Wise Women Still Seek Him

2 Nephi 24-28

2007-03-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have given everyone 2 weeks to get this section done. We need to catch up so we don't have to read the entire book before we get our pizza. That just pushes us back a week. Maybe we can double up in the summer?

I know you can do it! Keep reading!

2 Nephi 24
In this chapter, Isaiah talks about the destruction of Babylon, Assyria and Philistine, all of which happened.
This chapter also talks a lot about Satan. His motives are discussed in verses 12-16. Also in 16, it says that those who are tricked by Satan won't be happy to meet him. Satan is very crafty. We constantly have to be on our toes to stay on the straight and narrow path.

2 Nephi 25
Does it make you feel better that Isaiah was hard for the Nephites to understand too? (verse 1)
Don't worry though, Nephi is going to explain it to them and us. (verse 4)
Nephi talks about how is we understood how the Jews taught, we would understand Isaiah better. Since we don't, and neither did the Nephites, Nephi will explain. (verse 5)
In verse 8, Nephi again reminds us that the words of Isaiah are important. They tell us to come to Christ.
Another one of my favorite scriptures. I like it so much that I'll put the whole thing in here for you!
Verse 26: And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
General Conference is coming up. Remind you of anyone?

2 Nephi 26
I think the verse that is the most important one of the chapter is 25. Christ will never make us leave. He will never turn His back on us. He is always there saying, Come unto me.

2 Nephi 27
This whole chapter is about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. It talks about the three witnesses and how learned men won't translate it. What a wonderful testimony of this book!

2 Nephi 28
In Heleman 5:12, it says:
And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
And 2 Nephi 28:28 says:
...wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.
Let us be built on the rock!

Keep going!

2 Nephi 19-23

2007-03-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

We can do it!

2 Nephi 19
I don't know about you, but I love Handel's Messiah. You might not recognize the name, but you will probably recognize some of the words in this chapter.
In this chapter, I just kept thinking about how we need to remember that He is always there for us, always waiting for us. We are the ones who need to bridge that gap. He will never turn His back on us.

2 Nephi 20
Verse 4: Isn't it wonderful to know that no matter what, we can always repent and come back to Him?
Verse 13 reminded me of a lot of times when I have been stubborn and not acknowledged the Lord's hand in my life. I was wrong. Don't be wrong like me!

2 Nephi 21
Verses 2-5 describe the Christlike qualities a leader should have. Doesn't it just remind you of President Hinckley??

2 Nephi 22
Verse 2 is one of my all time favorite scriptures! Highlight it in your scriptures if you haven't already!!
I love how in verse 6 it says that the "Holy One of Israel is in the midst of thee". He is here for us and the Holy Ghost can be with us all the time!

2 Nephi 23
See if you can see the signs of the Second Coming in verse 10.

Keep going! Pizza is involved!

2 Nephi 14-18

2007-03-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here we are, still plodding along though Isaiah stuff! You can do it!

2 Nephi 14
In this chapter, to me at least, it seemed like the predictions began to be a bit happier, since Isaiah was talking about the millenium. That will be a wonderful time when Jesus Christ is actually here on earth!
In verse 6 we are told that the righteous will find protection and peace in the millenium. That sounds like a good reason to be among the righteous.

2 Nephi 15
If verses 1-6 about the vineyard are a little confusing, just read verse 7. It explains everything.
When I was reading verse 19, I just kept thinking, "Aren't we suppose to prove ourselves to God?" See if you can see why I thought that.
Verses 20-22 seem to me to be describing our world today. So many people are calling evil good and good evil. Have you noticed that?
In verses 26-29, Isaiah describes modern transportation - like airplanes and trains - in the only way he could. How would you describe something so foreign?

2 Nephi 16
In this chapter, Isaiah sees the Savior, atones for his sins and serves the Lord. Do we need to see the Savior in order to believe in Him? We shouldn't.

2 Nephi 17
Basically, this chapter talks about the Lord speaking to King Ahaz of Judah through Isaiah. He offers help, but the king denies it. Then Isaiah talks of the destruction of Judah from Syria.

2 Nephi 18
In this chapter, Isaiah is trying to get Judah to turn to the Lord for protection.

You can do it. Keep going!!

2 Nephi 9-13

2007-03-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's been awhile, but here we go again...

