Writing the Book of Mormon Podcast

Did you know we can use details and information we have from the scriptures to help us with what is missing between the lines of a story? I found this to be especially true when it came to learning more about this well-known story in Helaman 9 - the betrayal of brothers!

Sometimes it pays off to pay better attention to details when I did this, I discovered a notable dynamic and influential storyline which is not always notable because it was in the midst of a dynamic and influential story!

Strava is an app that gives more detailed information about an exercise we've completed. It seems Helaman chapter six is the Strava for us as we learn more about the secret society known as the Gadianton robbers.

Learning to wait is definitely something that should be grasped early in life because we end up having to do it a lot. But let's talk about the kind of patience it takes to wait for something you believe will happen but don't know exactly when.

We all just have to keep pluggin', Continue doing our best whether those around us acknowledge it or not.

How could a people at such a disadvantage beat their opponent? There is great value going forth in the strength of the Lord. When we go forward like this, the Lord sees fit that the underdogs come out on top.

What will be your story?What traditions will define the story of your family?It's up to us.

The people of Alma and those followers during Lehi's reign as king, might seem different at first. But the closer you look at the two stories, the more you see how much they have in common.

What does it look like when we think of someone being saved?

What does playing good basketball have to living a good life?

"If we pray to know his will and submit ourselves to it with patience and courage, heavenly healing can take place in His own way and time" -Russell M. Nelson

Did you know, sometimes, living the gospel of Jesus Christ is like riding with my cycling friends?

It's amazing how a little added detail can change how we understand a well-known story.

Isn't it interesting how our eyes can read the words that are written, but our hearts can understand the meaning behind them?

I have shared some of what I've learned as I have written out the Book of Mormon. In this episode,  I will compare similar discoveries I've made that to go hand in hand with my experience cycling!

Words can mean different things to different people. Some words change meaning over time, others need clarification. God knows the best definitions. He provides the Book of Mormon to help clarify many important words. When we better understand the true meaning of God's word, our ability to know Him grows greater .

What does it look like to be firm and steady? Brother Bear Berenstain knew the answer. Keep your eyes on the road keep doing the right stuff even when you're going through the tough stuff. 

In order to be good scriptorians, we have to more be like the '70s detective "Columbo". We must look beyond the obvious and let the spirit show us what isn't written. 

Inspired direction is different than simply good advice.

We talk to our kids everyday. Somethings we say are more important than others. The thing is, we are never sure what they'll actually remember. This weeks podcast examines important advice Helaman gave his sons to remember. Thankfully they did just that. We should do the same.

There are wonderful sermons in the Book of Mormon. We have read them and probably even have our favorites. We know what they say, but do we really recognize their message? By dissecting the dialog we can discover valuable messages in a new way.  

When we give appropriate weight to the words we read in the scriptures, we are better prepared to be taught by the Spirit.

Knowing gospel truth can bring new perspectives. Learning gospel truth and knowing it for yourself, is life changing.

“Thoughts, impressions from the Spirit, enlightenment, new understanding, or revelation, however, you describe your experience, pay attention to it, and write it down.”  -Elder Richard G. Scott,   

Asking questions while reading the scriptures has many advantages. When we ask questions and give place for the Spirit to teach, we can increase our knowledge, encourage change, and gain greater faith. 

For over four years I have been writing out The Book of Mormon word by word, sentence by sentence, and paragraph by paragraph. In this episode you'll learn what on earth inspired this unique practice and what I've learned along the way as I have slowed my pace.