The lesson was so compelling today as my husband was the teacher. I'm always humbled by how knowledgeable he is when it come to scriptures and history. How much information his brain can retain in comparison to how shallow mine is. There are just some people who are gifted in that way. They can speak what's on their mind perfectly and in an astonishing manner that they remember pits and pieces gathered here an there in their readings and it's amazing how they relay it in words. Myself, I actually have to sit down and write word by word my talks or teachings and then rehearsed it so I can always say what I meant to say. It doesn't come naturally as it does to my husband. It's rehearsed.
The reading today was on the book of Helaman 1-6. This time period within the Nephites were chaos and contentious. Pahoran, their chief judge, has just been murdered and Pacumeni, his brother became king. Paanchi, the other brother, is behind all the rebellious movement as he wants to be king himself, instead of his other two brothers. The kingdom was divided into three between them but Pacumeni, once the people put in their votes for Pahoran to be king, he went along with it. He understands it was out of his hand and then he supported his brother. But Paanchi, instead of doing what he's suppose to do, because he was filled with anger and resentment started the rebellion against chief-judge Pahoran. When they had him tried, for what I think is, being a traitor, he was actually sentenced to death. So his followers decided to send in someone to kill Pahoran.
Kishkumen was the one that was send forth to assassinate chief-judge Pahoran. This is a man that must have been well acquainted with murder in secrecy and deceit. He has a band of robbers and the one man that was appointed to be their ruler was none other than the "...exceedingly expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery." (2:4) Gadianton.
He became the leader of Kishkumen's band. He promised the band power if he were to be appointed chief-judge or governor. When he returned from assassinating Pahoran, he entered into a covenant with the rest of the band that they will never ever reveal him as the murderer of the chief-judge Pahoran. That everything they do will be sworn into secrecy and can not be revealed.
The government was in between a rock and a hard place during this time. Within itself was the Gadianton robbers and with out comes the army of the Lamanites, led by the ferocious Coriantumr, who thirst to destroy the Nephites. He was a descendant of Zarahemla. First he slayed Pacumeni and instead of settling for the capture of the city Zarahemla, he boldly marched towards the land Bountiful to siege it. When Captain Moronihah found out about this, he swiftly send off Captain Lehi and his army to come around to head them off. Soon, the Lamanites found out that they were sandwiched between Lehi and Moronihah's armies. It was a "bloody battle" before they killed off Coriantumr and restored the land of Zarahemla back to the Nephites. Moronihah allowed the Lamanites prisoners to return in peace to their own land.
In chapter 2, Helaman son of Helaman was appointed to become the chief-judge. Kishkumen was just awaiting the opportunity to kill him. As he proceeded to assassinate the chief-judge, one of Helaman's servant, whom I thought was a "spy", he was already aware of the band's plan and their procedures. Kishkumen was excited thinking his chance will finally come to pass to kill Helaman. Instead, Helaman's servant got to him first and annihilate him. Seeing that Kishkumen was not returning to their camp, Gadianton let his band out of the city and fled in secrecy, out of the city. It was predicted that this was not going to be the end of the Gadianton Robbers. That they will be responsible for the future downfall and destruction of almost the entire Nephites nation.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Judge Righteously
Alma 41:14
"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."
Questions to myself:
1. Am I merciful to others?
2. Do I deal justly with others?
3. How do I judge others?
Last Thursday, I was called to the office by Bingham principal. My daughter Mele Vasiti stole a phone. Apparently a girl forgot her phone on the lunch table and Mele took it. Instead of returning it to the office so they locate the owner, she gave it to her friend Neni, to go and reset the phone so she can use it. She threw away the sim card and boldly intent on keeping this phone for herself.
So many things ran through my mind after I hung up the phone with the Principal. "What was she thinking?" I can easily go in the office, punch her face first or beat the hell our of her. This is our typical Tongan parenting reaction to mishaps like these. But Mele was already weeping on the phone when the Principal put her on the phone to talk to me and I felt her guilt and shame was punishment enough for her. Plus, taking away her IPOD and sabotaging all Social pages like InstaGram and Snapchat.
My husband always tells me that I am too "NAIVE" when it comes to my perceptions of people. To me, all people are genuinely good. They just make bad choices but that doesn't mean they are bad people. Sometimes, I don't understand why some people do the things they do. Sometimes our predicaments leads us to make wrong choices. I understand that. I want to give people a benefit of a doubt and not judge them but comprehend them. Be more tolerant, kind, forgiving and understanding.