2 Nephi 9
Verses 6-7 talk about how important it is for an atonement, especially after the fall. The atonement had to happen so that we could return to live with our Heavenly Father!!
Verse 10 - God has given us a way to escape Satan's grasp. That's an important gift.
Verse 18 - we are reminded that if we are to be righteous, we must both believe and ENDURE! It's not just that we say, "Yep, I believe" and that's it. We have to "[endure] the crosses of the world". It won't always be easy. Just as it wasn't easy for our Savior. But it will be worth it!!!
Verse 23 reminds me a lot of the 4th Article of Faith. What do you think?
Verse 41: In this verse we are reminded that the way to the Lord is narrow and straight, but it's also uncomplicated. There is no other way, and it will be difficult sometimes, but it is worth it!
Verse 45 is one of my favorite scriptures. It is a wonderful invitation! Read it again!

2 Nephi 10
Verse 23 is also one of my favorites. We have the ability to choose. It is up to us. That's an amazing gift!

2 Nephi 11
In verse 2 we learn that Nephi will teach about Isaiah because it is for us. Both Isaiah and Nephi have seen the Savior. We can learn much from both of them.
Verses 4-6: I know that these chapters in 2 Nephi are hard because Isaiah is somewhat difficult to understand. But in these verses Nephi tells us why he teaches Isaiah. The biggest reason he sites is that Isaiah proves to us who Christ is. That's something we need throughout our lives.
Verse 7 is a logic test. See if you can pass it.
Verse 8 also tells us to liken the words of Isaiah unto us. We are to look at what he says and see how that will effect us. Perhaps that will make getting through these chapters easier?

2 Nephi 12
In verse 2, Isaiah could be talking about either temples or church headquarters. Have you seen the movie "Mountain of the Lord"? If not, let me know, I have it. In "Mountain of the Lord", it talks about how President Brigham Young wanted Utah's name to be Desseret. The government at the time was not really into Mormons, so they decided to name the state Utah, which is a Ute Indian word meaning "top of the mountain". The government didn't know that they were fulfilling a prophesy from 2 Nephi 12:2. The Lord works in such mysterious ways, but He knows the end of the beginning, so it will all work out!!
In verse 3 is the phrase "Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths;" This means the Temple. I love the symbolism of going "up to the Temple". In the temple we are taught more about the gospel. We go up to the temple to reside with God, if only for a little bit. Go up to the temple as much as you can. There you can find peace!

2 Nephi 13
When I was reading verses 10-11, I just kept thinking, "You'll reap what you sow." We get out of this life what we put into it. I hope we're all working towards putting a lot into it!!
We as women have a lot of influence! Just think about it. If your mom is in a bad mood, is it easy to have a good, carefree day? In verses 16-25, Isaiah tells about what happens to the world if the women get wicked. Always remember who you are and what you believe! You can influence so much!!

2 Nephi 4 - 8

2007-02-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

Ok girls. This only took me about 1-1/2 hours to read. I know you can do it! Let's read the whole thing together!! :)

2 Nephi 4
Lehi goes through and blesses all of his family. Then he dies. It doesn't take long for Laman and Lemuel and those who follow them to get angry at Nephi again.
I love verse 15 - Does your soul delight in the scripture? I think that should be a goal, don't you?
Verses 15-35 show us that even Nephi has weaknesses, but he is still strong and relies on the Lord.

2 Nephi 5
So, Laman and Lemuel decide they are going to have to just kill Nephi. Nephi is told by the Lord to leave, so he and all those who follow him leave and become the Nephites. Those who stayed behind become the Lamanites. Nephi takes the scriptures and the Liahona with him. The Lord was with them so they prospered in the land. In verse 16, we learn that they built a temple. Throughout all this though, they got ready to protect themselves from the Lamanites. That would be a scary time, don't you think? Waiting to fight your brothers.

2 Nephi 6
Jacob, Nephi's younger brother, speaks to the Nephites. He quotes Isaiah, then explains it to them.

2 Nephi 7
Jacob continues to quote Isaiah throughout this chapter. The main question of the chapter, and the main question I want you to ask yourselves is - who leaves when we find ourselves far away from the Lord? Us or Him?

2 Nephi 8
Jacob is still quoting Isaiah. In verse 1, we are reminded that we are daughters of God. Do you really believe that? I hope so!

So, the questions to answer are - Who leaves when we find ourselves far away from the Lord?
Do we delight in the scriptures? and Do we really believe that we are daughters of God?

Keep going! I know we can do it!!

1 Nephi 21 - 2 Nephi 3

2007-02-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

If any of you have been checking, I haven't been writing. Being so sick really got to me. So, I'm a week off. I'm going to try to get caught up this week. Where are all of you?

