3rd Nephi 13-17

13:1-4 Doing good is a private thing-between me and the Lord. Making it otherwise diminishes me in His eyes. Once again, it isn't all about me! 13:5-7 Reminds me of George A. Smith who often reminede congregations that a public prayer should not be a sermon but rather a brief-to the point-conversation with God. I remind myself of this every time I am asked to pray in Church. 13:21-21 What are the treasures that I am "Laying up in Heaven"? I need to keep my eye on the mark--Life with Heavenly Father. Temple service and temple attendance certainly help me to keep the focus. 13:34 Take no thought for the morrow--I am learning more about living in the moment and savoring it. Gardening has become a way of reminding me of this principle. I can only garden today--if I don't I can't go back and do it later with the same results. Life isn't like laundry--You can't let it go and then do it all at once. 14:3 I am trying to cut my "beams" into kindling and hopefully finally gather them and get rid of them. 14-7 I love this verse. As I come to understand it better, I am beginning to understand, just a little, how much the Lord is willing to give me, and the worth of his gifts. 14:24-25 Teaching seminary helped me get a better grip on the foundational elements in my life. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father gave me that opportunity and continues to let me substitute once in a while. 15:1-10 I need to remember the "Old Prophets and heed their counsel but realize that the Lord has given us modern prophets to whom we should listen most carefully. A good lesson this conference weekend. Conference was wonderful and I have decided to type up my notes and put them in my copy of this Blog Journal. Truly they are our newest scriptures and there were several essential messages for me. 15:23 The gentiles willnever hear His voice first hand. I had never realized that before. My voice has to do His work. 16:18 I love the thought of match-men singing! What a wonderful picture in my head. 17:3 Ponder these things. Do I ponder enough that it leads me to correct action? 17:6 Am I filled with compassion for others who suffer. I need to act more on the promptings and ponder them less. 17:20 His joy was Full. I wonder what that would feel like? 17-23-24 Keep in mind that He always remembers the little ones!

3rd Nephi 11-12

11:4 Do I hear His voice and understand not? I think I am lax in hearing His voice thru His servants. I am often touched by the words of a speaker but do not note the thought or direction and thus never follow up on it. A friend gave me a little sticky note-notebook that easily slides in my purse. I have begun using it to jot notes from talks etc. I think I really need to focus on listening to the Lord's servants and doing exactly as if it were the Lord himself speaking to me. 11:10-14 The Lord anounces himself so clearly so that there can be no question of his parentage or mission. What a strong statement. Another good one to memorize. 11:29 I must quell the spirit of contention in me. I truly don't want to be of the devil but oh, how I enjoy a good argument and "always" being right. 11:32-36 Basic doctrine--clearl7 spoken. No way to misunderstand. 12:2 I need to bear strong testimony so that my family will no doubt as to where I stand. Why is it harder to bear testimony to family than the Ward? 12:13 I want to be a "salt of the earth" and "be good for something". Those are becoming more and more of my focus. It is interesting how age and experience shape me continually and I continue to change. I just have to be sure that it is change for the better. 12:20 There doesn't appear to be a differences in most of the commandments--each is of inportance. No picking an choosing allowed.

3rd Nephi 1-5

1:22 Why do so many need a great sign to believe. Don't they get the same promptings and feelings as I do? Or does their concentration on the world keep them from feeling them? Is that why I sometimes don't feel the spirit--too focused on things of the world? 1:25 The Law always has to be fulfilled "every whit" therefore I need to try to keep it "every whit." 3:12 Emulate the great strength of Lachoneus--personal strength--spiritual strength--worldly strength. A powerful progression. 3:19 Appointed Prophet, spiritual, temporal, military leader of his people. What a challenge for him to handle all three. I need to keep in mind that my challenges are relatively small--though equally important on an individual basis. 3:26 Lachoneus prepared his people for war--I hope our Prophet doesn't have to do that. 4:16 Am I prepared for a multi-year crisis? I need to check and prepare what isn't (medical supplies, tools, the old well, the survival books). I have come to think of food storage as the entire assignment--and that usally for the short haul. I need to rethink, reorganize, and restock. 4:30 Do I rejoice and praise God for all my victories-- large and small? Or do I, like a 2 year old say "I did it myself!" I think I am a situational rejoicer and should be a more consistent rejoicer, relying more on the Lord than on myself. 5:13 This is a strong statement of religious identity--great to memorize and emulate. I printed Mormon's statement on card stock to post several places where I will see it regularly and as a book mark.

