Will you take the S.T.O.M.P. Challenge?

Several years ago I had the experience of reading the Book Of Mormon in a short period of time.  It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.  My husband and I went on a week vacation during our challenge and for the first time while on vacation, we actually read our scriptures every night.  It was a powerful lesson on the importance of being consistent once a goal has been set, and being able to see the fruits of our labors.

Inner strength, greater commitment and determination often comes from knowing that you share a "common goal" with someone else.  Knowing that others are having the same meaningful experience can strengthen your resolve to keep a goal.  We felt  it was time to improve our scripture reading and wanted to invite our family and friends to share in the experience of reading the Book of Mormon in 70 days together.  So if you are in a scripture reading "funk" and need a boost, come follow this blog! This blog was created to share daily spiritual insights to help keep everyone motivated and on schedule.  Please share this challenge with your family and loved ones.

No one is ever too old to read the Book of Mormon! This is a picture of Neil Birch from Sacramento, California.  He is 80 years old!  If he can do it, so can you!

Pres. Henry B. Eyring tells his feelings when he took a challenge like this.

"On one occasion I set aside a short period of time to read the Book of Mormon.  It changed my life.  Suddenly, I saw it as a movie, in full color and on a wide screen.  People became more real to me.  I pictured the Savior and His visit almost as if I had been there.  And I had a feeling for Nephi, who somehow knew about the change you and I want so much to make in our lives and in the lives of our families."

70 Day S.T.O.M.P. Reading Schedule

Notice that there is no date.

This allows you to start on ANY date and follow the 70 Day Schedule

Double click on schedule to enlarge and then go to file on top left to print

Daily Devotional

This blog can be also be used as a "daily devotional" for families of all ages. Click on the daily post, read the spiritual thought, then the 2-3 focus scriptures and then click on a short video for an inspiration song or short video explaining the scripture block.  It's a great way to keep the attention of all types and ages of learners.

Reading Program for the Whole Family!

How young is too young to start a habit of daily reading from the Book of Mormon?

SUGGESTIONS FOR SMALL CHILDREN:
For young children have them go to http://www.mormonchannel.org/scripture-stories/1 to have the scriptures read (audio) to your children with a song at the beginning.  Or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMQEb9A9L2g - for audio and video of the scripture books.
 (This might also be used as a goal for FAITH IN GOD)

SUGGESTIONS FOR TEENAGERS:
It would be a smart idea to coordinate this Book of Mormon Reading Challenge with the Young Women's Personal Progress Goals and the Young Men's - Duty to God Award.  Check with your child's leader if you need more information or go on line to http://www.youth.lds.org/

REWARDS:
During your Family Home Evening or Family Counsel, set these goals together and then set up a family REWARD that you can all work towards.  Let the kids be involved in choosing the reward (within reason).

ADULTS WHO FEEL OVERWHELMED
If you feel overwhelmed with life as it is, and one more thing will push you over the edge, then why don't you read the number of verses you are within the daily assigned chapters too!  Remember - the main thing is being obedient and daily supping from it's pages.

“I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away.  If I immerse myself in the scriptures, the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.” (Spencer W. Kimball)

LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON

There are so many ways to get the scriptures "into" our lives.  One way is to "listen" to them while reading along, or just listen without reading.  Any attempts count!  Here are some computer links that will help you get started with the audio of the Book of Mormon.

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1?lang=eng#d – audio link for 1st Nephi (click on the word listen on the right to start playing)

http://www.lds.org/mp3/display/0,18692,5297-41,00.html – click save to download as an mp3

Day 1 - 1 Nephi 1-3

Today is the FIRST day of your S.T.O.M.P. - 70 Day Book of Mormon Reading Challenge.  We are so glad you are joining us in this challenge!

Spiritual Thought:

“Brothers and sisters, without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”

 (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, June 1988, p. 6)

Daily Focus Scripture to mark and ponder:

"I will GO, I will DO!"

1 Nephi 3:7 - "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father:  I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

For children - click here to listen to the song and watch the video of  1st Nephi 3:7 - "I will Go and Do"

FOUR SUGGESTIONS for taking the 70 Day BOM Challenge.  

1.  Use a "paperback" Book of Mormon that you can mark up.  On the front inside cover, write the date you begin and the date you end.  When you are finished, write a short synopsis of your experience.  You can choose from one of the three ways below, to mark as you read.

