Day 66 Helaman 7-9

In Chapter 7 of Helaman, Nephi the son of Helaman is pouring out his heart to God over the wickedness of his people.  The people gather in curiosity to see why Nephi is so upset.  

Nephi tells his people they are falling away and in to the temptations of Satan.  He warns them to repent or terrible things will happen to them.  He tells them that they need to see the error of their ways and come unto God.

In Helaman Chapter 8, Nephi spoke to the people and Gadianton's Robbers about their wickedness and about them questioning Nephi's words.  He reminded them of How God gave words to Moses and power to part the Red Sea.  

He asked them  "if God was that powerful, then why couldn't he give Nephi the knowledge and words to speak repentance to them?"

He reminded them of Moses, and the teachings of the other Prophets of God's church. He told them that their unbelief isnt just in Nephi, but in all of the fathers who taught before.   Redemption through Christ was prophesied by the Prophets, even back to Abraham and even before!

Alma 8:22-23 

22 Our father Lehi was driven out of Jerusalem because he testified of these things. Nephi also testified of these things, and also almost all of our fathers, even down to this time; yea, they have testified of the coming of Christ, and have looked forward, and have rejoiced in his day which is to come.

23 And behold, he is God, and he is with them, and he did manifest himself unto them, that they were redeemed by him; and they gave unto him glory, because of that which is to come.

In Helaman Chapter 9, Nephi shares who the murderer of the Chief Judge was.  The Gadianton's Robbers tried to say that because Nephi knew so much, he must have plotted and been in on the murder.  Nephi prophesied and told them he was not involved  but that if they went and asked the murderer he would confess after being questioned about it, and after finding his brothers blood on his cloak!

Likening these Chapters Unto Me

I know that Nephi rhe son of Helaman was a Prophet. I felt it when reading these chapters.  There was so much wickedness in Zarahemla and so many people leaving the Church and aligning with false teachers and evil doers.  

Still, he prayed for them and felt agony over their choices.  He cried repentance to them and taught them truth.

I know I can rely on our Prophet and Apostles today to teach us and lead us to truth even in a world full of Gadiantons.  I have personally been able to discern wickedness and stay away from it through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

I am thankful for The Gospel in my life.

Day 65 Helaman 5-6 Part 2

 

In Helaman Chapter 6, There was a time of peace with the Lamanites because of the Lamanites repentance.  The Nephites, however, started to become wicked.  They started to reject the words of the Prophet and the word of God.  The people of God did get along and they did have much happiness and joy.

Cezoram the Chief Judge was murdered by an unknown assassin and then his son who took his chair was also murdered.  The people started to become wicked again.  Because God has blessed their goodness with wealth, they started to become greedy and money hungry, becoming selfish, secretive, and even murderous!  They became robbers and thought only to obtain more and more for themselves.  Kishkumen and Gadianton created a band of these wicked men and they were called the Gadianton's Robbers and Murderers.

Helaman 6:17

17 For behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of the world that they had not been stirred up to anger, to wars, nor to bloodshed; therefore they began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another; therefore they began to commit secret murders, and to rob and to plunder, that they might get gain.

When the Lamanites discovered the Gadianton's Robbers among them they were upset and tried to destroy every last one of them.

Helaman 6:21

21 But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings.

These band of robbers took secret signs, oaths, and Covenants to protect one another and also that if they did tell on each other, they would find themselves dealt with harshly, not by the judges of the land, but by Kishkomen, Gadianton, and their men.  Alma warned his sons about this kind of thing and told them never to be part of such people or bands or it would bring down the church of God.

Helaman 6:26

26 Now behold, those secret oaths and covenants did not come forth unto Gadianton from the records which were delivered unto Helaman; but behold, they were put into the heart of Gadianton by that same being who did entice our first parents to partake of the forbidden fruit—

Satan (Lucifer) did tell Cain to kill Abel and told him that if he did this, The world would never find out!

Helaman 6:28-31

28 And also it is that same being who put it into the hearts of the people to build a tower sufficiently high that they might get to heaven. And it was that same being who led on the people who came from that tower into this land; who spread the works of darkness and abominations over all the face of the land, until he dragged the people down to an entire destruction, and to an everlasting hell.

29 Yea, it is that same being who put it into the heart of Gadianton to still carry on the work of darkness, and of secret murder; and he has brought it forth from the beginning of man even down to this time.

30 And behold, it is he who is the author of all sin. And behold, he doth carry on his works of darkness and secret murder, and doth hand down their plots, and their oaths, and their covenants, and their plans of awful wickedness, from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men.

31 And now behold, he had got great hold upon the hearts of the Nephites; yea, insomuch that they had become exceedingly wicked; yea, the more part of them had turned out of the way of righteousness, and did trample under their feet the commandments of God, and did turn unto their own ways, and did build up unto themselves idols of their gold and their silver.

These Nephites who used to be the Church of God became seduced by Satan and made their riches their idols.  As the Nephites became more wicked and more of them left the church, more Lamanites began to become righteous, repent, and converted to the Church of God.

Helaman 6:35

35 And thus we see that the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw from the Nephites, because of the wickedness and the hardness of their hearts.

Although the Lamanites worked hard to destroy the Gadianton's Robbers, the Nephites helped to make them mighty and helped to convert many Nephites away from the church and to follow after the Robbers.  The Gadianton's Robbers overpowered the righteous for a time.  They overtook the government, and the people started to ignore the poor and needy and looked after only their own riches and desires. 

This does happen in our world today.  There are some places around the world where the rich get richer, the poor become poorer, marginalized, ignored, ejected from countries, starved, and put to death (either directly or indirectly) due to their poverty.  

Likening these Chapters unto me

#1 Satan is real and desires to turn our hearts away from Our Heavenly Father ajd because I know this, I work really hard to counter hate and evil with right living and goodness.

#2 I rely on The Savior to keep me grounded in truth, to whether the storms of life, and protect me from people who would drag me away from joy.

#3 I need to pray for others. He mindful of others, and stay humble.

#4 Satan is a liar and God has a plan for my life!

Day 65 Helaman 5-6 Part 1

 In Helaman Chapter 5, Nephi the son of Helaman, son of Helaman  talks with his own son's about being good and following the example of the men they were named after, so that it would also be said of them some day that they were like Nephi and Lehi whom they were named after.  

