Yesterday when I was looking for a talk on youtube I ran across this song. It is a paraphrase of 2 Nephi 4 - which is often referred to as Nephi's Psalm. I have a lot of favorite scriptures, but I frequently turn to this chapter - verses 16-35 - when I am down and discouraged and need to be reminded how to get up and move on. It gives me comfort to know that even a prophet as great as Nephi, had moments of doubt, discouragement and self-recrimination, but my favorite part of these verses is how quickly he remembers where his strength comes from and how great, wonderful and merciful the Lord is.
Oh, that I can grow daily to be more like Nephi.
This song was performed at the April 2007 Priesthood Session of conference by the BYU Men's Choir. The arrangement is by Ronald Staheli and the lyrics were paraphrased by John Tanner.
I was excited to find out that this song is also included on the album entitled "Set Apart" by the BYU Men's Choir which is available to download for FREE right now. Check it out here. There are a number of great songs.
Showing posts with label scriptures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scriptures. Show all posts
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday, November 12, 2012
Shadrach and the Fiery Furnace
The past few days have been very difficult for our family, especially for the oldest daughter, the son-in-law and the grandson. The three year old "light of my life" is seriously ill. For more on what he is going through you can go to my daughter's recent blog post.
My grandson's name is Shadrach. His name comes from one of my favorite Old Testament stories found in the book of Daniel - chapter 3. The other day as my thoughts were drawn to him and his parents I felt inspired to re-read this scripture story. Here's a synopsis of it with a little background information.
About 600 years before Jesus Christ was born, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and took captive many of Israel's finest citizens. Among those deported to Babylon were four young men from the tribe of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego courageously took their stand before Nebuchadnezzar, they didn't know with certainty that God would deliver them. They had no assurance they would survive the flames. But they stood firm anyway.
And now, my daughter and son-in-law embrace their brave little man in their furnace of affliction and stand firm also, putting their trust in our Heavenly Father's love and his plan for their family. Their faith in their Savior, Jesus Christ, is strong and He will support them in their time of need.
We do not know what the future holds for our family. We know that the God we serve is able to deliver Shadrach from this burning, fiery furnace and we have faith and hope that he will, but if not, we join with other faithful servants in whatever age, in vowing to worship the one true God, regardless of the outcome.
It's the only way.
my testimony.
modern medicine.
My grandson's name is Shadrach. His name comes from one of my favorite Old Testament stories found in the book of Daniel - chapter 3. The other day as my thoughts were drawn to him and his parents I felt inspired to re-read this scripture story. Here's a synopsis of it with a little background information.
About 600 years before Jesus Christ was born, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and took captive many of Israel's finest citizens. Among those deported to Babylon were four young men from the tribe of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
In captivity the youths were given new names. Daniel was called Belteshazzar, Hananiah was called Shadrach, Mishael was called Meshach, and Azariah was called Abed-nego.
These four Hebrews excelled in wisdom and knowledge and found favor in King Nebuchadnezzar's eyes. The king put them into service among his most trusted wise men and counselors. When Daniel proved to be the only man capable of interpreting one of Nebuchadnezzar's troubling dreams, the king placed him in a high position over the whole province of Babylon, including all of the wise men of the land. And at Daniel's request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego as administrators under Daniel.
As was common at the time, King Nebuchadnezzar built a huge golden image and commanded all the people to fall down and worship it whenever they heard the sound of his musical herald. Anyone who failed to bow and worship the image would be thrown into an immense, blazing furnace.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were determined to worship the one true God only, and thus were reported to the king. Courageously they stood before him as the king pressured the men to deny their God.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (Daniel 3:14-16 KJV)
Furious with pride and rage, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than normal. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound and cast into the flames. The fiery blast was so hot it killed the soldiers who had escorted them.
But as King Nebuchadnezzar peered into the furnace, he marveled at what he saw: "Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like the Son of God." (Daniel 3:25 KJV)
Then the king called the men to come out of the furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego emerged unharmed, with not even a hair on their heads singed or the smell of smoke on their clothing.
