Scripture Squiggle: 1 Nephi 9:5-6

"Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.
But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen."

It may have seemed a little strange to Nephi to have the Lord ask him to make a second record on a different set of plates when he had already kept a full record of his people. But he had learned to trust the Lord because He "knoweth all things from the beginning," and if the Lord said the second record was necessary, Nephi did not doubt Him. Nephi did not live to see the Lord's purpose accomplished, but we can be sure he later learned what that purpose was and was grateful that he had chosen to be obedient.

We are often asked to do things that don't make much sense. Instead of doubting the Lord, though, we should do our best to obey Him. Someday we may see the purpose behind the task, or the purpose may, as in Nephi's case, come after we have left this life. No matter which it may be, we can be sure that the Lord has a reason for asking us to do things, to suffer things, to endure, and our lives and the lives of others will be blessed for our obedience.

Scripture Squiggle: 3 John 1:4

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."


I know I feel absolutely wonderful when people tell me how amazing my children are, but it is especially poignant when the praise is spiritually related. I joy when my kids tell me of a challenge they faced at school and that their response to it was to pray. I love when they acknowledge the Lord's hand in their lives.

So do we warm the hearts of our Heavenly Parents when we walk in truth, obeying the Lord's commandments. Yes, He loves when we excel at our jobs, get good grades, and solve difficult problems. But His work and glory is our eternal salvation, so His greatest joy comes when we walk the path He has marked for us.