Nephi shares with his sons about how they should do what is good and keep the commandments.  He then shares my favorite scripture to them which is Helaman 5:12.

Nephi and Lehi began preaching to some  Lamanites (about 8000 of them). These  Lamanites repented and were baptised but  other Lamanites captured Nephi and Lehi and put them in the same Prison that Limhi put Ammon and his brethren in! When the Lamanites came to collect them to kill them after days of starving them, they found Nephi and Lehi surrounded by what looked like fire.  The Lamanites thought they would get burned, so they did not touch them.

Likening This Unto Me

I know that Nephi and Lehi were protected by God because of their obedience.  I also know that I have the power to call on God to protect me from bad people, people who would want harm done to me, or situations that would be bad for me.  

When I pray and ask Heavenly Father for his protection, I always ask him to keep me away from anyone who would harm me, even spiritually; He always does. 

After the Lamanites and Nephites who had aligned themselves with wicked men, saw the fire around Nephi and Lehi, the two righteous Nephites professed that God was creating this protection and then a voice came.   In Helaman 29-33, it says,

"29 And it came to pass that there came a voice as if it were above the cloud of darkness, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings.

30 And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul—

31 And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trembled again, as if it were about to tumble to the earth; and behold the cloud of darkness, which had overshadowed them, did not disperse—

32 And behold the voice came again, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; and seek no more to destroy my servants. And it came to pass that the earth shook again, and the walls trembled.

33 And also again the third time the voice came, and did speak unto them marvelous words which cannot be uttered by man; and the walls did tremble again, and the earth shook as if it were about to divide asunder.

Those men did not doubt after that experience that God was real!  This is a really beautiful chapter and I hope you will go read it because there are things I didn't record here in this blog, but are amazing! 300 of those wicked men converted and went among their people teaching repentance and telling others about the miracles they had seen.

This is part 1 of day 65.  Ill do the rest after church tomorrow along with day 66.

Day 64 Helaman 2-4

                                          Good YouTube video about Chapters 2-4 of Helaman

In Chapter 2 of Helaman, Helaman the son of Helaman becomes Chief Judge.   Kishkumen who killed Pahoran, got angry at Helaman's voted on, appointment as Chief-Judge.  Kishkumen had a band of followers who supported his wickedness and hid it from others; they protected his wickedness.  Kishkumen wanted to kill Helaman.

Helaman had a servant that pretended to side with Kishkumen to get info from him.  Kishkumen trusted him and gave him lots of info about desires to murder Helaman.  Helaman's servant went with him pretending to side with him to murder Helaman.  When they got near to Helaman, the servant stabbed Kishkumen in the heart and then ran and told Helaman all of the band's evil plans and schemes and how he killed Kishkumen!  The man Gadianton who followed Kishkumen found out that Helaman sent people to destroy and execute the band of robbers and evil doers and he took his band and fled in to the wilderness and escaped.

In Chapter 3 of Helaman, after peace for a time, there became pride in the church and many people didn't get along so they moved to different locations from one another.  Where people moved there wasn't much wood because of few trees so they became accustomed to building houses of cement.

Many Nephites became wicked and became Lamanites.  Helaman stayed true and faithful and judged righteously.  Helaman had 2 sons and he named them Nephi and Lehi.  They were good men.  Many people converted and were baptized in to the Church of God.  The Gadianton Robbers were becoming more wicked but it was hidden from the Government at this time so the Government didn't know to expell them yet.

The people of God were so righteous that they were prosperous and blessed much.  The High Priests and Leaders even noticed with much wonder.  Ten of thousands of people converted to the Church and repented and were baptized. 

Likening this unto myself 

I have seen situations where people have pretended to be good and wholesome to gain favor with others, but it never lasts.  They are found out, and God exposes their darkness with the Light of the Holy Spirit.  God lets the good people see through their cunning and wicked hearts.  

I have also seen where the people in my life who are genuinely good and wholesome, seeking to be peacemakers and of good cheer, being humble, teachable, and in all ways favorable to God, are protected.  They see through secret combinations, evil doers, and people who try to lead them away from God by their cunning actions.  They may think they are deceiving the good people, but actually are NOT, because the Holy Spirit testifies of truth!  It will warn and tell good people who the bad people actually are.  I have seen this happen today and with people I know!

In Zarahemla, there was peace for a time and then people who started to create chaos and contention and were not of the Church but said they were, ended up hurting the humbler people of the church.  However, the humble and good-hearted people dug in deep, prayed, fasted, lived good lives, and became humbler and dedicated their lives to God.  It turns out that some of the worst were those that initially became blessed with wealth and prosperity.  It went to their heads, and they became harsh with the humbler of the church.

Helaman ends up dying and his son Nephi took his seat as Chief-Judge.  He was a righteous and good, just man who lived the commandments and obeyed the Lord.  He also followed in the footsteps of his father Helaman in his righteous living.

In Helaman Chapter 4, Some of the Nephites went to war against their own people in Zarahemla with the help of the Nephites and the Nephites were driven out and ended up in the land called Bountiful.  Moronihah took back the lands by force that the Lamanites captured in war.  The trials came upon the Nephites because of their choices and disobedience.  

The pride of the wealthy and how they treated the poor among them added to their unrighteous living and eventual trials.  They were not allowing the poor food, shelter, or clothing.  They were not taking care of them.  They were murdering, lying, stealing, committing adultery, and being contentious with one another.  Because the Nephites were doing all of this, they lost much of their land to the Lamanites.

When the Nephites started to repent, Moronihah noticed that they ended up being blessed.  The Nephites remembered how Alma prophesied the destruction of the Nephites if they were wicked.  The Nephites had started to become wicked like the Lamanites, because of this the Holy Spirit withdrew from them.  

The Nephites noticed the Lord wasn't blessing them anymore because of their wickedness.  They started to notice that the Lamanites were overpowering them, and they didn't have the protection of the Lord anymore as long as they were not living the commandments and following the teachings and laws set up by Mosiah.

Likening these Chapters unto me

Gosh, I notice so many similarities between the Nephites and my own life!  Holy cow.  I know that in my life when I have been less believing in God's hand in my life, less trusting in His word, and not able to believe or have a testimony of the Gospel, I struggled.  Boy did I ever struggle.  I was sad, I felt lost and alone, I didn't feel like God loved me or was even mindful of me, and I felt angry, upset, and unforgiving.

