Note: Ask Him to lighten the burden (reduce the stress) and not remove the problem.

Chapter 9
... How many are there in this Church who do not know that they have the right, the absolute right, to pray to their Father in heaven, and ask Him to take from them their distress and lead them to contentment and happiness? ("Saints Blessed," Deseret News, Nov. 12, 1932, Church section, 5.)

Note: This is what our children or our students are begging of us.

Psalm 119:34
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Note: It isn't enough to teach, but we have to teach to understand.

D&C 68:25
And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.

Note: To 'win' we have to be 'all in'. We can't just try things out or participate a little. God wants our whole souls - our whole hearts - our whole beings... This doesn't mean that we become or do something impossible. We put in our full and God makes up the rest for us. He will reward 'baby steps' but we have to really be 'all in' to win.

3 Nephi 3:15
Yea, he said unto them: As the Lord liveth, except ye repent of all your iniquities, and cry unto the Lord, ye will in nowise be delivered out of the hands of those Gadianton robbers.

Note: Once we experience the light and peace of the spirit it is our duty to go and share/help others to find it too. We can be the light for someone else. Sharing the light helps keep the darkness at bay and causes our own light and joy to grow.

Helaman 5:50
And it came to pass that they did go forth, and did minister unto the people, declaring throughout all the regions round about all the things which they had heard and seen, insomuch that the more part of the Lamanites were convinced of them, because of the greatness of the evidences which they had received.

Note: Eventually - through our faith we realize that we are encircled by the light and fire too. We may still be tricked into believing that we are still stuck in the darkness, but as we seek for it we will realize that we are encircled by the safe light and fire. Sometimes it is hard to see the forest for all the trees. We need to occasionally step back and see our progress and celebrate our progress and successes in seeing the darkness removed from our lives.

Helaman 5:43
And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire.

Note: We too can have the clouds of darkness dispersed from our lives by following the same pattern of having faith and repenting. We look to others and the Savior as sources of light and hope, and feed off of their strength. The light can and will come, but the darkness doesn't give up without a fight.

Helaman 5:42
And it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto the voice of him who had shaken the earth; yea, they did cry even until the cloud of darkness was dispersed.

Note: One key is 'continually'. Being consistent is very important.

Helaman 3:20
Nevertheless Helaman did fill the judgment-seat with justice and equity; yea, he did observe to keep the statutes, and the judgments, and the commandments of God; and he did do that which was right in the sight of God continually; and he did walk after the ways of his father, insomuch that he did prosper in the land.

Note: We repeat our same mistakes over and over.

Helaman 2:1
And it came to pass in the *forty and second year of the reign of the judges, after Moronihah had established again peace between the Nephites and the Lamanites, behold there was no one to fill the judgment-seat; therefore there began to be a contention again among the people concerning who should fill the judgment-seat.

Note: Misplaced trust and pride

Helaman 1:24
And, supposing that their greatest strength was in the center of the land, therefore he did march forth, giving them no time to assemble themselves together save it were in small bodies; and in this manner they did fall upon them and cut them down to the earth.

Note: We don't make it through trials unscathed. We will receive 'many wounds' but it really makes a difference as to how we focus on things. If we focus on the wound then we lose sight of our actual goals. Yes the wounds are there, they are not fun, they are painful. They aren't fair either. Put them aside and focus on the things we do have. Show thanks and gratitude. Do the things we know to be right.

Alma 58:40
But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come.

Note: When everything else in the world comes crashing down the one avenue we can still rely on is the Lord. We may not get immediately delivered, but we will be given strength and comfort to make it through.

Alma 58:10
Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.

Note: Beware of 'bargains' and stick to what you know. Good things will happen.

Alma 57:2
But I sent an epistle unto the king, that we were sure our forces were sufficient to take the city of Antiparah by our force; and by delivering up the prisoners for that city we should suppose ourselves unwise, and that we would only deliver up our prisoners on exchange.

Note: Think of the potential within this scripture. Certainly large amounts of faith are required and the courage to claim the blessings.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Note: Obedience is just the beginning. We need to move beyond simple obedience into true discipleship.

