Mosiah 14:4 compare Isaiah 53 Surely he has bourne our griefs,

Moshiah 14:4 "Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."

This short chapter are the beautiful messianic words of Isaiah recorded in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  As we study in Sunday school this year the Old testament and as I read in the Book of Mormon the words of Isaiah are so important.  I understand better the sacrifice made by Nephi to obtain the plates from Laban that they may have them in the New World. 

Each verse speaks of Godly love that is beyond any sacrifice we can make for Him.  The Saviour perfect and pure condescended below it all for us, he suffered for every person who ever lived or will live.  His Atonement and Resurrection was made for literally everyone, all emcompassing.  Hard to fathlom such a gift, and yet how often do we think of Him and what he has done for you, me, us.  My thoughts turn to the covenant I made at baptism to take upon myself the name of Christ and always remember him.  Our actions, thoughts, words all reflect our gratitude for the sacrifice he has made for us.  This attitude directs my paths each day and I strive to exercise greater patience, acceptance, love and service to those around me.  My Savior is my greatest exemplar. 

The scripture reads he has bourne our griefs, ... yet we esteemed him afflicted.  This speaks to the judgements we wrongly pass on others or even ourselves.  We cannot see the struggles or grief those around us may be carrying, the Saviour can because he has actually felt every pain each of us has or will experience in this life.  We can turn to him and he will comfort us, and as we are comforted we can turn and lift those around us.  Even if we don't know or understand the grief of another we can be there for others, offering our time and talents to comfort those who stand of need of comfort.  Sometimes our friends and family are far from us and all we can do is pray for them, our faith exercised through prayer for others is powerful and miracles can and do happen.  Think of those times when you have thought of somebody and you felt like you should call them or do something for them, this is a way we become God's hands.  We can follow those thoughts and reach out and bless the lives of those we love.  I have noticed in my own life this not only blesses the lives of those you pray for, and serve but you too will receive help in times of need.  Some people call it Karma, I think it is a consequence or blessing of your positive actions towards another, it naturally returns to you through someone elses kind act. 

Mosiah Ch 29:20

Mosiah 29:20 ... "the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him."

The words mercy, trust and power all stick out to me as I read this scripture and think of the many times when I've prayed for His mercy.  The answer I receive is have trust and faith in Me and I will bless you with powe, My power to overcome your're weakness.  We all face challenges each day some physical, mental, or spiritual.  These stumbling blocks can bring us low as we try to bear our worrys, or burdens alone the weight can stop us in our tracks.  This scripture reminds us who we should turn to and rely on for relief, the Lord.  And his power will bless us in all cases this means to me no problem is too small or too big.  Another beautiful part of this scripture is the image of a Heavenly Father extending His arm to lift and help us his children.  I am grateful for my earthly parents who have created my body and I am grateful for my Heavenly parents as they are the makers of my spirit.  My favrite quote by Maya Angelou sums up my feelings, I am convinced, I am a child of God, this is wonderful, exhilerating, liberating and full of promise!

Jacob 4:7 By His Grace & Ether 12:27 Weak Things Become Strong

Jacob 4: 7 " Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things. "

Ether 12:27 " And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

There are times when I wonder how with my small mustard seed of faith I am so richly blessed.  It has been a while since I've posted and thats because I have been wrestling with some physical challenges that have certainly been humbling.  As I was reading from the book of Jacob I came across this verse that reminds us that it is by grace that we are lifted up and blessed with power to overcome our trials.  With emphasis "his great condescensions" refers to the Great Atonement and Crucifiction of Jesus Christ.  During our darkest times, for me it was when I was trying to cope with the pain, I turned to the Lord knowing He was the true source of relief.  As we pray and ask for the power of Christ's atonement to make up the difference for us we can receive healing and peace that is more then any earthly remedy.  I have experienced this for myself, and as the scriptures point out we must exercise faith in Him and come with a humble heart.  Then will He make weak things become strong.

Ether 12:4 An Anchor to my soul

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

I love how this scripture refers to our faith in action (hope) can anchor our souls.  When I think of how loud, confusing and fast the world moves around me having an anchor that keeps me grounded brings me peace and comfort.  This scripture made me think of shifting sand and being a fishermans daughter I thought of an actual anchor and how it settles on the ocean floor and keeps the vessel from drifting.  Like that boat I don't want to wander aimlessly into dark paths to be lost from the light the gospel of Jesus Christ provides.  So what keeps me anchored?  The covenants I've made with my Heavenly Father (God) it is a sure anchor that will provide safety from the storms of life, if I am faithful to the promises I made I will seek to serve others good works and glorify Him. 

Many know of the parable in Matthew 7 it speaks of building upon the rock not the sand this speaks to the most important anchor that of the Savior Jesus Christ.  He is the sure way back home, the only way to find peace and joy in this life and the next.  I also love the imagery in Matthew 14 where the ship the Apostles were traveling on is caught in a fierce storm the Savior comes to them walking on the sea and bids them good cheer and says be not afraid. 

I am so glad to have scriptures the word of God here for me to read and ponder.  There are endless jewels of knowledge to be discovered from the pages of these books.