I imagine that all of these things were why at times in my life I struggled more than God wanted me to.  I believe that God has a plan for his children to bless and prosper us but he can't when we turn our heads and hearts away from him!  I don't just imagine this, I saw this in my own life.  I am so thankful for repentance and for God's love for me.  I found his love and treasure it. 

I am not perfect and never will be.  I have days where I feel alone or regretful and it makes me sad, then I allow myself to feel it for those "7 minutes" and then tell Heavenly Father how much I love and trust him, I feel that hope, and I go about my day in thankfulness because no matter what is going on in my life, I have Heavenly Father, I have Christ.  Am I still susceptible to others hurting and taking advantage of me.  Yep.  Do I recognize it.  Yep.  

Does God protect me when I ask him to, give me insight, and allow me to see through false people, relationships, and people who want to bring me away from my faith and "new life in Christ", you bet He does!!  Absolutely!  I am thankful for the Gospel, Commandments, Teachers and Prophets who help me be better and do better in my life every single day.  I am eternally thankful.

Day 63 Helaman 1

 Happy Thanksgiving 2025

In Helaman Chapter 1, I read about continuing War, people dying, and changing of chief leaders. Coriantumr was killed.

Today is Thanksgiving.  I read Chapter 1 of Helaman tonight and it's a continuation of the wars between the Nephites and Lamanites, lands captured and re-gained, and slaughter of people, military leaders, and children.  Moronihah took possession once again of Zarahemla.  He allowed the Lamanite Prisoners to leave Zarahemla in peace.  I was thinking today about people, contentions, and what makes or breaks people in relationship, fellowship, community, and even family.  It's obedience to God and righteous living.

Those who obey God and keep his commandments will be protected and be given many blessings.  Those who do not, have a harder time in life, have to overcome much strife, and sometimes permanently suffer in this life as a result of earlier decisions.  The beautiful Gospel Message and Good News however, is that God wants us to be with him.  He wants us to repent, live with righteousness and goodness, he wants us to love and serve one another, and he wants us to live in peace one with another.  I trust in God.  I trust in Him with all I have.  

Likening the Chapter to Myself

I know that we will always have contentions and wars, that we will always have things to overcome because we live in a fallen world.  However, having said this I also know that we who are obedient and keep the commandments will be with Heavenly Father again someday.  Others may pull out of community with us, stop loving us, stop coming to church with us, not stay our friends, or may even find a way to hurt or harm us, but if we are true and faithful, if we love the Lord our God and our neighbor as ourselves, if we have "Faith, Hope and Charity with an eye single to the glory of God", we will be exalted and live with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Ghost, our families, and friends for ETERNITY!

I was talking about this tonight with friends at dinner for Thanksgiving.  We are in such a blessed place as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We know why we are on this earth, we know where we came from, where we are going, and what our purpose is in this world.  At no other time in history have we been so close to seeing the return of Jesus.  We have a living prophet to lead us and guide us, truth that will never steer us wrong, and no matter what life may give or take from us, "it cannot separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39) 

Day 62 Alma 61-63

 Before I write about Alma Chapter 61-63, I want to share a Youtube Video of a song about Alma the Younger; this song is absolutely beautiful.  It's about Alma the Younger's conversion which we covered in previous posts.  I just think it's beautiful and wanted to share it.  It also seems fitting because Alma the Younger was the father of Helaman and Shiblon who were very valiant and righteous and missionaries because Alma the Younger repented!  

In Alma Chapter 61, Pahoran writes Moroni and tells him that he is in need of Moroni's army's help.  He could not send the men and provisions Moroni requested because Zarahemla was being overtaken by the Kingmen.  He requested Moroni's help and then together they could help Lehi and Teancum.

In Alma Chapter 62, Moroni was glad to get Pahoran's letter.  He was happy to hear that the governor of Zarahemla did not go against Moroni.  Moroni took some men and met up with Pahoran.  They went in to the city of Zarahemla to take it back from Pachus, the King of the King-men who overtook the city. Pachus was killed and Pahoran went back to ruling Zarahemla.

Moroni sent an army of 6000 men and provisions to help Helaman. He also sent food to Teancum and Lehi.  Moroni marched on to Nephihah to take it back from the Lamanites.  Then they put the people under covenant to never take up arms against the Nephites again.  Then the Lamanites that made the covenant were sent by Moroni to live with the people of Ammon; about 4000 that hadn't been killed by the Nephite army.

Moroni and their army scaled the wall of Nephihah by night and lowered themselves down into the city.  Many were killed of the Lamanites or became prisoners of Moroni's men.  Many of the Lamanite prisoners wanted to join up with the people of Ammon and become free men.  The Lamanite prisoners began to help the Nephites with working hard and desiring to be free.  Moroni took back his Nephite prisoners from the Lamanites and they marched on towards Lehi.

Teancum went by himself to try to kill Ammoron and when he found him he pierced him near the heart, but Ammoron got the attention of his guards, and the guards killed Teancum.  Moroni and Lehi were sad to hear about the death of their friend Teancum.  He was a strong and valiant fighter and good man of God.  The war had gone on so long that many Nephites became hardened and wicked but also there were Nephites that became humbled.  Moroni retired from fighting and gave command to his son Moronihah.

Pahoran went back to being Governor and Helaman went to do missionary work.  Helaman and his brethren baptized many and established the church of God once again!  They became a humble people who thanked the Lord for their protection, and they became obedient and prosperous.  Helaman then dies.

In Alma Chapter 63, Shiblon took over possession of the precious records passed down from Lehi to Alma, to Helaman, and then to Shiblon; Moroni died the same year.  Before Shiblon died he gave the records that Helaman gave to him, to Helaman's son who was also named Helaman.  So the records would continue to be kept safe and shared after the Death of Alma the Younger, His son Helaman, and his second son Shiblon.  Shiblon passing the records down to Helaman's son, Helaman.