I am a firm believer in what goes around comes around. I know that when we do good unto others, that it will all come back to us ten times over. The Book of Mormon teaches us that the Lord's ways are perfect and just. That He forgives when we repent and that He loves us unconditionally sinless or sinful. That God is merciful and He provides a way to Atone us. He gave up His only son to the ways of the world, to be tortured and hung on the cross that we he may purchase us with His good grace so that when we REPENT of the things we do wrong. We can be as clean as snow once again. To me, this is Mercy. This is Just and that with HIM, we're always being JUDGED RIGHTEOUSLY.
"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."
Questions to myself:
1. Am I merciful to others?
2. Do I deal justly with others?
3. How do I judge others?
Last Thursday, I was called to the office by Bingham principal. My daughter Mele Vasiti stole a phone. Apparently a girl forgot her phone on the lunch table and Mele took it. Instead of returning it to the office so they locate the owner, she gave it to her friend Neni, to go and reset the phone so she can use it. She threw away the sim card and boldly intent on keeping this phone for herself.
So many things ran through my mind after I hung up the phone with the Principal. "What was she thinking?" I can easily go in the office, punch her face first or beat the hell our of her. This is our typical Tongan parenting reaction to mishaps like these. But Mele was already weeping on the phone when the Principal put her on the phone to talk to me and I felt her guilt and shame was punishment enough for her. Plus, taking away her IPOD and sabotaging all Social pages like InstaGram and Snapchat.
My husband always tells me that I am too "NAIVE" when it comes to my perceptions of people. To me, all people are genuinely good. They just make bad choices but that doesn't mean they are bad people. Sometimes, I don't understand why some people do the things they do. Sometimes our predicaments leads us to make wrong choices. I understand that. I want to give people a benefit of a doubt and not judge them but comprehend them. Be more tolerant, kind, forgiving and understanding.
I am a firm believer in what goes around comes around. I know that when we do good unto others, that it will all come back to us ten times over. The Book of Mormon teaches us that the Lord's ways are perfect and just. That He forgives when we repent and that He loves us unconditionally sinless or sinful. That God is merciful and He provides a way to Atone us. He gave up His only son to the ways of the world, to be tortured and hung on the cross that we he may purchase us with His good grace so that when we REPENT of the things we do wrong. We can be as clean as snow once again. To me, this is Mercy. This is Just and that with HIM, we're always being JUDGED RIGHTEOUSLY.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
The Long Pause
This is exactly what happens when we fall off the band-wagon with reading our scriptures. The whole family go haywire. At first, the family scripture reading goes, then I struggle to hang on with reading here and there at work. Then it completely comes to a halt. Yes. We are on a HALT position and it is a dangerous position to be on.
It's been months. Very rare and far inbetween the times that we make to read our scriptures. Add to that my second job and it's pretty distant from the last time we read together. My day starts at 5 with delivering kids to work then coming home at 10pm from the end of my second job. I have my Book of Mormon in my work bag. Now I need to making some time in between calls to read my scriptures.
So, tonite at my second job. I will try to get back again. At least with my personal reading. As for family reading, I need my husband to step up to the task as he is the Mr. Mom of the family now. We've definitely miss reading together as a family and the children are rotten without some scriptures in their lives to remind them and keep them on track with what they are suppose to do.
It's been months. Very rare and far inbetween the times that we make to read our scriptures. Add to that my second job and it's pretty distant from the last time we read together. My day starts at 5 with delivering kids to work then coming home at 10pm from the end of my second job. I have my Book of Mormon in my work bag. Now I need to making some time in between calls to read my scriptures.
So, tonite at my second job. I will try to get back again. At least with my personal reading. As for family reading, I need my husband to step up to the task as he is the Mr. Mom of the family now. We've definitely miss reading together as a family and the children are rotten without some scriptures in their lives to remind them and keep them on track with what they are suppose to do.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Black Sheep Corianton
What the blast was Corianton thinking? To go and serve a mission for the Lord and end up taking a tumble in the hay with the HARLOT Isabel! I mean, it just can't be one decent young lady. No! Alma couldn't just come out and call her a "whore". LOL. Harlot is a nicer way to put it.
Alma 39: 4 Yea, she did asteal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.
