3 Nephi 2

In the Book of Mormon Student Manuel, it reads:

Scripturally we can see some reasons why the Lord will occasionally show signs to the wicked: 

Leave the wicked without excuse. The wicked are completely responsible for their actions thereafter. The Lord has stated, 'He that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation' (D&C 63:7). 

Show correctness of prophets’ words. Since the wicked seek to prove the prophet wrong, the Lord will occasionally show indisputable signs (see Helaman 9:2-4). 

Condemn the wicked. When the wicked see signs, it is through the Lord’s anger and to their condemnation (see D&C 63:11). The Savior stated, 'An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign' (Matthew 12:39).

To vindicate prophets. The sign that Nephi, son of Helaman, gave to the people concerning the death of the chief judge showed that Nephi was right (see Mosiah 20:21).

The signs, however, are not for the wicked. They are for the righteous, for the believers. Doctrine and Covenants 63:9 reads: "But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe." True to the Faith says, "Such signs are given to those who are faithful and obedient in order to strengthen them in their faith."

3 Nephi 1

"And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong in years, that they became for themselves, and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadianton robbers.
"And thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the rising generation" (29-30).

We need to stand strong. We need to stand firm. We need to increase in our faith and righteousness. We need to be humble. We need to be obedient and follow our church leaders. We need to serve others. We need to stand for what is right. We need to pray. We need to read, study, and search the scriptures. We need to be the best we can, and repent immediately when we make mistakes.

Helaman 16

Samuel the Lamanite was faced with great opposition, and while some repented and were baptized, others became more and more hard hearted and caused contention among the people. In the Book of Mormon Student Manual, it asks a question I believe to be relevant:

What have you found to be the most helpful tool to keep peace and harmony with your family and those you associate with?

The most helpful tool I believe is to serve them. That's what I've found. When you share your love with them, when you serve them, when you work on becoming their friend, that's when peace and harmony can be kept. This can come through leaving notes or writing letters to them. There's so many ways to do so. What are some of the ways you keep peace and harmony?

Helaman 15

The scriptures are truly a miraculous thing. It's a miracle and blessing to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The scriptures lead us to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart (7). Is it any wonder that we are supposed to be studying the scriptures daily? They bless your life. It causes you to be convinced to lead more righteous lives.

Samuel the Lamanite said unto the people the Zarahemla:

"Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free" (8).

We need to read the scriptures, have greater faith in Christ, and repent. We then need to stay firm and steadfast in the faith and in the Savior, in which we have been made free through his atonement for us all.

Helaman 14

Samuel the Lamanite taught the people to prepare for the Savior.

"Whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life" (8). 

"Repent and prepare the way of the Lord" (9). 

"And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits" (13). 

"Ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given you a knowledge and he had made you free" (30).

We, too, need to prepare for the Savior. We live in the Last Days and we are close to the Second Coming. Time is running out. We have choices to make in life. We need to choose to believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ. We need to choose to repent and follow his commandments and do what we need to be doing.

Helaman 13

This semester I am taking a class entitled Family & Community Relationships. I'll don't know much about the subject now as the semester has just begun. However, I do know some things.

Samuel the Lamanite speaks to the people of Zarahemla saying that it is because of those who are righteous that it is saved (12). In the Book of Mormon Student Manuel, it reads:

"There have been times when the wicked were spared from terrible destructions because there were righteous people living among them. The wicked people of Zarahemla had the righteous people to thank for their preservation from destruction, though, of course, they did not know it. In a few years Zarahemla lost this silent and unappreciated protection, and Samuel’s words were fulfilled (see 3 Nephi 9:3). Even Sodom and Gomorrah would have been spared if only 10 righteous people had lived there (see Genesis 18:23–33). 

"How we live really does make a difference. The personal righteousness of a few can become a great blessing to others, especially to those in our own family and local community."

We have a responsibility to live righteously and have a positive influence on our families and communities. We can bless others through our actions and words. We should make a stand for truth and righteousness and be a light to others.

