Section 135

I knew that reading this section would make me cry...it is about the martyrdom of Joseph Smith. I didn't even get past verse 3 before I teared up. I have such a strong testimony about the first prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that he was a good man innocent of all the crimes he was accused of and died only to be welcomed with open arms by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. There is no doubt in my mind that he was the 2nd most instrumental man to bring to pass the salvation of man because without him, the world as we know it would still be lost and ruined. 

The price he paid to bring the Book of Mormon to the latter-days reminds me of the worth of that book in my life. I know that the stories that are told are meant to help me, but the sacrifices made by the prophets who wrote, preserved, and passed along the golden plates would have all been wasted if Joseph Smith was not here to translate it. I know I'm focusing on Joseph when there were many others who helped, and there was another who was martyred for the cause as well, Hyrum. The brother who stood by Joseph and died with a testimony of the restoration of the gospel is also an example of greatness and love. I hope to one day be a good supporter like Hyrum was, I don't know what my future has in store but I want to always support my prophet and church leaders.

Section 134

Wowza! I am amazed at how straightforward and simple this section is when explaining what the Church believes. I know that as a member of the church I am supposed to believe all this to, and I do, but I am not perfect in acting on those beliefs. Points made such as "all men should step forward and use their ability in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment" (v8) and the suggested following all laws are just not my forte. I do admit to speeding and sometimes not stopping at stop signs completely but that is totally why we have civil officers to enforce the laws because I know I'm not the only one (v3).
Now there are like two or three verses in there that speak of the laws of religious societies being separate in dealing with it's members than the civil government and such. I think because I have grown up in the church and somewhat understand how it is all being done this isn't new to me, but I recently read about Alma and King Mosiah who didn't have a clear separation between church and state until the issue came up. Of course they had the majority of their people as apart of the church so it was given that they would let God govern as much as possible, but today is very different and the separation is best for all. I do know that we have laws that govern our society so that we can exist in peace and I am so blessed to live in America where I do not have to physically fight for my freedom to practice my religion.

Section 133

I find myself trying to take my time on these sections because I have enjoyed reading and learning from the Doctrine and Covenants. I want to continue sharing insights and my learning when this is all over but it seems to be ending too soon for me! As I come closer to the end, my mind is reeling to make the best out of what I have left and now I am confused because there are good things and bad things about the section I finished today. I both look forward to and am scared of the second coming of the Lord.
I look forward to it because I want to be able to see the Lord again and live with Him during the time of no temptation, but I'm scared because I'm not ready yet. There are certain things in my life that haven't happened yet for me to be ready to die or have the second coming happen...although in some ways it might make things easier...I want to be able to know that I am strong enough to fight against satan on the side of Heavenly Father. The trials of this life that I have experienced have given me a true testimony and love of Christ, but I know I can always learn more. I have more work to do, and I will work daily to sharpen my Sword of the Spirit and reinforce my shield of faith and armour of God (Ephesians 6:11-17).

Section 132

I think I will be brief on this one because of my simple thoughts about all that I read, and my personal feelings are very touchy for my. I know that the Lord has given commandments to His people to help them progress in their life on earth, and I will do my best to follow them so that I will return to the presence of God after death. My main goal is to gain eternal salvation and the highest degree of glory, so that is what I work for every day by reading scriptures, serving others, and keeping Christ as the center of my life.
I love the feeling I get when I read the scriptures and also the strengthening of my testimony as I have started writing this blog. Thank you to all who have encouraged me in continuing.

Section 129-131

Wow! So much interesting information that I feel overwhelmed and a bit lost at how much I don't know. These instructions from Joseph seem to be more of revelations, advice, and general knowledge to make me more curious. Like, first lets address the whole 'when will the Son of Man come' questions he talks about in section 130:14-17 because it suggests that Christ would have come if Joseph had reached the age 85 OR Joseph would have died at 85 at the latest. It would have been the year 1890 when Joseph turned 85 so obviously that past and Christ didn't show up then so it must have been that the oldest Joseph would have aged was 85 yrs old.
Now I wanna question this whole South Carolina mention in 130:12, and how that seems to be the place bloodshed starts before Christ comes. <Side note: I saw this meme that had a picture of zombies and it said something along the lines of "I never thought 'the dead shall live again' in the scriptures meant this." Then, I just went on a obsession when I read that the bloodshed would start in South Carolina...maybe the zombies will start there! But that's all just my nerdy/imagination talking :) End side note> Back to reality with not knowing when the Lord will come back to earth to start the millenium so I will work my hardest to just be as prepared as possible!
In section 129, we learn about the three different beings that are not of this earth, and how to discern which is which. I've learned this concept before, but it is always good to refresh the memory just in case it happens one of these days I'm just chilling. Lastly, I cannot be impressed upon enough about missionary work! It is like every time I read from the scriptures I am reminded how important it is to share the gospel to EVERYONE! Mostly this time it is because "it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance," (131:6), and we have all been told to share the gospel so that no one will be ignorant about it anymore. Everyone deserves a chance to accept the Lord as their Savior.