I just couldn't help but giggle at the way Alma was trying to counsel his son firmly yet lovingly. Corianton was still in his youth. Helaman and Shiblon was faithful and stalwart. While this young kid was lustful! Of course he must have been innocent and that "harlot" Isabel must have tempted him beyond all reason. She's experienced after all because from the above verse, she apparently "steal" away many hearts which to me, in other words, she "screwed" many and the poor kid fell straight into her lustful grasps. He did not know what hit him and just couldn't resist her tempting ways.
Alma 39:9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the alusts of your eyes, but bcross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and ccross yourself in these things.
This is old news. Many a male missionaries get send home because instead of focusing on a mission they allow themselves to be distracted by the female species. Many of them got send home without finishing their missions. That is one of the saddest things to see. Alma advised Corianton to "CROSS" himself of all these abominations of the flesh. Lust and Sexual Sins are an abominations before God and he needed to stop and repent.
Alma 39:7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been aguilty of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good.
What Corianton did was devastating. Not only did he commit a grievous sexual sin but by doing so, led away many of the Zoramites that Alma and the missionaries were trying to convert to the church. His choice affected a lot of people.
I love the fact that Alma was close to his sons. To serve a mission together with them as they were still in their youths. It must, of course, tore his heart apart when he found out about his Corianton's fornications and address the matter face to face with his son instead of ignoring them like that priest Eli in the Old Testament So many characters in the Book of Mormon. I love reading this magnificent book.
Alma 39: 4 Yea, she did asteal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.
I just couldn't help but giggle at the way Alma was trying to counsel his son firmly yet lovingly. Corianton was still in his youth. Helaman and Shiblon was faithful and stalwart. While this young kid was lustful! Of course he must have been innocent and that "harlot" Isabel must have tempted him beyond all reason. She's experienced after all because from the above verse, she apparently "steal" away many hearts which to me, in other words, she "screwed" many and the poor kid fell straight into her lustful grasps. He did not know what hit him and just couldn't resist her tempting ways.
Alma 39:9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the alusts of your eyes, but bcross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and ccross yourself in these things.
This is old news. Many a male missionaries get send home because instead of focusing on a mission they allow themselves to be distracted by the female species. Many of them got send home without finishing their missions. That is one of the saddest things to see. Alma advised Corianton to "CROSS" himself of all these abominations of the flesh. Lust and Sexual Sins are an abominations before God and he needed to stop and repent.
Alma 39:7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been aguilty of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good.
What Corianton did was devastating. Not only did he commit a grievous sexual sin but by doing so, led away many of the Zoramites that Alma and the missionaries were trying to convert to the church. His choice affected a lot of people.
I love the fact that Alma was close to his sons. To serve a mission together with them as they were still in their youths. It must, of course, tore his heart apart when he found out about his Corianton's fornications and address the matter face to face with his son instead of ignoring them like that priest Eli in the Old Testament So many characters in the Book of Mormon. I love reading this magnificent book.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
PRAY PRAYING PRAYERS
We stumble we get up we try and try again. School has begun! With all the hectic scheduling, we need to put some kind of order back in our family. Last week our Bishop Falepapalangi said: "If your home is not organized, Satan will have power in your homes." That went straight to my heart because we are far from being organized. I pray that Heavenly Father will still continue to watch over my family as I work to put some order back in our chaotic home.
The power of prayer has always been my constant companion. That direct, clear line between myself and my Father in Heaven has never been more define and clearer. I am forever grateful for the power of prayer. That I don't have to be in a certain situation or condition. That I can prayer anytime, anywhere for the desires of my heart. That line is always open, never busy and never disconnected from the other end, only from ours when we choose to.
Alma 33 tells of prayers by Zenos the prophet. This is during Alma and the sons of Mosiah missionary journeys. They discovered that the Zoramites has erected magnificent synagogues to offer their prayers only once a week. They had cast out the poor among them and they dress in their finest attires to climb their synagogues and pray the same rehearsed and memorized prayer once a week.
This greatly astonished Alma and his companions. They became successful among the poor people of the Zoramites and they taught them about prayers using the prophet Zenos words. We can pray in the
...wilderness, in our fields, in our closets, within our house and in the midst of our congregations. We can pray for our enemies and to endure through our afflictions..
We can pray anywhere for anything we desire. My endings however are always the same: "Thy will be Done!" It doesnt' matter where I am, there's always a prayer of gratitude that graces my heart and shoots straight to the Heavens every second of that day that I'm reminded to be grateful. And it will be from the most minuet things as a pen to write with or a car to ride in but most of all for the time I still have to enjoy this life.