Helaman 12

We do not realize the severity of the tests we are currently going through when we prosper and have peace. President Harold B. Lee said:

“We’re tested and we’re tried. Perhaps we don’t realize the severity of the tests we’re going through. In the early days of the Church, there were murders committed, there were mobbings. The Saints were driven out into the desert. They were starving, they were unclad, and they were cold. We’re the inheritors of what they gave to us. But what are we doing with it? Today we’re basking in the lap of luxury, the like of which we’ve never seen before in the history of the world. It would seem that probably this is the most severe test of any we’ve ever had in the history of this Church” (Dahl, “Fit for the Kingdom,” in Studies in Scripture, 5:369).

What are we doing to past this test? Are we studying the scriptures and saying our daily prayers when we are not experiencing hardships? Are we staying humble and charitable even when we are so richly blessed? Do we remember God always? We have moments of hardships, but it's what we do in the times of peace and prosperity that can really show what we believe.

Sisters' Shared Lessons

Question to the missionaries: "What are some of the lessons you have learned?"

I've asked this question of a lot of individuals currently serving a mission, and last month I shared an Elder's response. Today, I had lessons learned from sister missionaries.

A sister, who has just recently started serving in Arizona, said:

"Some lessons I've learned...? A lot of 'Christians' aren't very 'Christian'; shoe tan lines are cool; You can get along with anyone if you love them; Home is the closet thing to heaven on Earth; your parents really do know everything; and you can answer any question with a scripture. :) How's that?"

Another sister, who is soon coming home after serving in Michigan, said:

1. The Worth of a Soul is Great in the sight of God.
2. The Atonement covers all pain and infirmity.
3. I can be good at repenting, forgiving, and praying while on this earth.
4. The scriptures heal a wounded soul. Jacob 2:8.
5. No matter what, put God first.
6. Exercise daily, you get fat!
7. Loving a person is easier for me than a lot of other missionaries I have served with.
8. Service will keep a person repentant and humble. But it's not convenient.
9. It is a choice to be positive or negative; Choose the first.
10. The Gospel is Restored, no doubt about it. So share it!

Often we think of writing missionaries as a way of serving them, and it is! However, we also have to recognize how they bless us in return. Write a missionary. Ask them questions that you really want to know the answers to. When and if they have the time to write back, their words could strengthen your own testimony, especially when taken into action. Please remember all those missionaries serving the Lord in your prayers. They'll appreciate it.

Helaman 11

Prophets pray for the people. In the General Conference following events of September 11, 2001, President Gordon B. Hinckley offered a prayer:

"O God, our Eternal Father, Thou great Judge of the Nations, Thou who art the governor of the universe, Thou who art our Father and our God, whose children we are, we look to Thee in faith in this dark and solemn time. Please, dear Father, bless us with faith. Bless us with love. Bless us with charity in our hearts. Bless us with a spirit of perseverance to root out the terrible evils that are in this world. Give protection and guidance to those who are engaged actively in carrying forth the things of battle. Bless them; preserve their lives; save them from harm and evil. Hear the prayers of their loved ones for their safety. We pray for the great democracies of the earth which Thou hast overseen in creating their governments, where peace and liberty and democratic processes obtain. 

"O Father, look with mercy upon this, our own nation, and its friends in this time of need. Spare us and help us to walk with faith ever in Thee and ever in Thy Beloved Son, on whose mercy we count and to whom we look as our Savior and our Lord. Bless the cause of peace and bring it quickly to us again, we humbly plead with Thee, asking that Thou wilt forgive our arrogance, pass by our sins, be kind and gracious to us, and cause our hearts to turn with love toward Thee. We humbly pray in the name of Him who loves us all, even the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and our Savior, amen" ("Till We Meet Again").

We are a blessed people. We have prophets on the earth today to guide us.

Helaman 10

At the beginning of Helaman 10, Nephi ponders upon the things the Lord had shown unto him.

