Sections 131, 132, OD 1

Sections on marriage! There is a lot to take in in these sections. It rubs me wrong how it says wives and concubines are given to men, and they belong to them. What is meant by this? I do like how it says women are to "bear the souls of men." That's cool wording. What a sacred responsibility women have!

Sections 129, 130

Knowledge rises with us in the resurrection. I need to learn everything I possibly can!!! I have a renewed passion for learning this semester, and I just feel an incredible need to learn at every opportunity. I know we talked about how knowledge is power, and that whatever I learn here will be to my advantage in the next life and prepare me to create my own world one day!

Sections 127-128

These sections are about baptisms for the dead. I really like how it says that our dead without us are not made perfect, neither are we without our dead made perfect. The "welding link" is not just so we can come to know our ancestors, but it is critical for our salvation, and their's.

Sections 101, 121-123

"Be still and know that I am God." I think this is one of my favorite scriptures. We have so many worries, fears, doubts, etc--quiet them, be still, and trust God whole heartedly. "Be still, my soul! The Lord is on thy side."

Section 121 is kind of like a "hang in there" section to me. Endure these things and you will be blessed--and it will be for your good! The blessings will one day far outweigh the challenges and trials of this life. Meanwhile, the trials are meant for our experience and growth, so we need to learn from them! I have found it helpful, when I am in the midst of a trial, to think of what I am supposed to be learning from it. I won't always know until it's over, but it helps keep your mindset more positive if you're trying to learn as you go.

Sections 112, 114, 118

Cleanse your heart and be humble, and the Lord will lead you by the hand and give you answer to your prayers. I need to continually pray for my heart to be cleansed and my intentions pure. This is something I have really been thinking about lately; pride just can't be part of me. When I do anything I need to thank Heavenly Father for it, and give Him the glory. I think this goes directly against the natural man, and is so hard to do consistently. Especially if we have worked hard for something! I need to remember that God ALWAYS gets the glory for any accomplishment I make, and I need to recognize His hand and ask Him to purify my intentions. My talents need to be used for His purposes, and not to lift myself up on a pedestal.

Sections 109, 110, 115

This is the Kirtland temple dedicatory prayer. I love vs. 7 of 109: "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea seek ye out of the best books..." All don't yet have faith, and we are all trying to increase our faith. Seek diligently and teach each other so our faith can be mutually strengthened.

When we enter the temple we can feel the power of God, and leave armed with His power. This is truly a tremendous blessing! We must "arise and shine forth that they light may be a standard for the nations." This is exactly what Pres. Monson was talking about at devotional! I think it also goes along with the part I mentioned at the beginning of this--when you have a light, shine so others may be benefited as well. Others will see our light and testimony and be strengthened.

Section 107, OD 2

I wonder, what does it mean when it says "Seth was a perfect man"? This section really made me think; wow, life is wonderful and all but I'm sure glad I won't live to be 496! :) I wonder why life expectancy has changed by so much? That's really interesting.

I wonder what it would've been like to be among the first the brethren in Africa to hear that they could now hold the priesthood. I'll bet their joy was simply inexplicable.

Section 102

These are the minutes for organizing the high council of the church. I think it's so neat that this revealed organization is what is still used today--and it works so well! Heavenly Father truly knows everything and knows what is best.