My prayers are constantly for the safety and happiness of my children. What parents pray for anything less? "Bless my children, Leveni, Fusi and Selamafi, Leli, Silia, Mahonrai, Pati, Mele and Beverly. Help them make the right choices and keep them safe from harm and evil. Wrap thy loving arms around them and blanket them with thy protection night and day. Keep them safe and sound. Bring them home to me at the end of each day"
It's never ending utterances of pleading and begging. To a mighty Heavenly Father who foresees and have to power to do anything and everything. Yet He chooses to give us our free agency to choose. There are so many other things and people I pray for. But never let it said that I failed to express my sincere gratitude at the beginning of each prayer and the ones that are always in my heart. I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE. FOR A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS EVERLASTING SON JESUS CHRIST WHO HAVE SAVED US ALL.
The power of prayers are magnificent. I am grateful to be able to pray to a living GOD. Amen
The power of prayer has always been my constant companion. That direct, clear line between myself and my Father in Heaven has never been more define and clearer. I am forever grateful for the power of prayer. That I don't have to be in a certain situation or condition. That I can prayer anytime, anywhere for the desires of my heart. That line is always open, never busy and never disconnected from the other end, only from ours when we choose to.
Alma 33 tells of prayers by Zenos the prophet. This is during Alma and the sons of Mosiah missionary journeys. They discovered that the Zoramites has erected magnificent synagogues to offer their prayers only once a week. They had cast out the poor among them and they dress in their finest attires to climb their synagogues and pray the same rehearsed and memorized prayer once a week.
This greatly astonished Alma and his companions. They became successful among the poor people of the Zoramites and they taught them about prayers using the prophet Zenos words. We can pray in the
...wilderness, in our fields, in our closets, within our house and in the midst of our congregations. We can pray for our enemies and to endure through our afflictions..
We can pray anywhere for anything we desire. My endings however are always the same: "Thy will be Done!" It doesnt' matter where I am, there's always a prayer of gratitude that graces my heart and shoots straight to the Heavens every second of that day that I'm reminded to be grateful. And it will be from the most minuet things as a pen to write with or a car to ride in but most of all for the time I still have to enjoy this life.
My prayers are constantly for the safety and happiness of my children. What parents pray for anything less? "Bless my children, Leveni, Fusi and Selamafi, Leli, Silia, Mahonrai, Pati, Mele and Beverly. Help them make the right choices and keep them safe from harm and evil. Wrap thy loving arms around them and blanket them with thy protection night and day. Keep them safe and sound. Bring them home to me at the end of each day"
It's never ending utterances of pleading and begging. To a mighty Heavenly Father who foresees and have to power to do anything and everything. Yet He chooses to give us our free agency to choose. There are so many other things and people I pray for. But never let it said that I failed to express my sincere gratitude at the beginning of each prayer and the ones that are always in my heart. I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE. FOR A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS EVERLASTING SON JESUS CHRIST WHO HAVE SAVED US ALL.
The power of prayers are magnificent. I am grateful to be able to pray to a living GOD. Amen
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Sons of Mosiah and Alma the Younger
Well Hallelujah I've finally find time to update this side of my blogs. I can't believe how time flies. Well Family Scripture Reading is currently in a COMA. So far, we are skipping Family Prayers every now and then mainly because there's so much going on. Between camping, sleep overs, dance practices, Family Reunions and plain Family gathering, who has time to sit down anymore and read scriptures? I read faithfully however, every single morning at my work. From 6am-7am that's all I do and also update my journal entries. Because there's hardly any calls coming in.
I'm currently reading about the sons of Mosiah: Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni. The great success that they had serving their missions among the Lamanites. Also Alma serving his mission with them as well. They spread out and each took their own courses by way the Lord has sent them. I can imagine the joy that they feel preaching the words of God to the unbelieving Lamanites and having been able to convert them to believe in God and in Jesus Christ. King Mosiah's sons refused the Kingship request their father offered them. They'd rather become missionaries instead of kings.
Ammon's success with the people of King Lamoni was stunning. He became a stalwart servant of the king. Not waiting to be told what to-do. Always anticipating what he needed to do first and just did it. King Lamoni was greatly impressed by this dedication that Ammon eventually got a chance to teach him and he was converted.
Mosiah had pleaded with Heavenly Father to watch over his sons as they travel to preach the word:
" Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the aLord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith—therefore, Mosiah btrusted him unto the Lord." Alma 19:23 The Lord kept His promise and delivered all his sons out of bondage and kept them safe as they roam the land, preaching His words.