Richard G. Scott said in the last General Conference:

"When I am faced with a very difficult matter, this is how I try to understand what to do. I fast. I pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. That process is cyclical. I start reading a passage of scripture; I ponder what the verse means and pray for inspiration. I then ponder and pray to know if I have captured all the Lord wants me to do. Often more impressions come with increased understanding of doctrine. I have found that pattern to be a good way to learn from the scriptures" ("How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life").

Helaman 9

What are the characteristics of God? There are many. But here is my list:

• He is loving.
• He is kind.
• He is all knowing or omniscient.
• He has integrity.
• He is honorable.
• He serves others.
• He listens.
• He is all powerful.
• He is merciful.
• He is charitable.
• He has great compassion.

In reading Helaman 9, Nephi had told the people that they will find their chief judge dead by the hand of his brother. When what he had said actually happened as he said it would, some of the people began to believe his words and in him. The last verse reads:

"And there were others who said: Behold, he is a god, for except he was a god he could not know of all things. For behold, he has told us the thoughts of our hearts, and also has told us things; and even he has brought unto our knowledge the true murderer of our chief judge" (41).

Nephi had been blessed with the ability to know of all things. That is definitely a characteristic of God. I think we should each create our own list of what God is like, come to know God, and strive to be like him.

Helaman 8

"And it came to pass that thus they did stir up the people to anger against Nephi, and raised contentions among them; for there were some who did cry out: Let this man alone, for he is a good man, and those things which he saith will surely come to pass except we repent" (7).

Stand up for what is true. Don't be afraid. Thomas S. Monson said:

"May we ever be courageous and prepared to stand for what we believe, and if we must stand alone in the process, may we do so courageously, strengthened by the knowledge that in reality we are never alone when we stand with our Father in Heaven" ("Dare to Stand Alone").

Domains of Child Development

This semester I am taking a Child Development class for my Marriage and Family Studies major. I'll be learning a lot in the class and I hope to be able to post some of the more interesting things I've learned.

There are three domains of child development that we have gone over:

1. Biosocial Development – includes all the growth and change that occur in a person's body and the genetic, nutritional and health factors that affect growth and change.
2. Cognitive Development – includes all the mental processes that a person uses to obtain knowledge or to think about the environment (perception, imagination, judgment, memory, language).
3. Psychosocial Development – includes development of emotions, temperament and social skills.

Helaman 7

"And behold, now it came to pass that it was upon a tower, which was in the garden of Nephi, which was by the highway which led to the chief market, which was in the city of Zarahemla; therefore, Nephi had bowed himself upon the tower which was in his garden, which tower was also near unto the garden gate by which led the highway" (10).

Sometimes we need to have a private moment to ourselves. Nephi spent a moment in the tower in his garden. While it is near the highway, he still had a moment to himself. Maureen Ebert Leavitt wrote a wonderful article entitled "Privacy and a Sense of Self."

Helaman 6

"For behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of the world that they had not been stirred up to anger, to wars, nor to bloodshed; therefore they began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another; therefore they began to commit secret murders, and to rob and to plunder, that they might get gain" (17).

When you being to be content and expect to be given things, when you forget it was God that blessed you, hearts begin to be set upon things of the world. When that begins to happen, people seek to be raised higher than each other. It destroys the unity of the people.

President Henry B. Eyring said:

“God is forgotten out of vanity. A little prosperity and peace, or even a turn slightly for the better, can bring us feelings of self-sufficiency. We can feel quickly that we are in control of our lives, that the change for the better is our own doing, not that of a God who communicates to us through the still, small voice of the Spirit. Pride creates a noise within us which makes the quiet voice of the Spirit hard to hear. And soon, in our vanity, we no longer even listen for it. We can come quickly to think we don’t need it” ("Prayer").

Don't forget God has blessed you. Always be humble. Be grateful for the things you've been blessed with.

Helaman 5

"And Aminadab said unto them: You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you" (41).

Those who lose their way can return. They can come back to the Lord.

F. Burton Howard said: "Now notice again, the scripture speaks of darkness overshadowing those who have abandoned the faith. The effect of darkness is to prevent one from seeing clearly. To find the way back, as Aminadab discovered, one must repent and pray until doubt and darkness disappear and important things can be seen again" ("Come Back to the Lord").

