It's a Matter if Heart

I am writing a book currently about being single and happy. In working on one particular chapter in my book called, "It's a Matter of Heart" I have been reminded of something I did years ago on my mission.

One of the times I read through my Book of Mormon I decided to take a purple pen and marked every time the work heart was used. This reading of the Book of Mormon changed the way I had previously read the book. I began to realize how important our hearts are to both God and Satan. Whoever has a hold of our hearts has us!

I would encourage anyone to take on the heart challenge! It will change you heart!

Do--Can--Will

I relearned a great lesson today from the Book of Mormon. It comes from Mosiah 26: 2-4.

Mosiah 26

2. They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ.

3. And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

4. And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God.

I wonder how many times in my life I have missed out on great growth, wonderful experiences, and enlightenment because of a"did not, could not, would not" attitude.

The correlation between believing-- leading to action/understanding-- leading to blessings is evident. Even more so is the correlation that desire/belief leads to communication with God. Belief is such an important part of the gospel. I guess that's why I have had this scripture running through my head for quite some time now: "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9:24)

Today I choose to be a Do-Can-Willer!

"Truth packaged for application"

Years ago I was listening to Elder Scott (on my mission) and he asked us all what a principle is. After many answers (that I thought sounded great) he said this. " A Principle is truth packaged for application." I love that definition! So on my journey through the Book of Mormon this year I want to pull out principles and apply them to my life.

1 Nephi chapter 1 is a great way to start off the Book of Mormon.

Principle 1: "Goodly Parents"

If I listen to the wisdom of my parents I will be blessed

I have been greatly blessed in my life with "goodly parents" who have taught and raised me on righteous principles. Although it wasn't always a spiritual experience we help family scripture study, family home evening, and family prayer at home. I can remember many times when my parents would counsel me to do something or not do something I I knew if I listened to them things would turn out okay. There isn't enough gratitude or enough love to really show or tell my parents how much I love and appreciate them. I am the person I am today greatly due to their example, patience, guidance and love!

Principle 2: "All his heart"

When I give the Lord all my heart He is bound to listen and answer my prayers.

Throughout the Book of Mormon there is a heart theme that I have come to love. So many great passages about how you feel in your heart will ultimately guide what you do and say. I love that Nephi starts out the Book of Mormon by telling us, "...My father, Lehi, as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people"(1 Nephi 1:5). This starts the beginning of the heart struggle we encounter for the rest of the Book of Mormon. Who is holding your heart?

Principle 3: "Tender mercies"

Because of my faith the Lord will show me His tender mercies.

In 2006 Elder Bednar gave an amazing talk about tender mercies and he said, "Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits 'his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men' (D&C 46:15)." I know that the Lord has given me many tender mercies in my life. He has placed amazing people along my path to help me reach my potential and I never doubt that His hand is involved in the timing of these people!

Wisdom

Last night I was talking to one of my BFF's BB and he was telling me how he was learning from his job and applying it to his life. After listening to him (he's amazing) I simply said, "Sounds like wisdom to me." He smiled and then I explained.

One day when I was reading the Book of Mormon I read a verse that stuck out to me. It is found in Mosiah 12:27 and reads, "Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise..."

Being that I love language, linguistics, syntax, etc I love how you can flip the above sentence to also read applied understanding in the hear is wisdom or in my own words wisdom is knowledge applied. Such a great principle that is everywhere in the Book of Mormon and the key to reading it. The blessings come in the application of gospel principles!

BOMB Project

My friend Ryan, who is teaching Earl Morning Seminary (EMS) in California, recently invited me to join his Book of Mormon Blog Project (BOMB Project). The idea is for people to share their ideas, spiritual experiences, and personal applications of what they are gaining from reading the Book of Mormon. All the Links on the BOMB Project are people who have decided to join in the fun.

This call to arms from Ryan is a tender mercy in my life! I have been struggling to get some quality scripture reading done while in Grad School so the BOMB Project is the perfect catalyst for me to get digging into my scriptures.

A while back I also taught EMS and I think this is a brilliant idea for Ryan's seminary students to be able to read people's blogs/journal ideas about how the Book of Mormon is affecting peoples lives. I look forward to reading their thoughts and ideas as well as other blogs linked to the BOMB Project!

If you are interested in joining the BOMB Project leave a comment and I'll get you connected to Ryan!