2 Nephi 11 Questions

For me, the scriptures always make me ask more questions than they give me answers for. I told Stephen once that I may just be a better Christian when I'm not studying the scriptures & I just work to be nice. Anyhow, a question that came up for me today while reading was this:
If
3 And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 11:3)

is true, does the fact that there are many witnesses against religion negate the three or more witnesses in favor?

I'm not trying to play devil's advocate here, really. I'm just curious as to how you know truth if there are evidently witnesses on both sides. My gut tells me it all boils down to the spirit...but then, why do different people get different answers?

7 For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 11:7)

I read this line in faith...(and it makes me wonder why evangelicals are against the LDS religion...perhaps they haven't read the Book of Mormon?), but I fail to see how you could prove the importance of faith in Christ via this statement...it seems to me the faith must be in the whole picture at once, one part cannot really prove another. The whole story either has to be real, or not. Telling someone they exist because of Christ, when they already believe they were part of primordial soup does very little to convince them of the atonement. Just my two cents.

2 Nephi 10

Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name—should come among the Jews, among those who are the more wicked part of the world; and they shall crucify him—for thus it behooveth our God, and there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 10:3)

I started to wonder...it seems as though the Lord knew who would be evil enough to crucify Christ. He knew that the suffering would occur, it was basically a set-up (kind of like the garden of Eden). I know we hear often that God isn't a micro-manager, but the more I read, the more I wonder...are we sure he isn't setting up misery? Now, I'm not saying that it is because he is a mean and hateful God. Actually, I started thinking about boot camp. Personally, I've never attended, but my parents both have. They tell me stories about how mean and nasty it gets, how your literally getting your spirit broken, only to have it built back up, as a team, with the ability to get through anything. I started thinking about the pioneers, who had much physical suffering, yet those who survived flourished in the desert valley they settled. I thought of the horrible stories anti-mormons use to persuade members to fall away, true stories, but told via a slant of "evil men are in your midst, you must drop back" kind of way. Yet, it seems evil men were necessary for Christ to be crucified. Horrible occurences may have been /are necessary to try the faith and physical and mental ability of the human beings that may someday live with God again. Maybe there is so much more to "getting to heaven" than we can comprehend, that we don't see how trials might be a good thing. I'm definitely not saying that I don't feel sick to my stomach when I think of the suffering of individuals, and I'm also not saying that we should not pitch in to help each other. In fact, I think we should help each other...maybe that is the building us back up as a team part of heavenly boot camp.

23 Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 10:23)

Ahhh, agency. It's funny when I read about folks complaining about their lack of agency because they are LDS. However, it's pretty explicit in the scriptures that your choices are not without consequence. Do people really think that they can do WHATEVER they want and not have to worry about anything? Not counting the physical limitations of doing whatever you want (addiction, unwanted pregnancy, broken homes), can you imagine a God putting a creation on earth and not giving any guidelines? Better yet, can you think of instances when parents allow children to run free with no rules? In the long run, those are the children suffering from depression, wondering if their parents loved them. Same with those who have been taught that if God loved us, he would let us have our way all the time...we start to wonder if there really is a God. I, however, have found that the more I learn about the rules, guidelines, what have you, that I believe came from God, I get to know him better. I feel a relationship forming that is almost conversational, a friendship. There are plenty of naysayers who believe I am deluding myself...justifying my obedience. But, I cannot argue that intense feeling of love I get when I do the right thing, nor can I ignore the feeling of emptyness when I fail to do what is asked of me. Even if I "get my way", I begin to feel a little more empty. Some have stated I am brainwashed to feel this way, and that will "go away" if I let myself free from the grips of my religion, but I truly feel that the only thing that will go away is the companionship of the spirit, and this I cannot argue. Logic defies it, but the feelings are there.

By the way, if you really want to avoid brainwashing...don't avoid church, avoid television and media, you'll be surprised at how many of your own thoughts you start to have when you turn off the idiot box. Take a marketing class if you don't believe me. I promise, I got my degree in it...after classes about how to make people do what you want them to do, feel how you want them to feel via media, I turned off the TV. Too many say, "Oh, I couldn't live without that!" Yes, you'll feel that way for about a week...the same amount of time it takes to get over an addiction. Hmmmm.

