In the Old Testament I read about how after Jacob died, they embalmed him and mourned over him. Then they carried him to the land of Caanan to be buried, as he had requested. After burying their father, they returned to the land of Egypt. Gen. 50: 1-7, 13-14 "And Joseph fell upon his father’s face, and wept upon him, and kissed him. And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel. And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days. And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again. And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear. And Joseph went up to bury his father: and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre. And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father."

In the D&C I read some verses that talk about putting on the whole armor of God so that we may be able to withstand evil, and shield ourselves from the fiery darts of the wicked. We need to prepare ourselves to stand, armed with the whole armor of God, and the Lord will pour His Spirit out upon us, give us answers to our prayers, and we'll be able to come unto Him and dwell where He does. D&C 27: 15-18 "Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you; Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to wait patiently on Lord and He will hear our cries. He will deliver us out of a horrible pit of miry clay and set our feet upon a rock. There can be no firmer foundation upon which to base our lives than that of the Lord. Ps. 40: 1-2 "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."

In the Old Testament I read about how Israel blessed his children and told them he wanted to be buried in the land of Canaan with Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah. After he finished commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into his bed and died. Gen. 49: 28-33 "All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them. And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah. The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth. And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people."

In the D&C I read a familiar verse that tells us the importance of music. The Lord's soul delights in the songs of the heart and when the righteous sing, it is like a prayer unto God which will be answered upon their heads. D&C 25: 12 "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord will forgive our sins and heal our illnesses. He'll redeem us from destruction and crown us with tender mercies and loving kindness. What wonderful blessings these are! Ps. 103: 2-5 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

In the Old Testament I read about how Israel blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, but crossed his hands over so that the younger child was blessed with his right hand. Joseph tried to stop him and explain to him which child was the elder, but Israel said he was aware of it but was giving them the blessings that were right for them. Even though Manasseh would also be a great nation, Ephraim was set before him. Gen. 48: 14-20 "And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day. The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head. And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh."

In the D&C we're told to be patient in our afflictions for we'll have many. But if we endure them well, the Lord will be with us to the end of our days. What a great promise this is! Everyone has afflictions in their lives (some more than others) but our job is to endure them well and seek strength from the Lord to help us endure them well. We don't have to face our troubles alone. God will be with us. D&C 24: 8 "Be apatient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that baptism symbolizes the death of our old sinful selves. As we're lowered down into the water it's like burying our old selves, the death of our former sinfulness. And as we're raised up out of the water, it's like being resurrected and beginning a new life. This is why baptism by immersion is so important. Being completely covered in water and then coming forth out of the water provides the symbolism of the death of our old natures and the new life we're coming forth into. Rom. 6: 3-11 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin bonce: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

In the Old Testament I read about the emotional meeting of Joseph and his father, when he fell on his neck and wept. You can just imagine how his father must have felt seeing Joseph alive after thinking he was dead and mourning so deeply his loss. Gen. 46: 29-31 "And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive. And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;"

In the D&C I read about how the church needed to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord gave through the prophet Joseph Smith. The same could be said of us today--that we need to listen to the words of our present prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He can warn us of pitfalls in our modern world that we need to avoid and instruct us in ways that the Lord would have us live. By listening to his counsel, the gates of hell shall not prevail against us. D&C 21: 4-6 "Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory."

Some verses with a thought booklet emphasize the importance of baptism. Indeed, we need to be born again of water (baptism) and of the Spirit (receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost) in order to enter into the Kingdom of God. These ordinances are essential to our salvation. John 3: 3-5 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob and his sons travel to Egypt to be with Joseph. Gen. 46: 5-6, "And Jacob arose up from Beer-sheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him:"

In the D&C I read that in order to be saved we need to be baptized and then endure in faith to the end. We need to come to our baptism with humble hearts, having truly repented of our sins. These things are necessary not only for the people who lived in Jesus' day but also all those who lived prior to that time, who believed in the words of the prophets who prophesied of Christ, and also for all the people who lived after the time of Christ, which includes all of us. D&C 20: 25-27, 37 "That as many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be saved— Not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those from the beginning, even as many as were before he came, who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things, should have eternal life, As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son; And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church."