2.  Pray before reading and ask for the Lord's help and spirit.

3.  Keep a yellow marker in hand and highlight all references that apply to you and your life, your struggles, your challenges, your desires, your hopes, etc. Highlight Gods personal revelation to you. What is he teaching you? What is it telling you about whom you are? What is it teaching you about your life?

4.  Or Keep a red pencil in hand.  and underline all references to the Savior and His Atonement. You will find most references to Him also include references to the Holy Ghost. Underline what impresses you and how you feel about the Savior and Redeemer.

Day 2 - 1 Nephi 4-8

How did you do yesterday on your first day of reading?  It is not hard, but it will take some time and discipline.  We will be reading about 7 pages each day (3-4 chapters) and it should take you 20-30 minutes.  Just think how pleased the Lord is, looking down on each of us who have made this committment to know Him better through His holy words!

Spiritual Thought:
"On one occasion I set aside a short period of time to read the Book of Mormon.  It changed my life.  Suddenly I saw it as a movie, in full color and on a wide screen.  People became more real to me.  I pictured the Savior and His visit almost as if I had been there.  And I had a feeling for Nephi, who somehow knew about the change you and I want so much to make in our lives and in the lives of our families."  Henry B. Eyring

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
1 Nephi 4:6 - "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."   18 - "Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit..."   

Daily Questions: 
How important is the Spirit in my life?  What am I willing to do to have it more abundantly?

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch video on the Tree of Life

Have you ever heard of the "PLANKING" craze?  It was where everyone took pictures of themselves in a flat or horizontal position and put them on facebook.  Here's some examples of planking.

Okay, now that you know what Planking is - we are NOT going to do that!  Haha - But what we are going to do is "BOMING".  What's "Boming" you ask?  It a new craze we are going to start.  It's people having their picture taken reading their Book of Mormon's (BOM's) in a unique place, or situation.  Let's see how creative we can all be.  I want to put a BOMING picture up every day - and we have 69 days left.  So please start your creative juices flowing.  Take pictures of you, your friends, your brothers and sisters and email them to me (micheleromneygarvin@gmail.com) so that they can be on this blog.  (I hope no one thinks this is sacreligious, we are not meaning to be, we are just trying to make this challenge unique, enjoyable and memorable.)  So for FHE tonight - why don't you take some "BOMING" pictures and send them in. 

Here's our first "BOMING" picture sent in by 12 year old, McKay Manning. 

McKay reports:  "Came back from the KSL News Station. My dad was on Sports Beat Sunday. I read my first three chapters in 1 Nephi. Got pictures with my Book of Mormon."  That's AWESOME McKay!  What a great start and example for all of us. 

Thanks to those of you who are following this blog.  What a great feeling it is to be working on a common goal with others.  Please feel free to make COMMENTS anytime - especially if you or your family have a special experience with reading the Book of Mormon!

Day 3 - 1 Nephi 9-12

Spiritual Thought:

“I say that we need to teach our people to find their answers in the scriptures… But the unfortunate thing is that so many of us are not reading the scriptures.  We do not know what is in them, and therefore we speculate about the things that we ought to have found in the scriptures themselves.  I think that therein is one of our biggest dangers of today.”  (Harold B. Lee)

Daily Focus Scripture to mark and ponder:

1 Nephi 11:1 - “For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.”

Daily Questions:

Do I allow myself to have uninterrupted time to "ponder"?  When was the last time I was "unplugged" from technology, in order to be open to personal inspiration like Nephi? 

For Children:

Click here to LISTEN and watch the video, "If the Savior Stood Beside You."


Below are Personal Notes from Michele's study.  I remember that it took me the longest time to be
able to tell the difference between the large and small plates, since Nephi called them both after his

name.  One day when I was studying these verses, I started noticing a pattern.  I noticed that every
time the words "the plates or the other plates" was used, they were talking about the Large Plates.
And every time the words "these plates" was used, they were referring to the Small Plates. 
It was kind of an "Aha" experience for me. 

1 - LARGE PLATES OF NEPHI (I marked with a green highlighter)

          Also referred to as: 

a.     “the plates” (each time these words were written, I marked in green)

b.     “the other plates

What is on the Large Plates?

          Secular: (Kings wrote)

“…an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions… ” (1 Nephi 9:4)

“…the record of my father, and the genealogy of his fathers…” (1 Nephi 19:2)

“…and if my people desire to know…the history of my people…” (2^nd Nephi 5:33)

*********************************************

2 – SMALL PLATES OF NEPHI (I marked with a yellow highlighter)

          Also referred to as:

a.     “these plates” (each time these words were written, I marked in yellow)

What is on the SMALL Plates?