So...1 Nephi 21 is about Isaiah speaking to Israel. We're told that our responsibility is to bring the gospel to the whole earth.
I love verse 16 where it talks about how the Lord has engraven our images on His hands. He knows who we are and He atoned for our sins. Each of our sins. Whoever we are.
Verse 20 talks about how the church will expand in the last day. Orchard Heights is an example of that!

1 Nephi 22 is where Isaiah is speaking both literally and spiritually. I hope you noticed that in your reading.
Throughout this chapter the phrase "the righteous need not fear" is said 3 times. Do you think that is important! We are being asked to be righteous. To do those things that we have been taught to do and then we don't have to fear. That's a wonderful promise!
Verses 24-26 talks about the Millenium. Christ will reign here on earth, the righteous will be protected and Satan will have no power. That sounds like a great time, doesn't it?
Verse 28 reminds us that all can find peace with the Lord. Peace is important in this loud world.
Verse 31 gives us an equation. Obey + Endure = Saved It's as hard and as simple as that.

2 Nephi 1 is Lehi talking to his children.
Verse 6 talks about how the Americas weren't really found until Columbus because that was the way the Lord designed it. Others had been here before, but Columbus put this continent on the map - literally.
In verse 23, we are asked to Come unto Him. Who is that?

2 Nephi 2
Please please please read verse 14. It's Lehi's simple testimony of God. So wonderful!
In verse 18, Lehi talks about Satan. He is miserable, so he wants us to be miserable too. He will tell you enough truth to get you to believe him, but always remember, he is the father of all lies!
Verse 25 - "Men are that they might have joy." That includes us girls too. We are to be happy in this life. Not miserable. Happy! Always remember that!

2 Nephi 3
This whole chapter is Lehi talking to his some Joseph about Joseph who was sold into Egypt, who was talking about Joseph Smith. Lot's of Josephs. See if you can keep up!

Have a great week!

1 Nephi 16-20

2007-01-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

A lot of time passed in these 5 chapters. And a lot happened. Let's break it down.

Chapter 16 - In verse 7, we learn that there were a bunch of weddings when Lehi's sons married Ishmael's daughters. What a fun day that would have been!

In verse 9, we learn that they are about to start traveling again. In the next verse, the Liahona appears. This is a physical devise that will help them and show them which way to go. We later learn that it also depends on their faithfulness, much like the Holy Ghost??

Ishmael dies and his family is sad and begins to complain.

Chapter 17 - In this chapter, they reach the ocean and Nephi is told to build a ship. But first, let's look at verse 3. Part of it reads,
... And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; ...
All we need to do is keep the commandments and our burdens will be lightened. That sounds so good to me.
So, Nephi is commanded to build a ship. What does he say to that commandment? Does he complain that he doesn't even know what a ship looks like? No, in verse 9, he asks where he should go to find ore to make tools. He doesn't even question that the Lord will help him. And He does.
Of course, Nephi's brother's don't have that assurance about the Lord. They complain. But, do you know what? The Lord loves them too, so he has Nephi teach them from the scriptures and they come to believe that the commandment to build a boat is from the Lord.

So, in Chapter 18, they build the boat. They don't make it like man makes boats, but they make it like the Lord tells them to. The big part to me is that Nephi prays a lot to the Lord. He keeps up the dialogue so he can know what to do. We should always pray to our Heavenly Father. Not only does He want to help us, but He wants to hear from us.

They start their journey in the ships to the Americas. Nephi's brothers get angry with him again and tie him up. The Lord causes that the Liahona stops working and a huge storm begins to push them back. For four days, they are tossed about in the sea until they untie Nephi. Does this story remind you of any other stories in the Bible? Jonah, perhaps. I think about when the Apostles were with Christ in the boat and they woke Him up because they were scared. Christ calmed the seas and told them to be calm as well. It just shows that with the Lord on your side, anything is possible.

They arrive in the Promised Land. How great would that be?

Chapter 19 - In this chapter, Nephi explains again about the Small and Large Plates of Nephi. The Small Plates contain the spiritual matters of his people while the Large Plates contain the history. The 116 pages that were lost by Martin Harris are from the Large Plates - the history. What we have now is from the Small Plates, so we were actually blessed in that we now have a more spiritual record of the same time.

He then explains why he is going to quote Isaiah. The teachings of Isaiah are to give us hope and believe in the Lord more fully. That seems like a pretty good reason to me. Also, the Savior quoted Isaiah more than any other prophet in His mortal ministry. Another excellent reason!