Have faith. Pray. Study the scriptures. Repent. When you do you will have "that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory" (44).

Helaman 4

"And that they had altered and trampled under their feet the laws of Mosiah, or that which the Lord commanded him to give unto the people; and they saw that their laws had become corrupted, and that they had become a wicked people, insomuch that they were wicked even like unto the Lamanites" (22).

The United States of America had also been given laws inspired of God through our Founding Fathers. President Ezra Taft Benson said:

"Our Father in Heaven planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel. . . . 

"The delegates were the recipients of heavenly inspiration. James Madison, often referred to as the father of the Constitution, wrote: 'It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution' (The Federalist, no. 37, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge, New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1983, p. 222). 

Helaman 3

"Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—" (29).

The scriptures are the word of God. As we read and obey them, we obtain blessings. President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. Does the Lord promise and not fulfill? Surely if He tells us that these things will come to us if we lay hold upon His word, then the blessings can be ours. And if we do not, then the blessings may be lost. However diligent we may be in other areas, certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it as we make our way through the mists of darkness to the tree of life” (“The Power of the Word").

Make sure you study them daily. It will bless your lives. To that I can testify. They certainly have blessed my life enormously. I've been happier. I've been able to complete everything that needed doing, even on the crazy days when there was much to do. When I fit in my studying of the scriptures, I am guided and inspired and the day goes so much better. I really encourage each one of you to spend time studying the scriptures each day. It will really bless your lives.

Helaman 2

"And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi.

"Behold I do not mean the end of the book of Helaman, but I mean the end of the book of Nephi, from which I have taken all the account which I have written" (13-14).

M. Russell Ballard spoke in the Oct. 1997 General Conference to the brethren who hold the Priesthood. It was entitled "Standing for Truth and Right." In it he said:

If we are not careful, today’s secret combinations can obtain power and influence just as quickly and just as completely as they did in Book of Mormon times. Do you remember the pattern? The secret combinations began among the “more wicked part” of society, but eventually “seduced the more part of the righteous” until the whole society was polluted (Hel. 6:38). . . .

The Book of Mormon teaches that the devil is the “author of all sin” and the founder of these secret combinations (Hel. 6:30; see 2 Ne. 26:22). He uses secret combinations, including gangs, “from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men” (Hel. 6:30). His purpose is to destroy individuals, families, communities, and nations (see 2 Ne. 9:9). To a degree, he was successful during Book of Mormon times. And he is having far too much success today. That’s why it is so important for us as priesthood holders to take a firm stand for truth and right by doing what we can to help keep our communities safe.

We have a responsibility to live up to. We need to beware these secret combinations and stand for truth and right.

Two Lessons for a Writer

My Creative Writing professor gave two parting lessons to those who wish to become published writers.

Write for an hour each day. Thinking about writing isn't writing. Talking about writing isn't writing. Only writing is writing. Schedule a time everyday were you simply write. Block out all distractions. Find a secluded spot and drop your phone in a potted plant on your way there (you can pick it up on the way back). It's best if you go to a spot where it's impossible to have internet access. If your spot does have internet access, turn it off. Be protective of your writing time. Let no one and nothing interfere. Schedule the time. Be protective of it. Be religious about it.

Give yourself permission to write bad. When you have an hour of time sitting in front of your computer, you have to allow yourself to write horribly. Elsewise nothing would be written. You'd think of something to write but you wouldn't write it because it isn't great. You don't like it. But you have to allow yourself to actually write it down. At the end of the hour you may have an hour's worth of junk. You hit the "Control" and "A" keys on your keyboard and then press delete. It just means you'll write better tomorrow. Nothing is perfect the first time. The second time. The third. Give yourself permission to write horrid. You just need to write.

Helaman 1

Keep your center strong; Have no contention.

That's pretty much the lesson of Helaman 1. The Nephites kept their outer cities strong and fortified, but the contention over who was to be chief-judge and the assassination of the chief-judge that was chosen by the voice of the people, weakened their capital and distracted the people, allowing the Lamanite army to totally conquer the city.


