Not quite moving on yet...

I know I said I was going to start where I am currently, but I keep remembering certain areas that really stood out to me and I felt excited to post about, but of course didn't, so as I remember them I just want to point them out. As we can see I am still struggling with routine, but I am getting back on board I think.

Ok, So 2 Nephi chapter 9 is another beautiful and powerful chapter full of exclamation points in all the right places. When I was in high school I remember my Seminary teacher telling us that if we run into exclamation points to go back and pay close attention to them. So I have always done that. There are alot in this chapter and the words really are powerful. I type out the whole chapter, but just a few of the verses and I really really loved. It was actually a little hard to choose because the whole chapter is amazing, but these stood out the most to me.

Verse 40 through 42 and 44: "O, my beloved brethren, give ear to my words. Remember the greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Do not say that I have spoken hard things against you; for if ye do, ye will revile against the truth; for I have spoken the words of your Maker. I know that the words of truth are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear not, for they love the truth and are not shaken. O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is the name. And whoso knocketh, to him will will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches--yea,they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them." "O, my beloved brethren, remember my words. Behold, I take off my garments, and I shake them before you; I pray the God of my salvation that he view me with his all-searching eye; wherefore, ye shall know at the last day, when all men shall be judged of their works, that the God of Israel did witness that I shook your iniquities from my soul, and that I stand with brightness before him, and am rid of your blood."

I love the words at the beginning where Jacob warns to now think that his words are hard. It is a great reminder that we need to listen to all the words of our Prophet. Sometimes things seem so trivial and small and annoying and even a little hard to listen, but they are important, important to our growth, not just maintaining where we are but improving upon ourselves. I am sure we have heard before that we cannot maintain our faith or stay the same, if we are not going upwards, then we are going downwards. It has always been a little difficult for me to follow some of the smaller things, well not smaller, but what seems smaller to me, you know...being idle, or spending my time on the more selfish side in things that aren't really going to satisfy me or choosing a nap over something that enrich my life or others. I frequently cave into those things that kind of seem like smaller issues to me, but they really are big things. I know that I would do a greater work in my life if I would discipline myself to do more, but as it is I often choose a more relaxed path. But I will say that sometimes something will light a fire under me and I can feel when I choose the best things to do for a day.

In the middle Jacob speaks and tells us to come unto the Lord and that he has made our path and that through Him is the only way to pass through the gate. It is a simple truth, but such a glorious one. I feel like I hear it all the time, but the moments when it really connects with me I just want to sit and feel the greatness of this truth. All we have to do is go to the Lord, submit ourselves to the will of God and live by His commandments. We will have eternal glory and happiness.

I love the last verse when Jacob says he shakes his garments, that he will not be responsible for anyone's sins because he spoken God's words to them and to us. He was bold and straightforward and I think he could say this because he could feel that He had done God's will. I love the power in that.

So my question is one, what one thing can we do this year that has been hard for us to listen to, but needs to be done? And 2, how can we make sure we are living and teaching God's word the way He wants us to so that we can stand with brightness before him at the time of judgement?

If you haven't done it in awhile, read this chapter, it is amazing.