Helaman 11-16

11:4 What stirs me up in remembrance of the Lord my God? The beauties of the earth: snow, first flowers, sunshine, wild animals, a thunder storm, the ocean in all its moods. For each I am grateful. They fill my soul with wonder, awe, beauty. Crisis: inevitably I turn to Him first in small and big situations. The other day we went to Yreka in the midst of a snow storm. We spun out twice on the mountain. Before we left--a prayer for safety and then on the drive a prayer for safety on the entire drives--both ways. Upon returning home a prayer of gratitude.
Blessings: I have worked to become more aware of and in tune with daily blessings--life, health, family, the Gospel, friends, doctors, and on and on. Church attendance: at every meeting I learn something that helps me understand more or desire to learn more.

11:18 Do I rejoice and glorify God when I receive blessings. Can I help others recognize and want to rejoice.

11:23 Lehi and Nephi had many revaltions daily. I have never thought of a Prophet having multiple revelations daily. I wonder what that would be like? Do I have revalations daily that I miss?

12:2 Times of prosperity caused Nephites to forget God. Is that true of me? As I reflect I see that at times I have been guilty of that same sin. I have been less faithful when things were going well temporally. I hope I am now past that. I am working on it--really quite conscious of it.

12:5 How quick to be lifted up in pride--How slow to remember the Lord. What am I doing to reverse this process for me?

12:7-22 An amazing list of capabilities of the Lord--not one of which I can do. What a great lesson in perspective for me.

12:23-26 Do we slay the prophet by not listening and following. If so--Aren't we just like the people of Zarahemla rejecting Samual the Lamanite?

13:27 Do I only hear what I want to from the Prophet?

13:38 A frightful scripture--I must not procrastinate any further--get my hand on that Rod and Cling!

14:16 First death--spiritual death because of Adam's fall
14:18 Second death--those who refuse to repent--eternal
14:19 therefore repent because knowing and not doing (repenting) = condemnation
14:30 The key--if I perish (spiritually) it is my fault!

15:6 Do I strive with "Unwearried diligence" in my callings?

15:19 Steadfast, firm, enlightened --wonderful adjectives

16:14 If angels appear will I or do I recognize them?

16:20 Beware the nay sayers--just Hold to that Rod.

Helaman 11:4 What Stirs me to remembrance of the Lord my God?

Nephi made an interesting choice in his request of the Lord. Famine over war. Hoping to stir the people to remembrance while they were alive rather than just suffer the judgment of their behaviors after their deaths. What stirs me to remembrance? Earthly beauty--I love nature. Right now I am looking out at the hills across from us as they gather more and more snow. It is not only beautiful but has all kinds of connotations for me. Am I building up a store of spiritual treasures to bless me at a later time as the moisture from the snow blesses this valley? Do I appreciate the wonder of the Lord's gifts to us by His very creations. My first miniature daffodils are in bloom. What a glorious reminder of rebirth, theirs, the earths, the Lords, and potential for my own. Good thoughts to hold through this day.

Fools

Mar 15 1 Corinthians, Chapter 4:10 “fools for Christ’s sake” - more and more in the world today, following Jesus Christ is made to seem foolish. I must be prepared and brave enough to be thought a ‘fool’ for Him. I remember someone once saying to me, "You can't really be so naive as to believe that,can you?" The only reply I gave was, "Yes, I can." Of course, later I wished I had given a cogent and powerful testimony of truth.

