2 Nephi 30 & Conference

1 AND now behold, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you; for I, Nephi, would not suffer that ye should suppose that ye are more righteous than the Gentiles shall be. For behold, except ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall all likewise perish; and because of the words which have been spoken ye need not suppose that the Gentiles are utterly destroyed.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 30:1)

It's occurred to me at times that often we think we're doing great (or better than others) when it comes to gospel living, when really, we aren't. I am reminded of a plaque my dad had in the house while I was growing up. It said, "It's hard to be humble when you are as great as I am." I'm learning as I go throughout my daily life, meeting people, talking to them, that while I thought I was doing OK at living Christlike standards, that there are many people doing better than I. The funny part is, it is those exact people (who really ARE doing better), that are being humble about it and don't realize they are passing me by like the road runner and Wyle Coyote.

16 Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be made known; yea, all things shall be made known unto the children of men.
17 There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed.
18 Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto the children of men shall at that day be revealed; and Satan shall have power over the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time. And now, my beloved brethren, I make an end of my sayings.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 30:16 - 18)

I read this with a lot of hope. Often, I look for more information, I look for signs of new things happening in relation to God, but as I read today, it dawns on me: I don't embrace what already exists. I'm trying to do better. But, I've noticed that even though I've read the scriptures, I don't really know them. I'd like to be able to say I know all the cannonized works. Of course, I also want to keep up on continuing revelation. So, what I'm saying is this: There is a lot to know, and I'm not giving enough of my time to learn what there is. I waste a lot of time. Everyone has 24 hours in a day, and I should be using my time to love, learn, and serve. I know the saying of idleness being of the devil, but I was just thinking that despite the fact that idle hands tend to start doing wickedness (the common interpretation of that scripture), but the remorse you feel after having wasted a day and knowing you cannot get that day back, really, I think, makes you feel a little like what hell must be like--knowing what could have been--only in small doses.

As for conference...it was wonderful. I love that I can now go and read (or listen to) what was said, and enjoy the inspiration of the prophet. The biggest message I got from the past two weeks was: Create. Don't waste time, use it, use it, use it! Use it to serve people. Use it to learn. Use it to get to know God better. Oh, and take care of yourself. A part of L. Tom Perry's talk about Walden pond popped out at me: It's not only OK to exercise and eat well--it's a commandment! Learning to take care of my body is not a luxury, but a necessity. AND as a mother, it is my job to teach my children to do the same, and I'm lacking. I have the knowledge and the support, but my own oomph is missing. Praying for that.

Relief Society General Broadcast

Tonight was what I needed to hear. OK, you hear that all of the time..."They were so inspired!" "It was just what I needed!" People act all excited that the message was "just for them." Usually, there is something for everyone in each conference. At first, I was getting bored. Sorry about the honesty, but I wouldn't feel right saying I was staying awake. But then, something clicked. I heard, "pay attention" and so I did.

Here's what I heard:
Serve at home. Look around! You do not need to look far (your children, your spouse, your neighbor) to find someone to help.

Give your all. The world is too full of people who do "just enough." Excel, whether it be at home making, your calling, your career, parenting...do it well! Give it everything you've got...which leads to...

Take care of yourself, so you have more to give. If you are healthier, your family will be. If you are more spiritual, your family will be. If you're wondering how to help your family excel, excel yourself, and they will follow suit. You are your child's example, and often, your friend's example as well. You'd be surprised how many people you help when you take care of yourself.

Create. Yes, as women, we have the ability to create life (and that is wonderful, and amazing!!), but as humans we all (men and women) have the desire, drive, the responsibility to create something that wasn't there before. Create a smile on a child's face. Create a happy atmosphere. Create a loving response. Create! Start small, and teach yourself how to create with matter unorganized. It doesn't have to be art. Create your life, and do a good job at it.

My favorite quote, and now my new inspiration was (not exact, sorry, but I hope you get the gist): Create an environment the angels would want to visit.

The thought of raising a family in that environment invigorates me.

