Post # 204 --  Come, Follow Me -- Week # 17 -- April 27–May 3 --
Mosiah 7–10 -- “In the Strength of the Lord”

Dear Family and Friends 

I pray that each one of you and all those whom you love are healthy and
doing well:)
When i heard about the probability of reopening the states i couldn't help
but wonder what this will mean for all of us?? I worry that if this
reopening of our states happens too fast there will be so many more
deaths:( that is my biggest worry.

In light of this if you would like to receive a message of hope from our
missionaries you can go here: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/

You can also request a Book of Mormon if you do not have one. You can
also download the gospel library here :
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/pages/mobileapps/gospellibrary?lang=eng  

This is an amazing app that you can download to any or all of your devices.
It contains so much. You will find within this app that you hold quite a large
library for gospel study right in the palm of your hand:)

Go ahead, you try it for yourselves and see if you do not agree with me that
it is amazing!!!

With what has been happening in our lives since this whole COVID 19
pandemic a lot of people around the world are staying in their homes
except for going out to buy essentials or their household, the streets
are almost bare.

There has been little to no traffic on the roads in our town and in the ones
that are close around us. It seems like something that we might see in a
movie, but it is real life!!!

I have to tell you that i am used to seeing my student’s family members
with masks as they come in and drop off or pick up their children, but it
still seems so odd to see people walking and driving down the street
wearing masks .

I know that it is a necessary thing that we must do, but it is still strange
to me.  And when i have gone to the grocery store there are so many
people who are wearing masks and then there are others who are not
wearing them.

I guess the hard part about this sickness is that we just don't know when
we are exposed to it until we are sick with it. In the meantime we are
exposing those we are in contact with every day:)

i think that is why it is so important that we trust the Lord with all our
decisions each day because He certainly knows what is going to happen
before it happens:) please do not give up hope! Stay close to the Lord
and He will stay close to you!!! I promise you that your life will be better
if you do this on a daily basis. Oh, yes, i am working on it!

I will always be working on a way to stay close to my Heavenly Father and His Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that They[Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ] are our only way out of this worldwide pandemic:)

I do this because I know without  a doubt that this is the best place to be --
as close to my Heavenly Father and my Savior as I can possibly be!!! One
way to do this is through our scripture study together:)  oh, you know what
i just realized? I have not sent out this week's lesson yet. I am soooo

very sorry:(  

This week's lesson is taking us to the next few chapters of Mosiah. We
will be studying chapters 7-10.  You may want to begin this lesson by
asking your family members to review with you about their favorite parts
of last week's lesson.

After they have done the reading for this week [ since I am late getting
it out maybe they already have read it] you could ask them to share with
you any verses they wanted to discuss.

You may also want to ask your family members if they have noticed the blessings you all have received since you have worked hard to make your homes the center of your gospel learning? 

If your family members have not noticed the blessings you might share some of those blessings with your family members:)

Let's continue on with this weeks lesson with this background from the
Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

While King Mosiah’s people were enjoying “continual peace” in Zarahemla
(Mosiah 7:1), their thoughts turned to another group of Nephites, who many
years before had left to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi. Generations had
passed, and Mosiah’s people had heard nothing from them. So Mosiah asked
Ammon to lead a search party to find the Nephites who had left. The search
party found that the Nephites, “because of iniquity” (Mosiah 7:24), were in
captivity to the Lamanites. But with the arrival of Ammon and his brethren,
suddenly there was hope for deliverance.

Sometimes we’re like these captive Nephites, suffering because of our sins,
wondering how we’ll ever find peace again. Sometimes we’re like Ammon,
feeling prompted to reach out to others and eventually finding that our
efforts have inspired them to “lift up [their] heads, and rejoice, and put
[their] trust in God” (Mosiah 7:19). No matter our circumstances, we
all need to repent and “turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart,” with
faith that “he will … deliver [us]” (Mosiah 7:33).

I know that there are some of us who were like the Nephites. We were
suffering because of our sins and we too, were wondering how we might
ever find peace again in our lives.

Through this crisis some of us have found the peace we have been seeking
through the Atonement of Jesus Christ., because through this crisis we have
turned to the only true source of peace:)

I believe that a lot of us have been prompted as was Ammon to share with
others during this worldwide pandemic even though we may have been
through suffering with the loss of a loved one:(  but eventually being able
to see beyond our grief and find joy in Jesus Christ and put our trust in
our Heavenly Father. 