Philippians 2:12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Note: Seek for the good in all things and focus on them. Look at them for inspiration and ways to occupy our time.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Note: Daily practice of our religiosity is important.

Alma 32:38
But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.

Note: Church and religion should be a part of us. It should flow through all that we do. It shouldn't be an accouterments that we toy with every so often. It should become a part of who and what we are.

Alma 31:23
Now, after the people had all offered up thanks after this manner, they returned to their homes, never speaking of their God again until they had assembled themselves together again to the holy stand, to offer up thanks after their manner.

Note: The basics are just that - basic. When we neglect the small and simple things we open ourselves up to big problems. We are never too good for the basics to be meaningful.

Alma 31:10
Neither would they observe the performances of the church, to continue in prayer and supplication to God daily, that they might not enter into temptation.

Note: So many time I am stopped in my actions for fear of man. For looking stupid or infringing on others. My faith is not strong in the way that Heavenly Father requires. With Him, nothing is impossible. I just need to take that step and believe that he means it.

Alma 26:12
Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

Note: We have to both ask and then actually act. I find myself in this often. I need to be better at acting and following through with the things that I am both commanded and that I see need done.

Alma 22:15
And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.

Note: Daily and frequent exhortations are needed to have our words heeded.

Alma 21:23
And Ammon did preach unto the people of king Lamoni; and it came to pass that he did teach them all things concerning things pertaining to righteousness. And he did exhort them daily, with all diligence; and they gave heed unto his word, and they were zealous for keeping the commandments of God.

Note: We are led by the spirit when we are doing all that we can. It is wrong for me to sit back and ask to be guided when I don't look around for opportunities to be guided. I need to make concerted efforts to help others before I can expect to receive or at least recognize promptings.

Alma 21:16
And they went forth whithersoever they were led by the Spirit of the Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the Amalekites, or in every assembly of the Lamanites where they could be admitted.

Note: Controlling our anger: Allowed his anger to best him and lead him into a physical fight.

Alma 20:20
And he stretched forth his hand to slay Ammon. But Ammon withstood his blows, and also smote his arm that he could not use it.

Note: It is dangerous to "tag" groups of people. We do it all the time but when we judge before we do anything we have already put any possible relationship in the hole.

Alma 20:10
And he also said: Whither art thou going with this Nephite, who is one of the children of a liar?

Note: The Lord is not a respecter of persons. He loves us all and wants us all to succeed and achieve our best potential.

Alma 19:36
And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name.

Note: We interpret the same set of events in such different ways. To some the event may be a wonderful and positive experience and to others it may be a source of dread and fear. We need to examine the events and be aware that others ma perceive them differently. With this understanding we can then see more clearly and help others to see more clearly too.

Alma 19:25
And it came to pass that there were many among them who said that Ammon was the Great Spirit, and others said he was sent by the Great Spirit;

Note: As we see the hand of God in our lives or in the lives of others we need to show gratitude and thankfulness to him.

Alma 19:14
Now Ammon seeing the Spirit of the Lord poured out according to his prayers upon the Lamanites, his brethren, who had been the cause of so much mourning among the Nephites, or among all the people of God because of their iniquities and their traditions, he fell upon his knees, and began to pour out his soul in prayer and thanksgiving to God for what he had done for his brethren; and he was also overpowered with joy; and thus they all three had sunk to the earth.

Note: Traditions can be very powerful. What traditions or legacy am I leaving for my children to follow? Are they good and correct? Harmful?

Alma 18:5
Now this was the tradition of Lamoni, which he had received from his father, that there was a Great Spirit. Notwithstanding they believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever they did was right; nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his servants;

Note: This is what a parent longs and aches for. We want our children to do good and be happy.

Alma 13:27
And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance;

Note: His light is always there for us.

Ether 6:10
And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.

Note: We do our best to prepare and then turn our lives over to the Lord.

Ether 6:4
And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.

Note: The Lord gives us light too so that we don't have to travel through this world in darkness.

Ether 6:3
And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.

Note: The Lord will guide and direct, but we need to think too and take our plans to Him. We are not mindless automaton. We are spirit children of Heavenly Father. We can think, reason, and ask. He wants us to. He expects us to. It is an important part of our progressing and our growth.

