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.

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.

Sections 103, 105

After MUCH tribulation cometh the blessing. This is why the Lord permitted the saints to be persecuted, and why we have challenges and trials today. After much suffering, we are blessed--more than we thought possible! I have a strong testimony of this principle, especially as of late. Last semester I had some big challenges and trials that stretched my faith to new limits. After much suffering I have had enormous blessings come this semester. I have been blessed in ways that I simply did not foresee when I was experiencing the trials. Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves, and He blesses us in better ways and at better times than we could ever plan or dream of.

Sections 87, 98, 134

WOW, this revelation is meticulously accurate about the Civil War! how amazing! And how could Joseph Smith have known all of that? It was obviously revelation. Interesting that the call to stand in holy places comes right after the description of the civil war. I wonder why?

Section 98 was given in response to the persecution of the Saints. Our afflictions are not only for our own good, but for the good of others and the Glory of God. God has not given us these experience for ourselves only. We need to share them so that others may benefit as well.

Sections 94, 95, 97

I really like how in all three of these sections, the Lord starts out by saying "you whom I love" or "my friends" or some variety. The Lord truly loves us and considers us friends. We need to consider Him our greatest friend, and rely on Him like we would rely on a dear friend (even more so!) I also like where it says, regarding the building of church houses, "If you keep my commandments you shall have power to build it." If we keep the commandments, we will be blessed with enabling power from Heaven helping us to fulfill those commandments. But sometimes we have to take steps into the dark, keeping a commandment even if it seems impossible. As we show faith and keep the commandments, no matter how difficult, a way will be provided.

Section 93

Jesus Christ received "grace for grace, until he received a fulness". When I read this I apply it to myself and my desire to learn, improve, achieve, and receive answers. I will receive line upon line, here a little, there a little until I receive a fulness. Christ is truly our example in everything, including being patient as we receive one part of our learning and growth at a time! We need to trust God's timing over our own idea of what would be nice. Also, we are truly the tabernacles (temples) of God. Since we are His children, we house part of Him within us. I must take care of my body AND my spirit (this is mentioned again!) because I house Divine qualities that I inherited from Heavenly Father. And I house a Divine spirit that has the potential to become like God. How neat is that?? I really need to make sure my body and my mind are a place where that kind of spirit can dwell and be nurtured and taken care of.

Section 89

I love this section on the Word of Wisdom. What a difference it makes for our lives today! I especially love the verse that says those who keep the word of wisdom will "find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures." I wonder how that will come about by living this law? Perhaps because keeping this commandment will help my mind be sharpened and help me have more energy. Or simply keeping the commandments helps me gain more knowledge by the Spirit. Also, I think the "hidden treasures" could be referring to personal revelation and promptings. I am a firm believer that our receptiveness to the Spirit increases as we take care of our bodies (as in section 88, spirit and body are connected, and make up the soul of man). "Cleanse the inner vessel" (as commanded in the Book of Mormon), and the outer will be cleansed also can be reversed, I think. The body and mind make the soul of man. They are connected and must be nurtured. Therefore as we cleanse the outer vessel, the inner vessel will be cleansed, also!

Section 88

I absolutely love this section, the "Olive Leaf of Peace". I feel like it has some wonderful doctrines in it, including words of comfort and instruction. I think I'll just share some of my favorite points from it.

I really like vs. 15 where it says "The spirit and the body are the soul of man". The two go together, and I need to make sure that I am taking equal care of my body AND my spirit. I think this goes along with the next section, the word of wisdom.

Concerning the eye being single, I think that is such a wonderful promise that if my eye is single my whole body will be filled with light, and there won't be any darkness in me. Wow! No darkness?? That is quite the promise. If I want to shine light for others to benefit, I need to have my eye single to the Glory of God. Similar to how my body will be filled with light if my eye is single, I believe that I can be filled with love if my eye is single. If I love, truly love, people and have charity, that will be my motive for all I do; and I will be filled with love. I need to wear the "mantle" of charity--a mantle of perfectness and peace. To truly have charity is to truly be at peace.

Sections 81, 90, 100

These three sections are instructions to the 1st Presidency of the church at the time. Jesse Gause is replaced by Fredrick G. Williams as a counselor. I will share some of the things I got out of these sections while reading them this time.

Like Frederick G. Williams, I am commanded to strengthen and lift the weak and depressed. By simply being happy and letting my light shine, I can lift others. This will also promote the Glory of God! Will I "stumble and fall when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon [my] house"? Or will I be strong and be a light, no matter how dark my surroundings are?

It is important for me to study and learn! I need to become acquainted with all good books, people, etc. I feel like this is exactly what I am trying to do with my education at BYU; it is very important that I be aware of all different kinds of people and places in the world so that I can understand and lift others. As I understand them I will be more able to serve them.

In closing I'd just like to share how much I loved vs. 12 of section 100: "continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end." I think this is such a comforting scripture, especially to place at the end of these instructions for the first presidency. The Lord will not leave us, so we must continue in joy, even unto the end!

Section 84

This revelation on the Priesthood was given to Joseph Smith as missionaries returned from their missions. In this section it says that in order for a priesthood holder to use the priesthood, they must be worthy and have authority. I thought about how this applies to me; in order for me to feel the Spirit and bless the lives of others, I need to be worthy and be in a place that the Spirit can be.

It is amazing how real God's power is and how He can give some power to priesthood holders to perform miracles and spread the Gospel. This work must be pretty important if God does so much to help us further it. He provides for the holders of His priesthood, and will "go before [their] face."