Romans 14 peace

Romans 14:19 “Let us therefore follow after the things that make for peace.” Yes, a good idea for us politically and internationally, but it hit me powerfully this morning that it wouldn't be such a bad suggestion at home as well. I am too often interested in being 'right' and less often interested in peace. And, what difference does most of the little daily stuff matter. That's my goal for today - let it go and particularly 'say' things that make for peace.

Three sisters scripture study: I was reading yesterday in Helaman. 4:11 cautions ...

Three sisters scripture study: I was reading yesterday in Helaman. 4:11 cautions ...: "I was reading yesterday in Helaman. 4:11 cautions to beware of wickedness and abominations and the mocking of that which is sacred. Before ..."
Interesting example, Geri, about Elder Bednar, I, too, tend to go around and visit with sisters(in the chapel)before meeting. It's hard to catch them in time if you wait until after, but maybe I can try to get to R.S. a little earlier and visit then.

Romans 10:20

Paul quotes Isaiah as saying that he was able to find those WHO SOUGHT ME NOT and was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. I was wondering if some of our children may be touched by the Holy Ghost(because of the background of their youth)even though they are not seeking the Prophet, or the Lord, or the Holy Ghost. I pray that that is true and that they will recognize those promptings and someday act on them. In the meantime, I know that I need to do the same.

Desire of my heart Romans 10

Mar 2 Romans 10 The first verse got me – as that is my heart’s desire for my family. Vs. 17 “so then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Reminds me to listen to conference over and over and to pay attention in Sacrament meeting – ‘hearing the word of God.’

Romans 9 Being the clay

Mar 1 Romans 9 Potter and clay analogy – brings to mind my whining at the thumping of my clay instead of eagerness to see what the potter makes of me – and cooperating with the making. Paul also emphasizes that is the thing that we seek, or the intent of our heart, that matters, not our inherited position. Each has and can choose what they long for…..

Earnest – ‘the Lord gives us his Holy Spirit in this life as a foretaste of the joy of eternal life” What a wonderful reminder of what is to come – letting us have a taste of it now.

Additional notes on Helaman 4 and 5

Helaman 4:13 denying the spirt of prophecy and revaltion will result in being left to my own strength. Now, there's a thought! In the grand scheme of things I have but very little strength and so must learn to depend on the Lord much more. To do otherwise is to stay at about age 2 spiritually--"I can do it myself." Most of the time I know that I can't but often I persist in trying, waiting until a crisis to use the spiritual tools of prayer and study. I am working hard to overcome that 2 year-old nature. I must practice first things first rather than even considering relying on myself alone. It seems that I have had the process upside down for a long time.

4:20 Remember the prophacies--good counsel anytime. Remember, reflect and then act. A good plan for me.

5:2-3 Sometimes the majority is wrong. Even though we subscribe to majority rule, I must be prepared to stand against the majority when they are wrong. The solution seems to be to learn what is right and then do it at all times--so easy to write -- so hard to do consistenly.

5:7 It really is a great motto Do What is Right! I think I'll work on memorizing the words to that song and use it as my go to song when questions or decisions are at hand.

5:12 Remember the ROCK of the Redeemer. I look to Him often but is it often enough?
I wonder what shafts he has protected me from? It is probably much better not to know and just be grateful.

5:30 I know that I hear a still small voice often. DO I LISTEN? another aspect to attend to more faithfully.

5:47 He promises "Peace Be Unto You" that truly is what I want to hear--I need to work harder so that I will hear it, not just hope to.