2 Nephi 28 & 29

7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.
8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.
9 Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:7 - 9)

Of course, there has to be a little eat, drink & be merry allowed--right? I mean, we as Mormons make it a point to have refreshments at every outing. And, I'm pretty sure that if I planned the Christmas Relief Society social without food, no one would come... Why is that? Seems we can't feed the spirit without at least feeding our tongues (and I will not say that it is to fill tummies, because if it were all lentils & no cheesecake, there wouldn't be a turnout either!)

13 They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:13)

I think about this scripture often. And I find conflicting arguments. First, I see here that we should live scarcely, giving any extra to help the poor. But then, the business-person in me says, "Wait! If I hire a gardener & a maid, I'm creating jobs--then these people are working for their $$, and not feeling bad about living off a hand out." The orator in me says, "You can't inspire others if you aren't living an inspirational life, and being poor, sick & sad never inspired anyone." My brain is always left spinning after this inner argument. Any ideas?

21 And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:21)

My only consolation here is that it is still evident to me that all is not well in Zion.

24 Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:24)

Maybe this is the answer to my prayers. This line. You'd have to know that I'm rarely at ease when considering living in certain western states. My dilemma is that I want to be by family, but I want to raise my children in a place where they will not take the gospel for granted. So, how is this an answer? Well, if wo be unto those at ease there (by this, I'm assuming the physical place of a gathering of many saints being Zion), then I should go there, and be ill-at ease. Yes? No?

3 And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:3)
Yes, we hear this a lot, do we not? I do, and yet, to use a scripture in the Book of Mormon to prove the Book of Mormon--well, that just doesn't quite work, now does it?

And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:4)

Sadly, no. People don't thank the Jews for this...they instead think of the crucifixion, and blame them as wicked people--but that was essential to the plan!

7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:7)

I love this verse. I often wonder when people will start to realize that the main differences in a lot of religions are merely the names used (names of God, names of ceremonies, names of rites...etc). Yes, there are some beliefs that differ, but, if you study the words of the founders of most religions, you'd see that they all begin similarly, and the differences come about as mankind interprets the words the founder writes/says.

13 And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:13)

Interesting, isn't it? It's like a big puzzle, and we've got to take all of the pieces, all of the revelations, and put them together. No one religion is right by itself, if would seem. Someone, or something, needs to bring them all together, to find the common ground. I suppose that's why it's so easy to feel right about any religion--they are, but they are not complete. I'm not convinced we're complete either...we, as a people, seem to be falling into the same traps. I'll have to ponder this a bit more.

2 Nephi 27

4 For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be drunken but not with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink.
5 For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets; and your rulers, and the seers hath he covered because of your iniquity.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:4 - 5)

So, I'm left wondering: If the Lord puts those who have already rejected the prophets into a deep sleep, will we ever be able to wake them? If not, how do we help them learn of Christ? It would seem they put themselves into this deep sleep, if the Lord's work is really to bring to pass the immortality & eternal life of man. He wouldn't want them to sleep, but to wake up!

I am able to do mine own work;
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:20)

The rest of the discussion of how a learned man could not read the plates and how the unlearned man could is interesting. It's testimony building. However, I've pondered those many times before, and finally, today, saw this line. I am able to do mine own work. Really, it seems the Lord is saying here that the efforts we put into bringing this gospel forth are really for our good. He could do it so much better. At this moment, my children are cleaning their rooms. Well, kind of. They have been told to. I really could do it quickly, zip thru, putting stuff where it belongs, tidying up, cleaning, washing the windows...all of it would take me ten minutes. I don't keep much stuff in their rooms. But, it takes them hours (hours of quiet for me because they know that if they come complaining to me about something--like each other--I'll just say, is your room clean?) and this benefits them. It teaches them stewardship. It teaches work before play.
Serving the Lord teaches us stewardship as well. It really is for us.

Also, I was thinking about the law of consecration. I willingly sit in a classroom on Sunday learning from people who are giving of their precious time. In return, rather than pay for the wonderful gospel class, I give service to someone else. It works, if we all try to give our best.

For shall the work say of him that made it, he made me not? Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, he had no understanding?
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:27)

I was just thinking about how there have been people who have written books & articles about how religion destroys people. That God doesn't know us. I would have to argue. Perhaps it is that we do not know ourselves. Our potential. Our worth. What he wants us to learn. What we are capable of. So much that mankind does not know, that God does.

