Read: 1 Nephi 11-12
Mark: 1 Nephi 11:20-23
"You need time to meditate and ponder to think, to wonder at the great plan of happiness that the Lord has outlined for His children. You need to read the scriptures...I heard President David O. McKay say to the members of the Twelve on one occasion, 'Brethren, we do not spend enough time meditating.'" --President Gordon B. Hinckley
To ponder:
How often do you take time to ponder, to meditate on things that are important?
I can't believe how much I am looking forward to reading and studying the scriptures each evening! Tonight as I read, I decided to find out what "the condescension of God" actually means--I don't know how many times I have read those words and really had no clear idea of what they actually mean. Here's what I found out: Condescension derives from Latin words meaning to descend or come down to be with." This all makes so much more sense now!! I think I had always thought it meant something negative--like condescending--when we speak 'down' to someone, but this is not what the "condescension of God means at all." I also thought throughout the day about what it truly means to ponder and meditate on things that are important. I definitely do not take the time to do this...
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to me that as I was reading for my summer class early this morning, it was mostly about "mastering your intentions"--being conscious and reflecting on the differences between conscious intentions and actions, results and perceptions. We were advised to "get specific and focus on your intentions." I think this is wise and important counsel just as today's question reminded each one of us of the importance of taking time to reflect, meditate and ponder on those things which are most important.
Hope each of you is enjoying this challenge as much as I am!! :)
Okay, should that actually be: Hope each of you are enjoying....? Or is it: Hope each of you is enjoying..."! Happy Reading to each one of you! :)
DeleteI love doing this challenge and I look forward to my reading each day and I am finding myself sitting and pondering more and more. I am so enjoying my quite time
ReplyDeleteRegina! You are here! I'm so glad you are doing this challenge!!!
DeleteI really like that Nephi doesnt just want to see the vision that his father saw but he wants to understand it. He wants to know what the meaning is behind the vision. A lot of times I think I am not looking deep enough at things and only skimming the surface. I need to search more for the meaning of things.
ReplyDeleteI was reflecting at how having this vision would be both amazing and terrifying at the same time. Nephi sees wonderful things in his vision, like the virgin Mary and the Christ child, but he also sees the destruction of his seed. That can't be easy to witness. And it can't be easy to see, as Lehi saw, that so many people just never make it.
ReplyDeleteFor whatever reason, 1 Nephi 12:17 stuck out to me the most tonight. "And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them way into broad roads, that they perish and are lost." I was thinking about what "broad roads" are. The gospel is always related to a straight and narrow path to salvation, so what's the deal with road size? I think that broadness is sometimes overwhelming--like the difference between driving down a one-way street and a busy five-lane interstate road during rush hour. To some people the narrow path might seem restricting, but others see that it's the one way to stay focused on the destination, instead of the chaos around us. I don't know... there's more in my head than what I can possibly relate!
This is an excellent question Jenny! What is the deal with roads. As I read your thoughts and pondered them the picture of driving a broad road came to mind. You know those two lane roads that have no median or middle line that designates what side of the road is which? Or maybe there is a middle line but your side of the road is so wide it seems like it might be two lanes, so you have some drivers treating it like two lanes and they are in the "left" others on the "right" and then there are drivers that are sure there's just one lane so they drive down the middle?? Broad roads are confusing! Every thinks they are correct and no one really knows who is wrong. The straight and narrow is set - it is walked on and proven, it is clear. Sure it has ups and downs and even some potholes, but you know where your lane ends and begins. At least we have that. :)
DeleteA thought struck me as I read the angels words that Nephi was blessed because he believed in the Son of God. Nephi is not being bestowed blessings simply because he believes. Believing in Christ helps a person see things different, feel things different, think more clearly and do better - all of these things inherently lead to a more blessed life. Heavenly Father seldom asks us to do things merely for the sake of testing our obedience. All things He asks of us will lead us to our own happiness and usually to the happiness of the people we love. Our Father and our Elder Brother really do love us. We are blessed more and more as we come to know them and believe in them - and as we come to simply believe them. They only want us to be happy and this is evident in all They say and do.
ReplyDeleteI ponder when I can, but not nearly as often as I would like. I usually ponder after I read my scriptures or general conf talks (modern day scripture!) and before I fall asleep. I'll ponder often on long carrides too. I am grateful for this blog and the time it encourages me to take to do some extra pondering during the day.
I always ponder on things. Sometimes it takes 2 min & sometimes all day!
ReplyDeleteI really love reading all the comments & seeing the different points of view.
This read confused me the first time I read the book. I want to lay down some terms & make sure I have it right this time. Please give feedback!
Tree= love of God
Rod= word of God
Depths of river = hell
Mist= temptations
Straight roads= lead to the gate
Curvy roads= will get lost & parrish
Also,
ReplyDeleteGreat building = pride of the world! conceit! vain imaginations and was the end of or cleansing of the world when it fell
The missionaries tried to explain it to me the first time I read it, but it didn't sink in.
Jenny and Jenny, I think you are both 'spot on' on the representations!
DeleteThank you everyone for all of your great comments. You make me think deeper and I find myself pondering these thoughts throughout the day!
ReplyDeleteThanks Patti!
ReplyDelete