I have always loved the imagery of this story - 3 faithful servants being accompanied and protected by the Son of God during their time in the fiery furnace. It is such an amazing picture and as I read from my scriptures, another beautiful picture appeared in my mind. My grandson was on his hospital bed with his mom and dad on either side of him, their arms around his shoulders, and there standing behind them, embracing them all was the Savior. I fervently wish I were an artist and could draw that marvelous scene that I beheld.
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego courageously took their stand before Nebuchadnezzar, they didn't know with certainty that God would deliver them. They had no assurance they would survive the flames. But they stood firm anyway.
And now, my daughter and son-in-law embrace their brave little man in their furnace of affliction and stand firm also, putting their trust in our Heavenly Father's love and his plan for their family. Their faith in their Savior, Jesus Christ, is strong and He will support them in their time of need.
We do not know what the future holds for our family. We know that the God we serve is able to deliver Shadrach from this burning, fiery furnace and we have faith and hope that he will, but if not, we join with other faithful servants in whatever age, in vowing to worship the one true God, regardless of the outcome.
It's the only way.
Today I am grateful for
the faith, love and prayers of family and friends.
my testimony.
modern medicine.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A Simple Insight
The Primary president that I work with at church has 2 small daughters and a husband that works nights, so she has a lot to do before church at 9:00 AM on Sunday mornings. Because of this, I volunteered to attend the 7:30 AM monthly Ward Council meeting whenever she needs me to. She thinks I am being generous, but little does she know, I actually enjoy these meetings. I don't necessarily enjoy the meetings, but I love the opportunity that my attendance gives me to listen to someone share one of their favorite scriptures and then to join in a brief discussion with a group of adults about what it means to us. Group, adult, spiritual interaction is something that seems to be sorely lacking in my life at the moment.
The scripture that was shared this morning was taken from chapter 3 in the book of
Jacob in the Book of Mormon and the part we discussed was found in verse 7.
"Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children..."
There it is in a nutshell. Think what a different world this would be if we all just did this each day in our homes.
I have been reading a book entitled "Today I Will - A Year of Quotes, Notes and Promises to Myself" by Eileen & Jerry Spinelli. It is a book that takes a quote from a book written for children or young adults and then expounds on the quote and offers a challenge or focus for the day. Today the quote referred to a family death and there was not a specific challenge but more of a thought.
"There is no specific instruction for today. Simply this: A heartening confirmation that my relationships with others are the most and the best of my earthly experience. And a reminder that the time I share with my family and friends is something to be celebrated and lived to the fullest."
I thought it was a fitting summation of my thoughts today.
Today I am grateful for
an obedient son who is willing to accept church responsibility.
a flashback cuddle session with one of my favorite 2 year olds.
a sweet musical number in sacrament meeting and a non member husband and father who came to hear it and was touched by the spirit.
The scripture that was shared this morning was taken from chapter 3 in the book of
Jacob in the Book of Mormon and the part we discussed was found in verse 7.
"Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children..."
There it is in a nutshell. Think what a different world this would be if we all just did this each day in our homes.
I have been reading a book entitled "Today I Will - A Year of Quotes, Notes and Promises to Myself" by Eileen & Jerry Spinelli. It is a book that takes a quote from a book written for children or young adults and then expounds on the quote and offers a challenge or focus for the day. Today the quote referred to a family death and there was not a specific challenge but more of a thought.
"There is no specific instruction for today. Simply this: A heartening confirmation that my relationships with others are the most and the best of my earthly experience. And a reminder that the time I share with my family and friends is something to be celebrated and lived to the fullest."
I thought it was a fitting summation of my thoughts today.
Today I am grateful for
an obedient son who is willing to accept church responsibility.
a flashback cuddle session with one of my favorite 2 year olds.
a sweet musical number in sacrament meeting and a non member husband and father who came to hear it and was touched by the spirit.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Today's Spiritual Message to Me
Today as I was reading the Doctrine and Covenants this scripture jumped out at me. It is D&C 123:17.
"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
Then I read an article in the July 2009 New Era by Octaviano Tenorio with a similar theme. He says "If you want to suceed in anything, you need to concentrate, put forth effort, and be happy with what you are doing. This approach can give you everything. You can learn much and acheive any worthy goal. Enjoy what you are doing even if it is hard."
