Overemphasizing trivial things can create unnecessary anxiety. But trivializing things that really are important can be much more dangerous. After the First Vision, Joseph Smith was surprised when a religious leader treated his experience "not only lightly, but with great contempt" (Joseph Smith—History 1:21). Joseph knew better than to deny or deemphasize his experience. He... Continue Reading →
“A Record of My Proceedings” – 1 Nephi 1:1
Nephi opens his record by explaining why he is writing it: I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness... Continue Reading →
John Whitmer, Record-keeper
Why does the Lord ask us to keep written records? One reason is to communicate our experiences to others, including future generations. But another reason is more immediate: the process of writing forces us to think things through more carefully. We learn and we grow as we write. In March 1831, John Whitmer was called... Continue Reading →
“In the Very Hour”
It is more important to be prepared than to have a plan. Plans rely on assumptions about things we can't control. The most brittle plans rely heavily on these assumptions, while more resilient plans allow for adaptation under changing circumstances. A good plan recognizes that the participants will be actors, not merely executors, and will... Continue Reading →
Record-keeping
The first sentence in the Book of Mormon is about the importance of keeping records. Nephi tells us that, because the Lord had blessed him with "goodly parents," who taught him, and because he had been "highly favored of the Lord" in spite of enduring many afflictions, "therefore I make a record of my proceedings... Continue Reading →
“I Did Liken All Scriptures unto Us” – 1 Nephi 19:23
The principles taught in the scriptures can help us make wiser decisions. It might seem improbable that an ancient author could advise a modern reader, particularly about problems which seem new and disconnected from the past. But truth is eternal, and fundamental principles which worked in the past will still work today. When Nephi and... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon References in Moroni 6
Today as I studied Moroni 6, I found a number of phrases which referenced earlier passages in the Book of Mormon. Obviously, Moroni knew the Book of Mormon well. Still, I thought these references were striking, and I thought I'd share the connections I made today as I studied this chapter. Most of these phrases... Continue Reading →
“If There Was No Mistake” – 3 Nephi 8:1-2
As Mormon prepares to relate the most extraordinary sequence of events in the Book of Mormon, he begins by emphasizing the reliability of his source, followed immediately by an admission that the source may have gotten some of the details wrong: And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know... Continue Reading →
“A Wise Purpose” – Alma 37:2, 12, 14, 18
An important element of faith is trusting that God has good reasons for what He does, even when we don't understand those reasons. Nephi tells us that the Lord commanded him to create a record of his ministry "for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not" (1 Nephi 9:5). Later, he learned... Continue Reading →
Who Were Zenos and Zenock?
The authors of the Book of Mormon quoted a number of prophets who lived in Israel before Lehi's family left Jerusalem (about 600 B.C.). Some of those prophets, like Moses and Isaiah, also appear in the Bible. But others do not. Two of these prophets are Zenos and Zenock. Here's what we know about them:... Continue Reading →