President James E. Faust said: “When there is contention, the Spirit of the Lord will depart, regardless of who is at fault” ("What I Want My Son to Know before He Leaves on His Mission").

This means any contention. Without the Holy Ghost we also lose the Gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; Moroni 10:8-19; D&C 46:10-26). Without the Gifts of the Spirit, we will not be all that we can be, nor will we have the guidance and peace we need.

Poetry Meters

I've always had a difficult time with poetry. Not only because I didn't understand what it was supposed to mean and represent, but because I didn't know how to figure out the feet and meters even though I've been taught over and over again. However, I finally got it this past semester.

Trochee    / ˘     as in "ugly"
Iamb         ˘ /     as in "because"
Anapest    ˘ ˘ /   as in "intervene"
Dactyl      / ˘ ˘    as in "butterfly"
Spondee  / /      as in "fast paced"
Pyrrhus   ˘ ˘      as in "at the"

Each of those are a foot. Think of / as the sound DUM and ˘ as the sound da.

Alma 63

"Now behold, all those engravings which were in the possession of Helaman were written and sent forth among the children of men throughout all the land, save it were those parts which had been commanded by Alma should not go forth.

"Nevertheless, these things were to be kept sacred, and handed down from one generation to another; therefore, in this year, they had been conferred upon Helaman, before the death of Shiblon" (12-13).

It's important that scriptures are available to people so they can study them. They are sacred writings.


Spencer W. Kimball said:

“Sometimes it seems we take the scriptures too much for granted because we do not fully appreciate how rare a thing it is to possess them, and how blessed we are because we do have them. We seem to have settled so comfortably into our experiences in this world and become so accustomed to hearing the gospel taught among us that it is hard for us to imagine it could ever have been otherwise. . . . 

“We need to sense something of the depth of the spiritual darkness that prevailed before that day in the spring of 1820 when the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith—a darkness which was foreseen by the prophet Nephi and described as ‘that awful state of blindness’ in which the gospel was withheld from man" ("How Rare a Possession—the Scriptures!”).

Point of View

When analyzing a work of literature, or trying to figure out your own story, it's helpful to ask yourself four questions:

1. Who Speaks?
2. To Whom?
3. In What Form?
4. At What Distance?

Alma 62

We all face adversity in life. In Family Relations, we had discussed crisis events in relation to a family and individuals. I've mentioned it once in "Crisis in Life." When a crisis comes, we are given an opportunity to progress. A crisis causes us to move, we are no longer allowed to be stagnant. We will grow closer together or draw further apart.

I love what Elder Dallin H. Oaks says about being affected by adversity:

“Surely these great adversities are not without some eternal purpose or effect. They can turn our hearts to God. . . . Even as adversities inflict mortal hardships, they can also be the means of leading men and women to eternal blessings. 

“Such large-scale adversities as natural disasters and wars seem to be inherent in the mortal experience. We cannot entirely prevent them, but we can determine how we will react to them. For example, the adversities of war and military service, which have been the spiritual destruction of some, have been the spiritual awakening of others. The Book of Mormon describes the contrast: 

Characterization

Characterization is the formation and presentation of a character.

There are two ways an author presents a character: directly or indirectly.

Four methods used for Direct Characterization:

1. Action
2. Appearance
3. Thought
4. Dialogue

Alma 61

Resist evil that we may rejoice in great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God (14).

In this last General Conference there seemed to be much emphasis on being active in the church and active in the gospel. Donald L. Hallstorm's talk really focused on that in particular. However, back in October 1984, Ronald E. Poelman gave a talk about this subject entitled "The Gospel and the Church." In it he says:

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a divine and perfect plan. It is composed of eternal, unchanging principles, laws, and ordinances which are universally applicable to every individual regardless of time, place, or circumstance. Gospel principles never change. 

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth, administered by the priesthood of God. The Church has authority to teach correctly the principles and doctrines of the gospel and to administer its essential ordinances. 