Ether 2:23
And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels? For behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take fire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fire.

Note: Getting to the promised land doesn't happen in an instant but rather over the process of years. The destination is wonderful but we should seek for joy in the journey as well.

Ether 2:13
And now I proceed with my record; for behold, it came to pass that the Lord did bring Jared and his brethren forth even to that great sea which divideth the lands. And as they came to the sea they pitched their tents; and they called the name of the place Moriancumer; and they dwelt in tents, and dwelt in tents upon the seashore for the space of four years.

Note: The Lord isn't satisfied with "good". He wants the "best" for us. If we listen the Lord will lead us and take us to the best places - even to the land of promises.

Ether 2:7
And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto the land of promise, which was choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people.

Note: Eli was not bold with his children and he, they, and all of Israel paid a steep price.

1 Samuel 3:13
For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

Note: He speaks peace to our souls, gives us the faith that we need, and causes us to look forward with hope and not despair. These are the blessings of the Lord's gospel.

Alma 58:11
Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.

Note: Even Moroni has his flaws. We all have weaknesses and HF will help us around and/or through them.

Alma 55:2
And he said: Behold, I will not exchange prisoners with Ammoron save he will withdraw his purpose, as I have stated in my epistle; for I will not grant unto him that he shall have any more power than what he hath got.

Note: Sometimes we have to look at a situation and make judgement calls. There can be times when we simply are following the spirit, but there are other times when we must make the call ourselves.

Alma 52:17
And it came to pass that Teancum made preparations to make an attack upon the city of Mulek, and march forth with his army against the Lamanites; but he saw that it was impossible that he could overpower them while they were in their fortifications; therefore he abandoned his designs and returned again to the city Bountiful, to wait for the coming of Moroni, that he might receive strength to his army.

Note: Do what we say we will do. Don't make idle threats.

Alma 44:11
Now I cannot recall the words which I have spoken, therefore as the Lord liveth, ye shall not depart except ye depart with an oath that ye will not return again against us to war. Now as ye are in our hands we will spill your blood upon the ground, or ye shall submit to the conditions which I have proposed.

Note: God keeps his promises.

Alma 37:17
For he will fulfil all his promises which he shall make unto you, for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our fathers.

Note: Mom's last scripture reading. 7/9/10

Mosiah 2:1
And it came to pass that after Mosiah had done as his father had commanded him, and had made a proclamation throughout all the land, that the people gathered themselves together throughout all the land, that they might go up to the temple to hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them.

Note: Blessings of the fall.

2 Nephi 2:25
Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

Note: How Satan beguiles us- encourages justification - charm - seduction Good Pleasant Wise

Moses 4:12
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it became pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make her wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and also gave unto her husband with her, and he did eat.

Note: I like the term steadiness. It means that over time we get better results in all facets of life when we methodically just do what is right. We avoid big spikes in either direction but continually look to make the right things happen. We read, pray, serve, and love all the time; not going to showy extremes or off near the cliffs.

Alma 38:2
And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.

Note: There are times that the Lord is ready to bless us, but we don't ask for His help. We need to have that ongoing dialog with Heavenly Father.

Alma 27:12
Get this people out of this land, that they perish not; for Satan has great hold on the hearts of the Amalekites, who do stir up the Lamanites to anger against their brethren to slay them; therefore get thee out of this land; and blessed are this people in this generation, for I will preserve them.

Note: Three pillars of maintaining testimony (avoiding 'great errors'): 1. Commandments 2. Performances (Ordinances) 3. Praying daily

Alma 31:10
Neither would they observe the performances of the church, to continue in prayer and supplication to God daily, that they might not enter into temptation.

Note: Taught them from the scriptures daily. Truly incorporated the gospel Into their lives.

Alma 21:23
And Ammon did preach unto the people of king Lamoni; and it came to pass that he did teach them all things concerning things pertaining to righteousness. And he did exhort them daily, with all diligence; and they gave heed unto his word, and they were zealous for keeping the commandments of God.

Note: Mighty prayer for repentance

Alma 22:18
O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead.