Thoughts on Nephi's Wife and a New Challenge for Me.

  So in my last post I talked some on my latest finding in the First two Books in the Book Of Mormon. Now I haven't really been able to do a lot more in the last two days but I shared my blog on Facebook (which trust me- for me, took some guts.) I'm always scared that my blog really is just for my own sanity and that no one else will really get anything out of it....HOW WRONG I WAS! (at least today... )
   My last post ended with my thoughts on Nephi's wife. I was reading those old animated Book of Mormon for kids, and came across Nephi's wife when they were traveling across the sea. I read their little caption it said 1 Nephi 18, but when i went and looked ( and you know skimmed is more like the right word) I didn't really think I found anything so kind of left my reference out. Most know she was a daughter of Ishmael and that was kind of enough even though her defense for her husband was kind of what drew her to me, I ended up just letting it slip my mind.
   Today when I finally shared my blog a friend of mine was actually able to show me where it is for real and teach me something (BOY AM I GLAD HE TOOK THE TIME TO READ MY BLOG!!!)
   Anyways so here were his responses  ( my thoughts are in the black)

• "I love your blog entries! I was reading and i want to show you something cool i learned about Nephi's wife, one of the daughters of Ishmael you mentioned. When Nephi was threatened by his brethren 1 Nephi 7 verse 19 if you look at the footnote for letter a, on one of the daughters defending Nephi, it points to 1 Nephi 16:7 "and it came to pass that i, Nephi took one of the *daughters* of Ishmael to wife..." The footnote on daughters points back to the first scripture i pointed out hinting that Nephi actually married the righteous woman who stood by his side and defended him by the power of her words and testimony." BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  "Well it didnt say she bore testimony in verse 19 of 1 Nephi 7 but whatever she said softened Laman's heart While in 1st Nephi chapter 2 CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCRIPTURE REFERENCE it says the brothers were hard hearted. Could you imagine being so righteous you could change a stiff hard heart enough that he actually begged Nephi for his forgiveness.???? it's just an amazing truth!!!!!! I was so excited to show you this little tidbit (I'M SOOOO GLAD YOU DID!!!!) i learned from the scriptures as i can see it really is wonderful to have such great women in the scriptures as well as in our church today that are so dedicated and strong.It's inspiring. Keep up the good work, and i know you have potential to be a great missionary if you study hard and bear your testimony often to those around you. " I'm grateful for your confidence in me. I only hope to continue to make you and the Lord proud of my endeavors!
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  "And the other scripture that mentions Nephi's wife briefly says in 1 Nephi 18 I some what know this... when they are crossing the sea to America, in verse 19: ...and also my wife with her tears and prayers, the Idea of her crying....wow, just like Sariah the minute you find them being human you find their love and faith the most assuring! and also my children couldnt soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me" so you can see here Nephi's wife in the face of a terribly dangerous circumstance, when the wicked brothers tied up Nephi, at least it shows here she had great faith and she prayed and pleaded to the Lord that Nephi would be let go."

  
  

  Well All I can say is...he is brilliant and super awesome for taking the time to share all of that with me! I am grateful for him and I know the Lord placed him in my life to teach me something .I think I shall also doing more of the scriptures that I find on here as potential study opportunities to look back and learn! 

    I know that since I can't leave for that white field just yet I can learn and really dedicate my time to scripture study and surrounding my life with people like Brother Lawrence, who has a firm faith and is willing to share with me what they learn! I know the Lord is constantly blessing my life. I might just start a second challenge and every day look for something the Lord blesses me with that day, and everyday. Maybe for the Month of November (Being that whole THANKS GIVING Month ) haha I'm 11 days behind but hey it can always go into December. I might just make it longer. I think it's important to notice what the Lord does for us. I  guess I can start here and now...

  
  

      November 11, 2013 -

         I am grateful that the Lord gave me the opportunity to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am grateful for my sense of being and knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. I am grateful for the knowledge I can be with family members that I have never met (especially my Brother Gregory Austin) If I live this life correctly. I am grateful the Lord gave me the church that i may learn how to live. I am grateful for the scriptures and for the daily reminders they bring into my life! I am grateful for missionaries and their service. i am grateful for the work that as Missionaries is accomplished! Above all I am grateful for the opportunity to share these thoughts here and now. In a world that is so focused everywhere else. I am grateful for the chance to reflect on my Savior's Love and share it with you. I say these things in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.