I love the next part “No matter our circumstances, we all need to repent
and ‘turn to the Lord with full pur[pose of heart,’ as we are taught in
Mosiah 7:19, and as we are taught in verse 33 with faith that ‘he will …
deliver [us]’” 

Mosiah 7:14–33

If we turn to the Lord, trust Him, and serve Him, He will deliver us.

You know, the experiences of King Limhi and his people could have been
an inspiration to you and your family members during your study of Mosiah
chapter 7 verses 14 - 33, to repent of any sins that you and/ or they may
have had and turned to the Lord for forgiveness of those sins so that
you/they could move on with a clean slate for your / their lives:)

This would be a good time to discuss what had prompted your/their decision
to repent at this time.

To add to your discussion you could role play how Limhi and his people
came to be in bondage to the Lamanites. In doing this you might want
to discuss what Limhi taught you/them about having faith and a hope
in the Savior.

You can further add to your discussion by asking your family members
and friends the following questions: What can we learn from Limhi’s
reminders of how God has delivered His people? (see verses 19–20).
You might ask your family members and friends to share scriptural
accounts or personal experiences that have inspired them to trust God.

19 Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God,
in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also,
that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and
caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and fed
them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many
more things did he do for them.

20 And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the land of
Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now; and
behold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he has
brought us into bondage.

You probably are like me in the fact that I have members of my family
who are struggling in their life as did the Nephites of their own sins and
transgressions. You each will have opportunities to uplift and inspire
those around you.

To help your family members and friends to turn to Heavenly Father
when they are in these struggling times in their lives. It is when they
are a servant to their sins or they may be suffering from illness or
other afflictions, they / we all should repent and turn to God. 

An activity that you and your family members and friends might want
to to help and inspire you. First you could read with your family
members and friends the description of the bondage of Limhi and his
people as found in Mosiah 7:20-25. 

20 And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the land
of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now;
and behold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he
has brought us into bondage.

21 And ye all are witnesses this day, that Zeniff, who was made king
over this people, he being over-zealous to inherit the land of his fathers,
therefore being deceived by the cunning and craftiness of king Laman,
who having entered into a treaty with king Zeniff, and having yielded up into his hands the possessions of a part of the land, or even the city
of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom; and the land round about—

22 And all this he did, for the sole purpose of bringing this people into
subjection or into bondage. And behold, we at this time do pay tribute
to the king of the Lamanites, to the amount of one half of our corn, and
our barley, and even all our grain of every kind, and one half of the
increase of our flocks and our herds; and even one half of all we have
or possess the king of the Lamanites doth exact of us, or our lives.

23 And now, is not this grievous to be borne? And is not this, our affliction,
great? Now behold, how great reason we have to mourn.

24 Yea, I say unto you, great are the reasons which we have to mourn;
for behold how many of our brethren have been slain, and their blood has
been spilt in vain, and all because of iniquity.

25 For if this people had not fallen into transgression the Lord would not
have suffered that this great evil should come upon them. But behold, they
would not hearken unto his words; but there arose contentions among them,
even so much that they did shed blood among themselves.

Then you/they could think of someone that you/they know who is a servant
to their sins. Now that you have identified the person with the sin, the next
part would be to read together  the following verses 18-20,33 in Mosiah
chapter 7. 

Mosiah 7:18–20, 33

Book of Mormon

18 And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves
together that he spake unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my
people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time
is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in
subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many strugglings,
which have been in vain; yet I trust there remaineth an effectual
struggle to be made.

19 Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your
trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham,
and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the
children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that
they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and
fed them with manna that they might not perish in the
wilderness; and many more things did he do for them.

20 And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the
land of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even
until now; and behold, it is because of our iniquities and
abominations that he has brought us into bondage.

33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put
your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do
this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you
out of bondage.

As you are reading through these verses, have your family members
and  friends listen for and identify the truths that King Limhi taught
to help his people?

Then ask your family members and friends the following question:
How can we follow Limhi’s example as we encourage our loved ones
to trust God?

Your family members and friends may need a bit of help in better
understanding the help that our Heavenly Father gives to us when
we are facing some type of adversity.

To help with this you and your family members and friends may
consider singing and discussing the words to the following hymn
or another hymn that describes how the Savior delivers us:)

At least consider reading the words aloud with your family members and
friends if you are like me and do not sing:) You could read and discuss
the words to the hymn “Redeemer of Israel” (Hymns, no. 6)  

When you are finished with your singing and your discussion you may
want to ask the following question:

What do Mosiah 7:17–20; Ether 12:27; and 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 add
to our understanding?