          Spiritual:  (Prophets wrote)

“……are for the more part of the ministry; (1 Nephi 9:4)

“…a more particular account…” (D&C 10:39)

“…that the ministry and prophecies, the more plain and precious parts should be written…” (1 Nephi 19:3)

“…these plates should be handed down from…one prophet to another…”(1 Nephi 19:3)

“…that the more sacred things may be kept for the knowledge…(1 Nephi 19:5)

References of Large and Small Plates:

a.     1 Nephi 9:1-6

b.    1 Nephi 19: 1-6

3. 2 Nephi 5:28-33 (30 yrs later) *see quote below

*2^nd Nephi 5:28 – “Nephi wrote his record on the small t 30 years after Lehi’s colony left Jerusalem and journeyed to the Promised Land.”  --Book of Mormon Student Manual – page 4

Okay now for our "BOMING" picture of the day - sent in by 13 year old Nolan Belnap.

Nolan writes:  "Here's a picture of me sitting in the Admiral's chair, dressed up as an Orion Space Pirate at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center where I volunteer.  I read today's chapters while on my breaks."

Good job everyone!  Keep up the reading!

Day 4 - 1 Nephi 13-14

Spiritual Thought:
"In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him.  We accepted it.  Since the plan is intended for all men, we agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves but measurably, saviors for the whole human family.  We went into a partnership with the Lord.  The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father's work, and the Savior's work, but also our work.  The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation."  (John A. Widtsoe)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
1 Nephi 14:8 - And it came to pass that when the angel had spoken these words, he said unto me:  Rememberest thou the covenants of the Father unto the house of Israel? And I said unto him, Yea."

Daily Question:
How am I doing in remembering to keep the covenants that I have made with the Lord?   Can I say that I worthily partake of the sacrament each week, I am worthy to hold a temple recommend and go to the temple and I sacrifice to serve and bless others?  If so, then we are living up to our covenants!

For Kids:

Click here to LISTEN and watch the video, "I'm trying to be like Jesus".

Food for Thought:  (These are thoughts from Michele)

After reading Lehi's vision and then continue reading Nephi's vision, a pattern begins to unfold.  Nephi's vision is told in much more detail as he describes seeing the future of our world.  He basically saw in living color, "the Plan of Salvation" from the beginning to the end.  Years ago I attended an instutite class where the teacher called the plan of salvation , "The MOVIE".  I believe that every prophet has seen  parts of  "The MOVIE" either in bits and pieces or completely.  I love this analogy and have since written it throughout my scriptures whenever I read where other prophets are privleged to see "The Movie", it helps remind me of the bigger picture and why we are all here.

Below is a visual chart my husband made to help me keep track of who compiled the different parts of the Book of Mormon:

BOMING PICTURE:  I am still waiting for many of you to send me your fun, silly, unique or strange pictures of you and your family reading or holding the Book of Mormon. In the meantime, here is a picture of me.

Michele writes:  "When life gets you down, don't pull your hair out, read the Book of Mormon instead!"

Day 5 - 1 Nephi 15-17

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
1 Nephi 15:8 – "Have Ye Inquired of the Lord?"
1 Nephi 16:2 "...wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center." 
Chapter 17:  The BALL (Liahona), the BOW (Broken) and the BOAT (to the promised Land)
1 Nephi 17: 13 – "I will be your LIGHT in the WILDERNESS and I will prepare the way before you..."
1 Nephi 17:45  -  "Ye are swift to do iniquity, but slow to remember the Lord your God..."

For Kids:
Click here to watch Journey to the Promised Land - Part I

Daily Questions:
Have you ever noticed how many stories in the scriptures have a Wilderness in them?  Why is there always a wilderness in people's lives?  What do we learn while in that wilderness?  Do we learn that we can't do it alone?  Do we learn what we really NEED?  And what is that?

Food for Thought:
Through our "Wilderness", we learn that we NEED THE SAVIOR!  The wilderness of our lives is like living in a desert.  After walking in the desert for a long time, what is the first thing we call out for?  WATER – What better water can the Savior give us then himself – LIVING WATER.  What else do we hunger for?  BREAD – The savior at times has provided MANA for those in need of sustenance.  Yet at other times, no mana has been given.  Did he leave those people alone?  No!  He gave them the “BREAD OF LIFE.”  He gave them himself and scriptures.