"The gospel is the divine plan for personal, individual salvation and exaltation. The Church is divinely commissioned to provide the means and resources that implement this plan in each individual’s life. 

"Procedures, programs, and policies are developed within the Church to help us realize gospel blessings according to our individual capacity and circumstances. Under divine direction, these policies, programs, and procedures may be changed from time to time as necessary to fulfill gospel purposes."

 The cause of our Redeemer and our God is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Jesus Christ organized his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for us, his latter-day saints. It's to help us accomplish, guide and teach us everything we need to know and do to have eternal life.

Six Word Stories

There's a lot in stories that don't need to be written. An author's most used key is the deletion button.

Writing books is a great goal, but begin perfecting yourself with short stories. Ernest Hemingway's colleagues bet he couldn't write a short story in just six words. He came back the next day with:

For sale: baby shoes, never used.

They paid up. Write your stories and condense everything to it's purest, strongest form. Imagine the process of creating perfume. It takes time to discover just the right combination of concentrated oils. You want to perfect your concentration skills before continuing. If the concentration is not perfected, then nothing you do will make it any better. Practice writing short stories. It's hard to write a good one.

Alma 60

Moroni wrote an epistle to Pahoran, in the city of Zerahemla, who is chief judge and the governor over the land, and also to all those who have been chosen by the people to govern and manage the affairs of the war (1). He told them their responsibly towards their people and their armies as they fought this war in defense of the nation.

While reading Alma 60, I thought of all the countries in the world that are at war. Honestly, I think this epistle should be read by all government leaders. They need to be reminded why they are in office.

"And now, my beloved brethren—for ye ought to be beloved; yea, and ye ought to have stirred yourselves more diligently for the welfare and the freedom of this people; but behold, ye have neglected them insomuch that the blood of thousands shall come upon your heads for vengeance; yea, for known unto God were all their cries, and all their sufferings" (10).

Fictional Time

As a writer you control time.

Time.

You control it.

There are four types of fictional time:

1. Scene
2. Summary
3. Flashback
4. Slow Motion

Alma 59

President Ezra Taft Benson, “It is better to prepare and prevent, than to repair and repent” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 285).

The city of Nephihah was lost because it was not sufficiently maintained. We need to maintain our spiritual well being that we are not also lost. How do we do so? We pray daily and continuously. We read and study the scriptures. We are charitable towards all. We live our testimonies. We have righteous traditions. There's a lot we can do to maintain; to prepare ourselves; to prevent falling.

Ten Rules of Good Writing

Brother Josh Allen is my Creative Writing teacher during my Winter semester at BYU-Idaho. I've learned a lot from him that I want to share with those that  have hopes and aspirations to be a writer. He made a list of Ten Rules he believes will make a story much better. If you have all ten of them, you are definitely on the right track.

1. Good writing is about desire. A character is someone who wants. Only people who want are interesting. People who want nothing mean nothing.
2. Good writing is about trouble. Perfect lives are boring and so are perfect people. The only interesting events that ever come to humanity do so because of trouble and human flaw. Therefore, good literature makes use of antagonists.
3. Good writing is carefully structured. Our work should generally adhere to some version of Conflict → Climax → Resolution.
4. Good writing earns its climaxes. Our stories and poems must "reap what they sow." They must build to a climax, avoid the dreaded dues ex machina, and bestow grace or punishment upon our characters only when doing so is warranted.
5. Good writing doesn't happen to characters – it happens because of characters. Good writing is about transformation, so we should avoid the stagnant. We must end our works either 1) in a new emotional place or 2) in the same emotional place but with greater emotional intensity.
6. Good writing "belongs" to somebody. Our works should be about a specific character and that character's struggles. Everything we include should relate perfectly to that character's development.
7. Good writing presents at least one round character. Preferably, characters will not be revealed through summary but through their speech, appearances, names, gestures, actions, and reactions to others. To make a character round, we can set one of these characteristics against the others.
8. Good writing presents at least one dynamic character. Good writing is about transformation, so we should avoid the stagnant. Also, interesting characters learn. They move from Point A to Point B.
9. Good writing communicates emotion through concerete images, not abstractions. "There are no ideas but in things," said William Carlos Williams. Communicate through the 5 senses that humans used to explore and learn about their world when they were only babies. 
10. Good writing avoids clichés. Cliches are unoriginal and emotionless. Don't use them.