No matter how big or small you may wish to share with your family and
friends of times when you were delivered by the Lord because of your faith.

Mosiah 7:17–20 Book of Mormon

17 And now, it came to pass on the morrow that king Limhi sent a
proclamation among all his people, that thereby they might gather
themselves together to the temple, to hear the words which he should
speak unto them.

18 And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves
together that he spake unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my '
people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time
is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in
subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many strugglings,
which have been in vain; yet I trust there remaineth an effectual
struggle to be made.

19 Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God,
in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also,
that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and
caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and
fed them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and
many more things did he do for them.

20 And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the land of
Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now; and
behold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he has
brought us into bondage.

Ether 12:27 Book of Mormon

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.
I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace
is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they
humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make
weak things become strong unto them.

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 New Testament

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance
of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the
messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in
my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,
in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak,
then am I strong.

Mosiah 7:26–27

Man is created in God’s image.

Abinadi taught many truths and some of those truths were difficult for
\the people to accept. These next two verses you will find where King Limhi
explained some of the truths of which I have mentioned that were
taught by Abinadi. 

After you have read these two verses and have made the above known to
your family members and friends ask the following questions: What truths
can you identify in these verses? How do these truths affect the way we see
God and ourselves?

Let's continue on with this weeks lesson with these ideas for personal
scripture study from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mosiah 7:14–33

If I turn to the Lord, trust Him, and serve Him, He will deliver me.

Meeting Ammon, who was a Nephite from Zarahemla, gave King Limhi
a spark of hope, and he wanted to pass that hope on to his people.

As you read Mosiah 7:14–33, notice what Limhi said to his people to
encourage them, strengthen their faith, and give them hope that God
would help them.

Even though you may not be guilty of the same sins as Limhi’s people,
how can his words help you turn to the Lord? You will notice, for
example, that Limhi reminded his people about past accounts of God’s
deliverance (see verses 18–20). How do these accounts, as well as
other scriptural accounts or personal experiences, help you trust God?

I think it could be beneficial for you and your family members and
friends to read the first part of Mosiah chapter 8 here, and focus your
attention on the verses 5-12.

CHAPTER 8

Ammon teaches the people of Limhi—He learns of the twenty-four Jaredite
plates—Ancient records can be translated by seers—No gift is greater than
seership. About 121 B.C.

1 And it came to pass that after king Limhi had made an end of aspeaking
to his people, for he spake many things unto them and only a few of them
have I written in this book, he told his people all the things concerning their
brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla.

2 And he caused that Ammon should stand up before the multitude, and
rehearse unto them all that had happened unto their brethren from the
time that aZeniff went up out of the land even until the time that he b
himself came up out of the land.

3 And he also rehearsed unto them the last words which king Benjamin
had ataught them, and explained them to the people of king Limhi, so
that they might understand all the words which he spake.

4 And it came to pass that after he had done all this, that king Limhi
dismissed the multitude, and caused that they should return every one
unto his own house.

5 And it came to pass that he caused that the aplates which contained
the brecord of his people from the time that they left the cland of
Zarahemla, should be brought before Ammon, that he might read them.

6 Now, as soon as Ammon had read the record, the king inquired of
him to know if he could ainterpret languages, and Ammon told him
that he could not.

7 And the king said unto him: Being grieved for the afflictions of my
people, I caused that aforty and three of my people should take a
journey into the wilderness, that thereby they might find the land
of Zarahemla, that we might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of bondage.

8 And they were lost in the wilderness for the space of amany days,
yet they were diligent, and found not the land of Zarahemla but '
returned to this land, having traveled in a land among many waters,
having discovered a land which was covered with bbones of men,
'and of beasts, and was also covered with ruins of buildings of every
kind, having discovered a land which had been peopled with a people who were as numerous as the hosts of Israel.

9 And for a testimony that the things that they had said are true they have brought atwenty-four plates which are filled with engravings, and
they are of pure gold.

10 And behold, also, they have brought abreastplates, which are
largeand they are of bbrass and of copper, and are perfectly sound.

11 And again, they have brought swords, the hilts thereof have perished,
and the blades thereof were cankered with rust; and there is no one in the
land that is able to interpret the language or the engravings that are on the plates. Therefore I said unto thee: Canst thou translate?