BOMING PICTURE:  Taken of 15 year old Bethany Ritchie, still on a high after returning from EFY!

Day 6 - 1 Nephi 18-19

How are you doing in your reading?  It's Friday - so don't let the weekend and all the tv watching creep up on your reading.  Make sure to plan ahead!

Spiritual Thought:
On the table next to the coat
is the Book of Mormon and the TV remote
One is well used and cherished we note,
not the Book of Mormon, but the TV remote
As pages are turned, what shall they see?
Oh, what does it matter; turn on the TV.
So they reach for the source from which they "quote",
No, not the Book of Mormon, but the TV remote.
The Word of God is seldom read;
Maybe a verse here or there before they fall into bed,
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be...
Not from reading the Book of Mormon, but from watching the TV.
So back to the table, next to the coat
goes the Book of Mormon and the TV remote.
The plan of Salvation is full and free;
But is found in the Book of Mormon, not the TV.

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:

1 Nephi 18:8  "And I, Nephi, did go into the mount (temple) oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things."

1 Nephi 19:23 “And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.”

Daily Questions:
When was the last time I took time to offer a heart felt prayer?  Am I going to the temple often enough or could I do better?  When I read, do I try and apply the scriptures to me personally?

For Kids:
Click here to LISTEN and watch video - Journey to the Promised Land - Part II

BOMING PICTURE:  Taken of 10 year old, Conner Ritchie.  There's never a job too big for him! :-)

Day 7 - 1 Nephi 20-22

Spiritual Thought:

"I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away.  If I immerse myself in the scriptures, the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.” (Spencer W. Kimball)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
1 Nephi 20:15 - "For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?  yea, they may forget, yet will I NOT forget thee, O house of Israel."
1 Nephi 20:16 - "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."

Daily Questions:
How often do I contemplate the love and sacrifice that the Savior has for me?  Do my daily thoughts and actions show my gratitude for him?  Do I express gratitude for the power the scriptures have on my life?

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch the video of "Scripture Power"

Because I want the power, his word will give to me,
I'm changing how I live, I'm changing what I'll be!
Scripture Power, everytime I need
the Power that I get each time I read!

Food For Thought:  5 Ways to think of Israel
1. Israel is a man - Jacob
2. Israel is blood - Israelites are descendants of Jacob - House of Israel
3. Israel is a body of land.
4. Covenant Israel - is Gentiles who have repented and baptized (2 Nephi 30:2)
5. Cultural or geographical Israel - People who live in or are from the Land of Israel (This definition is most often used in the Book of Mormon)
        
BOMING PICTURE - taken of little Carston Garvin - 11 months old.  "You are never too young to read the Book of Mormon."

Day 8 - 2 Nephi 1-3

Spiritual Thoughts:“
"Happiness comes when scriptures are used in shaping our lives.”  (Russell M. Nelson)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:

2 Nephi 1:3 - "And he also spake unto them concerning the land of promise,which they had obtained - how MERCIFUL the Lord had been..."
2 Nephi 2:25 - “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”

Daily Questions: 
When was the last time you took time to step back and look at the MERCIES God has given you?
Do you feel happy in your life?  If not, what do you need to change to feel the joy that Adam brought about? 

For Kids:

Click here to Listen and Watch video of "I will follow God's Plan"

Food for Thought:
Did you notice in 2^nd Nephi 2:25- Adam FELL that men might be.... and in verse 26 – The Messiah cometh to REDEEM men from the fall.

THREE PILLARS OF ETERNITY – CREATION/FALL/ATONEMENT

“The Creation, the Fall and the Atonement are inseparably woven together to form one “plan of salvation.”  No one of them stands alone; each of them ties into the other two; and without a knowledge of all of them, it is not possible to know the truth about any one of them.  Be it remembered, the Atonement came because of the Fall.  Christ paid the ransom for Adam’s transgression.  If there had been no Fall, there would be no Atonement with it’s consequent immortality and eternal life.  Thus, just as surely as salvation comes because of the Atonement, so also salvation comes because of the Fall.  Mortality and procreation and earth all had their beginnings with the Fall.”

                                          (Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign June 1982. p. 9)

BOMING PICTURE:  Picture of two anonymous brothers (wearing their mother's wigs) finding answers in the scriptures.