Day 61 Alma 58-60

In Alma Chapter 58, Helaman ends his letter to Moroni by going in to detail about the wars being fought between the Nephites and the Lamanites.  He expresses how much faith the Nephites have in God, God's  protection for the Nephites, the Lamanites of Ammon who fought with the Nephites and not one man was lost even with many wounds, etc.  He expresses how much God has been merciful and took care to help them get their lands back and preserve their freedoms.

In Alma Chapter 59, Moroni asked Pahoran to send men and support to help Helaman, the chapter discusses war, and Moroni gets angry that the government doesn't do more to protect the religious freedoms of The Nephites.

In Alma Chapter 60, Moroni writes to Pahoran who is Governor of Zarahemla and he is spittin' mad.  He tells Pahoran that if they government doesnt start helping and sending aid, provisions, weapons, and men to help in this cause of Freedom, Moroni will stop going after the Lamanites for a time and head to Zarahemla and come after the Government to "clean house internally".  

His words were super strong and even threatening.  He was fair and pointed out well what the needs are of the Nephites, how he felt that many were sitting back and letting the Nephites fall by the Thousands against the Lamanites and Moroni's call for help for his men and the men of Helaman wasn't being responded to.  

I felt like while reading Chapter 60, it reminded me somewhat of rhetoric we have heard in other Nations the last 5 years around the world.  Read Chapter 60 and think about who we have seen begging and pleading in our world for support and outright help during time of war around the world.

Day 60 Alma 56-57

 

Trenches by BYU Vocal Point and BYU Cougerette Dancers

Alma 56-57 share the account of the 2000 Stripling Warriors, Helaman's Warriors, who were taught by their mothers and knew that those teachings were true.  They were the sons that didn't lay down their weapons as their fathers before them had done, but had faith and went in to battle under Helaman.  Not a single boy was lost!

In Alma 56, Helaman reports to Captain Moroni in a letter about the battles being fought.  He shares about his 2000 "Little Sons", the young Stripling Warriors and their bravery. In Alma 56:44-48 Helaman asks the young warriors this question and this is their reply.  It reads, 

"44 Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle?

45 And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites.

46 For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.

47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it."

56 ...behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war.

Helaman's 2000 Stripling Warriors

The sons of Helaman, those young "Little Sons" as Helaman called them, had such faith and bravery.  They believed God would protect them.  They believed what their mothers taught them and knew that those teachings were true.  

They knew that they would be successful and be protected with God by their side!  I want this in my life. 

Likening Alma Chapter 56 Unto Me

I want to have that hope and total trust in my Heavenly Father, His love for me, His protection and guidance for me, as I strive to live the Commandments of God.  I want to believe and trust in the Promises of God.  I love Heavenly Father and and know He wants good for me.  I want to show him I believe and trust him always.

In Alma Chapter 57, King Ammoron told Helaman that if he gave his prisoners of war  back, he would give the city of Antiparah to Helaman.  Helaman was like, "no way dude!  Exchanges only, or we will get Antiparah by force.  The King refused the exchange.  

Helaman's army took Antiparah and had received thousands of soldiers and provisions so they were doing well.  They slept on their swords and fought off attempts to kill them many times, successfully.

I want to remind those reading who are not familiar with "The Book of Mormon", that the Nephites are fighting the Lamanites for land and freedom of religion, but the 2000 Stripling Warriors were young Lamanites who were fighting with the Nephites. They wanted to stand alongside and fight with the men that protected their families that converted to The Chuch of God.

In Alma 57:26-27, Helaman relays to Moroni about those 2000 young sons of Helaman,

 "26 And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power.

27 Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually.

Helaman told Moroni that the Prisoners of War that the Nephites were marching with turned on them to kill them so the Nephites killed them.  The Nephites eventually were able to get to Cumeni to help fortify it from the Lamanites and their lives were preserved.

Likening Chapter 56-57 Unto Me

#1 I am reminded that in hardships we are never alone and can call upon God to deliver us

#2 Being in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a blessing and gift.  We live in a Country that allows us Freedom of Worship in our faith.

#3 We need to teach our children and Grand Children to know, love, and serve God so that throughout their lives they can rely on His promises.

#4 Life is not without difficulty but we need not walk it alone.  We have our family, Ward Families, Stakes, and Neighbors to walk through life with us.  I want to always be an example to others of hope, love, service, and goodness.

Day 59 Alma 53-55

These Chapters talk of Strategy of War Moroni and the Nephites used against the Lamanites.

 In Alma Chapter 53, Moroni re-claimed Mulek and gave it to Lehi.  Captain Moroni continued to fortify cities to protect the people in them from Lamanite invasions.  The people of Ammon who promised to never take up weapons of war against other Lamanites, were protected in Zarahemla by the Nephites because they would not take up arms but would rather die than take a life.  They converted to The Church of God.

Helaman reminded the Lamanites of their oath to God not to take up arms and encouraged them to keep their covenant for the benefit of their souls.  Their children did not make the oath of their parents and were about to take up arms to fight.  Those Lamanite sons wanted to take up arms to defend themselves and the Nephites with them.  These young Helaman's Warriors were valiant and honest in all they did.  Helaman marched his 2,000 stripling warriors.

In Alma Chapter 54, Moroni wrote to Ammoron, he calls him to repentance and warns him of his destruction if he doesn't listen.  Ammoron responds to Moroni with anger and threatens him in return.  Although they spoke anger to each other, Ammoron agreed to trades of people in exchange for food to feed the Lamanites.  Moroni and Ammoron exchanged heated letters one to another.

In Alma Chapter 55,  Moroni withdrew his offer to trade prisoners with Ammoron unless Ammoron withdrew his threat to invade the Nephites.  He sent men and a man named Laman, to get the Lamanites in Gid drunk then snuck their weapons to every woman, child, and prisoner within the walls of Gid and fortified the outer walls with Nephites.  The Lamanites saw they were surrounded inside and outside of the city.  The Lamanites tried to poison the Nephites and the Nephites were not able to be tricked without first giving what the Lamanites gave them to drink, to the prisoners of the Lamanites.

Day 58 Alma 51-52

The strategies and allies of war are discussed in these chapters.

 In Alma 51, the men who wanted a King were called King-Men and they wanted the laws changed to have a King.  Pahoran was not a King but their Chief Judge and he refused to change the law to allow for a King.  