I was reading yesterday in Helaman. 4:11 cautions to beware of wickedness and abominations and the mocking of that which is sacred. Before Sacrament meeting yesterday, as we are always a little bit early so Lynn can put up the song numbers, I circled the chapel greeting those who I only usually see on Sunday. One of my good friends reacted quite coldly and I was a bit confused. After the meeting block I ran into in the hall her and she asked if we could talk a minute. She appologized for being so cold and then explained: At a stake meeting for Young Women's leaders she had been greeting various women before the meeting in the chapel. As were many others. It was a pleasant reunion of women of don't see each other often, except at these meetings. When the Stake Young Women's President spoke she spoke on the sacredness of the Chapel and mentioned an incident that had happened at a Young Single Adult Fireside that Eld. Bednar presided over in Eugene Oregon. The meeting had been a spiritual feast and afterwards, many of the young adults were visiting in the chapel. They were not being boisterous or rowdy, just happy to be with worthy friends. All of a sudden, Eld. Bednar approached the podium, and spoke quietly but forcefully: (I can't quote him as I didn't hear him so this is a paraphrase) Brothers and Sisters, please take your visiting outside the chapel. The chapel is a most sacred place where ordinances are performed. It should never become a place for visiting. There was absolute silence and then the group moved out to the foyers where they more comfortbly resumed their visiting. My friend said that when she considered what the Stake YM pres. had said that Eld. Bednar said, she realized that she was guilty of the same offence. Just as I was by using the chapel as a place to greet, visit, and make arrangements for visiting teaching etc. I was struck quite forcefully. As I have pondered her words, I have felt as if, unknowingly I have been mocking a sacred place for years. The stake YM pres. also asked all the leaders to consider where they hold YM opening exercises. She asked, "Are you dressed appropriately to be in the chapel? Are the young men and young women? Is the behavior apropriate for such a sacred place?" It has really caused me to think. I can remember a time when we never entered the chapel in slacks, much less jeans, except on the one occasion a year when we helped with the major cleaning of the chapel, including cleaning the woodwork and finally scrubbing the carpets. I am quite determined to do better at respecting the sanctity of the chapel.

Romans 7 Paul's battle with himself and mine

Feb 26 Romans 7 Paul describes so clearly and personally the battle we all face with ourselves over doing good, or not. And, concludes the chapter with, "I thank God, through Jesus Christ. Yes, I thank God through his Son Jesus Christ for His Son and for the powerful atonement that enables us to win the battle if we keep going.

Diaspora - the scattering of house of Israel throughout the world - Paul was a Jew of the diaspora. Reminds me of the members of the Church in Nigeria, who in receiving their patriarchal blessings found that they represented, through their lineage, a wide variety of the tribes of Israel.

Camille Fronk-Cost of True Discipleship

As I was reading Matt:4-11, I came across this talk by Camille Fronk(BYU Rel. prof) about discipleship. She makes a bunch of good comments(1999), including: "Disciples are not without weaknesses, but their mistakes neither paralyze them nor preclude them from serving. Similarly, disciples do not require perfection from others in their attempts to assist." I have appreciated those comments, and as I read the Master calling fishermen to assist him, I more fully appreciate how important humility is.

Also, in Matt: 11:28-30, a favorite of mine, I have written in my scriptures that "easy", referring to Christ's yoke can be replaced by "kindly"--which gives it an entirely different connotation.

Romans 6 and Dew

Feb 25 Romans 6 vs. 13 “yield yourselves unto God….” Yes! And just how do I do that? It is explained in vs. 16 – become his servant, obedient to him. Okay then I can try harder to do that.

Dew – symbolic of ‘any beneficial effect produced by quiet means’ what a goal for today – be like dew…

Romans 1-4

Romans
Feb 21 Romans 1 Paul – called to be an apostle Did I notice this before and forgot – seems like a pretty big thing to forget! Vs 16 is one of the first Bible verses that I recall memorizing. It is wonderful how early memorization stays with me while verses I have memorized recently have to be reviewed frequently to be kept. The end of the chapter sounds like he is seeing our day through a very clear lens and describing what we see and hear all around us.
Darkness – symbolical of spiritual blindness or ignorance. How do I more effectively shine the light of Christ into the dark corners within me as well as to other people?

Feb 22 Romans 2 Paul condemns judging others and hypocrisy with very specific examples. Verse 21 especially struck me. Do I do what I teach? Yikes. Room for improvement here!
David – the BD highlights the reason why David’s reign was the greatest in the history of Israel: 1) he united the 12 tribes into one nation; 2) he secured the land 3) the will and law of God was the law of the land. What a nation America would be if the same could be said about it.