Detour

Ok, not really a detour persay. Every month we get the Ensign and usually, I take the time to read them, as they are chock full of wonderful inspiration that isn't written in a bunch of "art thous" and "wo, wo unto me"s. Not that I mind old English, in fact I quite enjoy it; however, after reading in scripture for a few days, you can fly through the Ensign get lots of good out of it, even a few shed tears.

The August Ensign has already come, and it came with perfect timing.

The Friend (a children's magazine from our church) also came. We (the kids & I) had been struggling with the give & take of the parent/ child relationship. I wanted them to give in a little more, actually. So, I was pleased as I read article after article to the children on obedience, and I made a comment to Z about how the Lord must be trying to tell one of us something (hint, hint, obey!). Little did I know that, that evening, I would open the Ensign to find article after article about being an adult who had an eternal focus, saw the big picture, and taught with love, not coersion. So, the Lord was trying to tell one of us something: Me. To obey HIS words. To teach with love & understanding. Yes, I was to learn a lot over the next little while. I didn't write until today because I was busy putting what I was learning to the test. I'm amazed at how little changes in me can make huge changes in our family.

2 Nephi 9 or SMILE!

Remembering that this scripture had such simple meaning to me as a youth made me smile, smile at my naivete. I used to read over this & the only thing I ever got from it was:
39 O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally–minded is death, and to be spiritually–minded is life eternal.--smile

(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:39)

Now, I read it and don't know where to start. Given, that phrase has all but changed me from a pessimistic, sarcastic person to someone with hope, who attempts (and usually can) see the good coming out of things. This change was no small feat. Speaking of point of view, I found another verse in this chapter that made me think:
20 O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:20)

A wee bit of that new-fangled quantum physics here? Hmmm? Maybe not, but this is my blog & I can think whatever I want. My thoughts are not canonized. For future reference, the theory I'm speaking of is one that states that what you observe is what is real, since at the sub-atomic level, everything is the same.

However, there is also a warning with this scripture, and I think it's a good one, reminding us that we need to be listening to our God, however it is he speaks to us, and not assuming we know how things will come about based on our studies. God, or the world around us, does give us what we seek...just not always how we envisioned it happening. When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:28)

Another thing that jumped out at me was the high importance of baptism. Really, baptism by immerssion is not just a suggestion, or an old ritual, it is three things: a commandment, a covenant, and an ordinance. Many things God gives us are one or the other of these, but baptism by immerssion (as Christ was baptized, our perfect example) is really utmost. 23 And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:23)

2 Nephi 8

I've had this dilemma lately: buy "better" food (organic, local, etc) or buy cheaper food? After much research, (which, if you know me, you know that I research a lot before making a decision), I've concluded a few things.
#1. Better is not always more expensive if you know where to look. The farm co-op we are a part of is supplying us with wonderful, organic produce for a fraction of the cost at the stores (in fact, it's less than traditional(?) vegetables there, too). The farmer's market is another example of better being cheaper. Grains, though not grown locally, are cheaper when bought in their whole form & processed at home. Upicks provide fruit I can pick & can myself for less than store cost and 100-fold in taste.

#2. About the other foods I buy; convenience items, milk, cheeses, meats. These are more expensive if purchased from a local source. So, I wonder, should I buy them & support ALL local foods? Or, is there something I'm missing? Local, small farms are usually "cruelty free" (yeah, like chopping a chicken's head off at any time in their life is free of cruelty as long as they lived a good life...hmmm?) and they use organic resources.

However (since I'm not for pushing complete veganism) I wonder if this cost is worth it. Yes, it tastes better, there is higher nutrition, but today's scripture study had me wondering something else: What about those who have NO nutrition? I'm not talking about the kids at the soup kitchen on the corner, they're getting help, but those who are literally starving to death? Is the better "taste" of my food so important, when they are getting none? Is a miniscule increase in minerals & vitamins in my food worth it, when they are getting NONE?

What if I pocketed those extra dollars each year, and then sent them to a better cause? I calculated today that by saving $3/gallon on milk alone, (by not buying organic) given we drink 2 gallons a week, I could be sending $312/year worth of food to a starving child somewhere. I read that in those countries, kids are living on less than a dollar a day (if they are living at all), so just by giving up my extra milk money, I can feed another person for a whole YEAR. And feed them well. The scripture that got me on this was
11 Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their heads; and they shall obtain gladness and joy; sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
12 I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son of man, who shall be made like unto grass?
13 And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth, and hast feared continually every day, because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor?
14 The captive exile hasteneth, that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 8:11 - 14)

At first, I was rejoicing that the suffering would not suffer...but then, it came--will he really lift up all the suffering, or is it up to us? Just a thought.