12 And I say unto thee again: Knowest thou of any one that can translate? For I am desirous that these records should be translated into our language;
for, perhaps, they will give us a knowledge of a remnant of the people who have been destroyed, from whence these records came; or, perhaps, they will
give us a knowledge of this very people who have been destroyed; and I am
desirous to know the cause of their destruction.

Let's continue on with this weeks lesson with these ideas for personal
scripture study from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mosiah 8:5–12

What were the 24 plates found by Limhi’s people?

While a small group of Limhi’s people

were searching unsuccessfully for

the land of Zarahemla, they found

24 plates of gold with engravings in an

unfamiliar language.

These plates, which were eventually

translated by King Mosiah, told

of a people known as the Jaredites,

who came to the promised land

from the Tower of Babel and

were eventually destroyed (see

Mosiah 28:11–19). Later Moroni

made an abridgment of these

plates (see Ether 1:1–2), which

became the book of Ether.

Note in Mosiah 28:18 the effect

of this record on Mosiah’s people.

8:12–19

The Lord provides prophets, seers, and revelators to benefit mankind.

This may be something that those of you who are not members of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not know.
In Mosiah chapter 8 in verses 13-18 Ammon finds himself in a
position where he is able to take this opportunity given to him to
explain to King Limhi what the role of a seer is and to testify of
the importance of prophets, seers, and revelators. 

For those of you who do not know this, in our day, the First
Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are sustained
as prophets, seers, and revelators.

If your family members and friends do not know this you may
want to clarify this fir them at this time:) then ask the following
question: How can we, like Ammon, speak boldly about the need
for prophets, seers, and revelators? 

Maybe you and your family members and friends would like to
work together to plan and create  a social media post that would
help others understand the role of a prophet, seer, and revelator
in our day. 

You could consider the following question in your planning:

What did we hear in the most recent general conference that we
could share with our friends, family members, and neighbors to
teach them about the need for prophets?

If you did not have an opportunity to view or listen to the general
conference talks in April you can do so here:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference/?lang=eng

Just as Ammon did when he taught King Limhi, after and because of
reading Mosiah 8:12 - 19, you and your family members and friends
might want to share your testimony about prophets. Or you may want
to do as Limhi did in verse 19 and share your gratitude for the revelation
given through prophets.

Mosiah 8:12–19 Book of Mormon

12 And I say unto thee again: Knowest thou of any one that
can translate? For I am desirous that these records should
be translated into our language; for, perhaps, they will give
us a knowledge of a remnant of the people who have been
destroyed, from whence these records came; or, perhaps,
they will give us a knowledge of this very people who have
been destroyed; and I am desirous to know the cause of
their destruction.

13 Now Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee,
O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he
has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records
that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the
things are called interpreters, and no man can look in
them except he be commanded, lest he should look for
that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever
is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer.

14 And behold, the king of the people who are in the land
of Zarahemla is the man that is commanded to do these
things, and who has this high gift from God.

15 And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.

16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet
also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he
should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.

17 But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of
things which are to come, and by them shall all things be
revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest,
and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are
not known shall be made known by them, and also things
shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known.

18 Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might
work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to
his fellow beings.

19 And now, when Ammon had made an end of speaking these
words the king rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God,
saying: Doubtless a great mystery is contained within these plates,
and these interpreters were doubtless prepared for the purpose of
unfolding all such mysteries to the children of men.

You may not know that Joseph Smith is a seer who stands at the head
of this dispensation. Oh, you aren't sure what a dispensation means?

The following comes from a talk titled, “The Last Dispensation” by Alvin R. Dyer.

if you want you can read more from this talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1972/04/the-last-dispensation?lang=eng

Brother Dyer explains that a dispensation is “Periods of enlightenment when
the will of God has been revealed unto man and has to some extent been
adhered to.”

“The declarations of the prophets of God contained in sacred historical
writings tell of the changing conditions that have taken place among men.

Clear reference is made to times of apostasy, when the rejection of truth
has been so widespread that the holy priesthood of God, the channel
through which God works in dealing with mankind, has been withdrawn
from among men.”

“Oscillating from these periods of spiritual darkness have been periods
of enlightenment when the will of God has been revealed unto man and
has to some extent been adhered to.

These periods of enlightenment are known as dispensations of the
gospel of Jesus Christ, times when God dispenses the wisdom of the
eternities unto mankind for their benefit and blessing.”

