1 Nephi 9

When I first started reading this chapter, I almost stated zoning out. I have read it several times; I know what it is about. However, as I continued to read, the spirit touched me with an understanding that was just for me today.

Just recently, I asked the Lord, "What Lack I Yet?" It's a phrase spoken by a rich young ruler during the Savior's time in the New Testament. For years, I have been impressed to WRITE--write about my impressions while reading the scriptures, write about my personal experiences, and write about the Lord's blessings in my daily life. When I asked the Lord what I lacked, the distinct impression came that I needed to write how the Lord was blessing me. It is something I have started and stopped for years. I always start out with a strong determination, but then slowly fade. This morning as I was reading chapter 9, a verse touched my heart. It reads, "Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning ; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men..." I want to follow all that the Lord prompts me to do. My flesh is weak; however, I know that with the Lord--I can do all things. And so I pray again today, for His helping hand, and I start anew with the desire to follow my Savior.

Helaman 10

This section of scripture inspires me to be just like Nephi. I like what the Lord says to Nephi in verse 4. He says, "Blessed are thou, Nephi (insert Carrie), for those things which thou has done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou has not sought thine own life, but thou has sought my will, and to keep my commandments."

I want the Lord to be able to say this to me someday. It is so easy to be caught up in what others may think, or the busyness of life, or our own ambitions; however, seeking the Lord's will over our own is the ultimate goal. In the end, His will is all that matters. In order to maintain this perspective, I think we must keep an eternal perspective in our minds.

Later in this chapter, when the Lord is finished talking with Nephi, Nephi immediately turns around and begins to preach to the people again. Sadly, as I place myself in Nephi's position--after being gone from home for quite some time--I could see myself justifying a return to home first. Perhaps, for a much needed nap, or something to eat. I can see myself returning home for rejuvenation, and then immediately going back to the work. The example of Nephi is so powerful, because he immediately turned around. He immediately did as the Lord prompted. I wonder how many times I have received a prompting, and have every intention of completing it; however, due to less important tasks, I forget. Nephi's example to immediately "go and do" is a lesson I need. I want to follow his example. I want to immediately go and do.