Plates of Ore

I have moved on to 1 Nephi 19. This chapter begins by talking about Nephi being commanded to make plates of ore to record the ministry and prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them. Hopefully I read that correctly. But what I was thinking about was the time and effort of what he was commanded to do. I am simple minded so when I read the scriptures and read about Nephi making these plates I somehow just think of it like pulling out a piece of paper and writing. But I am not dumb, I know that it took a lot more work and effort to do so. Once again, makes me feel tired just thinking of what he may have had to do to make the plates and then on top of that I am sure the word "engrave" doesn't mean writing with a pencil, so that was probably a lot of labor as well. I don't write in my journal as often as I would like to and it is because I just put it off and then the day is over, but for me I have such luxuries like pen and paper or even the computer and it isn't hard to keep a journal. I am just always impressed with Nephi's obedience and diligence. I know those attributes are what bring us the greatest joy in our lives because we know inside ourselves we are doing with is correct. I just want to stop and say that I love Nephi. I love him because he is a true man of God. He is just a man, a man who wants to live a righteous life and has a true love for those around him. He has a deeper understanding of the what the Lord wants and I think the Plan of Salvation. He is courageous and strong and unwavering in his faith. I would love to be a great as this and hope that I will get there.

In verse 7 Nephi says, "for the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say , trample under their feet but I would speak in other words--they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels." When I read scriptures like this I think of the men that do not hearken to the the voice of the Lord of like the big time sinners. I think of men that contend with the prophets and are vocal about it and work hard to sway believers away. But the more I have been studying I wonder if this is something I should be more cautious of. When our Prophet gives us counsel am I 100 percent obedient...that is almost impossible for me, so am I what Nephi is talking about? Maybe slightly, I know I have a great desire to be good and to be obedient so I don't think I fall under this category, but I do think that I am weak in some areas and don't take as much care to them. I am not always consistent serving others and I think that is important counsel for our lives and happiness and in becoming more like Christ. I know I need to esteem it as great worth and I hope that me not being as good at it doesn't throw me into this category I don't want to be in. But I guess I can relate it to the weaker areas that I have and recognize that I can change it and hearken to the counsel of the Lord better. I know that maybe I sound hard with recognizing where I go wrong. I know my desires are righteous, I think I am just really searching for improvement. I know I have weaknesses, I don't like them and want to make them strengths. So as I am studying I think this is just how I tend to look at what I am reading. I hope my posts don't seem negative, but positive for the good things we can change to be.