Today's spiritual message to me is - Put forth the effort. Do what I can, the best that I can, with a cheerful attitude. Don't give up. Let the Lord worry about the stuff that I have no control over. He's got it taken care of.
Today I am thankful
that I knew enough to be able to help a ward family member with a computer challenge.
for a helpful husband that made me look good.
for my washing machine and dryer.
One year ago today - Open House at McClintock High
"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
Then I read an article in the July 2009 New Era by Octaviano Tenorio with a similar theme. He says "If you want to suceed in anything, you need to concentrate, put forth effort, and be happy with what you are doing. This approach can give you everything. You can learn much and acheive any worthy goal. Enjoy what you are doing even if it is hard."
Today's spiritual message to me is - Put forth the effort. Do what I can, the best that I can, with a cheerful attitude. Don't give up. Let the Lord worry about the stuff that I have no control over. He's got it taken care of.
Today I am thankful
that I knew enough to be able to help a ward family member with a computer challenge.
for a helpful husband that made me look good.
for my washing machine and dryer.
One year ago today - Open House at McClintock High
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
One Down!
If you are a reader of my blog, by now you probably know that I have been reading the Old Testament for awhile. One of my goals this year, before I turn 50, is to read all of the standard works. Well, I am happy to announce that I have finished - the Old Testament that is. All 1184 pages. Done!
Hooray for me!
Now if I could just remember and apply all the important things I read. Oh well, that's for my next visit with the Old Testament.
I asked my oldest son what he thought would be a good celebration for completing the entire Old Testament. He told me I should participate in some begatting - lots and lots of begatting. I was shocked. Hopefully my begatting years are behind me. Now, I know that Sarah was blessed to be able to conceive Isaac at a ripe, old age, but I don't need a baby in my old age. I need grown up children to take care of me and be a comfort to me. At least that's my plan.
Maybe to celebrate my accomplishment I will partake of some of those Bible wonder foods. Now if I could just remember what they are. I think maybe honey is one of them.
I now have just under 3 months to complete the rest of the standard works. The hubby and I are reading the Book of Mormon together every night, so I think that one is covered. I'm starting on the New Testament tomorrow so that sounds doable also. The trouble is with the Doctrine and Covenants. We are suppose to be reading it as a family, but we are not making too much progress. We decided to read it at dinner every night, but for some reason we don't seem to eat dinner together that often and when we do we usually have company or don't remember we are suppose to read. I may be in for an all night reading of the D&C on my birthday eve. Oh, and lest you be concerned about the Pearl of Great Price, I read it when I was reading Genesis because that is where it seems to fit in to me.
Today I am grateful for
a fun lunch outing with my friends.
libraries.
ancient prophets who wrote in their journals.
One year ago today - Glasses, Happy Hour(s)
Hooray for me!
Now if I could just remember and apply all the important things I read. Oh well, that's for my next visit with the Old Testament.
I asked my oldest son what he thought would be a good celebration for completing the entire Old Testament. He told me I should participate in some begatting - lots and lots of begatting. I was shocked. Hopefully my begatting years are behind me. Now, I know that Sarah was blessed to be able to conceive Isaac at a ripe, old age, but I don't need a baby in my old age. I need grown up children to take care of me and be a comfort to me. At least that's my plan.
Maybe to celebrate my accomplishment I will partake of some of those Bible wonder foods. Now if I could just remember what they are. I think maybe honey is one of them.
I now have just under 3 months to complete the rest of the standard works. The hubby and I are reading the Book of Mormon together every night, so I think that one is covered. I'm starting on the New Testament tomorrow so that sounds doable also. The trouble is with the Doctrine and Covenants. We are suppose to be reading it as a family, but we are not making too much progress. We decided to read it at dinner every night, but for some reason we don't seem to eat dinner together that often and when we do we usually have company or don't remember we are suppose to read. I may be in for an all night reading of the D&C on my birthday eve. Oh, and lest you be concerned about the Pearl of Great Price, I read it when I was reading Genesis because that is where it seems to fit in to me.
Today I am grateful for
a fun lunch outing with my friends.
libraries.
ancient prophets who wrote in their journals.