These are basic rules for the beginning writer. When you become better, you can tweak these rules. You could use a cliché just to make fun of it. You could do a lot of things that aren't mentioned in here. But these are good guidelines to get off the ground with.

Uses these rules a basis for critiquing your own and other's work. I've found them to be extremely helpful in my own.

Note: Other posts where I've talk about things I've learned in relation to writing this semester are Two Poems of Mine and Mosiah 11, Alma 30, and Alma 42.

Alma 58

Helaman and his men were in dire states, so they poured out their souls in prayer unto God that he would strengthen them and deliver them from their enemies. The Lord visited them with assurances that he would deliver them. He gave them peace in the midst of this turmoil. He gave them faith and cause them to hope for their deliverance, because they knew God would keep his promises.

Dennis E. Simmons said:

“If all the world is crumbling around us, the promised Comforter will provide His peace as a result of true discipleship. . . . We can have His peace with us irrespective of the troubles of the world. His peace is that peace, that serenity, that comfort spoken to our hearts and minds by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, as we strive to follow Him and keep His commandments. . . . 

“Just as Helaman discovered in the midst of battle that ‘he did speak peace to our souls’ (Alma 58:11) . . . , all sincere seekers can have that same peace spoken to them. That peace comes from the assurances spoken by a still, small voice” ("His Peace").

We can also have that peace. We can find it even in the midst of craziness that happens in mortality. We you are faithful and have a hope in Christ, you do not fear and you are at peace.

Why Rexburg Hates My Roommate

For the past 12 or so hours, I've only had one roommate still here. All the others have left because their finals are over. This particular roommate's name is Brianne and I'm posting all of this with her full permission, just so you are aware. She was done with school on Wednesday. She hasn't left yet because she is driving a carload of people back to Washington today. Hopefully. If nothing else goes wrong.

Because yesterday was a gloriously beautiful spring day, she washed her car. Washed it, and then was telling us not to get it dirty. We were even teasing her in saying that a flock of birds were going to fly right over her car before she leaves on her trip, messing it up horridly. She couldn't bare thinking about it.

This morning, I'm sitting on our couch with the blinds open letting in the sunlight that reflected off the snow on the ground, the snow falling from the sky and being blown anywhere but down. My roommate wakes up, passes the living room, then comes back, points and says, "AH!!!!!!" I seriously had a vision that a giant animal was in our apartment going to eat us all by her reaction. So I jumped, but didn't see anything. Turns out she was pointing out the window. It was snowing.

Winter... It's Still Here

It's the last day of finals for the Winter Semester. Well, for me. And one thing everyone should be aware of is that Rexburg, ID is absolutely fickle. Or, when using a Thesaurus: capricious, changeable, variable, volatile, mercurial; inconstant, undependable, unsteady, unfaithful, faithless, flighty, giddy, skittish. That's what Rexburg's weather is like.

This entire winter has been extremely mild. It's been pretty fantastic. I'm not aware of any instances when I was out in negative degree weather. First time that's happened in any winter semester I've ever been at here in Rexburg. For the first month, I was just dreading the day when it would snow, and snow, and snow and stay until May. But it never happened. It would snow. Then melt. The wind would come, but only for a day or two and only when it wasn't snowing. It was a blessing.

I've been taking my last few finals. This semester I've had FIVE. But when I think about how I had SEVEN classes, five isn't so bad. When I was taking a few of my finals yesterday, the wonderful real spring weather was making it really hard to concentrate on studying and taking tests. It was soo nice. It felt like May here. Beautiful. Today, I wake up to go take a final that began at 7 AM. I opened the door, and immediately closed it in horror. There was snow. The snow was on the ground and coming from the sky. The wind is also really enjoying playing with the snow and moving it about in a variety of directions that is not down. I'm not exactly sure when it's going to stop.

