Book of Mormon - The Book of Enos

April 19, 2010: This is one of my favorite books in the Book of Mormon. There are just so many beautiful things written in those short 27 verses. I love to see how Enos' soul cried and hungered for forgiveness and then it was given to him by the voice of the Lord. Verse 10 tells us again that we live in a holy land - that is such a comfort in a time of war such as we are in now. Verse 12 the Lord promises Enos (and me) that He will grant the desires of his heart - but the Lord later says all is done in His own due time. And finally, verse 27. I am certain that Enos had received the second anointing because he knows that the Savior has prepared a place for him in the mansions of the Father. How great would that be - to be sure of your exaltation like Enos. I pray that I will live like Enos - repent of my sins, work unceasingly for the Kingdom, and prepare in all ways for exaltation.

Book of Mormon - Jacob 7:22

Apr 15, 2010: Jacob requests something of Heavenly Father and it was given to him, "for he had heard my cry and answered my prayer." I too know that the Lord hears and answers my prayers. There is one thing in particular, for which I have prayed morning and night. It is perhaps the most righteous desire a woman of God could have. I am not certain exactly when or how this plea of mine will be granted, but I do know that my prayers are heard and I know that in the Lord's time they will be answered. And the day my prayers are answered will be the most glorious day and I will know that this blessing comes from God.

Book of Mormon - Jacob 4:3-4

Apr 9, 2010: Jacob hopes that his children will rejoice when they read his writings and that they feel and know of his testimony of Christ. I hope for all these same things - that my children will be thankful for my many journals and that through my writings I may remember to always bear testimony that those to come will know that I know the gospel is true and I too have a hope of Christ's glory. I can't think of any better legacy to leave with them.

Book of Mormon - 2 Nephi 32:3

Apr 5, 2010: The Lord promises that all men will understand according to their language and level of understanding. I love to see how the many languages translated at General Conference fulfill the former part of this promise. And I am grateful to see, even with my Young Women, how the latter part is fulfilled. They may not have had years of gospel scholarship or even grown up learning the details of the gospel. Yet, with what understanding they have they can receive the witness of the Spirit and know the truths of the gospel. And from there, their understanding will grow. God truly is great and truly does love His children.

Good Works #2

2. Service is an essential principle of family living. Help plan your family’s menus, obtain the food, and prepare part of the meals for two weeks. During that time help your family gather to share mealtimes. Report to your class what you have learned.

I have learned much over the last year as I have prepared all the meals we have eaten in our home. Mostly, I have learned how important it is to gather as a family and share a meal together. I hope Dave and I will make mealtime a tradition in our family, no matter how busy our schedules get. There is no better time to get to understand what is happening in each others' lives, to strengthen our love and relationships with each other, and preparing meals together and cleaning up afterwards teaches valuable life skills. I am grateful that growing up my family always made dinners a priority. The family Dave and I will raise will carry on with that important tradition.

Book of Mormon - 2 Nephi 29:8

Apr 3, 2010: I love how direct the Lord is here, "Murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word?" That is right. Why do we murmur and complain that we are receiving more light and knowledge through scriptures. No! We should rejoice that the Lord loves us so much He has given us greater understanding of His gospel. For, it is a great blessing to know His will and then do it and receive eternal life.

Virtue #1

1. Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It includes chastity and purity. The power to create mortal life is an exalted power God has given His children. He has commanded that this power be used only between a man and a woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Study the meaning and importance of chastity and virtue by reading Moroni 9:9; Jacob 2:28; “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (see page 101); and the section on sexual purity in For the Strength of Youth. Also read Article of Faith number thirteen and Proverbs 31:10–31. In your journal write the promised blessings of being sexually clean and pure and your commitment to be chaste.

~ Promised blessings of being sexually clean and pure. ~
* Moroni 9:9 - chastity and virtue are most dear and precious above all things.
* Jacob 2:28 - the Lord delights in the chastity of women.
* Proclamation - temple marriage and eternal families; obedience to God's commandment-the Law of Chastity-and the Lord will sanctify your marriage and family; happiness in the family, heirs of eternal life, fulfill your divine destiny, return to the presence of God; successful marriage and family.
* For the Strength of Youth: Sexual Purity - expressing love between husband and wife; creating children; preparing yourself for marriage and having a family; preparing yourself for the temple; protect yourself from emotional damage; inner peace, companionship of Holy Ghost.
* Article of Faith 13 - strengthens our belief in the gospel (our testimony), our hope, our ability to endure all things; fills our life with beauty.
* Proverbs 31:10 - the price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies
- v. 11 - her husband trusts her
- v. 12 - she does good - or blesses - her husband
- v. 17 - she girds her loins and arms with strength
- v. 25 - she manifests strength and honor and she rejoices
- v. 28 - her children call her blessed and her husband praises her

~ My committment to be chaste. ~
The Lord really does want us to be chaste and virtuous. And there are so many blessings that will come from our obedience. I really like what Sister Dalton recently said at the Young Women Meeting. She told the girls to focus on "deep beauty," the kind that shines from the inside out. "Deep beauty springs from virtue. It is the beauty of being chaste and morally clean. It is the kind of beauty that you see in the eyes of virtuous women. It is the beauty that is earned through faith, repentance, and honoring covenants."

I want to receive and shine with deep beauty. I also want to always be worthy to enter the temple and receive the blessings that have been promised to me and my husband. I have covenanted to keep the Law of Chastity and so I will. I want eternal life with Heavenly Father and my family. I promise to always be clean and pure that those magnificent blessings will be mine!