A verse in a thought booklet gives us great advice about how to be a good friend. We need to share in the joys and sorrows of others. We should rejoice with them when they're happy and mourn with them when they're sad. Rom. 12: 15 "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

In the Old Testament I read about Joseph making himself known to his brothers. He forgives them for selling him into slavery and tells them to forgive themselves as well. He says the hand of the Lord was behind it and that it prepared the way for them to be saved from the famine. Sometimes even great tribulations can turn into blessings. Gen. 45: 1-8 "Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt."

In the D&C I read that the holy scriptures are true and given by the inspiration of God and that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. We can know that there is a God, infinite and eternal, that He created the heaven and the earth, and that He created us after His image. And He gave us commandments that we should love and serve Him. D&C 20: 11-12, 17-19 "Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen. By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them; And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them; And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship."

Some verses with a thought booklet warn us that if we're prideful and have a haughty spirit, we will fall. It's better to have a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud. Prov. 16: 18-19 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."

In the Old Testament I read about the brothers returning to Egypt. Again, they bow down before him, just like in his dream. Joseph made inquiry about his father. When he sees his brother Benjamin he is so overcome with emotion that he weeps. Gen. 43: 27-31 "And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son. And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there. And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread."

In the D&C I read some verses that emphasize the importance of prayer. We're commanded to pray out loud as well as in our hearts, in public as well as it private, and if we pray always the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon us and give us great blessings--even greater blessings than if we can obtains the treasures of the earth. There are blessings far greater than worldly wealth and the key to receiving them is through humble and sincere and constant prayer. D&C 19: 28, 38 "And again, I command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private. Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when we preach about Jesus Christ and His atonement on the cross it can seem like foolishness to the world. It doesn't make sense to them that the suffering and death of a man 2,000 years ago can provide a way for them to be forgiven for their sins now. But to those of us with faith, this means salvation through the power of God. The foolishness of God is wiser than men. 1 Cor. 1: 18, 25 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

In the Old Testament I read about Jacob being persuaded to send Benjamin to Egypt, so that the brothers could go back and get more food. He sent gifts with them. Gen. 43: 1-14 "And the famine was sore in the land. And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food. And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food: But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother? And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down? And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones. I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever: For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time. And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits of the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight: Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved."

In the D&C I read that in order to have peace in God we need to learn of Him, listen to His words, and walk in meekness. D&C 19: 23 "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."

A verse with a thought booklet also talked about peace and prophesied a day when there would no longer we any war and that swords would be made into plowshares and no nation would lift up the sword against another. What a welcome day this will be! But keep in mind the D&C verse above to realize that we can have peace in God RIGHT NOW, through turning to Him. We don't have to wait for peace to come into the world before having peace in our own hearts. Micah 5: 3 "And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph had their sacks filled with corn, but returned their money in each sack. They departed and when they opened their sacks and found the money, they were very afraid. When they returned to their father they told him everything that had happened and how they needed to return with Benjamin to get Simeon out of prison, but Jacob would not allow Benjamin to go, saying it would bring down his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave if anything should befall him. Genesis 42: 21-35 "Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man’s amoney into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them. And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence. And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack’s mouth. And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us? And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that befell unto them; saying, The man, who is the lord of the land, spake roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country. And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies: We be twelve brethren, sons of our father; one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan. And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men; leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone: And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land. And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid. And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me. And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again. And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave."

In the D&C I read taht everyone must repent and be baptized and then after that they need to keep the commandments in all things. D&C 18: 42-43 "For all men must repent and be baptized, and not only men, but women, and children who have arrived at the years of accountability. And now, after that you have received this, you must keep my commandments in all things;"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that only those who are destitute of wisdom (in other words, fools!) will find joy in folly (evil acts lacking in judgment)--but if we're people with understanding we'll walk uprightly. Prov. 15: 21 "Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly."

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph's brothers felt guilty for what they'd done to him and thought that the distress that was coming on them was punishment for it. They spoke all this in front of Joseph who pretended to need an interpretor so they didn't know he could understand them. Listening to all this was too much for Joseph who went out from them and wept. Genesis 42: 21 - 24 "And they said one to another, We are verily aguilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes."

In the D&C I read a short verse that I think it would do us all good to memorize, and repeat to ourselves whenever we get frustrated with ourselves and question our own worth, or when other people exasperate us and we question their worth--or when we question whether all our efforts in behalf of others are worth it. D&C 18: 10 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when we feel a spirit of fear, it is not from God. He gives us power and love and a sound mind. If we're feeling fearful, that is coming from a source other than God. 2 Tim. 1: 7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph's brothers felt guilty for what they'd done to him and thought that the distress that was coming on them was punishment for it. They spoke all this in front of Joseph who pretended to need an interpretor so they didn't know he could understand them. Listening to all this was too much for Joseph who went out from them and wept. Genesis 42: 21 - 24 "And they said one to another, We are verily aguilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes."

