humbly bold

I've been choosing a scripture that testifies of God and Christ from my daily reading in the book of Mormon to make into a mene every day. The study plans in the app separated it all out for me to finish in a year. Some of the little bite sized bits are harder to find a suitable phrase for a meme than others. Today was one of those days.  

I ended up choosing 1 Nephi 13:16.  

Finding inspiration for a daily thought is easier some days than others. Today's quote in the app was something I had already highlighted and actually fit with the scripture meme.  

"Clearly, our heavenly destiny is not altered when we suffer adversity. In Hebrews we are counseled to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Jesus Christ is “the author of eternal salvation. " 

(Hebrews 4:16 & Hebrews 5:9)

Be Peaceable Followers of Christ  

By Elder Quentin L. Cook

question authority

1 Nephi 10:19

For he that diligently seeketh shall find . . . Unless you're playing an rpg game and want a specific thing really bad. Then it will never pop up! 😆😆😆 I've been trying to get vauban prime in warframe for 2 rotations now. I got 2 or 4 pieces last time. Someone traded me the blueprint tonight, 🥳🎉🥳🎉🥳🎉! One less piece to hunt for! 

But seriously, seminary this week has been all about nephi taking the time to question his father's vision. This is one of my favorite things about the gospel. We are directed to ask questions.   

My science teacher in high school started every year with the same speech, "Question Authority. Do it respectfully. Use proper channels (at least at first). But always, always question authority."  

That has always stuck with me. It's one of my core beliefs. You don’t learn if you don’t ask questions.  

God expands that idra in another if my favorite scriptures. Doctrine & Covenants 58:26. He directs us to think and act for ourselves. Yes, we turn to Him for guidance and He promises to give warning if we're headed the wrong way. We're here to learn and you don't learn if you don't try things. It's one of the most beautiful teachings of the gospel.

sheddeth itself abroad

1 nephi 11:21-22

I don't have a great quote but I just love this description of the Love of God. A tree is amazing. Just sitting at the base of a tree is so cleansing and strengthening. Trees give us shade, food, shelter, paper etc etc etc. God's love provides everything. I love the phrase "sheddeth itself abroad". Over arching branches just protecting, reaching, providing. I just love it. It just makes me feel loved.

firm, steadfast, and immovable

1 Nephi 2:10 Lehi wished Laman and Lemuel would be firm, steadfast, and immovable 

3 Nephi 6:14 the church is broken up except a few Lamanites that are firm, steadfast, and immovable in their faith

That phrase is only used twice in the book of Mormon. The anti-nephi-lehis are also lamanites that become some of the most faithful people ever.  

What's the lesson? I'm not sure. Maybe it's just interesting. Maybe there are several.  

As a parent, Laman and Lemuel break my heart. Knowing some of their children were giants of faith is bittersweet. Seeing the progeny of the lamanites is hopful. There must always be hope. It may take time, even generations but there must always be hope. Lehi saw in vision that half of his sons would rebel. He kept trying. He never gave up hope. I've always thought the faithful lamanites were the beneficiaries of Lehi’s last blessing.

2 Nephi 4:5-9

The other thought I had was that it's never too late in this life to change. Better sooner than late, but better late than never.

Lehi’s dream and you

1 Nephi 8 - Lehi’s dream

"You are in it; all of us are in it. Lehi’s dream or vision of the iron rod has in it everything a … Latter-day Saint needs to understand the test of life."¹

I often imagine myself in Lehi’s vision. Sometimes under the tree, looking out into the mist, calling out into the world. Being careful to stay near the tree and not wander out into darkness.

Sometimes, I'm clinging to the iron rod. Unseen forces push and pry and my grip. Hurricanes whip all around me threatening to pull me into the devouring mist.  

1 Nephi 11:24–25

1 Nephi 12:16–17

"The mist of darkness will cover you at times so much that you will not be able to see your way even a short distance ahead. You will not be able to see clearly. But you can feel your way. With the gift of the Holy Ghost, you can feel your way ahead through life. Grasp the iron rod, and do not let go."¹

In those times, when the storms rage and darkness consumes, I hold to the rod and feel hold to me. No force can get my fingers free. I choose. If I choose to hold the rod, the maker if the rod holds to me.

1 - quotes from "Lehi’s Dream and You"

By Boyd K Packer, Jan 2007

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/boyd-k-packer/lehis-dream/

daily bread

Acts 17:11

Doctrine & Covenants 64:33

Psalm 86:3

John 8:31

The joke about not needing that math you learned in school popped into my head as I opened the app to look for a daily thought. The Spirit paired that with daily scripture study and prayer. Those are the go to answers in primary. We were taught that scripture study and prayer would be necessary our whole lives. While I do occasionally use some of that math, the primary answers have proven to be useful and even necessary on a daily basis.  

keep going

My dear friends in Christ, you are doing much better than you think. Just keep working at it.

Preserving the Voice of the Covenant People in the Rising Generation  

By Brother Jan E. Newman

Alma 17:10

3 Nephi 18:25

Philippians 4:13

Doctrine & Covenants 11:12-13

2 Nephi 31:20