Section 128

Another letter from Joseph Smith, and I feel like I get a deeper understanding of his love for the gospel and the saints from it. He is directing how to keep records for baptism for the dead and then explaining the importance of this ordinance. Part of the importance comes from gaining salvation through family history work because, as he says several times, "their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation" (v15). On earth, we can help our ancestors achieve their salvation which in turn helps us gaining salvation for ourselves.
I love the terms he uses in v18 about baptism for the dead being the needed welding link that ties fathers to the children, and then again welded together all dispensations, keys, powers, and glories from the days of Adam. Now is the fulness of times that gives us knowledge about the history of the earth, and the revelations from the foundation of the world. I am blessed to be a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ and have this knowledge that can help with my salvation. Just yesterday I listened to many talks at my Stake Conference about the importance of the temple and doing work for the dead, and it is only reiterated now as I read the words of the Prophet.

Section 125-127

I love the fact that I am at this point in the history of the church right when I had a chance to visit Nauvoo for the past weekend. Just before going I promised myself to find out what happened with the Nauvoo House the saints were commanded to build as they built the temple (124:60). The Lord blessed me with running into the knowledge while exploring historical Nauvoo with a good friend of mine. I owe it to her that my prayer for seeing the Nauvoo House was answered because it was by the Joseph Smith house by the river.
Being reminded about all the history of Nauvoo while reading about revelations about it is by far making my scripture study more precious. Because it was my friend's first time visiting Historical Nauvoo, I wanted to take her to all the places you can get a souvenir in the little time we had, and even though I didn't get to visit inside each historical house again, the Brigham Young House was one we did visit. I'm glad that we got to see that house because I have a confident testimony that Brigham Young was called to be the second prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by God. Section 126 testifies that he is dear and well-beloved, and the Lord was happy with the work he did to spread the gospel.
The letter from Joseph to the saints when he had to go into hiding reminds me of all the hardships he faced and makes me sad until I read about his glorying in tribulation because he is used to all of it (127:2). There are certain tribulations that I am used to because I have faced them all my life, and I am glad that I have faced them because they have strengthened my faith. I know the Lord is shaping me into the person I need to be so that I can help him more fully in His work, and I will accept the pain and trials I face so I can be what He wants me to be.

Section 124

Sometimes after reading a really long section, I've forgotten what the beginning of the section was about! It terrible, I know, but that's why I love how scriptures have improved with section headings and summarizing. That being said, I loved that I read this section at this point in my life because I am going to Nauvoo this weekend and will be specifically asking about the Nauvoo House that is mentioned in v60 of this section. I know I've been to the town part of Nauvoo before but I have a new love for history recently (strange right?) and I am curious about certain things I used to not care as much about.
Best part about this section, by far, is at the end when the Lord says, "approve of those names which I have mentioned, or else disprove them at my general conference" (v144). First, any decision that the Lord makes should be final and not disputed, right? Second, how cool is it to be given a say in the sustaining of church leaders by the Lord?! And third, I feel like this is part of our agency by supporting the Lord's appointed presidencies. I personally am really excited for my stake conference this weekend and then in a few weeks after that General Conference where I can use my agency to sustain the leadership of The Church.
I do have to give a small mention to the temple because it is a commandment in this section to build it and I can hear the firm but loving voice of the Lord spoken that my institute teacher has been mentioning. When the Lord tells the people that their ordinances will be accepted until the temple is built it is decisive and firm, but the act of letting them continue to do them outside a temple as long as they are faithfully working on the House of God is so loving. I feel blessed to live so close to a temple and to be worthy to visit and feel the peace that comes when I am inside.

Section 122-123

The comfort words that the Lord gives to Joseph during his time in Liberty jail are somewhat backhanded in the way they are worded. Joseph's name will be known and asked about through the ends of the earth, which means he needs to be the best example in modern days that anyone can be. That is why the Lord says he must bare his trials and misgivings as ways to gain experience because that is how Christ lived His life suffering more than anyone. I know that the trails given to each person is no more than they can handle so I will follow Joseph's and Christ's examples and accept them as experience.
In section 123, the duty of the people of God is hidden in there and says that we owe it to God, angels, families, the rising generations, and all the people in the grip of satan's evil to spread the light of Christ to all the hidden things of darkness (v13). I can think of many ways to do that in my everyday life by living my life as Jesus Christ would, and not being shy to share my standards. I try to reach out to people who are not members of my church and share my life ideals so that they can see how happy it makes me to live according to the commandments of God.