Day 9 - 2 Nephi 4-6

Spiritual Thought:

“It is the right and privilege of every man, every woman, and every child who has reached the years of accountability, to enjoy the spirit of revelation, and to be possessed of the spirit of inspiration in the discharge of their duties as members of the Church.”  (Joseph F. Smith)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
2 Nephi 4:31 - "...Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?"
In 2 Nephi 5 it talks about a curse and a mark.  Please note the difference that the dark skin was not a curse, but a mark to help them not inner marry.

Vs. 21 – Curse came upon Lamanites – Loss of the spirit

               Mark – skin of blackness 

Daily Questions:

Do I have the same desire as Nephi, that I may shake at the appearance of sin?
Did the Nephites have the Aaronic priesthood? NO!

Food for Thought:  Melchizedek Priesthood
The Nephites were descendants of Joseph.  Lehi discovered this when reading the brass plates…Therefore there were no Levites (handled the Levitcal or Aaronic priesthood) who accompanied Lehi to the Western Hemisphere.  Under these conditions the Nephites officiated by virtue of the Melchizedek Priesthood from the days of Lehi to the days of the appearance of the Savior among them.  It is true that Nephi ‘consecrated Jacob and Joseph’ that they should be priests and teachers over the land of the Nephites, but the fact that pleural terms priests and teachers were used indicates that this was not a reference to the definite office in the priesthood in either case, but it was a general assignment to teach, direct, and admonish the people…”  (Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel questions 1:124-126)

“Did they have the fullness of the everlasting gospel at all times?  Yes.  There was not a period of ten minutes from the days of Adam to the appearing of the Lord Jesus in the land Bountiful when the gospel – as we have it, in its eternal fullness – was not on earth.  “Do not let the fact that the performances of the Mosaic law were administered by the Aaronic Priesthood, confuse you on this matter.  Where the Melchizedek Priesthood is, there is the fullness of the gospel, and all the prophets held the Melchizedek Priesthood.”         (Elder Bruce R. McConkie – BYU Symposium Aug. 17 1984).

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch, "If I listen with my Heart"

BOMBING PICTURE:  An unamed baby listening to the Book of Mormon with his Heart!

Day 10 - 2 Nephi 7-9

Spiritual Thought:"Faith is to the soul as sunshine is to the earth."  (David O. McKay)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:

2^nd Nephi – Chapters 6-8 – Jacob sees “The Movie”.  He, like other prophets saw Jerusalem and the Holy One of Israel.  He sees the scattering and gathering of Israel and the second coming. He starts quoting Isaiah.
2 Nephi 9:39 – S.M.I.L.E.

To Be carnal minded is Death – but to be

S- spiritually

M-minded

I – Is

L- Life

E - Eternal

Daily Questions:
What would your life be without the Atonement?  Have you considered that it is a gift to be able to repent?

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch the video of "I know my Heavenly Father loves me."

Food For Thought:
2 Nephi 9 – Talks all about the ATONEMENT – Jacob is talking and saying “WOW” this Atonement is so AWESOME – he says it in his own words 7 times.

BOMING PICTURE:  Taken of Doug Ritchie - always SMILING whether fixing a pipe or reading the Book of Mormon!

                                 

Day 11 - 2 Nephi 10-14

Spiritual Thought:

“Without freshening and reinforcing modern prophets, the ancient prophets can easily become less read and less revered and can seem less relevant to daily life.  Similarly, without the confirming and freshening of additional attesting scriptures, the Bible is less read, less believed, and less convincing for some.  Mankind desperately needs doctrinal nourishment!”   (Neal A. Maxwell)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
2 Nephi 11:2 - "And now I, Nephi write more of the words of Isaiah for my soul delighteth in his words.  For I will liken his words unto my people, and children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him." 

Daily Questions:
If God showed himself to prophets of old, do you believe that he will show himself to modern day prophets?  Do you feel God's love in your life daily?  If not, what can you do to feel it more?

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch the video of "I am a Child of God."

Food for Thought:
Chapters 11-24  in 2 Nephi are quoting Isaiah.  Isaiah ASSUMES that you are very familiar with the Story of the House of Israel.  He jumps right in the 2^nd act without ever introducing you to the actors in the 1^st act.   Isaiah wants you to FEEL the Story of Israel, not to just tell the story.  He wants to MOVE you with HOPE that God will be there for his children and never give up on them.