Feb.23 Romans 4 Paul presents the relationship of faith and works and grace and uses Abraham and circumcision as specific examples. Vs. 20 ‘He (Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God (that he would be the father of many nations) through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God: “
Can I then not ‘stagger’ at the promises of eternal life with my family around me, but be strong in the faith and give glory to God! The use of the word ‘stagger’ really hit me.

Death – physical= separation of the spirit from the body, or the ‘grave’; spiritual = separation from righteousness,or hell. Physical death comes to all; spiritual death comes through an individual’s thoughts, words and actions. Both were introduced into the world by the fall of Adam and both are overcome by the atonement of Jesus Christ. Through the atonement all will overcome physical death; all may not face spiritual death depending upon whether or not they choose to follow Jesus Christ.

Acts 25 - 28 and miscelaneous comments on Bible Dictionary topics

I think I am overloading this blog with my stuff. Let me know what you think. I am reading the New Testament and commenting on what strikes me and then also examining a page of the Bible Dictionary and learning from it as well.

Feb 15. Acts 26 Agrippa – “Almost thou persuades me to be a Christian” is King Agrippa’s response to Paul’s testimony. In appearing to Paul on the road to Damascus, the Lord tells Paul he is to be a minister and a witness of Him.

Damnation – opposite of salvation and exists in varying degrees – actually seems to be opposite of exaltation- meaning limited in some degree in their progress and privileges. It seems obvious this would be so, but I had never really thought of the progressive levels of damnation as well as exaltation.

Feb 16. Acts 27 Acts 27 Paul travels to Rome…is protected amid the travails. Angel comforts him. I think of the times angels have comforted me, sometimes real people, and occasionally not.

Dan – in the write up on Dan it states that he is ‘own brother to Naphtali.’ This phrase brought back a flood of memories of Nigeria where this was often said, “I am own brother to _____”. I thought it was a quaint way to express a relationship never realizing that it was a Biblical phrase meaning ‘we have both the same father and the same mother.” I am so grateful for the experiences we had on our mission in Nigeria – both large and small.

Feb 17 – 19 had a cold and didn’t accomplish much – sewed a little between blowing my nose. I read a few verses in acts 28 one day, but can’t remember which day.

Feb 20 – Acts 28 after perils at sea and many blessings for Paul and by Paul, he arrives in Rome and dwells there for 2 years teaching the Gospel. Blessings given lead to blessings received – a glorious circle.

Dancing – a natural sign of rejoicing Oh how fun to rejoice by dancing! I think of the fun of the recent ward ‘Once in a Decade Valentine’s Dance’ for the adults in the ward held at the Rippy’s home. It included lots of visiting, good food, a 10 minute program and continuous dance music. Often the only dancers were ladies – young and older dancing with laughter and joy. Men would get up and join in or not – a great feeling of freedom and rejoicing.

Matthew 5

We were discussing this today, ie. about what motivates you to seek righteousness. I feel like other people's example motivates me, such as the Prophet(I think it was Pres. Hinckley, although Pres. Monson said something similar at the end of this last conference.)when he said, "I want to go home and be a better person." That is really humbling to me when a Prophet says that. Surely, I need to seek righteousness more.