A Day of Holy Hymning

It may be that I really enjoy hymns, or it may be that whoever picks the hymns each Sunday is very inspired, or maybe it's both...either way, I love the songs we sing each Sunday. I love how they fit into what I'm thinking, and how they lift me up. Today we sang Come, Come Ye Saints and I thought of the line, "Why should we think, to earn a great reward, if we now, shun the fight?" all afternoon. I thought of how it applies to so many things: child rearing, health, friendships, marriage. I don't think I need to give examples.

2 Nephi 7

A short chapter, but a good one. It seemed like quite the rebuke, and I began to wonder, "Do I ever do this? Do I ever blame God for deserting me?"
YEA, for thus saith the Lord: Have I put thee away, or have I cast thee off forever? For thus saith the Lord: Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement? To whom have I put thee away, or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Yea, to whom have I sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.
2 Wherefore, when I came, there was no man; when I called, yea, there was none to answer.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 7:1 - 2)

I was reading another book the other day (I think I start too many of my sentences this way, I've got to come up with another way to say, "All I do is read."), and it was stating that we as mortals have such a limited view that we say things like "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" when in reality, the Lord is always giving. We just don't see it. When bad things happen to us, we exclaim, "Why ME?!" instead of "What may come of this?"

I'm not saying I'm not guilty of it, I do it as well, but I took the challenge the (book/website...where was it?) gave to look back on things that seemed horrible at the time, and to try to see what good things have come from them. A few examples:

#1. I HATED the missionary idea. I mean, c'mon, all of my friends were leaving me for 2 years (I had few female friends), even the cute ones. I cried a lot, but then, one sunny day, a man who had returned from his mission entered the picture (Stephen)...would I have given him the time of day had all my friends been in town? No. Would he be who he is today without his mission. NO (at least according to his mother). This is a small example (but big in the future it led to!).

#2. Bigger example. My birth experience with Z. The only way I can describe it is to say that from 36 weeks til his 1st birthday, I was a wreck. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. My memories of that time are bitter sweet. I'm sad that I wasn't my best for his first year, but I've learned a lot. The biggest blessing that came from this trial has been that I've had more children. Huh? Yeah, OK, let me explain.

I never intended to have many children. I was thinking, ummm, one. I didn't like the idea of a big family. I wanted to work, to focus what energy I had left on my one. God knew what I didn't. The harder you have to work for something, the more important it is to you. Z. was born via emergency c-section. He was tiny. 4 lbs. 15.5 oz. Nurses joked that the weighing nurse should have put her finger on the scale to give him that 1/2 oz. I didn't find it funny. Not much was funny. I felt so cheated that I didn't get my "natural birth", my perfect birth. I was sure (where was my brain?) that everyone was out to get me.
Enter in some free time at school. I found out that despite what my doctor had said about maybe not wanting to do that again (pregnancy, I mean, plus if I did, a planned c-section, yuck!), it was possible that I could try again and not have another c-section. I had the perfect excuse to stick to one child, and I decided (in my slightly altered frame of mind, but thank God!) that I would try again! I would deliver this time! 22 months later: enter C. She's perfect, three days early, and the birth was almost natural...I "gave in" and had an epidural (that didn't take all the way, bummer) after a full day (plus some) of labor. So, my brain says, "OK, next time, we're doing this without the epidural."

I'm looking back on all this and laughing, because this really was my thought process. I wanted to have the perfect birth, I felt like I could control that. Anyhow, now I have three, and none of the births have been perfect, but to me, those kids are. I really doubt that my "normal" frame of mind before having Z. would have resulted in me having these three. I've grown up a little, and I now see that they are my life. I could in no way see this from where I was standing the day Z. was born.

#3...I couldn't decide which example to use here. It's late, I'm tired, and I promised I'd get sleep today. No more midnights.

My point is that the Lord doesn't actually desert us. In fact, he knows when it just gets SO hard that we have to blame someone. He takes it. He loves us that much. Think of the last time (if you have children) one of your (small) toddlers got hurt. Don't they always blame you? Why didn't you catch me? Even if they ran into the wall at full speed (don't laugh, they do this!), they turn around and look at you like, "Why did you do that?" God is like that. He's watching, cringing, squeezing his hands together so as not to hold us very still and keep us from doing anything stupid.