Isaiah is an ARTIST or a MUSICIAN.  His WORDS are his MUSIC.  The music has no predictable pattern however.  He plays 6 melodies (themes-see below) over and over throughout his book (song).  The 6 melodies appear in random order throughout his chapters.  He uses these 6 themes in RANDOM order throughout his chapters.  Any given chapter will be one or many of these 6 themes.  Also any given verse can have either 1 or several of the 6 melodies in them.

6 Themes (Melodies) of Isaiah 

      1.         Scattering

2.         Atonement

3.         Restoration

4.         Gathering

5.         2^nd Coming

6.         Millennium

BOMBING PICTURE:  Picture taken of Steve R. - Multitasking as he changes his new baby and reads the Book of Mormon!

Day 12 - 2 Nephi 15-19

Spiritual Thought:

“I feel certain that if, in our home, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein.  The spirit of reverence will increase, mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow.  Parents will counsel with their children in greater love and wisdom.  Righteousness will increase, faith, hope and charity the pure love of Christ, will abound in our homes and lives, bringing on their wake, peace, joy and happiness.”  (Marion G. Romney)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
2 Nephi 17:14 - "Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign, Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
2 Nephi 19:6 - "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God.  The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

Daily Questions:
Do you believe that His hand is stretched out to you?  When was the last time you sincerely thanked him for being there for you in your hard times?

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch the video, "Oh Lord, My Redeemer"

Food for Thought:
It wasn't until I learned about Isaiah's 6 themes, and I went back and began reading 2 Nephi (Isaiah chapters) did I realize that the scriptures talk over and over of the 1) Scattering, 2) the Atonement, 3) The Restoration 4) The Gathering 5) 2^nd Coming and 6) The Millennium.    As I did this, I started to see the big picture so much better.  I realized that all of these somewhat disjointed doctrines all tie back into ONE place and that is the Plan of Salvation.  As I read about them, I can begin to plug them in where they belong in "The Movie" and it all began to make so much for sense to me.  Every doctrine must be tied somehow to the Plan of Salvation.  When we do this, all the puzzle pieces we are taught by reading the scriptures, or listening to our teachers and our parents finally fit into place as we begin to see the “Big Picture.”

(Double click to make larger)

BOMBING PICTURE: taken of Natalie R. as she shows her talents of doing two things at once.

Day 13 - 2 Nephi 20-24

Spiritual Thought:

“Never let a day go by without holding family prayer and family scripture study. Put this, the Lord’s program, to the test; and see if it does not bless your home with greater peace, hope, love, and faith.” – Elder L. Tom Perry

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
2  Nephi 22:2 "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength, and my song; he also has become my salvation."

Daily Questions:
What am I doing to strengthen my relationship with God, Jesus and my family?

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch - "Families can be Together Forever"

Food for Thought:
These are the last four Isaiah Chapters.  Notice that he talks about the Restoration, the Gathering, and the Millennium in random order.


BOMING PICTURE:  The Garvin Family all taking the Book of Mormon Challenge! (Minus our oldest daughter and family who live in Vegas and my nephew and his two kids on the Romney side)

Day 14 - 2 Nephi 25-26

Food for Thought:
They say that if you do something for 14 days, it becomes a habit.  This is our 14th day of reading the scriptures consecutively!  YIPPEE!!!  Hopefully we have now formed a very good habit.  Now make sure you keep it up.  If you are falling behind, keep going!  If you feel like you are ready to give up, DON'T!  Just take the number of your age, and read that many verses from the daily scripture block.  Or go to this blog every day and use it as a daily mini devotional.  You can also listen to it on the computer at this address.  What ever you do, just do SOMETHING!!!  We are trying to have the Book of Mormon a part of our daily lives for 70 days straight!!!!

Spiritual Thought:“No father, no son, no mother, no daughter should get so busy that he or she does not have time to study the scriptures.” (Spencer W. Kimball)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
2 Nephi 25:5 - "Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah..."
2 Nephi 25:26 - "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
2 Nephi 26:11 - "For the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man.  And when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destriction and this grieveth my soul."

Daily Question:
Have you noticed a difference in your attitude since you have started to read the scriptures on a regular basis?