Acts 19-25 and Bible Dictionary topics for week we were in Utah

Feb 8. Acts 19. Paul confers the gift of the Holy Ghost - I had never noticed before the prevalence of references to and examples of the Holy Ghost in the book of Acts. I want more of His presence in my life and my life to be an example of following him.
Communion – common word for the sacrament in both Protestant and Catholic churches Word used by Paul in Corinthians 1 Cor 10:16-21. During this rite, ‘one seeks fellowship with the Master. Paul also speaks of communion of the Holy Ghost 2 Cor 13:14.
Feb 9. Acts 20. Paul prepares to return to Jerusalem, his beating by Jews, then taken captive by Roman soldiers is all told. He starts to speak to the Hews in Hebrew – or Aramaic – previous spoke to guard captain in Greek. Paul follows the promptings of the Holy Ghost, knowing it is leading him into personal danger. FAITH.
Compass – v. go completely around n. circle or circular direction
Confession – 1) Jesus is the Christ, 2) confession of sin – conditions of forgiveness
Feb 10. Acts 21. Again through prophecy of Agabus and the promptings of the Holy Ghost, Paul knows that he is going to Jerusalem to be taken captive and states that he is ready…to die for the name of Jesus Christ. “all Jerusalem in an uproar” Jews against Jews over the teachings of Paul – Roman soldiers take him captive. Paul identifies himself as a Roman and the soldiers let him speak to the Jews before hauling him off.
Confirmation – illustration of the two Priesthoods and the fact that the Melchizedek is greater - as the Holy Ghost is given by that priesthood – baptism can be done by Aaronic. To confirm – means ‘ to make more sure’ interesting to contemplate how the Holy Ghost makes us more sure of the truth.
Feb 11. Acts 22. Paul tells the Jews gathered against him of his conversion – speaks in Hebrew – but after hearing him the Jews declare ‘it is not fit that he should live.’ Soldiers convey him to the castle and prepared to scourge him – but Paul asks if it is legal for them to do that to a Roman citizen. Council of Jews called to examine Paul. How brave and sure he is – example of the Holy Ghost making ‘more sure.’
Conscience – word not found in OT Chief mention in NT Romans 2:14-15 ‘light of Christ’ each individual can distinguish between right and wrong at some level. D & C 84:44-53. The ability to pass judgment on our own behavior = conscience . Bible teaches of many different kinds of judgment – lists scripture references for each, such as ill-formed or il-trained, accusing, working of, respect for a weak, purification of the,
Feb 12. Acts 23. High Priest Ananias slaps Paul ‘on the mouth’ Paul sets the Sadducees and Pharisees (of which he is one) against each other on the issue of the resurrection. Soldiers are ordered to take Paul into the castle for his own protection. “The night following the Lord stood by him, and said, “Be of good cheer…..” then told Paul he must go to Rome to bear witness of Him also. Paul taken by Romans to Caesarea by huge guard (80 horse soldiers and 200 spearmen) for his own protection and for Felix to judge him.
Conversion – changing one’s mind and behavior in a conscious acceptance of God’s will – complete conversion comes after many trials and much testing.
Corn =heads of grain – not the U.S. corn corn refers to wheat or barley in Old and New Testament
Cornelius – first Gentile baptized who was not first converted to Judaism – also important to note that this huge change in Church policy came through Peter – head of Church
Feb. 13 Acts 24. Paul teaches Felix (after 5 days when Ananias and the High priests arrive from Jerusalem) charge him with sedition – stirring up the people to rebellion. Felix gives Paul some liberty as at least two years pass with him some times ‘loose’ and some times ‘bound’. Paul’s patience, faith and determination to ‘bear witness’ at every opportunity are a great example to me.
Covenant – agreement – (sometimes translated as ‘testament) can be between people, more commonly between God and man – who “do not stand in the relationship of independent and equally contractors” God sets the terms and man accepts (or not). Want to be more cognizant of the covenants I have made and more exact in keeping them.
Feb. 14 Acts 25 Again Paul is tried – he appeals to Caesar and is prepared to be sent to Rome King Agrippa and wife Beatrice desire to see and hear Paul’s story
Dagon - fish (or maybe grain) god of the Philistines had large temples – image was half man and half fish
Daily service – twice daily – morning and evening sacrifice of yearling lamb with proper meal and drink offerings – burnt offering accompanied by 1) music, vocal and instrumental, 2) worship and prayer by the people present, and 3) psalms – one appointed for each day of the week. 24,48,81,82,92,93,94
24 – the earth is the Lords, who shall ascent into the hill of the Lord…
48 – Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised….
81 – Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob…… no strange gods…
82 – Ye are Gods and children of the most High defend the poor, do justice to the afflicted and needy
92- song for the Sabbath day – give thanks to the Lord
93 – the Lord reigneth –
94- the Lord shall judge the people and all men

Alma 55, 56, and 57

This year, my reading is focused on directions for me. I find it interesting that even in the chapters of wars and battles there are specific instructions for me. For example:
Alma 55:11 raises the question What is my wine? What do I sell my soul for that is of little worth? How can I turn weakness into strength? Pondering those questions makes me realize how much time I spend watching TV without something of worth in my hands being made for someone else. I watch often because Lynn is sitting in the chair next to me and I love just being in the same room with him. However, I can easily do two things at once: Watch and knit or embroider, or bind a quilt. That is now a goal--2 things at once!