The King-Men got upset and wanted to take Pahoran's authority to make or keep laws away from him.  The men who supported Pahoran were called Freemen and they supported a free society so they could worship freely.  The people sided with the Freemen.

Amalickiah got the Lamanites riled up and they wanted to go to war again with the Nephites.

  When the King-men heard Amalickiah was coming they were happy because they were angry that the Freeman supported Pahoran so they welcomed the invasion and refused to defend Zarahemla.  Moroni got upset because he worked hard to fortify and protect the Nephites.  

He got the governor's okay to talk to the King-men and give them an ultimatum through force.  Either defend your land against Amalickiah or you're toast! The kingmen tried to war against Moroni. 4000 King-men were "brought low" by Moroni and the ones who didn't die got put in jail. The King-men hung the Liberty flag after that and fought to defend their land.

Remember Teancum, the great Nephite military leader, who killed Morianton (the guy that abused his maid servant)?  Teancum came upon Amalickiah and murdered Amalickiah by night and stabbed him in the heart.

In Alma 52, after Amalickiah's murder, his brother Ammoron became King of The Lamanites. Moroni instructed Teancum to get back the Nephite lands taken by the Lamanites under Amalickiah and Teancum took back Malek with Moroni and his men's help.  

Lehi and his army joined up with Moroni and Teancums men against the Lamanite Army.  Jacob was leading the Lamonites and Moroni killed Jacob.  Moroni continued to be a stronger military Captain and fight for the Nephite's freedoms.

Day 57 Alma 49-50

Moroni fortifies the land

 In Alma Chapter 49, Amalickiah curses God and swears to drink the blood of Moroni.  When the Lamonites headed to Ammonihah to kill the Nephites they assumed because they had gone there before, the city would be weakened and they would have an easier time overcoming the Nephites in battle.  What they didn't anticipate was Captain Moroni.  He built up dirt around the city to protect the people from the Lamanite's weapons and fortified the city.

The leaders of the Lamanite Army were pretty amazed at the preparation, and ability to protect themselves, that the Nephites displayed.  They were expecting to be able to enslave, kill, and take over Nephite land.  They were thwarted, so they headed for the land of Noah.

The Lamanites got to Noah and saw that Moroni had prepared that city as well.    Infact, he had made all of the cities around them strong!  The Nephites ended up killing all of the Chief Captains and 1,000 Lamanite fighters.  Not a single Nephite was killed!

The Lamanites went back to Amalickiah, their Leader, in the land of Nephi (He was a Nephite by birth) to tell him of their great loss to the Nephite Armies and Captain Moroni.  Amalickiah was steaming mad!

In Alma 49:27-28

27 Yea, he was exceedingly wroth, and he did curse God, and also Moroni, swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood; and this because Moroni had kept the commandments of God in preparing for the safety of his people.

28 And it came to pass, that on the other hand, the people of Nephi did thank the Lord their God, because of his matchless power in delivering them from the hands of their enemies.

Likening Chapter 49 Unto Me

Can I just begin by saying I LOVE the Prophets in The Book of Mormon.  They were so obedient and righteous that they received inspiration, led people to spiritual safety, but also physical safety by following the promptings of the Lord. I know that The Book of Mormon was written for our time because we have Nehors, Amalichiahs, Korihors, and the like in our day.  When you read these accounts you can absolutely identify them precisely!  

I learned in this Chapter how important it is to follow our leaders council and guidance;  how life saving it can be.  Also, that God sees everyone and knows the desire of their hearts.  Someone might be able to fool men, but God can not be fooled or mocked!  

I might be on the losing end of wars and contentions as a consequence of sin and circumstances, but God protects his own.  Even if killed, the Nephites didn't lose their eternal life, salvation, or Exaltation, and  often they didn't lose their lives because they followed the Lord and their righteous and good leaders!  I can learn from this example.

In Alma Chapter 50, Moroni continued to fortify cities and create new ones.  The Nephites had times of wickedness which brought wars and death to their people, but when they were righteous and kept the commandments, they were protected and blessed.

Moroni continued to remind the people of God that if they obeyed and lived the laws of God they would be blessed, but if they were wicked they would suffer.  The Nephites started fighting over city territory.  

The on going theme of repentance, right living, and consequences of not doing what they should seems to have been a constant reminder.  It will prove to be true for the Nephites, as it had already been, once again down the line.  It also proves true for us today.

Likening Chapter 50 unto me

Basically in this chapter, I learned to repent continually, be obedient to the commandments with exactness, and that all choices we make have consequences.

Day 56 Alma 47-48

Preface to today's blog post.  

I am not asking for anything for Christmas. Reading The Book of Mormon in 90 Days  and writing this blog is my Christmas Present. I will finish on Christmas Day with a stronger testimony and love of Christ.  This was the best Christmas Journey I have ever allowed myself to be on and it was very timely!

I put my Nativity up early this year.  Every day I wake up and see it and love it so much!  I might leave it up year round (although I did knock the head off of a Wise Man trying to turn on a light behind the nativity

(sorry Melchior) so he went in to the trash bin!!!  I will replace him.  May I suggest instead of glass or ceramic Nativities from Costco, get a Fontanini Nativity.

  They are Polymer or Resin.  I have had 3 Costco Nativities in 28 years because they break easily.  My Fontanini one still looks brand new and I got it Christmas of 1996!

Okay, back to my blog post.

Alma Chapter 47 talks about Amalickiah stealing the thrown of the Lamanite King.  The Lamonite Kings name was Lehonti.  Amalickiah wanted his thrown, so he called to meet him and after a few times summoning him, Lehonti showed up with an army and surrounded the men of Amalickiah.  Amalickiah asked to be second in command to the King and he knew that if Lahonti was killed or died he would become King.

Amalickiah had one of his men poison Lehonti and became the new leader and chief commander.  Anyways, Amalickiah marched his army to the land of Nephi and the Lamanite King there met with him because he thought Amalickiah had created this huge army to unite with his people to go fight the Nephites.

Amalickiah had the King stabbed in the heart by one of Amalickiah's men and then pretended to mourn him.  Amalickiah was a fraud and gained trust through deception. The Servants of the stabbed king fled to Zarahemla to the people of Ammon.   

