Blog Post Lesson 11: Record keeping

Lately I have been considering the importance of record keeping. Reading and studying the book of Mormon has opened my eyes to the importance of it. Were it not for ancient prophets who took the time to keep this record we would be lost. We would not have the knowledge we have of the everlasting gospel, and we would be left to wander in darkness.

In a talk by Elder Erying, “O Remember, Remember,” he speaks about the importance of keeping a record of and also keeping a remembrance of Christ. He reminds us that all of the spiritual experiences we have are not only given to us for our benefit but for the benefit of our posterity.  He also said that through keeping a journal we will be able to more clearly see God’s hand in our life.  By writing our experiences down we are opening the door to more revelation and blessings. Keeping a journal of spiritual experiences shows God that we are appreciative of the things he blesses us with, and that we know they come from him.

I feel like this talk was exactly what I needed right now. Journal writing has been on my mind a lot lately, but it is hard to motivate myself to do it at times. There are probably many experiences that have faded that, had they been written down, could have benefited me greatly. I want to be able to show God that I can see him in my life and that I  see value in the experiences and personal revelation that he blesses me with. I also want my future children to see this as well, and to know God in their lives.  I have always enjoyed looking back and reading old journal entries, they bring so much strength. Half the time I really can’t even remember the last time I thought about a certain experience or lesson I had learned.  That is why I am so grateful for the record I do have.  I will be forever grateful that the prophets of old heeded God’s command, and kept a record of their experiences with God.  The scriptures are in a way the ultimate journal.  They help us to keep our lives centered on Christ, and I hope that by keeping a journal myself, that I can do the same for myself and future family. 

 In Mosiah 26 we see that Alma knew of this truth. He had a question, went to the lord and immediately after receiving his answer he recorded it. Mosiah 26:33 “And it came to pass when Alma had heard these words he wrote them down that he might have them, and that he might judge the people of that church according to the commandments of god.” From ancient times until now, the importance of record keeping has not changed. So we must not be relaxed in this thing!

Blog Post assignment for Book of Mormon lesson 07

I have been studying recently in 2 Nephi 28 and I would like to make a post to share a little bit about what I have learned. In this chapter, there are presented to us some sinful practices and false doctrine that exist in our day. The first of these that I saw was the idea that there is no consequence for sin. Second, is that God has ceased to perform miracles. And finally the last and possibly the most dangerous false doctrine is that we know better than God and that our knowledge and wisdom surpasses any of his. I can definitely see these false doctrines coming about as prophesied by Nephi. For example “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die” is the mentality all too popular among young adults and youth in the church and outside of the church. It is just so much nicer and more comfortable to believe that it will take no effort on our part to be saved. I think the way to overcome this problem is to remember that yes through the blood of Christ we have been saved, but we have to choose to let it change us to reap the blessings. “And others will he pacify and lull them away into a carnal security,” this is exactly what is happening when we forget the consequences for our actions! I can also see that among youth and young adults today it has become increasingly less acceptable to have a belief in modern day miracles. We are falling into the trap that exists in the concept of “I have to see it to believe it.” This is just false! Realizing this is how we will overcome it. When we realize that faith comes through our action and not some outside influence we will begin to notice the miracles already unfolding around us. Lastly, the idea that we as sons and daughters of a heavenly father somehow have gained enough wisdom and knowledge that we don’t need to rely on him anymore has come about and this is purely a result of pride. And this mentality is as I said before a dangerous one to say the least. But in the end almost all of the other issues including this one can be overcome by one thing,  and that is relying on the Lord.  Or in other words, realizing your need for him.  He is real, He is there, and He is waiting!