But, there is hope, as is added here in verse 35:
35 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:35)

We will learn. He is understanding. Just like I know my children do not understand why they must help clean. They do not like it. But I know they will learn, and I will wait until it sinks in. It may take a long time, but it will come.

Gee, I learn so much by parenting. It's wonderful to have a new perspective.

2 Nephi 26

5 And they that kill the prophets, and the saints, the depths of the earth shall swallow them up, saith the Lord of Hosts; and mountains shall cover them, and whirlwinds shall carry them away, and buildings shall fall upon them and crush them to pieces and grind them to powder.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:5)

I read this, thinking...the prophets were so graphic in their writings...crushing, screaming, blood, etc. And we worry about violence in our children's literature? Yet we should teach our children the scriptures. Here's the thing, I know that studies have shown that when violence is written we cope with it much differently than when it is on TV, or in a game, so I've been a little more lax in what we read, meaning, I don't cover up what happened in the scriptures. And we talk about it. I think that is the key point: We talk about it. The kids are not left to wonder what I think, or if what they feel is right or wrong. We discuss. Two way communication.

24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.
26 Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.
27 Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:24 - 27) (my emphasis added)

This scripture is quoted to me sometimes by those who were once members, saying that those of us who are active need to be more accepting. Usually, I concede (because, well, we do) BUT after reading the italicized part, I realized something. We may be accepting, but it is still everyone's job to encourage people to repent, and telling someone that they need to repent is never seen as being accepting, even if you don't feel un-accepting toward them. Someone may love you, but do you really feel loved when they tell you that there are things that need to change? Not usually at the moment, and that is when pride takes over. Do you stop and think about what they've said, or do you get angry and tell them they are just a biased "saint" who is holier than thou and needs to get off your back? Hmmm? I used to do the latter. But it's making me think, reading this. Guess this is why we get to read regularly, eh?

Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:30)

So, politically, how do we solve this problem? If we tax the businesses, to give more to the poor, the businesses do worse, making fewer jobs available, so then there are more poor. If we don't and business folk get greedy, then there are more jobs, but less income. If we set a higher minimum wage, then all wages go up, and then so do prices. Arrrg! I really don't think this is a solvable problem. At least not within our finite minds. Am I giving up on our civiliazation? No, I hope we survive, but I've been thinking...most big civilizations only lasted a few hundred years as they entered the pride cycle.

that they should not contend one with another;
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:32)
President Monson spoke of contention today. I was glad he did, because I'd been feeling a lot of it toward my neighbors who were voting opposite me. A lot of comments come up about politics this time of year, and it is always a sore spot. I need to calm my inner self. I need to realize that they have every right to a different point of view, and not snap back at them when they say that only stupid people are conservative. I need to take the higher road, and be my educated self, with my educated opinions and do my best, even if we disagree. It is so hard. Hard to be kind to friends who have different points of view. But I must, or else, will I have friends?

2 Nephi 25

Ok, yes, I did read the other chapters, but, honestly, did not have much to say. More war, more destruction, Isaiah..I'm still working on understanding him. Which is why I found humor in this line:
For behold, Isaiah spake many things which were hard for many of my people to understand; for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews.

(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:1)

Yeah, Nephi hit the nail on the head. Isaiah spoke many things my people don't understand either. I wonder if it would make more sense if I did understand the Jews better (from that time era). I've never been big on studying history, but I do want to have it be an important part of my children's education. I can't explain why, but I'm driven to teach them the history of this world, and our people. I want them to have a better grasp of people than I do. I believe studying history and religions, and writings of different times is a great way to understand mankind in general. Here's hoping I'm right.

for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:4)

This spirit of prophecy. I wonder if it is a gift attainable. to understand what is to come. See...here is my next argument though. Often, when people mention that there were prophetesses in the bible, it is explained away as a prophet is someone who testifies of Christ. Well, that's all fine and dandy, but this also says that prophecy allows you to understand Isaiah, and of the things to come based on the writings of the scripture and inspiration. So, ummm, do we scratch that limited definition from our Sunday school manuals and use more than one scripture to answer the question?

and according to my prophecy they have been destroyed, save it be those which are carried away captive into Babylon.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:10)

See? According to my prophecy, they have been destroyed, not according to my ability to see or reveal. Semantics? Yes. But are we then using semantics in sunday school to discourage people from prophecying?

