feel so bad anymore!

50. I still didnt have a diet coke yet and enjoyed a really great drink called ICE.

#6 of my Quest of Gratitude feel free to share your thoughts!

51-60 "People that have passed on that I'm grateful for"

51. Joseph Smith who in a round about sorta way brought me here on my mission to serve for 2 years.

52. My great great Grandpa Neeleman who was baptized in Holland and immigrated to Utah.

53. My great +8 grandmother (I think) who was baptized right during the beginning times.

54. My Dog Newman who just died that was my good buddy and loved to be fed and comfortable.

55. William Tyndale who translated the bible to english.

56. Jesus Christ who now lives again but is my savior and master!

57. John Wycliffe who also helped translate the bible to english.

58. George Washington who was inspired by the Lord as he founded out great country.

59. Gordon B. Hinkley who was the Prophet as I was growing up and always made me happy.

60. Everyone else who has ever died for our country and help to bring the world its truth. EVERYONE REALLY I LOVE YOU ALL!

#7 of my Quest of Gratitude

61-70 "Things I'm grateful that I learned so far on my mission"

61. Life really is what you make it.

62. There is a lot of things you can do on bikes.

63. You can always push more then you thought you could.

64. Never complain about problems until you have ideas to fix them yourself.

65. Mighty Pray helps.

66. You skill and ability isn't as important to the Lord as your willingness to do it is.

67. Love is the medicine to all things.

68. If you don't adapt to people's "things" they will always drive you crazy.

69. We should never forget the Book of Mormon.

70. Miracles really do happen all the time.

#8 of my Quest of Gratitude

71-80 "Material things that I am grateful for"

71- Facebook big time. Many many people have been taught the gospel from it.

72- Our awesome corrola that has bluetooth and USB music input so that I have endless Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

73- My ties.

74- My camera so that I can savor the moments of my wonderful mission.

75- Email. I was able to hear from my mom today and she is my best friend.

76- Air conditioning...Ukiah is HOT!

75- Movies they are the best!

77- Acutually my desk is one of them two. I have I think the second best desk I have had on my entire mission.

78- Phone, I love all forms of communication really its the best. I love texting and calling people I love.. can you hear me now GOOD!

79- My Bed its the best thing in the world. (former comps of mine know I LOVE my bed. Paul Abraham Vea, Trey Williams, haha)

80- Lazer Tag! We had a awesome member bring a set to the church today and we had a blast best pday ever!

I am grateful guy. Love you all.

#9 of my Quest of Gratitude.

81-90 "things about the gospel that I am grateful for"

81- That we can repent and be forgiven.

82- There is an answer that is right for everyone.

83- That we know how we can get back to our Loving Heavenly Father.

84- We are always able to progress and get better.

85- Through it we get one of Gods greatest gifts The Holy Ghost.

86- We can be relieved of feelings of guilt and shame.

87- We enter in to the gate that leads to heaven and be cleansed from sin.

88- We become more intune with our spiritual selves.

89- Through it our families grow so much.

90- It is the way to peace in this life and eternal joy in the world to come.

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


#10 of my Quest of Gratitude

91-100!!! "Choices that I'm glad I made throughout my life"

91-First and foremost to serve a mission I LOVE my mission with all my heart, Through it I've found conversion love peace and people that have changed my life forever. THE BEST decision I have EVER made in this life.

92-The Choice I made in the Pre-Earth Life to come to the earth and learn and grow.

93-The choice I made to be baptized and get reborn, saved, cleansed from sin, and make a eternal promise with God.

94- The choice I make everyday to strive to put LOVE first.

95- The choice I made to go to the the temple and make more eternal decisions.

96- The choice I made to be HAPPY!

97- The choice I make to keep the commandments (tithing, study the scripture, go to church, be obedient, chastity, word of wisdom etc...

98- The choice i made to let the Lord change me into a far better person then i would have ever been with my little ole self.

99- The choices I do and will make to be with my father again. (serve, love, marriage, endure, etc.)

100-The choice I made to go on a quest of gratitude!

I dont want it to end! Infact I might go on but the quest is over. WHAT are you grateful for???

Dear Those in need of a Restoration

This blog is for those that need a restoration of life, healing, and knowledge. My purpose is to strengthen your faith in the power of our Loving Father in Heaven. Its about Restoration that is what God does. I would like to share a quote that I heard from a really close friend.

"GOD SPECIALIZES IN RESTORING THINGS" 

I would like to list a few things I have found that he restores. 