Another thing that I got out of this section was that the church needs everyone. It needs all parts of the priesthood. One is not better than another, and we need all of the parts in order to function. I really like vs. 106 that says if you are strong, take along those who are weak so that they can be strong also. This is my purpose in life; when I have a strong testimony or a special talent, gift, or ability, I need to share it so others may be blessed and strengthened also.

Sections 85, 104, 119, 120

Many of my thoughts for these sections are similar to the last set because they are both generally about the law of consecration. But I will share some of the thoughts I had as I read these particular sections. I think it would be a challenge, right now, to live the law of consecration. Maybe I'd get used to it, but it would be hard to give up the things I worked so hard to earn! It puts it in perspective, remembering that all the things that we own--including time and talents--are really the Lord's in the first place. We must be willing to give it all to the Lord.

Not only do we need to be ready to give up all that we have for the Lord, but we are responsible for what He has given us. Just as the men in section 104 were stewards of the Lord's finances and the printing press, I am a steward over the things the Lord has put me in charge of in this life. I am a steward over my time, talents, family, calling, etc. If I put the Lord first, I will be blessed and the Lord will provide a way. He did this in the times when the Law of Consecration was practiced, and He does it today. Blessings come pouring in when we keep the commandments.

Sections 78, 82, 83

This set of revelations were given to Joseph Smith in regards to the Law of Consecration. The saints were asked to pool their resources; their knowledge, talents, money, etc. and then all of these things were redistributed as needed throughout the church. I was thinking how hard it would be to be asked to live the law of consecration now, in our day. That would certainly be a challenge for me to give up all that I had worked hard to earn. But then I realized that in a way we are asked to live the law of consecration now, by offering our time and talents to the church, paying our tithing and fast offerings and other donations, and by home and visiting teaching. Also, the Lord asks that we put Him first, which may involve giving up other things that we enjoy. It may involve not making idols out of our computers, television, and sports. I need to be willing to sacrifice my time and energy right now to the Lord! Also, when I have a calling that draws upon my talents I need to be grateful that I can serve the Lord using what I have learned. I really like verse 18 of section 82 where it says that we must improve upon our talents and gain other talents so they can be "cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church." My talents are to be used for the benefit of others (see also D&C 46:12, 29). I need to develop and share them! I need to cast them into the Lord's storehouse for the profit and gain of the whole. I think in this way I can live the Law of Consecration in my own way. Truly, the Lord has made us all different so that we can all help and bless each other.

Sections 77, 86, 91, 113

These sets of revelations are given to Joseph Smith in answer to his questions about other passages of scripture as he translated the Bible. Each of them answers specific questions that Joseph had; in fact, in some it is laid out in a Q&A format. As difficult as it was for me to really understand what the revelations meant, I think the main point I got is how cool it is that Joseph could ask such specific questions and get such specific answers in a revelation. Sometimes I wish I received answers so exact and sure like that. I think that's very neat, and really shows the power of God as well as Joseph Smith's faith. It strengthens my testimony concerning prayer and personal revelation; if we need something or have questions, we have only to ask. The Lord answers our prayers and will answer our questions in His own time and way.

In section 86, the revelation about the wheat and the tares, it said that we must "be a light unto the Gentiles." To me, this is saying that the wheat needs to be strong among the tares. This analogy is interesting because the wheat and the tares are not separate--they grow together in the same place. Like the wheat we must be able to be "in the world, but not of the world." We must grow with the tares, but not allow them to overtake us and weaken our faith.

In section 91, about the Apocrypha, the revelation is that it is not necessary for Joseph to translate this section because parts of it have been tampered with. However, He adds that those who are enlightened by the Spirit can understand and receive truth and benefit, but not those who don't receive by the Spirit. In many ways I feel like this statement is true for any scripture. We benefit from scripture study, hymns, talks, blessings, etc. when we receive them with the Spirit, but not so much when we don't. The Spirit manifests truth.

Sis. Grierson--is it ok for me to address separate things about the sections like this? I like to comment on something every time I read. Is this the sort of thing you are looking for? How can I improve?

Section 76

This section is made up of several visions/revelations given to the prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. The visions talk about the various degrees of glory; the kingdoms where all of us will dwell after the judgement. One of the main things that I noticed about this section this time around was the theme of light. The stark contrasts between light and dark really bring more meaning to the visions. The very beginning of the section, when the Father and Son appear to Joseph and Sidney, is full of light and joy. Immediately after this joyous introduction, they receive the vision of Lucifer. What a contrast! There is darkness, sadness, weeping, and evil. The tone continues as they have the vision of the sons of perdition. Then, right after this, they have the vision of the Celestial kingdom! Again, what a contrast! Seeing these totally opposite degrees of light really makes me want, more than ever, to be where the most light is. I want to be where light is, because light makes me feel safe, comfortable, happy, and warm. I want to be where Heavenly Father is, and where there is always joy and light abounds. To me, the various kingdoms can be called Degrees of Glory, but I also like to think of them now as Degrees of Light.

On a side note, I had another thought about this section regarding choices. I think it is interesting how it says that the angels of darkness were those who had "suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome." There is always a choice. You allow yourself to give in to temptations and listen to the voice of satan and his servants. But you can also choose to overcome the adversary. So, as the logo on my swim team shirt says, "Predator or Prey; It's Your Choice!" :)