The King of the Lamanites wife, the queen, called for Amalickiah and asked him to bring witnesses.  His testimony satisfied her, he won her over, married her, and then became King.  Three of four times now writing this I have wanted to throw my phone.  This Amalickiah is one bad dude!  Unfortunately, his behavior is not unfamiliar in today's world is it?!

In Alma Chapter 48, Amalickiah turned the Lamanite Armies to murder in their hearts.  He had them go out and preach from towers against the Nephites, had a desire, now that he had taken over kings and territories, to take by force all of the lands, including the land and people of the Nephites led by Captain Moroni.

Remember the Zoramites?  They were the Nephites that left the Church of God to follow Zoram and became more wicked than the Lamanites?  Amalickiah got them on board to fight the Nephites with them.

Captain Moroni had been preparing his people's minds and hearts to be faithful to God during this time.  He had been strengthening the armies and building up the land in preparation for such a battle.

Moroni knew that if his people kept their covenants and faith in God he would deliver them, keep them safe, and allow them peace and freedom.  I love this description of Moroni.

 Alma 48:17, "Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

Please read Alma 48:11-18 to get a full picture of Captain Moroni.  He was a very wonderful man and it now makes perfect sense to me as to why of all of the prophets who could have been allowed by Heavenly Father to appear to Joseph Smith, it was him!  Not just because he buried the gold plates.  Anyone could have given that message from Heavenly Father about where to find the plates placed in the earth by Moroni, but the man himself was among the most obedient, righteous, and good that ever was.  

Even Chapter 48 describes him as the likes of Ammon, Mosiah. the Sons of Mosiah, Alma, Alma the Younger, and Alma the Younger's sons!  

Captain Moroni prepared the Nephites and although they felt sorrow over the killings, they slayed the Lamonites who came up against them to kill them, take their land, freedom, women and children and Liberty.  They defeated the Lamanites.

Likening these Chapters Unto Me

I was thinking about how sometimes to get others to do what they want, people can be convinced by folks who pretend they care.  They can lie about others to make it easier to control and manipulate situations and cause "wars" at work, home, with extended family, and in the community at large.

What Captain Moroni did to prepare his people was to build up the cities, fortify the walls, make sure the people were spiritually prepared to keep the commandments and stay faithful to God so that he could protect them, and pray to Heavenly Father for strength, guidance, and protection.  

I can model this is my life.  I can pray and ask God to protect me from people who want to bring harm to me or my family.  I can fortify my health, heart, and mind so I am prepared when someone tries to enforce ill will towards me and my family.  I can trust in God that he will "deliver me from mine enemies" if it be His will.

Day 55 Alma 44-46

In Alma Chapter 44, Captain Moroni tells Zarahemnah that Zarahemnah and his men wanted war over The Nephites religion, but the Nephite's religion and love of Christ, is what allowed the Nephites to be preserved in this war against the Lamanites.

Captain Moroni told Zarahemnah that they did not want to kill them and would not if Zarahemnah and his men would take up their weapons and leave.  He said if they chose not to listen, they would be killed.

Zarahemnah would not commit to convert but said he would give up his swords and walk away.  

Moroni said that if he didn't do so peacefully, and never return, the Nephites would kill the Lamanites.  Zarahemnah got mad, tried to attack Moroni, and one of Moroni's men scalped Zarahemnah.  

The Lamanites saw their leaders scalp on a sword, some got scared, laid down their weapons, and departed in to the Wilderness.

The Lamanites that didn't lay down their swords went up against the Nephites in battle.  

The Nephites killed them.  Zarahemnah said that if they would stop killing the Lamanites, they would lay down their swords and not fight them anymore.  They wanted peace.  The fighting ended and the bodies of the deceased were tossed into the river.

In Alma Chapter 45, Alma asks his son Helaman if he believed the things Alma taught him and if Alma believed in Jesus Christ and that he would come?  He asked Helaman if he would keep his commandments.  Helaman said yes, yes, and yes!

 

Alma prophesied to Helaman about the wickedness and end of the Nephites, that they would become extinct.  He told Helaman that all that will be left are the Lamanites.  Alma left Helaman to travel towards Melek and was never seen or heard from again.  As to where he went or his death no one knows.

Helaman and his brothers re-established the churches at some point and appointed priests and teachers, but the Nephites began to not obey or listen to them.  They got wealthy and didn't want to listen to the word of God or walk with God.

In Alma Chapter 46, Amalickiah wanted to be King and conspired against Helaman to kill him.  Amalickiah told the Nephites lies and flattered them with promises that if they made him their king, he would do great things for them and give them power and position.  Some of the Nephites left the church and followed this man.  Even though they were brought to safety by the Lord, they forgot him once they were in a good place and left him.  I KNOW I have done this in my life and have fully repented.  It pains me to think of it.

When Moroni found out about  Amalichiah and what he was doing to lead the church of God astray, he was very upset.  He ripped his clothing, tied it to a pole and wrote, "In memory of our God, Our Religion, and our freedom, our peace, our wives, and our children".  He called it "The Title of Liberty".  When Moroni did this and spoke to his people about being followers of Christ, praying that their religion was preserved, and that they and their homes be protected as they are making covenants with God, they all started to covenant with their God.  

Alma 46:23-24 are very heartfelt verses about being of the ancestry of Joseph that was sold in Egypt by his brothers, and how his coat was torn, too.  Please read it; it made me feel tender.  Moroni said they would perish if they did not continue to have faith in Christ.  The Nephites who fell away from the Church and followed Amalachia became knows as Amalachiahites.  Moroni planted the Standard of Liberty among the Nephites, told the Amachiahites that if they didn't repent and support freedom they would be put to death, and most of them supported freedom at that point to preserve their lives, and few were put to death.

The church maintained order and peace, many people passed of old age and even those who passed of illness all rejoiced because they knew they had their lives firmly believing in Christ.

Likening these Chapters Unto Me

#1 I was reminded that in my own life I had times of falling away from Christ and the faith.  I also have seen how repentance and right living has transformed me in to a new creation.  I have seen it, felt it, and others have, too!

#2 I read a few times where the people who were threatened with harm, captured, or even death if they didn't support freedom and peace would "change their mind" and support those things to preserve their own lives.  I want to always be someone who chooses to make covenants with the Lord and follow him without threat of destruction first.  I want to be a follower of Christ with my whole soul without a motive.

