The book of Ether, Lessons we learn through Struggles

This week we studied the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. I realized that this is the third witness for us to learn about through the scriptures. We first learn about the Israelites in the Bible, then the Nephites in the Book of Mormon and then the Jaredites in the last part of the Book of Mormon. I believe the saying goes something like, "It comes in three's". Right? Please correct me if I'm wrong. We know that the Book of Mormon has three witnesses to it. Something big happens with the number 3! That is why I have three kids! lol Just kidding.
    These scriptures are one of my favorites. Can you imagine seeing God's finger reach out and touch a rock right in front of you? What would you do? The brother of Jared had so much faith that he was able to see Jesus's finger. He then was able to converse with the Lord and learned so much! So much that we aren't even ready to hear it all! It was written for us to see. But Heavenly Father told Moroni that we are not ready for it yet. It is sealed up and hidden. When will we be able to see it? Read it? When Heavenly Father believes we will be ready. Am I going to look high and low for it? Look for signs to lead me to it? Or wait and live righteously while I prove my obedience until He reveals it to me? I know that having faith is not always knowing all the answers. It's not always given to us when we ask either. There are times that Heavenly Father will have us try and figure it out on our own, and times where we will have to learn as we go because He knows we can do it. There will be times where we are getting thrashed at sea with waves splashing all around us, but as we live faithfully and righteously, we will walk on dry land, and live to see Jesus Christ's hand in our lives. We will see His finger when we need it. Maybe not physically, but we will know when it is there.


      I've had a hard time this week with personal family issues. It has brought me down a few times. But then I saw a video in my class that literally brought me to tears. It was like the lesson knew what I was going through. Whoever put this lesson together knew that this week, in my home, would be a tough one. I'm still looking for that hidden camera in my home. ;)

So let's watch this video:

Mountains to Climb

Everyone in their lives at one point or another has a trial that they need to overcome. Knowing that we are not alone in this endeavor has always helped me along the way. I don't have to go through this alone. Even though there may not be someone I know who is going through the same thing as me, I know that there is someone who knows how I feel. And this weekend I get to celebrate Him and appreciate the things He went through so that I can learn to let the hurt feelings go. I know my Heavenly Father lives. And loves us for who we are. I know that Jesus Christ lives and wants us to be happy. He died so that we can make our own choices. So that we can repent when we do wrong and be eternally grateful for the things we do right. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ so much. I will live my life daily in obedience to their words and guidance so that I can live with them again.

Much love,
Nini V.

Listening to Learn

Hello friends. Yes, I am here again. I already spoke about the blessings of tithing in my last post. It is amazing how wonderful tithing can be. Now I want to talk about some other things I learned this week from my studies. I love President Russell M. Nelson. Sometimes he just says things that make sense you know? He started out with one of his talks saying we learn to listen and we listen to learn. President J. Reuben Clark said, "We do not lack a prophet, what we lack is a listening ear." When we are wise, we can learn and grow from our church leaders.
We need to uplift ourselves to a better ground. How would you act if Jesus Christ was here on the earth today? Elder James M. Paramore spoke of a story related to him from someone he knew who had once struggled in the church. He said, "...because I wasn't living a righteous life, I looked down my nose at others. When you lose the spirit of the Lord you don't judge properly. You look to judge negatively and you find fault. Then you rationalize why you act that way."
We are to become like Jesus. When we be, we do. When we do, we become. In the scriptures it says Ye know the things that which ye do. Are we doing what we want to become? Jesus Christ said, "Even as I am." We are to be like him and take upon us His name, and his nature! If we all became like Jesus Christ and helped serve others, wouldn't this be a wonderful place to live in? I will do my best to become like Jesus. I will do and I will be. What are you becoming? 

Seriously love being faithful!

I love this gospel. It has guided me through the toughest paths yet opened up new pathways 😉 too. My recent blessing? It's amazing. My co-worker asked if we wanted her mini loft beds. Jason and I talked about it but didn't really decide on it. Well, she called me today saying goodwill won't take them so will I? We did. Karlee has been using a hide-a-bed couch in her room for a bed. So we put that back into the tv room ("Brave's Room") and then moved Ashlee's bed into Karlee's room. We immediately looked on Craigslist and there was a very nice memory foam twin for $50. Jason went and looked at it and it was very clean. So we got it. The girls like their new beds, but we still had another loft bed. Well, we listed it on Craigslist for $75 and will take $50 for it. Which means, you guessed it, we just got a new bed set for Ashlee for zero dollars!!! If there is anything I can learn from this is, I know my Heavenly Father is looking out for me! And of course, tithing works!!!!! I love this gospel! 

And yes! That IS President Thomas S. Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on her wall! And forgive me for clearly being lazy and not getting her some new curtains for like 7 years now! She hates those Dora curtains!!! Lol 

Christ visits America!