-The Priesthood (Joseph Smith History 1:72)

-Jesus Christs Church (Joseph Smith History 1:16-19)

-Our worthiness (Doctrine and Covenants 98:47)

-Spiritual Death (2 Nephi 9:12)

-Physical Death (Alma 40:42)
-The Gospel (Matthew 17:11)
-The Earth From the Fall of Adam (Genesis 10:28)

-All things as they have existed in former ages (Alma 41:4)

-Isreal (the gathering of Isreal) (1 Nephi 27:6)

-All things (Alma 41:1-2)

-All good and bad things even actions (Alma 41:12-15)

-Our Souls (Psalms 23:3)
-Health unto us (Jeremiah 30:17)
-Our blessings (Helaman 14:24)

-Things we have lost through trials (Joel 2:25)
-Restores His love after our wickedness (Helaman 12:24)
-Mercy (Alma 41:14)
-Us unto His presence (Alma 42:23)


I testify that God does and has restored many things His work is marvelous. The Heavens are open! He is in fabricated into our lives. Through Him I have been restored to a happier state. By Him I have been restored from physical and spiritual pain through repentance and faith. I know that Christs true church and Gospel is restored on the earth today. God truly does specialize in restoring things we see the results of it everyday. I look forward to the day when you and I can stand together after all things have been restored, in the presence of the Lord forever. I know that we can taste of His goodness and mercy by obedience to Him who marked the way, Jesus Christ. We can obtain our complete restoration to Gods presence through Christ's Gospel which is Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism by immersion, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End. I pray we will always be obedient to these things. They bring great happiness. Please always remember that no matter where we are in this life no matter how distant we feel from the arms of Our Heavenly Father we can be restored. I know God loves each of us so much He weeps with you to come home to Him. Make the step and do it.

Dear Prayer giver

He helps me through a rocky road,
That still has more to come

He helps me over come my fears,
when my faith had come undone.

Heavenly Father helps me,
everyday and every night
Help me Heavenly Father please help me find the LIGHT! 


by Kassie Fedrick

Dear Missionary

This is a Peom that I found that seems to come close to the feelings you feel on a mission I hope you enjoy it like I do.

A mission is a strange experience

It is a trial and a test.

A mission throws at you the worst

Yet, teaches you the best.

I've never been so happy,

I've never been so depressed.

I've never felt so forsaken,

I've never felt so blessed.

I've never been so confused,

Things have never been so clear.

I've never felt my Heavenly Father so distant,

He's never been so near.

I've never been so discouraged,

I've never been so full of hope.

I feel I could go on for forever,

I think I've come to the end of my rope.

I've never had it quite so easy,

I've never had it quite so tough.

Things have never been so smooth,

Things have never been so rough.

I've never traveled through more valleys,

I've never ascended more peaks.

I've never met so many nice people.

I've never met so many freaks!

I've never had so many ups,

I've never had so many downs.

I've never worn so many smiles,

I've never had so many frowns.

I've never been so lonely,

I've never had so many friends.

BOY, I hope this is over soon,

GOSH, I hope this never ends.

DAILY BREAD "THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI"

4/24/12

Pages 52-54 1 Nephi 22:17 - 2 Nephi 1:13

I cant help but love the last verse in this section when Lehi begs us to "AWAKE" and shake off things that are holding us down. I love the motivation that it gives me. I know that we may all be locked up in chains and we make not even know it because slowly they come. Thats why I like it. Even writing this right now I realize that I have some chains that I need to shake off. DO YOU???

4/25/12

Pages 55-57 2 Nephi 1:14 - 2 Nephi 2:11

If any of you know me you know that I am a total "feel good" kinda guy. I love to love and I love to be loved. That being said its not hard to guess that verse 15 of chapter 1 is top of my list. I love imagining myself being encircled about in the Loving arms of Heavenly Father. Can you imagine that day? Ah man it'll be great! I testify that God does love us. No doubt about it. take time to feel that love! Ask God if he does love you. I know he will answer.

4/26/12

Pages 58-60 2 Nephi 2:12 - 2 Nephi 3:11

Adam fell that we might be and WE ARE THAT WE MIGHT HAVE JOY! Love it believe it recieve it.