#3 Full repentance is a beautiful thing and the biggest theme in The Book of Mormon.  It is so important not just to repent when I do something wrong and to do so quickly, but also understand why, that it's a gift, that it prevents further pain and suffering to do so now instead of waiting until the end of life or even the next life.

#4 God loves us.  He wants us to be free to worship, have our families, and be able to make and keep Sacred Covenants with Him.

Day 54 Alma 43

Lots of reading in Chapter 43.  Wars.  This  Chapter was about Captain Moroni leading his people to war against the Lamanites for their freedom to worship, be free, to keep their land, and families safe.

Alma warned Captain Moroni where the Lamanites were and Captain Moroni anticipated and warned the people.  There was a fierce battle and the Lamanites lost against Captain Moroni and his men even though there were twice as many Lamanites.  

Likening the Chapter to Myself.  

I believe it is important to keep ourselves free so that we can worship God, have our land, and raise our families with freedom.  We live in a Country where we are free.  We have leaders who love God, family, and gave us the ability to worship freely.  I am thankful for this.

Day 53 Part 2 Alma 42

In Alma 42, Alma explained to his son why this mortal life became a probation for us after the fall.  That because Adam and Eve  had to be cast out of the garden or live forever in their sin as fallen beings, there needed to be a way for us to repent and receive remission of our sins through the Atonement and our Savior's living sacrifice for sin.  

In our fallen state, we would never be able to live with God because we are unclean and "natural enemies to God" and "No unclean thing can dwell with God".  Because of this, Jesus Christ decended below all men and made a way for us to be saved and exalted.  Unless he did this, there would have been no repentance and no restitution of our mortal life. 

Adam and Eve brought mortality and spiritual death upon themselves by their transgressions and disobedience.  This is why there is no Salvation without Jesus for any of us.  Physical and Spiritual Death came to stay and could only be overcome by Jesus Christ.

Our souls never die, and man was marked for Spiritual Death because of being mortal and becoming fallen.  Our souls would be miserable being cut off from God.  Spiritual  Death would occur if we didn't have a way made for us to be with God again.  I know I would feel misery without never being able to be with Heavenly Father and Jesus! 

Repentance is such a beautiful gift!  Justice would say God would cut us off forever due to our fallen nature, but Mercy gave us a way back to him through Jesus Christ.

Alma 42:23-24 says, "23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.

Because only those who repent are saved, exalted, and sanctified, there is punishment for those who do not want to repent. God does not take away consequences of our agency.  Alma finishes talking to his son with comfort telling him to teach repentance to the people, don't worry about anything but repenting of his sins, and in that way the Plan of Redemption can make its claim on him!

Day 53 Part 1 Alma 40-41 (Please read with a prayerful heart)

 

In Alma 40, Corianton, the son of Alma, is concerned about what happens with the Resurrection of the dead, so Alma talks to him a little bit about it.  He tells him that the Resurrection comes after the return of Christ and only God knows when the Resurrection will be.  He tells him about a time after death and before the resurrection.

Alma 40:11 says, "Now concerning the state of the soul between death and resurrection- Behold it has been made known unto me, by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from the mortal body, yea the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life!"

Then the soul will be in a state of happiness or misery until the reuniting of the Physical body with the Soul.  At that time they will stand before God with their body and soul reunited and be judged by their works.  Every limb and joint will be restored and not one hair will be lost!  The righteous will enter into the Kingdom of God and the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God because no unclean thing can dwell with God (Revelations 21:27).

When I read Alma 41, I was actually re-taught by the Holy Spirit.  I have read the Book of Mormon before many times but for some reason, this doctrinal truth always seemed to slight me and my ADD brain.  I always supposed that when we die, all we take with us is LOVE.  That when we die a veil is removed from our remembrance and that we remember fully who we are and that we see things from an eternal perspective.  That when we die, the sins of this life are replaced with a repentant heart and we are forgiven based on our desires because of our new understanding.  Apparently, I got it WRONG!  Holy Cow!  I am feelings pretty basic about now.

Alma clearly teaches Corianton that when we are reunited body and soul, and every bit of our physical body is restored completely, so will our desires, passions, and who we were in this physical life.  If we were good continually we resurrect to be good continually, and if we were wicked, evil, or sinful, that also is restored unto us.  That we are judged based on this complete restoration.  This is why it is so important to take the opportunity to repent and practice right living.  Our character, attributes, and goodness or evil is restored to us and we are judged from it! Wherever our hearts are in this life, at death remain with us.  Wow!  This changes so much of my perspective on how much more important repentance is, and why it was so emphasized in the Book of Mormon by the Prophets.

I have heard this verse in Alma often, but it hit different tonight.  Alma 41:10 states, "Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness.  Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness."  

This is an explanation of repentance once someone enters Spirit Prison to be taught and repent before accepting or rejecting the Gospel.  https://askgramps.org/why-is-it-harder-to-repent-in-the-spirit-world/ It is a very good explanation.  The term "Restoration" is to restore evil for evil and good for good. We are judged accordingly.  

Alma 41:14-15 says, 

14"Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.

15For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all."

This all reminds me of the "Our Father" prayer in the bible that Jesus gave us to show us how to pray.  In the Our Father, it says, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors".  That we are to be merciful and just unto others so that God can do the same for us.

I really do want to emphasize how much more I understand repentance now.  Why the Prophets taught it continually.  Why it is so important.  If you take anything from this 90-day journey with me through the Book of Mormon I would imagine that this is one of the most poignant points: the most important parts.  This was not an easy read for me tonight, not because I haven't repented and come unto Christ because I absolutely have, but because I have a heart for those who suffer and I realize and recognize that repentance is harder to do in the next life and there are people who will have to do their repenting in Spirit Prison.  It seems it is much easier to do here.

I feel like I had a spiritual wake up call with that last Chapter and need to do some reflection before moving on.  I was supposed to read chapter 42 tonight but I think I will post this without Chapter 42 and sit in my feelings and ponder and pray, then I will return in the morning to finish the last Chapter and do my day 54 Chapters tomorrow evening!  Yes, that is what I will do.  You can at least read these first 2 chapters tonight and come back and read the rest in the day tomorrow.  This post will be a cliff hanger but you can read ahead with me tonight and then reflect with me on it tomorrow because I know Chapter 42 will give answers.  I just have to sit in these teachings a little more tonight.

