Notes on Letters from Jan 1760 to May 1766

(Letters 1 – 11) https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-01-02-0001 A brief letter at age 16 where Thomas Jefferson makes a very wise decision to go off to school to reduce on social calls to his present residence, and also decrease on the cost of attending to such guests. He seeks the council of one of his guardians, John Harvie, …

Every Good Gift Cometh of Christ

Moroni 10:8-19 (Moroni 10:8-19) I am being reclaimed. I have read through the list of spiritual gifts and at least two stand out to me, no, three: New day and I’m referencing my patriarchal blessing to see how this aligns with suggested spiritual gifts. From my blessing: As I am reading through my patriarchal blessing, …

Morning Thoughts on Business, Babylon, and the Kingdom of God

(15 Sep 2023) My call back to the ministry this morning has to do with this reality: that God is merciful to those who choose to exercise faith in him. The witness, born of life’s experiences thus far, that is mine is that one can wake up from day to day and commend one’s life …

If It Be Wisdom in God that Ye Should Read Them

Moroni 10:1-7 (Moroni 10:1-7) I am a flurry of thoughts and emotions as I start into this final chapter of the Book of Mormon, in what has been a 12-year daily affair for me. But as I read Moroni’s invitation in verse 3 to meditate upon the mercy of the Lord extended towards his people …

I Trust

Moroni 9 (Moroni 9) (I don’t like this chapter.) I am sitting with the descriptions found in this chapter, and I am asking myself: why? Why is it here in the Book of Mormon? Of what I’ve allowed myself to experience, and even of recent news reports that I’ve read of horrific military actions in …

The Remission of Sins Bringeth Meekness

Moroni 8:24-30 (Moroni 8:24-30) I love this passage found at the end of this chapter, where Mormon concludes by explaining the doctrine in pure, matter of fact statements. I absolutely love this passage of scriptures! Deep reflection has brought me to this reality again! What is interesting is that work is not a visible component …

All Little Children Are Alive in Christ

Moroni 8:4-24 (Moroni 8:4-24) (Started this study in Spanish.) I am impressed that the contentions that had resulted were the cause of great sorrow for Mormon (see vs. 4). I’ve read this chapter many times, but I’ve never paid attention to the fact that there were contentions that resulted from false doctrine. Mormon’s thought and …

The Goodness and Grace of Jesus Christ

Moroni 8:1-3 (Moroni 8:1-3) As a father, the very first thing that catches my attention is Mormon’s efforts in prayer to always be mindful of his son, Moroni, and that this is how he opens this letter to him. I feel that Mormon understands something more about the need to pray for his son, that …

Special Study: Gospel Principles for Business

James 4 This chapter is striking to me because there appears to be a great deal of business logic and sense for the individual in these verses. There are also plenty of gospel paradoxes in my mind that are introduced in these verses. Topics of Study: Ye Ask, and Receive Not, Because Ye Ask Amiss; …