Hello to all my friends and family that are reading this. I have been so busy lately that I don't think I can even think straight! lol My kids' school has been doing the musical "Shrek" and I was asked to be the house manager. It's been a lot of fun but very time consuming and I have to say, I don't really like doing homework this late at night! But here I am. Ready to talk about what I learned this week.
In the scriptures that we've been studying we learn about when Christ visits America. Now, this is something very important to us LDS members. There is so much to learn from Him when He visits here. Let me begin by saying Virtue is an important one. When virtue garnishes your thoughts, your self confidence grows (Elder Russel M. Nelson). Newly repented converts of the church find that the restored gospel governs their thoughts and deeds, it shapes their habits and forges their character.
Did you know that when Jesus came to the earth in America, he brought all the little children around Him. Sister Michaelene P. Grassli says that "Children are worthy of our time and efforts. Children were present when Jesus Christ prayed." We too can spend some time with our children. Look at them as Jesus would. They are worthy enough for Him! We too should look to them as being the righteous and worthy soldiers that we should be!
President Gordon B Hinckley made a great quote about those that let pride take over them. "Pride is the great stumbling block of Zion." Pride is evil. I will try my hardest to never let pride get in my way! (I have a long way to go, trust me!)
Brother Mark E. Peterson says that if you forgive others, Heavenly Father will forgive you. However, "if ye forgive not, neither will Heavenly Father forgive ye. Judge not, lest ye be judged. We will reap what we sow." This always reminds me of the golden rule, "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." Why is that so hard for people to understand? It breaks my heart to see other people hurting other people with words and feelings. When you don't forgive others, it's like drinking a cup of poison and expecting them to die. It is only hurting yourself. Forgive others so that you can be happy.
Robert D. Hales said "Faith without works is dead." If there is no work involved, then you are not moving forward. Isn't that the way you want to go? Not backwards, not behind, but forward! In order to move forward you've got to have faith! Here are some steps that Brother Hales has mentioned in finding faith: 1. Let the prophets words touch your hearts, hear the word of God 2. Let the words sink deep into your heart 3. Hunger in your soul for the knowledge 4. Be obedient to the Lord by following the commandments and the laws of the land and finally, 5. Humbly ask in prayer for the truth to come to you. Ask and ye shall know, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened. Heavenly Father has told us if we ask in earnest prayer that He will give us the knowledge that we need. The knowledge that we are looking for. We just need to ask.
I'd like to finish up by saying that prayers are important to me. I know that my prayers aren't always easy to say, or simple at all. But what He wants from me is to talk to Him. I will try my hardest to be simple, direct and sincere in my prayers. I do know that IF Heavenly Father is offended by any prayers, it is likely because of their absence, and not by the language. (Dallin H. Oaks)

Love to you all!
Nini V.

2,000 Stripling Warriors and Their Mothers that Knew

Hey everyone! I hope everyone is doing well and feeling great! School has been going well for me. It has been tougher on some parts and it's killing me to see 83% on my scores but I am trying my best and that's all that matters, right?

So, again, I'd like to share some things I learned about this past week. We've been studying the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon now and we are towards the end. Or in my opinion, the best part! If you are unfamiliar with the story of the 2,000 Stripling Warriors please look it up!!! It's one of my favorites! I am a bit partial to it because I have a son and pray that he feels the same way as those boys did then. I enjoyed Sister Julie B. Beck's video where she talked about them and their mothers. The Stripling Warriors said that their mothers knew it. She says that mother's need not fear! She believes that we have taught them well, enough to know who God is, who they are, and because of that they will have the greatest power in them! Oh how I do wish that my son knows who he is and that God loves him. I can see my son standing up to battle against those who wish to thwart us. Just the other day I was catching up with a long time friend and telling her all about my son, who is such an angel to us! He is the best kid ever. At 16 years old he is so responsible and loved by all. We are lucky to have him in our family.

I am glad that he is on the right path in his life. While reading this week I read in Alma 48:18 about Alma and the sons of Mosiah, about how they are likened unto Moroni. Such a strong character to be compared to! But then it talks about how Alma and the sons of Mosiah used to be horrible! They were wicked, went about talking bad about the church, pushing people away from it. Yet, they are now being talked up like some of the best. I love this. We all make mistakes. We all fall into transgression. That is what is so great about this book. It is a book of Hope and Forgiveness. We learn about the Atonement and how it can make us clean and pure. Elder Richard G. Scott said, "If you have repented from serious transgression and mistakenly believe that you will be a second class citizen in the kingdom of God, learn that that is not true!" I believe this with all my heart. We can have our own "storehouse of faith" to help us rise above the things in this world that make us unholy.

Virtue - a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards (chastity & purity). I believe virtue is a trait that is rare to find these days. High moral standards are not "old fashioned." President Monson said, "You be the one to stand for right, even if you stand alone." I remember at one time that I was scared to stand alone. That it wasn't "cool" to stand alone. Now as I am getting older I see what a fool I was for thinking that. To stand alone means something now. You have confidence, you know who you are and you know that you are not alone. Even when standing there alone.