One year ago today - Glasses, Happy Hour(s)
Monday, March 9, 2009
This is the Day
I am still plugging along in my reading of the Old Testament. I am deep in the book of Psalms at the moment and actually enjoying it. I will admit that I probably don't retain much of what I read because I read several chapters each day. I have decided that this may be my first time reading the Old Testament clear through, but it isn't going to be my last. This time through I am reading for the "I did it!" experience. Next time I'm going to go a lot slower and do more pondering, referencing and analyzing. I should probably be doing that this time, but I still want to accomplish the goal I set and I need to keep moving to finish all the standards works in the next 6 months.
Today however one verse really stuck with me. I know I have heard it before and probably even seen it decorating a plaque or two somewhere, but today it spoke to me. It is found in the 118th Psalm, verse 24.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made;
Today however one verse really stuck with me. I know I have heard it before and probably even seen it decorating a plaque or two somewhere, but today it spoke to me. It is found in the 118th Psalm, verse 24.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it."
I was sitting in my living room welcoming the morning. Wondering how the day was going to unfold with my boys home for Spring Break. I was desiring some help in the front yard and I knew that they were looking forward to a fun break ie. no work. As I read this message it really hit me. Heavenly Father has blessed me with this new day. He didn't have to give it to me. I could have not woken up this morning. Today is a gift from my loving parent, he knows what it holds and no matter what transpires I should be grateful for it and show my gratitude by enjoying it.
Wow! I wonder what a difference that could make in my life if I greeted each new day with that insight foremost in my mind.
No matter what happens today I will try to remember this is my day and to be glad in it.
I was sitting in my living room welcoming the morning. Wondering how the day was going to unfold with my boys home for Spring Break. I was desiring some help in the front yard and I knew that they were looking forward to a fun break ie. no work. As I read this message it really hit me. Heavenly Father has blessed me with this new day. He didn't have to give it to me. I could have not woken up this morning. Today is a gift from my loving parent, he knows what it holds and no matter what transpires I should be grateful for it and show my gratitude by enjoying it.
Wow! I wonder what a difference that could make in my life if I greeted each new day with that insight foremost in my mind.
No matter what happens today I will try to remember this is my day and to be glad in it.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Stiffnecked
I have had a sore neck for the past couple of days. It never fails to amaze me how frequently and relatively painlessly I turn my head every day and then one morning I wake up and "Ouch". If something is not directly in front of me I don't need to see it. My neck it not moving.
I asked my youngest son what I should do about my neck and he said I should stretch it. I have been doing my giraffe imitations, but they don't seem to be helping.
I decided to ask for my youngest daughter's opinion. She used to really be into anatomy and read medical dictionaries for fun. Maybe she would have a helpful suggestion. I told her "I have a stiff neck. What should I do?" She thought about it for a minute and replied "Perhaps you should pray to Heavenly Father to soften it." While that wasn't quite the response I was looking for I thought it was a good one.
Sometimes I can't help but think how totally right on discriptive words in the scriptures are. When someone is called stiffnecked I know exactly what is meant. I can relate with that condition, physically and yes, probably even spiritually once in a while.
Now if I could just figure out how to say the word stiffnecked I would be all set. Is it stiffneck-T or stiffneck-ED. I know it's repent-ED, repeat-ED, and post-ED. I know it's search-T, ponder-D and pray-D. I would say it is stiffneck-T since it is kick-T and cook-T, but then when the word is stiffneckedness that just doesn't seem to work. It has to be stiffneck-EDness not stiffneck-Tness, doesn't it?
I admit to being a hick from a small town in Utah who doesn't always speak correctly, in the opinion of some people, so can someone please help me out here?
I asked my youngest son what I should do about my neck and he said I should stretch it. I have been doing my giraffe imitations, but they don't seem to be helping.
I decided to ask for my youngest daughter's opinion. She used to really be into anatomy and read medical dictionaries for fun. Maybe she would have a helpful suggestion. I told her "I have a stiff neck. What should I do?" She thought about it for a minute and replied "Perhaps you should pray to Heavenly Father to soften it." While that wasn't quite the response I was looking for I thought it was a good one.