In the D&C I read a short verse that I think it would do us all good to memorize, and repeat to ourselves whenever we get frustrated with ourselves and question our own worth, or when other people exasperate us and we question their worth--or when we question whether all our efforts in behalf of others are worth it. D&C 18: 10 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when we feel a spirit of fear, it is not from God. He gives us power and love and a sound mind. If we're feeling fearful, that is coming from a source other than God. 2 Tim. 1: 7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph was the governor of the land and when his brothers came to buy food, they bowed before him--fulfilling the dream that he'd had years previously. He recognized them but they don't recognize him. He pretends to be a stranger and talks roughly to them. He accuses them of being spies and imprisons Simeon, sending the rest back for Benjamin. Genesis 42: 6-20 "And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. We are all one man’s sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies. And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not. And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither. Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies. And he put them all together into ward three days. And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so."

In the D&C I read that the thing that we can do that is of the most worth is to cry repentance unto other people. If something we say can change another person's life and cause them to turn their lives around to the point that they can gain eternal life, that is of infinite value and worth! D&C 16: 6 "And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen."

Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to be content with what we have rather than coverting after riches and money. We came into this world with nothing and we'll go out of this world with nothing, as far as wordly good go. Having riches can be a temptation and a snare unto us and can lead us down to destruction. The love of money (not money itself, but the love of it) is the root of all evil and can bring about much sorrow. Far better to be content if we have sufficient food and clothing. 1 Tim. 6: 6-10 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob sends ten of his sons to buy grain in Egypt due to the famine in which food was not available in Canaan. However, he kept Benjamin home with him, fearing that mischief might befall him. Genesis 42: 1-5 "Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die. And Joseph’s ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. But Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him. And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan."

In the D&C I read a verse that says that in order to assist in the work of the Lord, we need to be humble, full of love and have faith, hope and charity. Wonderful qualities to strive for in our lives, and it sounds like essential qualities if we want the Lord to entrust His work to our care. D&C 12: 8 "And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."

Some verses with a thought booklet express the great love and care the Lord has for each one of us. The heavens and the earth sing with joy because of the comfort and mercy the Lord is willing to extend to us in our afflictions. He will never forget us. A woman is more likely to forget her child than the Lord is likely to forget us. In fact, He's written us on the palms of His hands. Isa. 49: 13-16 "Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." The thought that went with this, written by Shirley M. Corder from Port Elizabeth, South Africa says: As our Bible study commenced, we were unaware that one of our group intended to take his life after the meeting. Earlier that day, his doctor had told him he had cancer, and the man didn't want to become a burden to his family. After the study, we sang a song based on the words of Isaiah 49:16. Our friend was reminded of a time months before when he had asked me why I was writing on my hand. "I might lose a piece of paper," I had replied, laughing, "but I won't lose my hand." This way I won't forget." As we sang, he thought, If God thinks I'm important enough to write my name on his hand, I can't throw away my life. He was encouraged to trust God and went on to become a cancer survivor. We are all important to God, who knows each of us by name. When we bring our crisis to him, we discover that God loves us more than we can ever know.
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In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph married Asenath. He gathered grain as the sand upon the seashore in preparation for the years of famine. Asenath bore Ephraim and Manasseh. Joseph sold grain to Egyptians and others during the famine. Genesis 40: 45-57 "And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number. And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands."

In the D&C I read that Satan likes to stir up the hearts of the people to contend with each other over points of doctrine and to wrest the scriptures because they do not understand them. But in this, the people do err. The gospel has been established so contention should be done away with. The Lord speaks through His prophets and that should settle what the doctrines are. No need to contend and argue about it. D&C 10: 63 "And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read about how Moses went to the Lord on behalf of the Isrealites, pleading that they be forgiven for their great sins, including making a golden calf to worship. Moses even told the Lord that if the people could not be forgiven, he wanted to be blotted out of the Lord's book himself. This shows how much Moses had for the people, even though they'd been wicked and tried his patience. We likewise need to show our love for others and do whatever we can to help them. Ex. 32: 30-32 "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written."