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch the video of "Teach me To walk in the Light"

BOMING PICTURE:  Taken of Conner R. as he makes a habit of exercising "both" his physical and spiritual of muscles. (at the same time) :-)

Day 15 - 2 Nephi 27-29

Spiritual Thought:

“We have not been using the Book of Mormon as we should.  Our homes are not as strong unless we are using it to bring our children to Christ.  Our families may be corrupted by worldly trends and teachings unless we know how to use the book to expose and combat the falsehoods in socialism, organic evolution, rationalism, humanism, etc.  Our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of this land, Jesus Christ, and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations.”  (Ezra Taft Benson)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
2 Nephi 27:27 - "And wo unto them that seek deep to hide their cousel from the Lord!  And their works are in the dark..." (Spiritual Crocodiles)
2 Nephi 28: 7-8 - "...Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God - he will justify in comitting a little sin; yea, lie a little, ..."
2 Nephi 28:21 - ""And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say, All is well in Zion, yea, Zion prospereth, all is well. and thus the devil cheatheth their souls and leadeth them away carelly down to hell."

Daily Questions: 
Are there Spiritual Crocodiles in our lives that lie in wait to destroy us when we are weak?  If so, what can we do to thrwart Satan's attempts to bring us down?

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch video of  "I feel my Savior's Love"

Food for Thought:  A CONFUSING WORLD (Excerpts from my friend - Angela Lacy's journal)

       Life is not always what it seems! One day some of our family came to visit us in Las Vegas.  They wanted the usual tour of the strip and so we took our children down with us.  As we were walking under the lighted canopy of Fremont Street, my five yearold son seemed overwhelmed.  "Mommy, are we inside?"  he asked.
       "No, Michael, we are outside."
Next we went to the Forum shops on the strip.  They had live statues that would move and talk and the ceiling is painted to look just like the sky.  Michael looked up at me and said, "Mommy  are we outside?"
      I said,  "No, Michael, we're inside."
We left and walked along the sidewalk on Las Vegas Blvd.  As we were walking we passed a ten-foot statue of Seigfried and Roy with a tiger.  They are pretty flamboyant magicians that work with white tigers and other animals.  Michael was sure he knew what he was talking about this time.  "Mommy, look over here, it's Adam and Eve!"
     It was then that I realized what a confusing world we live in.  Not just because it's Las Vegas, but because of the double messages that Satan sends our way.  What a confusing city for an adult, let alone a child.  I can't begin to imagine how many people get lost and tricked and manipulated when they come here, because things appear different from what they really are.  Once again I thought, "It's not just Las Vegas, it's the World!"
     As I looked down at Michael I wanted to say to him, "Remember the story of the rod of iron?  Remember the Large and Spacious building?  So many people chose to go into that building.  It looked like a lot more fun than what Nephi was attempting to do.  The building looked like a great place to be.  Everyone was having a ball.  But just like the magic shows downtown, it was just an illusion.  Nephi was able to see the truth by holding onto the rod - by choosing the right and keeping the commandments.
Michael, holding to the iron rod is the only way we will be able to find our way back to our Heavenly Father.  It's too confusing here to be able to do it on our own - too many magicians -- too many fake ceilings.  Luckily we have the iron rod and we can find our way. Michael, someday when you're a teenager and it's hard to tell if you are INSIDE or OUTSIDE, you'll read this and maybe it will help it make things a little clearer. I love you Michael."

BOMBING PICTURE:  Tauna and Mya doing a piggyback effort on reading!

Day 16 - 2 Nephi 30-33

Spiritual Thought:

“Everyone in the Church who is on the straight and narrow path, who is striving and struggling and desiring to do what is right, though is far from perfect in this life; if he passes out of this life while he’s on the straight and narrow, he’s going to go on to eternal reward in his father’s kingdom….”If you’re on that path and pressing forward, and you die, you’ll never get off the path.  There is no such ting as falling off the straight and narrow path in the life to come….If you’re on the path when death comes…you’ll never fall off from it, and for all practical purposes, your calling and election is made sure.”

                              (Elder Bruce R. McConkie – The Probationary Test of Mortality.” –Jan 1982)

Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:

2 Nephi 31: 20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men.  Where, if ye shall press forward, FEASTING upon the words of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus said the Father:  Ye shall have eternal life."  
2^nd Nephi 31:  2 – "I must speak concerning the Doctrine of Christ"
2 Nephi 32:3 - "Angels speak by the power of  the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I said unto you, FEAST upon the words of Christ; for behold the words of Christ will tell you ALL things what ye should do."
                                                                                                                                                                        (6 month old Caleb loves to "chew" on the scriptures!)

For Kids:

Click here to listen to "I will Follow God's Plan"


Food for Thought:  - DOCTRINE OF CHRIST -What exactly is the "Doctrine of Christ" spoken of 2 Nephi 31?