Sometimes I can't help but think how totally right on discriptive words in the scriptures are. When someone is called stiffnecked I know exactly what is meant. I can relate with that condition, physically and yes, probably even spiritually once in a while.
Now if I could just figure out how to say the word stiffnecked I would be all set. Is it stiffneck-T or stiffneck-ED. I know it's repent-ED, repeat-ED, and post-ED. I know it's search-T, ponder-D and pray-D. I would say it is stiffneck-T since it is kick-T and cook-T, but then when the word is stiffneckedness that just doesn't seem to work. It has to be stiffneck-EDness not stiffneck-Tness, doesn't it?
I admit to being a hick from a small town in Utah who doesn't always speak correctly, in the opinion of some people, so can someone please help me out here?
Friday, September 5, 2008
Bible Reading
One of the things on my "to do" list
for this year is to read the Standard Works.
I hate to admit that I have never read
the Bible cover to cover.
I have read the entire New Testament
and I have tried to read the Old Testament
on numerous occasions,
but I quickly get bogged down in the begats
and the begetting
and the begots.
There are some kind of
iffy things that go on in the Old Testament
in those areas
and I am easily distracted by them.
However,
I believe the Bible to be the Word of God
As far as it is translated correctly
and I am determined to read it
even if it seems like,
in my opinion,
it could have been condensed,
a lot,
and not lost much.
Recently I read the Bible Cliff Notes,
an extremely condensed version of the Bible.
The Bible in Fifty Words
God made
Adam bit
Noah arked
Abraham split
Joseph ruled
Jacob fooled
Bush talked
Moses balked
Pharaoh plagued
People walked
Sea divided
Tablets guided
Promise landed
Saul freaked
David peeked
Prophets warned
Jesus born
God walked
Love talked
Anger crucified
Hope died
Love rose
Spirit flamed
Word spread
God remained.
- Unknown
Although I think that might
hit on most of the highlights of the Bible,
and I've already read about the first 6
in the book of Genesis,
I will continue to plug along
and read the entire King James version.
I recently heard that the Old Testament
was written to testify of the Messiah—Jesus Christ—
who was known to the ancients as Jehovah.
I am trying to focus on this idea
as I do my reading
and looking for references to Jesus Christ
or symbolism that alludes to him.
I really don't want to just read the Bible
to be able to say that I have done it.
I want to read the Bible
to learn what it contains,
from my Heavenly Father
that he wants me,
personally,
to know
and to increase my testimony of Jesus Christ.
That thought makes me almost excited
to start Exodus tomorrow.
for this year is to read the Standard Works.
I hate to admit that I have never read
the Bible cover to cover.
I have read the entire New Testament
and I have tried to read the Old Testament
on numerous occasions,
but I quickly get bogged down in the begats
and the begetting
and the begots.
There are some kind of
iffy things that go on in the Old Testament
in those areas
and I am easily distracted by them.
However,
I believe the Bible to be the Word of God
As far as it is translated correctly
and I am determined to read it
even if it seems like,
in my opinion,
it could have been condensed,
a lot,
and not lost much.
Recently I read the Bible Cliff Notes,
an extremely condensed version of the Bible.
The Bible in Fifty Words
God made
Adam bit
Noah arked
Abraham split
Joseph ruled
Jacob fooled
Bush talked
Moses balked
Pharaoh plagued
People walked
Sea divided
Tablets guided
Promise landed
Saul freaked
David peeked
Prophets warned
Jesus born
God walked
Love talked
Anger crucified
Hope died
Love rose
Spirit flamed
Word spread
God remained.
- Unknown
Although I think that might
hit on most of the highlights of the Bible,
and I've already read about the first 6
in the book of Genesis,
I will continue to plug along
and read the entire King James version.
I recently heard that the Old Testament
was written to testify of the Messiah—Jesus Christ—
who was known to the ancients as Jehovah.
I am trying to focus on this idea
as I do my reading
and looking for references to Jesus Christ
or symbolism that alludes to him.
I really don't want to just read the Bible
to be able to say that I have done it.
I want to read the Bible
to learn what it contains,
from my Heavenly Father
that he wants me,
personally,
to know
and to increase my testimony of Jesus Christ.
That thought makes me almost excited
to start Exodus tomorrow.
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