Section 121

I feel as though this section is supposed to be comforting but it makes me sad to think about those who are on the enemies side because they are really in for a hard time. It's fair that they will be punished, but it's scary to think how rough it is for them when some of them were tricked by satan. The Lord has called the righteous to positions of authority and trusted that they will not ruin their priesthood by having any degree of unrighteousness. If I'm ever put in a position of authority again I will work most carefully to not cover my sins, gratify my pride, or vain ambitions, and never exercise control or dominion unrighteously.

Section 117-120

What I find both interesting and worrisome is that the Lord seems to call people to sin no more and do His work, and I know no one is perfect, but it raises the question what sins are there in these people? I've read some sections that is says the servant was prideful, others that they are slow to follow the commandments, and there was even one I remember saying they need to follow more exactly the commandments of God. I am pretty sure I have fallen short on all of those things mentioned and that scares me, but also gives me hope.

I have hope that the Lord will forgive my sins and put trust in me again to continue His work when I am clean and repented. It should also be a comfort to those families of missionaries that they are provided for and protected along with their missionary (118:3), just as I believe that every full tithe paying member of the church is protected and helped to a certain degree. Section 119 is the first time the Lord says a specific amount of 1/10 of our income is to be paid to better Zion for the Lord. I have a strong testimony that tithing is a small way to pay back the Lord for all the many blessings He give me, and I know from experience that He will bless us more when we willingly pay tithing. I had to learn to not just pay, but to be happy to pay my tithing because it helps so many.

Section 115-116

The building of a temple is always a joyous occasion so when I read about the Lord commanding the saints to build a temple and labor until it i finished I was happy. They were told not to go into debt to build the temple and to follow instructions so that the temple would be accepted as the house of the Lord. The name of the church in the last dispensation is also told because it is very important for a church of Christ to be called His name. I like telling people that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints before clarifying that most people know us as 'Mormons'.
Also, I am rather upset at myself for never going to visit Adam-ondi-Ahman more often now that I live in Missouri! I'm sure its not bad that I haven't but I've been to Nauvoo plenty of times just never thought about Adam-ondi-Ahman as a place I should visit.

Section 113-114

There is another really cool question and answer section in the Doctrine and Covenants I completely forgot about! I know for sure, I will be using this when I start reading the Bible and come Isaiah because these answers are very specific and answer some very good questions. I feel a slight need to mention my inability to interpret questions so clearly and wish to become better at such ability. It is definitely a blessing to have such smart leaders who can understand Isaiah better than me, and go through the trouble of explaining it.
Quick thing to mention about section 114, the Lord calls who is needed, but if that person can't fulfill their calling they will be replaced. I feel that it is harsh but it is needed and I hope I never have to be replaced because I am not faithful.

Section 112

I don't know who else has this problem, but sometimes I have a hard time fully loving all of God's children. I try really hard to not show how much I despise people, but in truth, my mind is a mean place full of judgmental cruel thoughts. This is definitely hard to admit because I wish I wasn't like this and I could love everyone without judgments. Those times that I realize I am being judgmental are when I scold myself and feel guilty for my imperfections. I hope to become better at changing my thoughts to more pure wholesome thoughts and letting my righteous thoughts become my actions.

Section 110-111

The visitation from heavenly beings are a big deal! In section 110, the first visitation in a temple in the latter days happens to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to tell them that the Lord accepts the temple as His house on earth. 3 other heavenly visitors come to give them the keys, power, and truths that we are using in the latter days to gather Israel and preach the gospel. I am grateful that the Lord is watching over His saints and that I am counted as one of them, and just like when they were in debt, the Lord promised to watch over them (111:5).
Promises from the Lord are as perfect as any promise could ever be, and can be taken as fact. I know that the Lord tells us to stay out of unnecessary debt and will provide for us when it is necessary if we continue to follow the commandments He gives us. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and strive to become like Him by being compassionate to others, serving, loving, and doing all I can to live without sin.

Section 109

The temple is an amazingly spiritual place because it is the house of the Lord on earth, and is the place where temple ordinances can arm us with the power of God. This section is a beautiful dedicatory prayer for the Kirkland Temple. I love that the prayer is not only about the temple, but mentions blessing others like the prophet (v68), church leaders (v71), and the poor and afflicted of the church (v72).
I have to admit that I'm self-conscious when it comes to praying because I don't think my prayers are as good as others, but I know they are sincere. My prayers are completely my own, original thoughts that I feel as I'm praying. I try to show respect to my Father in Heaven when I speak to Him, but I am also myself. I love my Heavenly Father, my Savior, and the fact that I can pray to them with thanks, gratitude, and in times of need.