In the Old Testament I read about how Pharaoh dreamed of kine and the ears of corn. The magicians could not interpret his dreams. Then the butler finally remembered Joseph and he was able to interpret the dreams as seven years of plenty and seven of famine. Genesis 40: 1- 32 "And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh. Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker: And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged. Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river: And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow: And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness: And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke. And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me. And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine. This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass."

In the D&C I read some verses that give us direction in how we should seek answers from the Lord. Instead of just praying and expecting Him to give us the answers easily and without any effort on our part, we need to first study it out in our own minds and they pray and ask if the conclusions we've reached are correct. Then we shall either feel that it is right or get a stupor or thought that causes us to forget the thing that is wrong. There have been a few times in my life when I have received answers through a stupor of thought, and that can be just as unmistakable as a burning in the bosom. I recall one time I'd been praying about a matter and afterward I litterally could not remember what I'd been praying about--it was like a physical wall had been placed in my mind preventing me from remembering. I knew that this was a stupor of thought from the Lord which was causing me to forget what I'd prayed about. I then prayed again, asking the Lord to at least let me remember what it was enough so that I'd know what I'd been told "no" about. It was only then that I could recall what the matter was even about. But I knew without doubt that the Lord was telling me the answer. D&C 9: 7-9 "Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we can receive redemption and forgiveness of sins only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ and through His grace. Eph. 1: 7 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his dgrace;"

In the Old Testament I read about how everything came to pass just as Joseph predicted it would, according to his interpretations of the men's dreams. However, the butler failed to tell Pharaoh of Joseph and forgot about him. Genesis 40: 20-23 "And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand: But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him."

In the D&C I read some verses that talk about how we often receive revelation from the Lord. The Holy Ghost will tell us things in our minds and in our hearts. This is so true. I've never physically heard the voice of the Lord speaking to me out loud, but numerous times in my life I've felt promptings from the Holy Ghost, speaking words to my mind and heart, giving me guidance and direction. Often it's just a "still small voice." D&C 8: 2 "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart."

Some verses with a thought booklet describe how Paul's experience of preaching to the people received mixed results--some people believed and others did not. And he likened those who would not believe to those prophesied about by Isaiah--that they could hear the Word of God, but not understand, and see the things of God but not perceive. Picture someone with their eyes closed and their fingers in their ears--so afraid that if they allow the Word of God to enter into their hearts, they might be converted. How silly is that? In yet, that's exactly what some people do. Their hearts are so hardened toward the Word of God that no matter what you try to say to them, they won't hear it and they won't understand. It's like they're CHOOSING to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the Word of God. Acts 28: 24-27 "And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

In the Old Testament I read about how Pharoah was offended by his chief butler and chief baker and had them cast into prison with Joseph. Joseph was able to interpret the dreams that they both had. He told the butler that within three days he would be restored to his former job as butler. He told the baker that within three days he would be hanged on a tree and birds would eat his flesh. He asked the butler to remember him to Pharoah after he was restored to his former job. Genesis 40: 1- 19 "And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you. And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand. And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head: And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee."

In the D&C I read some verses that tell us that when the Lord speaks peace to our hearts, that it is witness to us. D&C 6: 22-23 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord loves us with an everlasting love and shows loving kindness toward us. What a wonderful message for us to know that God loves us so much! Jer. 31: 3 "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

In the Old Testament I read about how even in prison, the Lord prospered Joseph and was still with him. The keeper of the prison commited its affairs into Joseph’s hands. Even in prison, the Lord continued to bless and prosper him in the circumstances he was under. Genesis 39: 21-23 "But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper."

In the D&C I read a verse that puts riches in perspective. Instead of seeking after worldly wealth, we should seek out wisdom. If we do this, we can behold the mysteries of God and gain eternal life. Those who gain eternal life are truly rich indeed. D&C 6: 7 "Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich."

A verse with a thought booklet admonishes us to keep the commandmetns of the Lord and let our hearts be perfect. 1 Kgs. 8: 61 "Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day."