4/27/12

Pages 61-63 2 Nephi 3:15 - 2 Nephi 4:23

I like verse 15 in chapter 3. It says " And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. These verses are obviously talking about Joseph Smith. It is so amazing how great Gods plan is.  That even many years ago they knew that God would never completly forget us. That he would never forget us but that he would again call a prophet to direct us all as a whole. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet and that we have one on the earth today. I know this because I prayed to know and through the Holy Ghost I recieved a clear answer. You can to.

4/28/12

Pages 64-66 2 Nephi 4:24 - 2 Nephi 5:24

I love what happens all through the end of 2 Nephi chapter 4, it teaches us that we all make mistakes. I am somebody who often gets frustranted and upset at myself when I make mistakes. I get mad and begin to feel imperfect no matter how hard I try. But truth is we all make mistakes, even Nephi who was a prophet well known for his willingness to "go and do" (1 Nephi 3:7). Nobody is perfect. Something that I take from this is to brighten up love yourself. Plead with the Lord for help and you will recieve it.

4/29/12

Pages 67-69 2 Nephi 5:25 - 2 Nephi 7:4

2 Nephi 5 is a great chapter. Thes particular part is where Nephi consecrates Jacob and Joseph his younger brothers with priesthood authority. This is important, the Priesthood is always how Heavenly Father runs his church. The Priesthood is the power to act in the name of God. With it we are able to recieve revelation for the church as a whole. By doing this they "lived after the manner of happiness". I know that we can do that today as we follow the council of our leaders.

4/30/12

Pages 70-72 2 Nephi 7:5 - 2 Nephi 9:7

These chapters are all from Isaiah! I love Isaiah because it is so beautiful. Its hard to understand but so poetic. I love so many things in this like verse 13 in chapter 8 when it talks about how the Lord loves and cares for us and that he even worries for us that we may be ok. I also love when he prophisies of the coming of christ again and how there will be joy and singing. and how sorrow and mourning will flee away. What I like most though is 10 and 11 of chapter 7 because it talks about my blog. Walking in the light of the Lord. May we all do that very thing.



OK truth is I got REALLY  BUSY! Ive been doing my reading but due to transfers/new area/ new (AWESOME) companion/packing/unpacking/everything else I've been doing I fell short. This posts will be updated in the future but now we are going to skip up to a current post.

5/10/12


Pages 102-104 2 Nephi 26:14 - 2 Nephi 27:10

To me love is so important. I love verse 30 in chapter 26 were is says in a sense unless we have charity we have nothing. Have you ever heard the phrase "money cant buy love" that is so true. Money cant by happiness either. I remember the times that I felt best was when I had love. When I feel nothing its because I dont have Charity. Charity NEVER FAILS!

HAVING SPIRITUAL HUNGER PAINS?? TAKE SOME DAILY BREAD! THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI

Dear STARVING SPIRIT

Have you ever been so hungry that you dont even feel hungry anymore and you just feel pain?
I have. With that let me put a thought in you mind. Do you ever think people get so spiritually hungry that they dont even know their hungry they just feel pain? I do.

I have decided to start somthing new and I'm going to be bold about it.  To many people are so darn hungry for spiritual food that they dont even know what to do about it. Believe it or not I have the answer and its found in 2 Nephi 32 verse 3 " Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, ^bfeast upon the ^cwords of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will ^dtell you all things what ye should do." We forget that we have a the the scriptures, testimonies of Jesus Christ who is our Living Water, The Bread of Life that will feed our spirits and calm our agitated souls.

I would like to start a Book of Mormon reading post. Each day I'm going to read 3 Pages of The Book of Mormon and post what I really like about it. Feel free to add your favorite things as you read along with me. The VISION I have for this post is to be done with The Book of Mormon by December 3rd for no important reason ;) . The GOAL is to read 3 pages a day and give us space for some breathing room, the PLAN is to spend a few minutes a day to get some daily spiritual nourishment and obey the commandments of our God.

The Book of Mormon can be found at http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng

4/7/12

Pages 1-3; 1 Nephi 1 - 1 Nephi 2:4

What I liked about these pages is a gem of knowledge I found from my brother. I really like the way Lehi was called to be a prophet when he "sees a pillar of fire". This is much like the way God has called other Prophets, like Moses through a burning bush. Paul through a "Light from heaven". And of course there was Joseph Smith when he "saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun." Interesting connection huh? Thats what I thought. I hope everyone enjoyed their DAILY BREAD!