Section 107-108

I want to take a little time to express some of the personal feelings I've had about this blog. I never thought sharing my testimony everyday publically would be so terrifying and so satisfying at the same time. I have had many supporters who strengthen me when I am worried I'm not doing any good, and people who I haven't talked to in a while tell me how they appreciate them. I am publicly thanking all of you, right now! Even if you have just mentioned it in passing, liked it once when it was posted on facebook, or opened it to give me a page view, I thank you!
Sharing a testimony is so hard sometimes in sacrament meeting because I always end up crying or thinking I shared too much or too little, but typing it out in a blog means you can't see my tears or hear my uncertainty (because I got to edit!). When I began reading the Doctrine and Covenants, I was glad to be moving on to more personal testimonies in my writing and not just quoting or explaining the Book of Mormon, and now that I'm getting close to being done, I sometimes think I'm repeating myself. It worries me because I love the gospel and this blog for what they have given me in my life; peace, strength, support, and a testimony.
My testimony for the habit that is reading scriptures is so much stronger from having a public diary for my thoughts, and even though I don't write every day, I do read my scriptures every day. These sections are grouped together because I have a busy schedule and studied but never had time to type up my feelings (also I lack some understandings). My lack in understanding is mostly because I wish I had a deeper knowledge of the workings of the church organization and if it is still ran like the section 107 describes. If it does, that is amazing that the Lord got it so right the first time when the church was small and no other directions were needed, but if it's not the same I know that the guidance is still given from God to the prophet and presidency to better govern the affairs of His church on earth.
Like I mentioned, I changed this blog from a simplifying/summarizing what I read to a testimony, and I want to testify that the church is guided by a prophet that is in constant communication with God. The men that are called as the priesthood leaders of the church locally and globally are given this duty because they hold the power of God and are expected to use it righteously to be in service of the members of the church they are in contact with. Even the young men are given responsibilities that are so important when they get the priesthood because the power of God lifts them to their calling. I appreciate the worthy priesthood holders who understand what power they are given, and use it to bless others.

Section 105-106

I relearned a nice lesson by reading section 105; the instructions I receive from the Lord are not always to help myself. The Lord commanded the saints to help out the poor and afflicted but the church as a whole did not obey that commandment and others suffered for it. I want to be the kind of person that is able to help others and be the Lord's angel on earth. A united kingdom that is serving God, will be blessed and proper, but we aren't just given everything by Him, sometimes He provides by letting those who are more fortunate help those who need it. 

Now as for section 106, I am blown away! That section is so personal and amazing that I just hope that one day I can feel like the Lord thinks of me in that way at all. To do so I will be humble and do all I can to serve God in His work on earth. I can't think of anything else to say on this matter, but I know I have a lot of work to do if I am to be worthy of any mansions in heaven.

Section 104

Being a steward of the Lord's property sounds like a huge responsibility! Just the way this section started, worried me with all the talk of cursings and being doomed to hell if someone is found guilty and repenteth not. Although I agree with the consequences of transgressing against the Lord in these circumstances, I hope I am never found on that side of Him. The organizations of the United Order were great though, and it was good that the Lord established them and gave stewardships to His saints so that the church was provided for. I know that all things were done for the good of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the last dispensation.
My experience with responsibility for the welfare of the saints was a while ago, but I remember the feeling I had when I was called. I didn't feel worthy, ready, or capable, but I was willing to do what I could, all I could, to fulfill that calling. I didn't even serve in the calling for a long time, but I am grateful that I had the calling because I learned how to listen to the guidance from the spirit in trying to help those who I had a responsibility for. I have a testimony that callings are given for a purpose and it is my duty as a follower of Christ to accept any calling, and do my best to fulfill and magnify my callings.

Section 103

The Lord has provided for His sheep on earth in the latter days and it is testified of in this section where they are told why they were chastened and given direction to continue onward. I suppose that I am chastened for the same reasons sometimes, because I don't fully obey all the commandments and words from the Lord. I have times when I am worse than others, but with the loving chastising from God, I can redirect my energy to becoming a better follower of Christ. There is no comparison to the persecution the early saints endured and my silly chastising, but it has the same love from God and the same effect.
I am grateful for the faith that the early saints had to continue on building the kingdom of God, and grateful to the Lord for helping the work along. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is guided by Christ because he cares for the people on earth. He has set up ways for us to return to Him after death, and I am blessed to know the truths about them while alive, and hopefully I will be able to serve Him more fully.