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife, is falsely accused, and is cast into prison. There are several things we can learn from this story. First of all we see the best way to resist temptation. We get out of there! Joseph didn't hang around arguing with Potiphar's wife and explaining to her nicely why he couldn't lie with her. He simply got up and left! And he didn't dawdle. He ran! Also, we see that sometimes even doing the right thing doesn't cause all our troubles to be over. The consequences of Joseph resisting sin in this case was that he ended up in prison, falsely accused. But of course this is not the end of the story. We will always reap rewards for our faithfulness, but they are not always immediate and may not always even be in this life. We need to keep an eternal perspective and realize that we will reap what we sow in the end. Genesis 39: 5- 20 "And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out. And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out. And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us that woe will come to those who don't hearken to the words of the Lord. We need to listen to and obey what the Lord tells us to do. D&C 5: 5 "Verily, I say unto you, that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words;"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that as long as we seek the Lord we will prosper. So using the messages for both this verse and the one above it sounds like we need to seek the Lord and then obey what He tells us to do. 2 Chr. 26: 5 "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper."

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph was brought into Egypt and was prospered by the Lord, becoming a ruler of Potiphar’s house, who saw that the Lord was with him. Genesis 39: 1-4 "And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us to serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind and strength. If we decide to serve God we can't do it half heartedly, we need to give Him our all. D&C 4: 2 "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to pray unto the Lord for He will be our strength and provide refuge for us, sheltering us. We can turn to Him when our hearts are overwhelmed and He will lead us and guide us. What a wonderful comfort prayer can be. Ps. 61: 1-3 "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy."


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In the Old Testament I read about how Tamar, as a harlot, bears twins by Judah. Genesis 38: 14- 26 "And she put her widow’s garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me? And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand: but he found her not. Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place. And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place. And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more."

In the D&C I read a familiar verse that tells us that whatever the Lord speaks will come to pass. We can count on that, it will be fulfilled. And it doesn't matter whether the Lord speaks it personally or whether he speaks through His servants, it is the same. D&C 1: 38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to seek the Lord and His strength constantly. Indeed, we can gain strength in our lives as we seek after the Lord. 1 Chr. 16: 11 "Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually."



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In the Old Testament I read about how the brothers put the blood of a goat onto Joseph's coat so that it would look like an evil beast had devoured Joseph. They took the coat to Jacob who mourned for his son and refused to be comforted. Genesis 37: 31-35 " And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him."

Having finished the Book of Mormon yesterday (this was the 28th time for me), I started the D&C today. I read some verses that tell us that God does not look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. In other words, even "little sins" are unacceptable to the Lord. So since none of us is perfect, is there any hope for us? Of course! That's what repentace is all about. If we repent of our sins and then strive to keep the commandments, the Lord will forgive us. D&C 1: 31-32 "For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;"

And going right along with this, the most important commandment to keep is charity, or the pure love of Christ. This is the bond of perfectness. Col. 3: 14 "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph's brothers conspired to kill him, but Reuben convinced them to put him into a pit instead. They took away his coat of many colors and lowered food down into the pit for him to eat. When a company going to Egypt came travelling through, Judah suggested they sell Joseph to them. Genesis 37: 18- 28 "And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt."

In the Book of Mormon I read that there are many and diverse gifts given from God, and if we don't have these spiritual gifts in our lives it is because of our unbelief. God is always the same and if these gifts were present in ancient days, they should also be present in our own day. Moro. 10: 8-18, 24 "And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them. For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom; And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; And to another, exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; And again, to another, that he may work mighty miracles; And again, to another, that he may prophesy concerning all things; And again, to another, the beholding of angels and ministering spirits; And again, to another, all kinds of tongues; And again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues. And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will. And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ. And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we need to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and not provoke them to anger. Eph. 6: 4 "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph had a dream in which his parents and brothers make obeisance to him. This made his brothers even more angry with him. Genesis 37: 5-11 "And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying."

Nearing the end of the Book of Mormon I read the familiar promise that if we want to know whether or not the Book of Mormon is true, we can ask God who will reveal the truth of it unto us by the power of the Holy Ghost. Indeed it is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we may know the truth of all things. Moro. 10: 4-5 "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that a wise and prudent man will look ahead to see potential evil and do what he can to avoid it, keeping himself far from it. A foolish man will just keep right on down the same path and will be punished as a result. Prov. 22: 3, 5 "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob favored Joseph over his other sons and gave him a coat of many colors. This caused jealousy and resulted in Joseph being hated by his brothers. Genesis 37: 3-4 "Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that tells us that God is always the same and does not change. If He would perform miracles for a group of people who lived in ancient days but not for us, that would make him partial to some people but not to others. Such is not the case. Moro. 8: 18 "For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with God. 2 Pet. 3: 14 "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." Part of thought that went with this, written by Faith Keller from Glen Carbon, Illinois says: What things do I have in my house that might be displeasing in God's sight? What movies are in my VHS/DVD collection? Which books are in my bookcase? Which websites do I visit on the Internet? Do I make excuses for owning things that might displease the Lord? Is it time to clean house? Father, please show me what I have allowed into my house that is displeasing to you. Cleanse my heart, Lord, and guide me in creating a home that is beautiful in your eyes. Amen.