One thing I can learn from the most in this book of scriptures is the conversation between Moroni and Pahoran. I believe Elder David A. Bednar said it best. "In sometime, someday someone will say or do something that you will consider offensive. We can not control their behaviour. We DO control how we ACT. Choose not to be offended. Pahoran choose not to take offense against Moroni." Yep... OUCH! If that was not right to the gut I don't know what is! That is me in a nutshell! No, not Pahoran! lol I need to strive to be like Pahoran and not take things so personally and take offense. It's like my husband says, "No, I did not wake up this morning thinking how can I make Nini upset!" Uh...Oh yeah, I guess that makes sense! So, How do we act? How do we respond? Take a step back. Look at the bigger picture. Don't be so quick to assume. Because in the grand scheme of things, IT MATTERETH NOT

With Love,
Nini V.

Second Week of the Second Semester

Hey everyone! I hope your week was a good one! Now we get to enjoy a three day weekend! 

I have finished my second week of the second semester now and I am still loving school! It's been amazing how well this has gone. Having the Lord on your side while going through school is the best way to go. 

I wanted to share a few things that I have learned this week. Every week we get to watch some videos about our book of scriptures we are studying that week. They are called Digging Deeper. I love these videos. It is usually someone from either of the Quorum's or the first presidency. Here are a few of my favorites:

President Ezra Taft Benson says that The Book of Mormon is the Word of God. There are two reasons why he says this. 1.) It tells in plain manner of Christ and bears witness of the fall and Atonement. 2.) It exposes the enemies of Christ. False prophets and false witnesses. 

President Boyd K. Packer says that in Alma the Younger's day, the word of God was more powerful than the sword! He said that when true doctrine is understood, attitudes and behaviors will change.

President Deiter F. Uchtdorf asks us how do we receive a personal testimony? He then gives us some suggestions. We must have the desire to believe. If we desire it, God promises divine power! If we search the scriptures, study them and have questions, He will give us the knowledge through personal testimony. We must do the will of God to gain the testimony we are wanting. If we keep the commandments, do more than casual study, learn and actually DO God's will, He will testify to us personally.

Elder Russel M. Nelson and President Boyd K. Packer both spoke about the Atonement. Oh, the Atonement! How thankful I am of the Atonement! Where would I be without the Atonement of Christ? Where would any of us be? Ok, back to the Elder's words. Elder Nelson says that the Atonement is Infinite! All humans can be saved! Jesus was the only one that could do this. Because he had a mortal mother and an immortal father. President Packer says that the Atonement is the redemption from spiritual death and suffering caused by sin. The Atonement is not only for the end of physical life, it is an ever present power that we can use daily! The gospel plan is the Plan of Happiness. The spiritual pain we feel from guilt can be calmed by the spirit! Like Alma the Younger felt when he was "in the darkest abyss" at his lowest, but now holds the light of God! We all make mistakes and because of this we suffer, we feel guilt but this is when the healing power of the Atonement can help! We must repent and look to the Atonement to lift us up. 

In Alma 31 there are two prayers in this chapter. One of them is given by the Zoramites. It is a recited prayer. There is no feelings in the prayer, no requests to help them become better people. Nothing personal. While Alma's prayer is very personal. He makes it specific and asks for help with the people. He prays for comfort, strength, power, wisdom and success. He asks that he and his brothers have the strength to bear any afflictions that the Zoramites might cause them. Two very different prayers in two very different ways. I think I know how I would like my children to talk to me! 

So, you can see that a lot can be learned in just this small section of Alma in the Book of Mormon. I really enjoyed reading through Alma chapter 34 because of all the insights that Amulek has. He shares with the people ways to pray. I love how detailed he gets when talking to them. He tells them to pray here and there, when and why and for who! Even your enemies! He then says that this is not all! You must Live this way! Do not turn away the poor and the needy but reach out to them and love them as Heavenly Father loves you. I love how this chapter tells us how to live. We can choose to be happy, pray all day, give love to those around us and feel His love for us at anytime and anywhere.

I am thankful for my Heavenly Father and the love that He has for me. I am thankful that I have the knowledge of the gospel and that I can choose to live like Jesus Christ. I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I know that Jesus Christ lives! I know that He died for us so that we can live with Heavenly Father again. I will live to be a disciple of Christ. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am a Mormon. 

Here we go with my second semester of College!

So, I'm back to school again now. This is my second week and I'm already nervous! Let me first start by saying that I've always loved math problems. I've never really struggled with it. I enjoy working with numbers. Ok, ok, so hate me if you want to. But it's fine. I like my numbers! However, taking a college course on math is so different! Online too! Today I looked over my lesson overview from my professor and it was awesome. I felt comforted by what I saw. It made me feel so good that I wanted to share with all of you what it was. I hope this video brings joy to your hearts and peace in your minds! I am a Child of God!

With Love, Nini Van De Venter