Now, Alma, son of Alma, went with Amulek and preached to the Nephites in the city of Ammonihah without success. People had hardened their hearts and refused to give heed to the call to repentance. Eventually, the Lamanites fell upon the city of Ammonihah and completely destroyed the city and it's people.
"16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them." They were forewarned.
Aaron on the other hand, became very very successful with King Lamoni's father's people. Thousands and thousands of people were converted to the Lord. It was a magnificent reading because who would have known the Lamanites would be converted in the state of hatred they had against the Nephites? With God, anything is possible.
I'm currently reading about the sons of Mosiah: Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni. The great success that they had serving their missions among the Lamanites. Also Alma serving his mission with them as well. They spread out and each took their own courses by way the Lord has sent them. I can imagine the joy that they feel preaching the words of God to the unbelieving Lamanites and having been able to convert them to believe in God and in Jesus Christ. King Mosiah's sons refused the Kingship request their father offered them. They'd rather become missionaries instead of kings.
Ammon's success with the people of King Lamoni was stunning. He became a stalwart servant of the king. Not waiting to be told what to-do. Always anticipating what he needed to do first and just did it. King Lamoni was greatly impressed by this dedication that Ammon eventually got a chance to teach him and he was converted.
Mosiah had pleaded with Heavenly Father to watch over his sons as they travel to preach the word:
" Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the aLord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith—therefore, Mosiah btrusted him unto the Lord." Alma 19:23 The Lord kept His promise and delivered all his sons out of bondage and kept them safe as they roam the land, preaching His words.
Now, Alma, son of Alma, went with Amulek and preached to the Nephites in the city of Ammonihah without success. People had hardened their hearts and refused to give heed to the call to repentance. Eventually, the Lamanites fell upon the city of Ammonihah and completely destroyed the city and it's people.
"16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them." They were forewarned.
Aaron on the other hand, became very very successful with King Lamoni's father's people. Thousands and thousands of people were converted to the Lord. It was a magnificent reading because who would have known the Lamanites would be converted in the state of hatred they had against the Nephites? With God, anything is possible.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Summer Time Reading
You think that school is out and we'd have time to read. Think again. Since school is out there has been non stop camps. Youth Camps, Football camps, West Fest Competitions, Hospitalization of Grandma Peta and chicken coop. Yes, you read right. My husband is making a chicken coop and everything else comes second. I have been working non-stop on my new shift from 6am-2pm and came home to a lethally hot house 'cause we have no air conditioning as for now. So the only reading that has been going on really, is my Scripture reading at Work. I read every morning from 6-7am simply because there are no calls coming in.
So, I guess our family scripture reading is seriously taking a vacation now but I'm trying to get my husband to read with the kids instead of waking up and going right outside the door to work. We need to get back to the basic and not let the craziness of Summer take over our Family Spiritual Life.
I have also been called to be the Primary President in our ward and boy do I have my plate full but rest assured I love it all. Reading the Book of Mormon has helped me tremendously, especially when it comes to dealing with trials and tribulations. The High Priest Alma when he was converted by the prophet Abinadi's words, to the city of Ammonihah and how the lord told Alma the younger to go back and preach repentance to them once again. That it was only through the prayers of the righteous that the city of Ammonihah was still spared. Otherwise the Lord would have already destroyed them due to their wickedness.
There will come a time where we will once again be organized as a family for all our reading. For now, our imperfections remain but that doesn't mean we will give up trying. There is always a way back.
So, I guess our family scripture reading is seriously taking a vacation now but I'm trying to get my husband to read with the kids instead of waking up and going right outside the door to work. We need to get back to the basic and not let the craziness of Summer take over our Family Spiritual Life.
I have also been called to be the Primary President in our ward and boy do I have my plate full but rest assured I love it all. Reading the Book of Mormon has helped me tremendously, especially when it comes to dealing with trials and tribulations. The High Priest Alma when he was converted by the prophet Abinadi's words, to the city of Ammonihah and how the lord told Alma the younger to go back and preach repentance to them once again. That it was only through the prayers of the righteous that the city of Ammonihah was still spared. Otherwise the Lord would have already destroyed them due to their wickedness.
There will come a time where we will once again be organized as a family for all our reading. For now, our imperfections remain but that doesn't mean we will give up trying. There is always a way back.
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