I'm thinking Rexburg just wants to remind us that it's still winter semester for a day or two more. It's annoying. I've already had my heart set on spring.

Alma 57

"And as the remainder of our army were about to give way before the Lamanites, behold, those two thousand and sixty were firm and undaunted.

"Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them" (20-21).

"And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds.

"And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power.

"Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually" (25-27).

Lessons to learn from the 2,060 stripling Ammonites:

Alma 56

Helaman and his 2,000 stripling (young) Ammonite warriors were the bait for the Lamanites to come and chase them. And chase them they did. However, one morning the Lamanites stopped pursuing and Helaman and his men were not sure why. Was it because Antipus and his men needed help or was it because the Lamanites were setting up a trap for them? So Helaman turned to his men and asked, "Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle?" (44).

Then Helaman in his letter says:

"And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites. 

"For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus. 

"Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. 

"And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it" (45-48).

Alma 55

"The Nephites were not slow to remember the Lord their God in this their time of affliction. They could not be taken in their snares" (31).

We should always remember the Lord our God.

Henry B. Erying said:

"I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. 

"More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened. . . .

"My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies. You may not keep a journal. You may not share whatever record you keep with those you love and serve. But you and they will be blessed as you remember what the Lord has done. You remember that song we sometimes sing: Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done'" ("O Remember, Remember").

There are things you can do to remember the Lord your God. You can start taking note of the things the Lord has done for you today. Write it down. Just one example. There is so much you can do.

Alma 54

Ammoron, the new king of the Lamanites because his brother Amalickiah was killed, set a letter to Moroni asking to exchange prisoners. Now Moroni was very glad, because he wanted the provisions for the prisoners to go to his own people and to get his own people back who would strengthen his army. However, the Lamanites took many women and children while the Nephites had none, but because Moroni was clever he asked that for every Lamanite prisoner they return they'd receive the Nephite prisoner plus his wife and children. Ammoron agreed.

Moroni was keeping the families together. He was saving families. Not just individuals.

April General Conference

The last time we had General Conference, I was in Switzerland. It seems such a long time ago, yet it also feels like I was just there. (These are my notes from each of the sessions last time: session 1, session 2, session 3, session 4). It's time yet again to hear from the prophets, apostles, seers and revelators and other auxiliary leaders in the church. We get to hear what is is God wants us to know and remember and do.

In the Ensign of September 2011, there is a First Presidency message entitled: "General Conference–No Ordinary Blessing." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf listed "three basic concepts that may help us to better receive, remember, and apply the words spoken by the Lord’s servants."

1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.
2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.
3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.

What have I learned in the 182nd Annual General Conference? General Conference is for the whole world, not just the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Alma 53

Remember when I mentioned the people of Ammon or the Anti-Nephi-Lehis in Alma 20, Alma 24, Alma 25, Alma 27, and Alma 35?

They were Lamanites who had converted to the gospel and made a covenant to never again cause any bloodshed. They were massacred by their fellow Lamanite brethren for their beliefs. The Nephites offered them refuge and lands for their inheritance, which they used to provide food for the armies.

"But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in defence of their country. 

"But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made. 

"And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose their souls; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances at this time" (13-15).

President Boyd K. Packer has said:

“Keep your covenants and you will be safe. Break them and you will not. . . .
“. . . We are not free to break our covenants and escape the consequences” ("Covenants").

We need to also remember to always keep our covenants. There is no exception. Keep the covenants you have made. You will be safe.

 

Alma 52

"And it came to pass that [Teancum] kept thus preparing for war until Moroni had sent a large number of men to strengthen his army" (7).
"And Moroni also sent unto him, desiring him that he would be faithful in maintaining that quarter of the land" (10).

We need to always be preparing. As I mentioned in a previous post, there are several ways we can prepare. And in the preparation, we are also strengthening and maintaining what we have. We aren't wasteful. We aren't lazy or prideful. We are dedicated. We are faithful. We are obedient. We are preparing ourselves the best we can.