4/8/12

Pages 4-6 1 Nephi 2:5 - 1 Nephi 3:20

I really liked these pages and even though its so original you cant over look the famous scripture of 1 Nephi 3:7 Were we learn about how the well give us no commandment unless he KNOWS we will be able to acomplish that thing. I often socond guess myself thinking that "I just dont know if I can do this, Heavenly Father definitly doesnt know how weak I am"... But HE KNOWS. He knows how strong we are he knows that its hard to quite smoking, hard to keep the sabbath day holy, to live the law of chastity, pay tithing, to read atleast 3 pages a day, all of it he knows that its hard but he also KNOWS that you can do it. So do I! Keep the faith Brothers and sisters! Keep reading!

4/9/12

Pages 7-9 1 Nephi 3:21 - 1 Nephi 4:37

These pages some can look at as particularly violent as you read about how Nephi slays Laban what I love about these verses is that if you pay close attention to the verses you will notice that Nephi actually is 100% directed by the spirit in these crucial moments of obtain the brass plates which were key to the salvation and knowlegde of his family for generations to come. In these verses form verse 6 to 18 Nephi is actually prompeted by the Holy Spirit SEVEN different times to slay Laban. I thought this was interesting a quite humble of him. It is better that "one man perish then that a nation dwindle in unbelief". Enjoy the scriptures!

4/10/12

Pages 10-12 1 Nephi 4:38 - 1 Nephi 6:3

Thes pages were good. It was a hard choice decideding what to write about but I can to this conclusion. In chapter five when it talks about how Lehi is a VISIONARY MAN, he rejoices in it actually and he talks about the blessings that come from that aswell. He said he was led to a better place, he understood the goodness of God and had greater faith. As a missionary I like to make the relation of being a VISIONARY MAN and a MISSIONARY MAN. It is important for all of us to keep faithful and to strive to always know and remember the goodness of God. To let the Lord lead you everywhere you go, also to be faithful in the things that are to come. So remember to be a visionary person and a missionary person. It brings blessings just like it brought Lehi blessings.


4/11/12

Pages 13-15 1 Nephi 7:11 -1 Nephi 8:30

My favorite verse in these was verse twelve in chapter 8 I like the way Lehi as soon as he partakes of the fruit and feels the joy. (Just like us partaking of the gospel) He wants to SHARE IT WITH HIS FAMILY. All of us are familys. I know that my faith is what has made me the happiest and I want to share that because It is desireable and prassios. It fills my soul with joy! Do the same. Share with others what brings you joy. How is your reading going?

4/12/12

Pages 16-18 1 Nephi 8:31 - 1 Nephi 10:17

The gem found in this set of verses is found in verse 17 when Nephi speaks about the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a blessing that is given as a gift to ALL who "diligently seek him," I like this because to often I find myself relying only on myself instead of diligently seeking the gift of the Holy Ghost. I testify that we have been given a gift from God, we didnt get sent here with no help! We have The Gift of the Holy Ghost. AND we have our Savior the Messiah!

4/13/12

Pages 19-21 1 Nephi 10:18 - 1 Nephi 11:36

Well you cant really be having a "read the scriptures blog and not refer to 1 Nephi 11:25. In this verse Nephi speaks of "The Rod of Iron" Which is the "Word of God" And throught it we can safley make it through our sometimes dark and dreary life safely and weill be able to partake of Gods Love. I cant help but quote one of my favorite songs as a child. "
1. To Nephi, seer of olden time,
A vision came from God,
Wherein the holy word sublime
Was shown an iron rod.
[Chorus]
Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
’Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
’Twill safely guide us through.
2. While on our journey here below,
Beneath temptation’s pow’r,
Through mists of darkness we must go,
In peril ev’ry hour.
3. And when temptation’s pow’r is nigh,
Our pathway clouded o’er,
Upon the rod we can rely,
And heaven’s aid implore.

How is everyones daily bread?

4/14/12



Pages 22-24 1 Nephi 12:1 - 1 Nephi 13:17




What I like in this section is verse 12. I like this because onece again The reality of The Book of Mormon gets once again solidifiied. Here is where Nephi prophicies of Chirstopher Columbus coming forth across the "many waters" to be the founder of the American Continent. Nephi talks about how he beheld the Spirit of God come to Christopher Columbus. As you read in the journals of Christopher Columbus he speaks of how he was led by the spirit to the Americas. I dont know that you will find this to interesting but I sure did. I love the Book of Mormon and how true the Book really is. I KNOW that Joseph Smith could not have made this things up out of thin air. Read it its true. I know it and you know it.