Alma 56:8 makes me wonder, "Do I help others keep their covenants?" The easy answer is sure becasue I work in the temple. But that begs the question as those people come on their own and I only help facilitate. The bigger question is what do I do every day to help others keep those covenants? Do I set a good example? Do I encourage, actively? Do I show that I love keeping my covenants? If so, how? Will I ever know? I don't know.

Alma 57:21 encourages me to "Obey every word of command with exactness." Exactness is the clue--one I need to ponder. I need to take a look at my behaviors and then examine what I do and for what reasons.

Alma 58:40 asks me if I am "strict to remember the commandments of God?" I think that this particular year's reading is helping me to more fully understand the commandments of God. As I understand better, I think remembering to act on them will become easier.

There really is great wisdom in the commandment to read the Book of Mormon daily. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to try to do so without the requirement of a class to be taught or a talk to be given.

I am hoping that this will create a new post for you to respond to. My friend is here helping me try to understand this whole process. As far as reading, I am somewhat behind.

Catching up for missed posts

I've been studying and not posting - my compromise on very full days.

Feb 5. Acts 16 churches established by Paul ‘in faith’ conversion of Lydia in Macedonia, miracle of prison escape possible, conversion of jailer, stay in prison and demand to be treated as Romans – Paul acknowledged the influence of the Holy Ghost in his decisions and was quick to heed the promptings…like I want to be.

Clean and unclean – food, people (lepers, women when menstruating or after childbirth, dead bodies, eating with Gentiles, ceremonial or ritual uncleanness - meant , not evil, but not prepared to participate in religious rites

Codex – form of manuscript – somewhat like a book – pile of sheets stitched along one side as opposed to a scroll Hebrews began using 2 -3 centuries after Christ. Gold plates of BOM in codex form

Feb 6. Acts 17 “Received the word with all readiness of mind” vs. 11. What a perfect state to be in for learning, especially scripture study – I love that phrase ‘readiness of mind’. This chapter also contains Paul’s powerful (and short) sermon on Mars Hill in Athens identifying the ‘unknown God.’

Comforter – 2 – Holy Ghost (Moroni 8:26, D & C 21:9, D & C 42:17 and more, and Jesus Christ Himself D & C 88:3-4, 130:3 ) I want to invite, recognize and follow the first Comforter that I may someday have the second.

Feb 7. Acts 18 Paul diligently works with the Jews first, then when rejected by them turns to the Gentiles and finds success. The Lord provides companions and helpers in his missionary work…look for ways to be such a helper to the missionaries in our ward, such as having Tyler and Melanie over for dinner last Saturday night. I met Melanie walking out of Stake Conference. She was wearing jeans so I figured she wasn’t a member of the Church. We walked and talked all the way to the cars. She was parked way down the street, near our car….consequence of arriving a bit late to conference! After hearing about her and her husband’s ministries on college campuses, I invited them over for dinner. They came last Saturday and we had a delightful time visiting with and learning about each other. They are nearly 50 years younger than we are – but interested in many of the same things - God and Jesus Christ and how to help others find their way back to God, young people, doing good, etc. The missionaries have had a couple of visits with this couple. My feeling is that they won’t be baptized soon – but that someday they will, but who knows what Heavenly Father has planned for them.