In the Old Testament I read that Esau took his wives and children and went to Mount Seir to dwell because his wealth and Jacob's cattle and wealth were so great that they could not dwell in the same land together. Gen. 36: 6-8 "And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob. For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle. Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom."

Some verses in the Book of Mormon emphasize the importance of charity, or the pure love of Christ in our lives--in fact it is the greatest thing we can have and without it we are nothing. If we have charity, it will be well with us at the last day and when Jesus Christ appears, we will be like Him, and purified as He is pure. We cannot be true followers of Jesus Christ without possessing charity. That's how important this quality is! And how do we get it? We pray to the Father with all the energy of our hearts, asking that He bestow it upon us. This is not something that we can just will ourselves to have--we need to ask for God's help to obtain it. Moroni 7:46-48 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail— But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to speak the truth in love and not allow any corrupt communication to come out of our mouths. We need to edify and built up one another. To do otherwise grieves the Spirit of God. Eph. 4: 15, 29-30 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." The thought that went with this, written by Rev. Arthur Schoonveld from Holland, Michigan says: Years ago a college student came to talk to me about his dad. He said, "If you were to spend some time at our house, you would not recognize my dad. When he talks, he constantly puts us down. My mother is a nervous wreck because of the way he talks to her and to the rest of us." This story is not unique. Some of us pride ourselves in speaking the truth, but we overlook Paul's command to speak the truth in love. Far too often, our timing is off. A husband may come home and the first words out of his mouth may be "This place is a mess. What have you been doing all day?" Or a wife may greet her husband with the words "Where have you been? Did you take care of that problem I told you about this morning?" At home and at work, we need to learn to speak the truth in love and to say only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ask yourself, "Do I really have to say what I'm about to say? And should I say it now? Will it build the other person up?" Some of us need to ask the Holy Spirit to guard our tongues and to help us talk to each other the way we should. When we do, our homes will be much happier places to live in.


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In the Old Testament I read about how Isaac died at the age of 180 and was buried by Jacob and Esau. Genesis 35: 28-29 "And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years. And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that tells us that it is by faith that miracles are performed and that if miracles have ceased to happen in our lives, it is because of unbelief and all is vain. Moro. 7: 37 "Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us to give thanks to the Lord because He is good and His mercy endures forever. We all have much to be grateful for and we need to express this gratitude to the Lord. 1 Chr. 16: 34 "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."

In the Old Testament I read about how Rachel bears Benjamin and dies in childbirth, and is buried near Beth-lehem. Genesis 35: 16 - 19 "And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Ben-oni: but his father called him Benjamin. And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Beth-lehem."

In the Book of Mormon I read a wonderful description of how we can tell good from evil. It's really very simple. Whatever invites and entices us to do good is from God and whatever invites and entices us to do evil is from Satan. It's hard to understand how people in the world today can do so many evil things and call them good or think they're okay. And it's even harder to understand how all down through the ages people have criticized prophets of God and called them evil, when they were doing everything in their power to call people to repentance and encourage them to live better lives. But we're warned not to call good evil or evil good, and with these instructions on how to tell the difference we're left without excuse if we do so. Moro. 7: 5-19 "for I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also. For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil. Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do agood continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and benticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. Therefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil. For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged. Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God has such wonderful things prepared for those who love Him that we cannot even imagine it! How wonderful could that be? 1 Cor. 2: 9 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." The thought that went with this, written by Pam Williams from Everett, Pennsylvania says: As my husband, Dick, and I watched a local air show, we shook our heads in amazement at the gravity-defying feats performed by the talented pilots in their brilliantly painted airplanes. On our way home, our attention was drawn to a common house sparrow hopping about near an intersection. With no runway for acceleration, the little bird lifted itself off the ground and skimmed over a parked car. Momentarily retracting its wings, the sparrow shot through a chainlink fence and then ascended to a nearby maple tree. Veering around leaves and branches, the sparrow abruptly landed on a slender twig. I turned to Dick and exclaimed, "Could anything at the air show fly like that?" While humanity took decades to achieve flight, with just one word God spoke a sparrow into existence that possesses far superior flying capabilities. Though we often marvel at all we can accomplish, what God can do is greater than we could ever imagine. A common brown house sparrow proves it! Lord, when we are trusting too much in the limited capabilities of ourselves or others, remind us of your powerful hand at work all around us.