20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err. And as the Lord God liveth that brought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should heal the nations after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them, and also gave him power that he should smite the rock and the water should come forth; yea, behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:20)

No comment here, really. It is plain. Belief in the Savior is paramount. Everything else falls by the wayside. It's simple, but we make it so hard.

23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:23)

I wonder, though, how diligent are we here at home? Am I doing all I can do to help my children understand grace? Or justice? It's a hard balance within the home, being consistent and kind. Not the easiest task. But then, easy is never the best way, is it? Or sometimes, we think the easier way looks like more work, but then we make more work for ourselves by doing it our way. We think we are right, but then we have to redo...but that is what we are here to learn. Someday, I'll be wise enough to let myself learn from others, instead of having to make all the mistakes myself!!

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.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:26)

Rejoice!! Yes, that is key. I hope my children feel joy through the Savior, not a bunch of laws. I want them to see the joy that is possible, and to feel it. Do they feel it here? I'm not always sure, but that is something I'm adding to the goal list...to rejoice.
27 Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:27)

This scripture is a good one for those who are upset about past commandments that don't apply anymore (times change, God does give us different laws for different times, but not because he wants a different outcome, but because times change and he wants the same outcome.)
Let me rephrase that:
When you are in a different situation, but want to accomplish the same goals, you have to make adjustments based on the situation to get to the same place.
Differently:
If you are in California, but want to get to Idaho, you drive east, if you are in Indiana and want to get to Idaho, you drive west. Same goal, but different time and place, so different action required, hence, God't law changes, but not his goals.

2 Nephi 22

1 AND in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedest me.
2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.
3 Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
4 And in that day shall ye say: Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth.
6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 22:1 - 6)

A short chapter (yup, that's all of it) but so much more joyful than the others. After all the bad stuff comes the good stuff...reminds me of a sister at church who said that the last days are like transition in labor, but you can make it because you stay focused on seeing that new baby...and that's the good stuff.

About that topic...Stephen asked me what I would say to a woman who had a baby, who had great career prospects, and who was torn between staying home & working. I've been thinking about that, and thought I'd write it down, for my own sake--because sometimes I need to hear my own advice.

First, let me clarify: I went to college, I did finish with a very employable degree in human resource management, with honors. Some people I meet assume that because I'm not working, I'm uneducated, not so. I may sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in a high pitched voice with hand actions, but that is for the sake of my kids...not who I am all of the time. When I first started this "Mom Journey" I sang songs like The Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Star Spangled Banner, and Vogue (yes, by Madonna). I'm not well traveled, though I desire to be...but I don't desire it right now. My kids are little (5, 3, 0) and I want to be home. I'd take them, but grocery shopping with them is hard enough...let alone touring Europe or Africa.

So...what would I say to someone who is in the position I was 5 years ago, knowing what I know now?
It's not easy. That sounds cliche, I know, but I really thought it would be easier than working and having kids. I did the whole work, finish school, get sitter thing with Z up until he was 6 months old. It was hard. Yikes! I slept very little, and wanted to see him more than anything. I chose to stay home after that...
However, it was harder! Aaaack! There was no one to answer to, no schedule to keep to (unless I make one), and no one to hand the baby off to when I just couldn't take it any more (before I had a very reliable sitter who would take him even if I was home & needed to get something done).

I have a lot I'd love to say more, but at the moment, the kids are all occupied, and there is much to be done in this home (home maker, remember?). I'd just add that you shouldn't go into it with rose colored lenses. It's going to be a struggle. BUT, the struggles will be worth it (they have been so far), dinner around the table will be attainable, a clean floor will happen once in awhile (yes, not all the time, sad, I know), bottles of shampoo will be dumped, plants over turned, toys stepped on, books read, hugs given, long days spent at the park, or zoo, needing a shower but not getting one, wishing for a nap--and not getting one, it all happens.

Now, off to make my little sanctuary (my bedroom) look like it might belong to an adult.