4/15/12

Pages 25-27 1 Nephi 13:18 - 1 Nephi 14:2

Something I like to do as I read from the scriptures is make them personal to me. I did this in the first verse of Chapter fourteen and it seemed to apply well. TRY IT! Replace your name with "the Gentiles" In the verse so now it says. "And it shall come to pass, that if (ELDER MILLAR) shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of thee stumbling blocks-"

4/16/12

Pages 28-30 1 Nephi 14:3 - 1 Nephi 15:8

As a missionary I cant read these pages with out pointing out the beauty of verse 7. These verses talk about a great and marvelous work that the Lord will work. I know that I am a part of this work, and like the scrputure says it does bring people to "peace and life eternal". Everyday people hearts are being softened and eyes are being opened as we boldly and persistantly share the Gospel. We are doing a marvelous work! Saving people from the grasps of satan's captivity. I know it because this work is so compelling. It things we accomplish are done because God is with us. This is definitly the most compelling work in the world!

4/17/12

Pages 31-33 1 Nephi 15:9 - 1 Nephi 16:6

I love in the pages how Nephi so subtely and skilling fully trains and corrects his brothers. As we read in the begining Lamen and Lemaul could not understand what Lehi (The 3 brothers father) was talking about. I know that if either of my two brothers came to me wondering what my dad was talking about I probrobly not be smart enough to invite them to pray about it. But Nephi, he does remember. We could all head Nephi's counsel and ASK Heavenly father with a believeing heart and with faith, diligence, and worthy heart and I know he will give us an answer. I know that "surey these things shall be made known unto you."

4/18/12

Pages 34-36 1 Nephi 16:7 - 1 Nephi 17:5

There is a few things that I really like about this section. Ofcourse there is the great admiration that Nephi has for his father as he humbly askes him where to go to obtain food even though he was the one who kept the faith. I also like the way we learn that everyone faces trials and that we are not alone in ours. But I love the ending of verse 29 the most. "And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things." This is so true small things make the diference like going to church on sunday, praying often and even small things like READING FROM THE BOOK OF MORMON THREE PAGES A DAY!

4/19/12

Pages 37-39 1 Nephi 17:6 - 1 Nephi 17:41

In this section of the Book of Mormon it is Nephi talked to his older brothers Lamen and Lemuel. Nephi is reminding his two brothers who were being faithless and foolish and he recounts to them all the mercy that God has shown to us. and how often he has reached out in love to his children. Nephi goes through the history of all that he has helped them with and then invites them to "KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS" and promises them that if they do they will be blessed. So with that try to remember how merciful God has been to you and then just do it. Keep the commanments the best you can!

4/20/12

Pages 40-42 1 Nephi 17:42 - 1 Nephi 18:17

So often we learn in the scriptures and throughout our lives we learn very much about what to do. But we to often are given examples on "what NOT to do" as well. As I read today I noticed on the margin of my scriptures in orange WHAT NOT TO DO. As I read the verse it was about what Lameen and Lemuel and there I guess you could say friends were doing as they began to forget the blessings given to them from God. The things they were doing that we should NOT be doing were these. They "began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing,  and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought  thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness." In conclusion its my pray we dont forget our God in the great blessings he has given us and give the glory to him.

4/21/12


Pages 43-45 1 Nephi 18:18 - 1 Nephi 19:17


I love when Nephi and his family finally make it to the promise land! Its such a exciting time in the Book of Mormon. Specially because right before there great arrive they have such a great dramatic climax as Nephi pray's with great faith to calm the storm so that they could traval safely. It is my testimony that God does answer prayers! As long as we pray with faith.


4/22/12


Pages 46-48 1 Nephi 19:18 - 1 Nephi 21:11Here I like verse twenty three in chapter nineteen becasue it talks abou the importance of the scripture study and why we do it. Nephi talks about how we "liken the scriptures to us". I know that this is what we are supposed to be doing and is essentially my purpose for this blog. I know if we do the scriptures really will be for our benifit and we will learn from them and they will bless us.


4/23/12


Pages 49-51 1 Nephi 21:12 - 1 Nephi 22:16


There were many great highlights in this section. But something I am going to site here is to help clearify these verses so that they make better sence. I do love the way Prophets are explained here and how it talks about how isreal will be gathered and all of it. But to make things a little more simple it says in verse 11 that the "Lord God will make bare his arm" and simply put that means to show is power. This will simply help you make better sense.


FIRST NEPHI IS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!