Scripture Journal

June 23, 2010
2nd Nephi Chapter 18- Chapter 33 (completing 2nd Nephi)

Today I read 30 pages from the Book of Mormon. My heart is so full of understanding right now. It blows my mind that I have waited this long to receive the fullest of what I have been taught since birth. I was overwhelmed with confusion once more when beginning to read today. I could hardly understand one word. I felt like giving up within 3 minutes. I even got up and took a break. I was pulled back to the book many times though. At one point I even lifted up my head and laugh as I said…”really? Is this supposed to be this hard to understand? Please help me understand so I have a desire to continue!” I was inspired to carry on reading and I would be given guidance.

The next chapter began and I continued reading. 2nd Nephi 21:2-3. “And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of council and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him quick of understanding in the fear of the Lord; and shall not judge after the sight of his eyes neither after the hearing of his ears.” That was enough to keep me going for a while longer J

Nephi speaks with such plainness (as he says). He is so calm and collected with his words. Every word he speaks has such strength yet can sooth you at the same time. Again I say that so much of this has to do with what is going on in the present day. A couple more that stood out to me. 2nd Nephi 28. Saying that the day will come that people will say that God’s work is done and has given the power to men. They will deny the Power of the Holy Ghost. People will begin to say that they have received enough of God’s teachings and that they need no more. Just as I can never know enough about photography…I am always learning new things according to the changing of times, we can also never learn enough about the teachings of our Heavenly Father.

I love the end of 2nd Nephi. I was balling my eyes out for the last 3 pages. He says in Chapter 33:10 “…hearken unto these words and believe in Christ, and if ye believe not in these words, believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ, ye shall believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.“

I can’t wait to start reading again!


June 22, 2010
2nd Nephi Chapter 9- 2nd Nephi Chapter 17
Today I read 16 pages from the Book of Mormon! These chapters had a lot to do with explaining what was to happen to the wicked and proud. Nephi and Jacob talk a lot about those who think they are wise and learned. One scripture that stood out to me was 2nd Nephi 9:28-29. It’s amazing how much this pertains to the latter days. The scripture says “O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness and the frailties and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise and they hearken not unto the counsels of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not and they shall parish.” “But to be learned is good if they hearken until the counsels of God”. Just as my last scripture journal talks about not putting our trust in flesh of men, this talks about not putting trust into ourselves alone. Being vain, being a “no-it-all” will not get us to where we need to be. We are constantly in a place of learning. We do not have all the answers yet.

I think Heavenly Father tries to teach me this lesson often. I forget that the best teachers are those who lead by example. I want to be more like that. I want people to learn from me even if nothing comes out of my mouth. It’s hard not to get caught up in what I am learning and how I am growing, and get frustrated when others are not trying to learn too. Heavenly Father always brings me back to the same answer when I pray…lead by example if you want to make a difference.


June 21, 2010
1st Nephi Chapter 20- 2nd Nephi Chapter 8
I am very proud of myself today because I read 26 pages of the Book of Mormon. I made a decision recently that I would read as much as possible, but at least 12 pages a day so that I could finish by my birthday July 30th. I was already a little bit into it so this is where I am starting from.

It started off a little shaky. I had a hard time following, but I prayed that I would be able to understand the words I was reading. Interestingly enough…the next chapter was Nephi giving a summary of the previous chapter. I love when that happens!

A few scriptures in particular really stood out to me. 2nd Nephi 3:24 & 2nd Nephi 4:17-35. Nephi was a man with thoughts just like ours. He had temptation just as we do. But he says how God is our support and He leads us through our afflictions. He explains that we can NOT put our trust in flesh (meaning any man or ourselves alone). We must put all of our trust in Him and ask Him and no one else when we are looking for answers.

At church yesterday, one of the councilors of our stake presidency told a story of a man that met President Hinkley. This man was asking President Hinkley some questions about the gospel and scriptures and this was the Prophets response: “If you will forgive me for not answering your question, I will forgive you for asking.” Our Prophet knows that God wants us to think for ourselves and ask Him when we need help. We can be given direction, but it is only in honest prayer that we will find the truth of that direction we have been given.

I am hoping to do a scripture journal daily. Most likely not this long since I kinda had to preface it, but I am looking forward to doing this. Thanks for reading!