COME UNTO CHRIST - In one of my seminary classes, we had Suzy facing the left wall  and then had a picture of Christ on Right wall.  I gave the class an assignment to get Suzy to Come unto Christ.  (Picture on Wall).

1. WORD - Power in Scriptures (Book of Mormon) – give her a Book of Mormon
2. FATIH – Action – Ask her to Pray about it after she reads the word
3. REPENT – She experiencces a change of heart – change directions (turn her to face Christ)
4. BAPTISM – Symbol of Death/Birth – act out – showing we must have natural man die and become alive in Christ.  Buried in water – old life.  New birth in Christ represent blood, water, spirit; take upon us Christ’s name (Christian.  Is Suzy a totally changed girl because she is now baptized?  No – it is only the  beginning; a gate she needs to enter and continue on the straight and narrow path.
5. HOLY GHOST – Purifies – The Holy Ghost is the thing that actually changes her.  It will act as a COMFORTER – and will bring her to Christ!  “Has the Holy Ghost brought me to Christ?”
6. ENDURE TO THE END – (with help of Holy Ghost).  Is process in the right direction enough?  No – the Lord knows the intent of our heart. We must not just be going “through the motions” while on the straight and narrow path.  We must PRESS FORWARD.  (If you ultimately stop in the middle – and don’t make it to Christ – the change was in VAIN.)

BOMBING PICTURE:  This week we are featuring "TWINS".  Our first set of "TWINS" are Duncan and Lexie Reeves who are trying to make a "team" effort of reading the Book of Mormon.  Today is their 13th birthday.  Happy Birthday!!!! 

Day 17 - Jacob 1-4

Spiritual Thought:

“I have long believed that the study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than talking about behavior will improve behavior.”  (Boyd K. Packer)

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:
Jacob 1:7 "Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to "Come unto Christ and partake of the goodness of God..."
Jacob 2:16 "Let not this PRIDE of your hearts destroy your souls!"
Jacob 2:18-19 "But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.  And after ye have obtained a Hope in Christ; ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them to do good, to clothe the naked, feed the hungry..."
Jacob 4:10 - "Wherefore, brethren, seek NOT to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand..."

Daily Questions:
If there was such a things as a "Pride-o-meter", how high or low would it register on me?  How well do I take counsel from the Lord or those in authority over me?  What can I do to become more humble? 

When one becomes conscious of his great humility, he has already lost it. When one begins boasting of his humility, it has already become pride - the antithesis of humility.”  (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 233)

For Kids:

Click here to listen and watch the video of "Because I have been Given Much

Food for Thought:  - Wealth
 “The worst fear I have about this people is that they will get rich in this country, forget God and His people, wax fat, and kick themselves out of the Church and go to hell.  This people will stand mobbing, robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution, and be true.  But my greater fear…is that they cannot stand wealth.”  (--Brigham Young, Ensign May. 1991 p. 11)

           “When I was a BYU student, a professor whom I greatly respected was once talking with a group of students in his home about issues of Wealth.  As he spoke about the need to use our means to help those less fortunate than us, I noticed that he had a piano in his home.  It was modest but sill must have cost well over a thousand dollars.  Being more impudent than insightful, I asked him about the propriety of owning a piano when there were so many people in the world who couldn’t afford to eat.

            Treating me with more respect than I deserved, he replied, in effect, “That’s a good question.  I can’t tell you for sure that we made the right decision in doing that, but I can tell you that we thought about it and even prayed about whether the Lord would have us make that purchase.  For our family, we felt like it was the right thing to do.”

            His humility and thoughtfulness taught me an important lesson.  His family’s motive in purchasing the piano was not to impress others or make themselves feel better than others.  Instead, it was to enable their children to learn about music and to bring music into their home.  The family did not boast about their piano or seem preoccupied with it, nor did the purchase appear to stretch them beyond their financial limits.  Finally, this professor and his wife had prayed about whether the Lord approved that particular major acquisition at that time in their lives.  Given his attitude, I believe he and his family would have forgone the purchase and even given the funds to others in greater need had the Lord so prompted him.” (--Robert Eaton, "Diggin Deeper" page 62-63).

BOMING PICTURE:  Our second set of TWINS are Mia and Eli Reeves.  They are the younger siblings of our first set of twins.  They will turn 8 years old this week and they love to read the Book of Mormon!