Chapter 20 - begins the quoting from Isaiah. He talks of how the Lord has always given a prophecy, then fulfilled it to make sure we know that it is from Him that these things happen. He says he will always tell us first that it will happen, then it will happen when we don't expect it. Doesn't this make you want to listen to the Prophet just a little bit more closely?

Keep going! Next week is 1 Nephi 21 - 2 Nephi 3. I know we can do it!

1 Nephi 11-15

2007-01-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Again,

Is anyone out there??? Helloooo? Well, I hope that you're reading and just don't know how to comment. :)

So, here we are again, talking about Nephi and his family.

Let's talk about the chapters individually.

Chapter 11 - Nephi wanted to see and know those things his father had told him. He wanted to see the Tree of Life for himself. So, in verse 1, we're shown how he went about getting revelation. It also works the same way for us. He desired to know. Desire is more than just kind of wanting. It's a strong word!
Then he believed that the Lord could and would show them to him. Have you ever heard the phrase "Doubting Thomas"? When that phrase is used, usually you're talking about someone who just doesn't believe you, but then you prove to them you're right. It's from the Bible, as a lot of our sayings are. Thomas was one of the Twelve Apostles. When Christ was crucified and three days later He rose from the grave, Thomas didn't believe it until he saw the Resurrected Lord. Christ says to him that those who believe without seeing will be blessed. Let's not be Doubting Thomas' and believe in the Lord!!
Lastly, Nephi ponders the question in his heart. Ponder means to think about it. To sit somewhere quiet and just think, letting your mind wander. We so often ask questions of the Lord, but we never have a quiet moment when He can answer us.
Throughout the rest of the chapter, Nephi is shown many wonderful things. Including parts of the New Testament. (Remember, Nephi is living in Old Testament times, so he is seeing the future.) He also sees the vision of the tree of live and gets to ask questions and have those questions answered.

Chapter 12 - Nephi basically sees the whole story in the Book of Mormon. He sees the Resurrected Lord coming to the Americas. It's a good synopsis!

Chapter 13 - In this chapter, Nephi sees the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus. He sees the pilgrims and colonists who come here. There's a great quote I read about Christopher Columbus that I would like to share:
"Columbus believed he could reach 'the Indies' by sailing westward. Although there were some people who still thought the world was flat, Columbus did not, and he was anxious to make his journey. But it was more than an urge for adventure that impelled the discoverer to undertake what he called 'his enterprise.'
"Go to any public library, read almost any detailed biography of the discoverer and it becomes immediately clear that he felt himself an inspired man, sent of heaven to make the voyage. For example, Columbus, Don Quixote of the Sea, ... tells the story very well (quoting Columbus):
"'From my first youth onward, I was a seaman and have so continued until this day....Wherever on Earth a ship has been, I have been.... The Lord was well disposed to my desire, and He bestowed upon me courage and understanding; knowledge of seafaring He gave me in abundance, of astrology as much as was needed, and of geometry and astronomy likewise. Further, He gave me joy and cunning in drawing maps and thereon cities, mountains, rivers, islands, and harbours, each on in its place. I have seen and truly I have studied books ... for which our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my emprise called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?'" -Mark E. Petersen, The Great Prologue

Chapter 14 - This chapters main focus is on how important it is to have the Lord on your side through our own personal righteousness since we live in a wicked world. This is the last chapter talking about Nephi's vision.

Chapter 15 begins with Nephi going back to his family with a "spiritual high" and finding them arguing. He asks them if they had asked the Lord whether what their father said was true and they said, "No." So, Nephi teaches them. In verse 11, he gives us a way to understand things of the Lord. He says,
"If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you."
If we don't close our heart, ask in faith, not being a Doubting Thomas, follow the commandments, we'll be able to know. They then ask him questions, which he answers.

Sisters, I know this book is true! I know that the words in the book were thoughtfully written for us! "What does this mean to me?"

Happy reading!

1 Nephi 6-10

2007-01-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm back. Here we go.

What did you think about last week's chapters? Here's what I thought...

In chapter 6, Nephi is telling us that he's writing what he's writing to bring us to the Lord. What better reason is there?

In chapter 7, the Lord send them back to Jerusalem again, but this time to get wives. Notice how Laman and Lemuel don't complain this time. I guess there was something in it for them.
So, once again, on the way back, Laman and Lemuel get annoying. In verses 10-12, Nephi tries to remind them that they have seen an angel and have been there when amazing things have happened. Miracles don't convert us. We have to find a testimony of our own.

