Infinite and Intimate

3 Nephi has always been one of my favorite books in The Book of Mormon because of the focus on Christ. In this book Jesus Christ visits the Americas. It is so sacred and beautiful to read. 3 Nephi 11:15 states,"And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come." I love the phrase "one by one". It shows that Christ has time for each individual. Brother Griffin shared an amazing insight with our class while studying this verse. He bore his testimony that Christ is not only the infinite atoner, but also the intimate atoner. When we see Jesus Christ again everybody is going to get a one-on-one experience with Him. This scripture has given me so much comfort this past week and my testimony of the atonement has been strengthened. It is not just a broad, foreign concept that we hear about over the pulpit. The atonement is real and it is for each of us individually. This is such a beautiful verse and it has helped me to have a greater understanding of Gods love for each of us individually.

In His Strength I Can Do All Things

The scriptures Alma 26: 11-12 have been a huge blessing in my life this past week. "I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many might miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." Stumbling upon this scripture reminded me that I am nothing without God. I feel extremely blessed to be able to do so many things here at BYU but I could do none of it without my Heavenly Father. I am nothing without him. I am so thankful for the power that He gives me to be able to succeed. I know that the things I am accomplishing are because of His strength, not mine. Each and every day Heavenly Father helps me and gives me the tools I need and I am so thankful for Him and His perfect love.

A Perfect Knowledge

This week I wrote a paper for my Book of Mormon class about a question that had come to my mind. I searched many scriptures and websites and still wasn't able to come up with a clear answer. I honestly was a tiny bit frustrated about it. Later in class we studied Alma 32. Verse 21 states "And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." How perfect for me to stumble upon this verse during this time. We need to be ok with not having a perfect knowledge of things, for that is where faith comes in. Heavenly Father hasn't revealed everything to us yet, and He does so in our best interest. He loves us so much and I'm thankful for this simple reminder to trust Him.

Born of God

Mosiah 27:25 is one of my favorite scriptures in the whole Book of Mormon. It says "And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters." It is required by ALL men to be born again, born of God. I think that being born of God means truly dedicating our lives to the Lord, doing the things that He would have us do instead of what the world would have. We must be changed from our carnal and fallen state. This requires a change of heart, repentance, and a lot of effort. It will require sacrifice to be born again. The repentance process is not always easy, but it is so worth it. I am thankful for the opportunity that the Lord gives us to be born again. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said "God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go." This is a truth that I am most grateful for. Our Heavenly Father wants us to be born again, and He will help us to get there.

HE Was Wounded For OUR Transgressions

I've always had a hard time understanding all of the teachings of Isaiah, but I love the way he paints a picture with his words. Mosiah 14:4-5 says "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." In class this week we emphasized the words HE and OUR. This is one of my very favorite scriptures, and it becomes more meaningful when you read it like this. HE was wounded for OUR transgressions, HE was bruised for OUR iniquities. The earth has seen no greater act of love than the atonement of Jesus Christ. I am being healed because He was wounded for me. This week I have struggled with a few things. In a moment of weakness I sometimes think that I can solve all of my problems on my own. I get too proud to ask for help from my Savior. That's not what the atonement is for. The atonement covers every aspect of our lives. He was wounded for my transgressions, He wants to help me. I know that by calling upon the Lord for help I will be able to feel of His love for me and He will give me the strength that I need.

Turn To The Lord

I was provided with a source of comfort this week as I read Mosiah 7. Verse 33 says "But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, He will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage." This has been the toughest week since I started college. I was frustrated, discouraged, and upset. After coming across this verse, I was able to pray to my Heavenly Father and He gave me the strength that I needed. I am so thankful for the scriptures and the insight that they give to us. I know if we put our trust in the Savior He will deliver us from whatever we are going through. It is not always easy and often takes a leap of faith. Sometimes we think we have it all figured out, but God is the supreme craftsman. He knows what is best for us and He wants us to turn to Him. I feel so blessed to have someone to rely on when I feel I am at my lowest. I hope that I will be able to turn to the Lord with a full purpose of heart throughout my entire life.

Keep My Commandments

After listening to the prophet and apostles speak in General Conference, I felt very inspired as I studied my scriptures this week. Jarom 1:9 reads "And thus they were prepared to meet the Lamanites, but they did not prosper against us. But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land." Although I have heard the phrase"Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land" before, it really hit me as I read this week. D. Todd Christofferson shared a thought in conference that has stuck with me. He taught that although God loves all of his children and rains down blessings to each of us, He can only give us the blessings that love and law and justice and mercy permit. Gods greater blessings are conditioned on obedience. We are not entitled to expect blessings unworthily. I loved this thought and it has inspired me to truly keep the commandments and live the gospel to the fullest. Although temptation may seem appealing in the moment, I know that we will be blessed for keeping the commandments.