Ten Commandments – Decalogue, covenant or testimony –three additional names(used in the OT) of the Ten Commandments - intended to control our thoughts and desires as well as out acts – See Sermon on the Mount

Commerce – Jewish law stressed fair dealing – Lev 19:35-36 etc. and punishment that would follow the misuse of property – Rev. 18-12:23

Acts 15 Circumcision

Feb 3. Acts 15 - contention in the Church over circumcision and the first attempt at resolution of this issue. The importance of the Holy Ghost in their decision making progress. I don’t recall noticing before how often the Holy Ghost is mentions in Acts and want to ask for his presence more in my life, and be more aware of and grateful for his influence in my life each day.

Circumcision – BD topic I am on today, coincidence? I don’t think so. Token of the Abrahamic covenant – symbolized some aspect of separation and dedication- also practiced in OT times in Egypt and other nations – although not in the Canaanite nations it seems. Contention of this issue it the early Church was a token of the bigger issue about the role of and importance of keeping the law of Moses in the early Church – contrast to BOM where the keeping of the law of Moses ceased when they became aware of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Importance for me may be the warning to look out for traditions and practices in my own life that are not necessary in the Gospel life.

Acts 14 Tribulation

The most disturbing and real word to me in this chapter is in verse 22 'that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. No matter how much I understand that trials are a part of the plan, that out of them come growth and blessings, etc., when I am in the midst, I don't like it and can easily lose sight of the big picture. Actually, the word must bothers me too. We have to have tribulation? Looking back I can see that all turns out well, but at the time.....

miracles - who needs them?

Jan 31. Acts 12 the miracle of Peter’s release from prison is a good reminder that with God nothing is impossible…..I need to remember this and have faith in difficult times….

I am helping mom get set up. She is so excited to be sharing her scripture study with her sisters. Currently she is in the end of Alma and I am sure she has lots to share with you.

Acts 10 Peter and the Centurion

Acts 10. I am impressed with the many ‘little’ details (the wonderful description of Cornelius the Centurion and "he saw in a vision 'evidently about the ninth hour of the day")that are included in the story of the Centurion and of Peter’s vision of the clean and unclean. Jesus is “Lord of all” and “God is no respector of persons.” Are there ways I am selective in whom I respect….room for improvement here.

Acts 9 Saul becomes Paul

One thing we can learn from this story of Saul/Paul is that people can change. Sometimes we give up hope, either for ourselves, or others. But, through the enabling power of the atonement, we and others can change - even change dramatically. The reluctance of disciples (Ananias and those in Jerusalem) to believe that Saul had really changed and now could be trusted makes the whole story ring true to human nature as we know it. (Acts 9)

Acts 8 What Saul's 'havoc' leads to

Jan 27. Acts 8 – what inspiring stories are in the chapter. One focus is Saul and the trouble he causes in the Church in Jerusalem. The blessing of the trouble is that the apostles scattered ‘widely’ teaching the Gospel in diverse places. Then the focus is on Philip and his success is Samaria (with the experience of Simon the Sorcerer added presumably as a warning against priestcraft) and then Philip’s experience with the eunuch whom may we presume was ‘black’ as he served the Queen of the Ethiopians.
What I glean from this is the reminder that what looks like trouble can lead to good (so don't get so worried, but wait and see what good comes) and that the Gospel is for all – not judging on outward appearances.

In the beginning

We hope to share our scripture study thoughts and ideas with each other and learn from one another. I am studying the New Testament and am now in Acts 7. I am also studying the Bible dictionary and learning like crazy.
Here are my comments in my scripture journal on 'Beatitudes'
Jan 18. ‘ Beatitudes – integrated and progressive in their arrangement’ 3 Nephi 12: progression goes from poor in spirit, they that mourn, hunger and thirst after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, to persecuted. In other words progression goes from lacking, to sad, to seeking, to turning outward (thinking of the other person) to peace, to willing to doing anything for Jesus Christ.
I had not noticed before the progression of the listing of the beatitudes and find it a good scale to mark where I am…..and where I want to be.

Now to Acts 7 What a powerful recapitulation of Jewish history Stephen gives in his final sermon - 'being full of the Holy Ghost.' and does verse 51 mean that the children of Israel had access to the Holy Ghost as well?