“Pure knowledge, meaning revelation from God, is greater than the
limited reasoning of men. The method that God has chosen to convey
this knowledge unto mankind is through his chosen prophets, unto
whom he sends his messengers with divine instructions and upon
occasion by the majesty of his own appearance.”

Doctrine and Covenants 21:1 Doctrine and Covenants

1 Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou
shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of
Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of
God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,

This verse of scripture is speaking of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Now is the time for you to ask your family members and friends to share
with you what they have each learned in Mosiah 8:13-18 from Ammon’s
description of a seer? 

After reading through the following passages of scripture Doctrine and
Covenants 135:3 and Moses 6:36 you could discuss with them ways that
Joseph Smith was a seer? These verses might be helpful to your discussion:)

Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 Doctrine and Covenants

3 Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save
Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that
ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth
the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God,
and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the
fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters
of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which
compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise
documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered
many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a
fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in
the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in
ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood;
and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death
they were not separated!

Moses 6:3 Pearl of Great Price

36 And he beheld the spirits that God had created; and he beheld also
things which were not visible to the natural eye; and from thenceforth
came the saying abroad in the land: A seer hath the Lord raised up
unto his people.

Let's continue on with this weeks lesson with these ideas for personal
scripture study from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mosiah 8:12–19

The Lord provides prophets, seers, and revelators to benefit mankind.

When Limhi heard Ammon’s testimony that the Lord had raised up a seer,
Limhi “rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God” (Mosiah 8:19).
Why do you suppose he felt that way? What do you learn about seers
from Ammon’s words in Mosiah 8:13–19? In our day, “the First
Presidency and the Council of the Twelve are sustained as prophets,
seers, and revelators” (Bible Dictionary, “Seer”).

When was the last time you pondered the blessing of having prophets,
seers, and revelators on the earth? Perhaps you could record how prophets,
seers, and revelators have been a “great benefit” to you (Mosiah 8:18).

The Prophet Joseph Smith is the great seer who stands at the head of
our dispensation (see D&C 21:1; 124:125; Joseph Smith—History 1:62).
How did he exemplify Ammon’s description of a seer during his ministry?

Mosiah 9:14–19; 10:6–10

We can face our challenges “in the strength of the Lord.”

I believe we too can face all of our challenges in this life ‘in the strength
of the Lord’ if we just rely on Him completely and totally:)

You may know that this phrase “in the strength of the Lord” appears
twice in Zeniff’s record of his people and their battles with the Lamanites,
which is found in the following scripture passages: Mosiah 9:14–19 and 10:6–10. 

Mosiah 9:14–19 Book of Mormon

14 For, in the thirteenth year of my reign in the land of Nephi, away on the
south of the land of Shilom, when my people were watering and feeding
their flocks, and tilling their lands, a numerous host of Lamanites came
upon them and began to slay them, and to take off their flocks, and the
corn of their fields.

15 Yea, and it came to pass that they fled, all that were not overtaken,
even into the city of Nephi, and did call upon me for protection.

16 And it came to pass that I did arm them with bows, and with
arrows, with swords, and with cimeters, and with clubs, and with
slings, and with all manner of weapons which we could invent, and
I and my people did go forth against the Lamanites to battle.

17 Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against
the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he
would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened
to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers.

18 And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; and we did
go forth in his might; yea, we did go forth against the Lamanites, and in
one day and a night we did slay three thousand and forty-three; we did slay
them even until we had driven them out of our land.

19 And I, myself, with mine own hands, did help to bury their dead. And
behold, to our great sorrow and lamentation, two hundred and seventy-nine
of our brethren were slain.

Mosiah 10:6–10 Book of Mormon

6 And it came to pass that king Laman died, and his son began to reign i
n his stead. And he began to stir his people up in rebellion against my
people; therefore they began to prepare for war, and to come up to battle
against my people.

7 But I had sent my spies out round about the land of Shemlon, that I
might discover their preparations, that I might guard against them, that
they might not come upon my people and destroy them.

8 And it came to pass that they came up upon the north of the land of Shilom,
with their numerous hosts, men armed with bows, and with arrows, and with
swords, and with cimeters, and with stones, and with slings; and they had their
heads shaved that they were naked; and they were girded with a leathern girdle
about their loins.

9 And it came to pass that I caused that the women and children of my people
should be hid in the wilderness; and I also caused that all my old men that could
bear arms, and also all my young men that were able to bear arms, should gather
themselves together to go to battle against the Lamanites; and I did place them in
their ranks, every man according to his age.