I want to say this.  I did not sugar coat any of what Alma taught his son.  I wanted to.  I wanted to skim over some of it and maybe even give some assurance that it sounds more dire than it does.  Evil is restored to evil and good to good.  Period.  And we are judged on it.  I will sit with this and then read Chapter 42 which I am hoping brings redeeming comfort in the morning.  If not, I will pray tonight going to bed that I will be ready to learn hard truths tomorrow.  This is the thing about this blog. I committed to share my reflections and be 100% transparent.  I will continue to keep that commitment.  You will experience of me how I feel about what I read.  My takeaway so far is that repentance and having a good heart with good intentions and love of all men is pertinent to Salvation.

Day 52 Alma 37-39

 In Alma 37, Alma tells Helaman to take the brass plates and continue to record about the people as Alma had done.  He taught that "by small and simple things, great things come to pass."  The Lord uses very small ways to bring to pass his "Great and Eternal" purposes and Salvation.

He told Helaman about how important it was to keep the records and continue them because they have the power to convert and change hearts.  Alma reminded Helaman to keep the commandments, that God will bless him if he does.

Alma said that the plates of Brass would some day be used for God's purposes.  He told him to teach the people to follow the Commandments and reject and hate sin.  There was so much in this Chapter, so I hope you will read it.  Alot of this chapter I did not cover.

Alma 38:9 says, "And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.

 

In Alma 39, he tells his son Corianton, to be obedient, stay pure, acknowledge his faults, be humble, and don't seek for riches.  Alma shares how the truths being taught about Christ and Salvation are important to pass down to children and grandchildren.  That the teachings are true and need to be preserved to pass down for generations to come. 

Likening these Chapters Unto Me

These Chapters had so many gems of wisdom in them.  I really hope you will take time to slowly read each chapter.  What impressed upon me in these chapters were 

#1 Keep a Geneology of my family.

 

#2 What is important for us to know is also important for us to pass down to the  generations after us.

#3 Salvation ONLY comes through Christ.

#4 Living the commandments of God is what God wants from us.  Obedience, love of Him and one another, and being loving and having a servant heart for others.

Day 51 Alma 35-36

 

In Alma Chapter 35, The Zoramite Priests and Chief Ruler of the Zoramites took a poll to see what the people thought of Alma and Amulek's teachings?  Those who liked Alma's teachings and believed in them were sent away.  They fled to Jershon and were accepted by Alma.  When the Zoramites who hated Alma found out, they sent men to go to Jershon, threaten the people and tell them to expel their followers that fled from them for Jershon.  The people of Jershon and Alma didn't listen and took them in kindly (the ones who were cast out, were poor, and fled). 

The Zoramites got together with Lamanites and talked badly about the Nephites and people of Alma in Jershon.  They were planning a war with the Nephites and Alma's people.  The people of Ammon joined with the Nephites to war against the Lamanites.  There was a battle.  Alma was sad about the disobedience, the wars, and the bloodshed.  The people's hearts were hardened.  Alma took his sons aside and taught them each his words and the commandments of the Lord that Alma wanted his sons to go preach to the people to call them to obedience and repentance.  

Likening Chapter 35 unto me

I have had my moments in life where I have been convicted of my sins, have needed to humble myself and repent of the things I have done wrong, whether it was not having faith in Christ, not believing Christ, or whether it was the way in which I lived my life, whether I was emotionally and physically available to others, and how I chose to be present with the Lord, listen to the Holy Spirit or ignore Him, and if I was teachable and obedient and repentant.  As I contemplate how much my life has changed and my outlook and joy because of obedience and repentance.  It is so sweet.  When I trust in the Lord, my life is better and feels more complete, my relationships are better, and I feel peace.

What did I do when I felt like my life wasn't in accordance with the Savior? I prayed.  I asked Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus to bring healing and comfort, teach me, and show me where he wanted me and what he wanted for my life.  I have experienced people coming along side me and supporting my efforts to draw closer to my Heavenly Father.  I have had mentors and people that loved me enough to tell me the truth, call me on things I may have said or done that were not in accordance with God's will, and who allowed me to make mistakes, grow, and develop into the woman I am today in 2025!  God gave me those people, my "Almas and Amuleks".

In Chapter 36, Alma talks about the Commandments of God with his son Helaman.  He starts out telling Helaman that if he keeps the commandments of God he will prosper and be blessed.  Alma tells Helaman that if he obeys the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that Helaman will be supported in his trials.  Alma tells Helaman about the visit by the Angel to himself and the sons of Mosiah when they were young, being wicked, and persecuting God's people.  He tells him how the Angel helped him believe in the words of his father Alma and the words of God.

Alma tells Helaman all about how he heard the angel tell him that if he didn't repent, he would be struck down.  Alma fell into a deep despair at these words and was not able to be awakened for 3 days and 3 nights but was "wracked with utter despair and torturous sadness".  He felt totally overtaken by darkness but cried out to the Lord to save him.  When he came to, he was repentant and determined to be a different man and to teach and be converted to God.

Likening these Chapters Unto Me

Tonight I was thinking a lot about my life from birth to age 50.  I have had many opportunities in my life to experience opposition in things; to experience positive and negative effects of my choices, the choices of others, the life situations I had been placed in as a child, the choices I made in my youth, and the adult decisions that were wrought upon me by others as well as those decisions I freely made for myself.  All choices have consequences, both good and not good.

Alma being a good and loving father, shared with Helaman his experiences in hopes that he could impart knowledge to his son to help him see a better, obedient way, to possibly be able to avoid the consequences of sin, but also Alma did explain to his son that if he did make unwise choices that he may receive a remission of his sings, forgiveness, and joy through repentance as he himself did in his youth when an angel appeared to him and his friends, King Mosiah's sons.

I will remember the teachings that Alma the Younger gave to his son Helaman.  I will remember to walk in obedience to the laws of the Lord and the covenants I want to make with him.  I will repent every day and at the end of the day before my head hits my pillow, I will talk with my father in heaven, tell him the things that went right today and the things that did not, ask his guidance, wait for answers, listen for the "still small voice" and make promises to Heavenly Father to do better tomorrow.