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In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord appeared to Jacob and renews the promise that Jacob shall be a great nation, and that his name shall be Israel. Jacob sets up an altar and pours a drink offering. Genesis 35: 9- 15 "And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padan-aram, and blessed him. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land. And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him. And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon. And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Beth-el."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that tells us that as often as we'll repent with real intent, the Lord will forgive us. What a comforting thing to know! Moro. 6: 8 "But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven we need to be humble and teachable, as a little child. Matt. 18: 1-4 "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

In the Old Testament I read about how God sent Jacob to Beth-el. Jacob commanded his family to put away all their strange gods from among them and to be clean. He built an altar in the place where had had fled when Esau sought his life and where the Lord had answered his distress. Genesis 35:1-5 "And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Coriantumr began to realize that the prophesies of Ether were coming to pass as he watched two million people being slain by the sword. He mourned and refused to be comforted. Ether 15: 1-3 "And it came to pass when Coriantumr had recovered of his wounds, he began to remember the words which Ether had spoken unto him. He saw that there had been slain by the sword already nearly two millions of his people, and he began to sorrow in his heart; yea, there had been slain two millions of mighty men, and also their wives and their children. He began to repent of the evil which he had done; he began to remember the words which had been spoken by the mouth of all the prophets, and he saw them that they were fulfilled thus far, every whit; and his soul mourned and refused to be comforted."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to be weary in well doing. I recall a time when I was feeling weary with going to a blind person's home day after day to bring in his mail and take care of his cats while he had an extended stay in a hospital. As I changed the cat litter once again, I remember thinking, "When is he coming home so I won't have to keep coming over here all the time?" and this particular scripture popped into my head. Right when I needed it. Gal. 6: 9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." The thought that went with this, written by Lula Mae Gostley from Evansville, Indiana said: There have been times in all our lives when we've felt like quitting. I was raised on a farm, and one of my chores was to churn the milk so that we would have fresh butter. It took time and wasn't a task that I relished, but quitting was not an option for my mother--and thus not an option for me. She taught me that the rewards for churning that milk would be tasty buttermilk and fresh butter for homemade biscuits. I still savor those things. Perhaps you have prayed for a family member or friend for a long time. Don't quit. The Bible says, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3). So when you are tempted to give up on a worthwhile endeavor, don't. Just double your efforts, and in the end you will have the satisfaction of a job well done.

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In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob settled in Canaan, where he built an altar. Genesis 33: 18-20 "And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan-aram; and pitched his tent before the city. And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for an hundred pieces of money. And he erected there an altar, and called it El-elohe-Israel."

In the Book of Mormon I read a description of the death and destruction that occurred among the people, as they were at war with each other. In fact, the whole face of the land was covered in the bodies of the dead, and there weren't enough people left to bury the dead. You can just imagine how bad this must have smelled, and why the people would have been troubled by such an odor. Their wickedness and abominations had prepared the way for this horrible destruction--and not just their physical destruction but also their "everlasting destruction." Ether 14: 21-25 "And so great and lasting had been the war, and so long had been the scene of bloodshed and carnage, that the whole face of the land was covered with the bodies of the bdead. And so swift and speedy was the war that there was none left to bury the dead, but they did march forth from the shedding of blood to the shedding of blood, leaving the bodies of both men, women, and children strewed upon the face of the land, to become a prey to the worms of the flesh. And the scent thereof went forth upon the face of the land, even upon all the face of the land; wherefore the people became troubled by day and by night, because of the scent thereof. Nevertheless, Shiz did not cease to pursue Coriantumr; for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother, who had been slain, and the word of the Lord which came to Ether that Coriantumr should not fall by the sword. And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction."

A verse in a thought booklet describes the symbolism of baptism, how it's like a burial of our old selves, our sins, and our old lives as we go down into the water. And as we rise up out of the water after our baptism, it's like being raised to a new life. This is why baptism by immersion is essential--without actually going down into the water and being entirely buried under the water, it would lose its symbolism of being like a burial. Col. 2: 12 "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."

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