Sections 137, 138

We are judged according to our works and the desires of our hearts. I think it is so important to remember that these two things go hand in hand. We may be doing good things, but with selfish intentions. We may have good intentions but never follow through. Without both the righteous desire AND the righteous action, there isn't complete righteousness!

Sections 126, 135, 136

In 135:5 it says "because thou hast seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong". So by simply recognizing our weaknesses, we are made stronger?? I guess that makes sense. Recognizing that we have a weakness is the first step. If we can recognize, it that takes humility which ultimately makes us stronger.

I love section 136. I think it's a big music section. Verse 19 sums up what happens if you have a prideful mindset when performing: "And if any man shall seek to build up himself, and seeketh not my counsel, he shall have no power, and his folly shall be made manifest." I make a fool of myself if I "seek to build up myself" as a performer. I MUST dedicate my performances to the Lord. And I just love verse 28 that I memorized and put music to for my project. If you are happy, praise the Lord with music! We can express gratitude, love, and happiness through music. The Lord provides a way for us to keep all of His commandments--and He has provided a way for us to love and praise Him!

Sections 116, 133

I like how it says after your pain, you are sanctified. Sanctification comes not only after but because of pain. For me, knowing this makes it much easier to endure the pain! Also we can remember, as these sections quote Christ saying, "I have trodden the wine press alone...none were with me." But we DO have someone with us--the Lord is with us. And because he trod the wine press alone, we don't have to.

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.