Look For the Good

1 Nephi 2:11-12

Nephi's oldest brothers, Laman and Lemuel, murmured (complained) constantly about their circumstances and the choices of others. Nephi explained that they "did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them" (verse 12). Instead of working through their negative emotions and focusing on the many good things in this world, they were lazy and complained - even while doing service!

Their complaining made it difficult for them to stay (or become) motivated and to follow through with God's commandments. When God sent Nephi and his brothers back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates (the record of the Jews and the genealogy of Lehi's forefathers, including prophecies from the holy prophets such as Moses, Abraham, Isaiah, and Jeremiah) the constant murmuring of Laman and Lemuel made the errand near to impossible. Fortunately, Nephi had a positive view on everything and knew that if God asks us to do something, He will prepare a way for us to accomplish it (1 Ne 3:7).

I know this is true. God will guide us and give us power to accomplish the things he commands us (see 1 Ne 5:8). As we look for and spread the GOOD in life we will have the right frame of mind to see the "dealings of God" and we will have JOY in every day.

Tender Mercies

1 Nephi 1:20

After reflecting on the hostility the people of Jerusalem showed God's prophets, Nephi reassured us that "the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
Elder David A. Bednar, an apostle chosen by God in our day, described the Lord's tender mercies as "the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ." (Ensign, May 2005, 99)
Because of these blessing from heaven, I can be made "mighty unto deliverance." I don't need to worry or be sad or depressed. God will deliver me!
So relax, smile, enjoy life!

I know that if I have faith God will show His tender mercies even in my life and I will try to leave each day with that trust.

Things I See

1 Nephi 1:14-15

While still living in Jerusalem, around 600 B.C., the prophet Nephi's father, Lehi, was "carried away in a vision" (verse 8) and was shown a book that explained that Jerusalem would be destroyed (11-13). He was later warned and directed to leave Jerusalem and journey to the Western hemisphere. But in his vision he also saw the Savior descending out of the heavens and he praised God for the great and marvelous things he had seen.
Like Lehi, I can rejoice in the things that I see - the things which the Lord shows me. I can enjoy beauties, miracles, love, mercy, smiles, laughter, kindness. There is so much God has placed in this world to bring me happiness and to help me remember Him.

For Me As For My Fathers

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Joy in the knowledge that God has done great things for my fathers. Realize that He will do them for me also. And because of Jesus and the covenants I’ve made by virtue of His atonement I am not cast off forever, but can live close to God with peace and JOY.

ENJOYING LIFE

Since 2001, each time I have read The Book of Mormon, I have studied it with a "theme". I do this in order to learn more about specific topics and to help me pay more attention. This focus in my studies has helped me avoid just "going through the motions" as I read and has aided my desires to receive inspiration through the Holy Spirit's guidance.
As I began The Book of Mormon again in August, I considered several themes: faith, obedience, covenants, honesty, self control, choosing the right, being dependable, sacrifice, enjoying life, living with joy, balance, hope, and more.
I decided to focus on the joy in life because I want to do better at living each day with joy (noticing the little things). So the theme: "Enjoying Life"