So, they tie Nephi up. But the Lord frees him after he prays. And after all of that, Nephi forgives them. What a lesson. To have that kind of faith!!

Now to chapter 8, the tree of life chapter!! All I have to say is, let's be like the group from verse 30. Here it is:
But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.
Read this chapter and really think about. Lehi tells us what we need to do to get back to our Heavenly Father.

In chapter 9, Nephi reminds us that the Lord knows everything from the beginning and will prepare a way for His will to happen.

Finally, chapter 10 talks about many more prophecies that Lehi told his family. He was truly a prophet.

Now, tell me, what do you think about the tree of life story? What does it teach you?

Sorry

2007-01-15T20:58:00.000-08:00

Hey girls! So, I haven't gotten the post done yet for 1 Nephi 6-10. I have read it, have you? I'll get it up as soon as I get home. Remember, this week is 1 Nephi 11-15. Keep going! We can do it!

:)

1 Nephi 1-5

2007-01-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, what did you think about the reading this week? It went through Lehi having a vision; Lehi and his family leaving Jerusalem; Nephi, Sam, Laman and Lemuel going back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates from Laban; Zoram coming back with them. Lots of information.

Here's some of the information that interested me. In 1 Nephi 2, Nephi wanted to know for himself that what his father had said was true. So, he prayed and he was answered. Then he knew for sure. We all have that opportunity to ask and find out for ourselves. That's one of life great blessings!!

One of the most quoted scriptures I know of was in this reading.

1 Nephi 3:7 - ...I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

Nephi is basically saying, "I will go and do it because I know the Lord will be with me and will help me." What he had to do wasn't easy. He ended up having to take Laban's life, but he did what the Lord commanded.

So, now is your turn. What did you think of this weeks reading?

Next week: 1 Nephi 6-10

Welcome!!

2007-01-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

Hello girls! Welcome to the Young Women of Orchard Heights' blog!

Some of you may not have heard about our goal for this year - 2007. We are going to read the whole Book of Mormon as a group! I know that it sounds like a huge undertaking, but it will be so easy and great! We are going to be Wise Women and seek Jesus Christ together!

So, here is the schedule of reading. The most you will ever have to read in one week is 15 pages. That's not bad. And, Bishop Spangler has told us that he will have a pizza party at his house for everyone who finishes by December. Who can pass that up?

January 2-6: 1 Nephi 1-5
January 7-13: 1 Nephi 6-10
January 14-20: 1 Nephi 11-15
January 21-27: 1 Nephi 16-20
January 28-February 3: 1 Nephi 21-2 Nephi 3
February 4-10: 2 Nephi 4-8
February 11-17: 2 Nephi 9-13
February 18-24: 2 Nephi 14-18
February 25-March 3: 2 Nephi 19-23
March 4-10: 2 Nephi 24-28
March 11-17: 2 Nephi 29-33
March 18-24: Jacob 1-5
March 25-31: Jacob 6-Omni
April 1-7: Words of Mormon-Mosiah 4
April 8-14: Mosiah 5-9
April 15-21: Mosiah 10-14
April 22-28: Mosiah 15-19
April 29-May 5: Mosiah 20-24
May 6-12: Mosiah 25-29
May 13-19: Alma 1-5
May 20-26: Alma 6-10
May 27-June 2: Alma 11-15
June 3-9: Alma 16-20
June 10-16: Alma 21-25
June 17-23: Alma 26-30
June 24-30: Alma 31-35
July 1-7: Alma 36-40
July 8-14: Alma 41-45
July 15-21: Alma 46-50
July 22-28: Alma 51-55
July 29-August 4: Alma 56-60
August 5-11: Alma 61-Helaman 2
August 12-18: Helaman 3-7
August 19-25: Helaman 8-12
August 26-September 1: Helaman 13-3 Nephi 1
September 2-8: 3 Nephi 2-6
September 9-15: 3 Nephi 7-11
September 16-22: 3 Nephi 12-16
September 23-29: 3 Nephi 17-21
September 30-October 6: 3 Nephi 22-26
October 7-13: 3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi 1
October 14-20: Mormon 1-5
October 21-27: Mormon 6-Ether 1
October 28-November 3: Ether 2-6
November 4-10: Ether 7-11
November 11-17: Ether 12-Moroni 1
November 18-24: Moroni 2-7
November 25-December 1: Moroni 8-10

So, this time, I'm asking for suggestions on how we can do this. What can make it easier for us to remember and what can we do to attain our goal? Leave comments and let us all know!

Love you!