10 And it came to pass that we did go up to battle against the Lamanites; a
nd I, even I, in my old age, did go up to battle against the Lamanites. And it
came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle.

At this point you may want to challenge your family members and friends
to search through these scripture passages and then share with the rest of your family study group what they feel that this phrase means.  

You may even want to encourage your family members and friends to
share with you any experiences they have had when they have successfully
faced challenges in the strength of the Lord. 

Then  ask them each the following question: How do we access “the strength
of the Lord”?

Let's continue on with this weeks lesson with these ideas for personal scripture
study from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mosiah 9–10

I can face my challenges “in the strength of the Lord.”

Zeniff admitted that he had made mistakes. He was overzealous at times,
and he had put his people—the ancestors of Limhi’s people—in a difficult

situation by making an ill-advised agreement with King Laman. But later,
when he went to battle against the Lamanites, he helped his people face their
'challenges with faith. As you read Mosiah 9–10, look for what Zeniff’s
people did to show their faith. How did God strengthen them? What does it
mean to you to go forth “in the strength of the Lord”? (Mosiah 9:17; 10:10–11).

Mosiah 10:11–17

Our choices can influence generations.

My  grandsons were playing with the Jenga blocks this morning which
could be used here with your family members and friends as a very
simple but effective object lesson.

My grandsons would take turns setting up the blocks one by one.

Then once the blocks were set up just so, they would tap the  first block
knocking it into the second block which hit the third, which hit the fiourth,
and so on, knocking them all down.

In essence what the first person does can have effects on many future
generations yet to come.

You might consider using this type of object lesson to help your family

better understand how our choices can influence future generations.

You might ask one of your family members and/or friends to read
Mosiah 10:11–17through silently or you could read these verses together 
and have them be looking for ways that the Lamanites were affected by
the beliefs and choices  of their ancestors.  

Mosiah 10:11–17 Book of Mormon

11 Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the
strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength.
Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men.

12 They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing
in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven
out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and
that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were
also wronged while crossing the sea;

13 And again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first
inheritance, after they had crossed the sea, and all this because that
Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—t
herefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and
answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness.

14 And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not
the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters
because they hardened their hearts against the Lord.

15 And again, they were wroth with him when they had arrived
in the promised land, because they said that he had taken the
ruling of the people out of their hands; and they sought to kill him.

16 And again, they were wroth with him because he departed into
the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him, and took the
records which were engraven on the plates of brass, for they said
that he robbed them.

17 And thus they have taught their children that they should hate them,
and that they should murder them, and that they should rob and plunder
them, and do all they could to destroy them; therefore they have an
eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi.

Next you can ask them the following questions: What does this suggest
about the effects our choices may have on others? How would we want
ourselves and our families to be described in a generation or two? 

Okay so  i haven't asked you to get out your poster board yet, well,
it's time to get it out for the next activity:)

It could be fun for you and your family members and friends to write
down some of the things that you / they would like for you / they to
be described in a couple of generations in the future;

After you have finished the above activity you could read together
with your family and friends the following scripture passage:
Mosiah 10:11–17 .

Then you could have a discussion on how the attitudes and the 
beliefs  of the Lamanites were deeply affected by the choices their
ancestors made centuries earlier. 

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom’s story is another example you could share
with your family members and friends. You might even have some
stories of your own hidden in your family history about how one
righteous person had influenced future generations for good.

Our decisions can affect generations.

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom shared how the faithfulness of his grandparents
blessed future generations:

“My paternal grandparents had two children, a son (my father) and a
daughter. … [Their daughter] married in 1946 and four years later
was expecting a child.

There is something very special for parents to anticipate a daughter
(in this instance an only daughter) giving birth for the first time. No
one knew that she was carrying twins. Sadly, she and the twins all
died during childbirth.

“My grandparents were heartbroken. Their grief, however, immediately
turned them to the Lord and His Atonement. Without dwelling on why
this could happen and who might be to blame, they focused on living
a righteous life.

My grandparents never had wealth; they were never among the socially
elite; they never held high position in the Church—they were simply
devoted Latter-day Saints. …

“The faithfulness of Grandpa Art and Grandma Lou, especially when
faced with difficulty, has now influenced four generations that have
followed. Directly and profoundly, it affected their son (my father) and
my mother when my parents’ own daughter, their youngest child, died
due to complications caused by giving birth.

At 34 years of age, she passed away 10 days after childbirth, leaving
4 children, 10 days to 8 years old. With the example that they had seen
in the previous generation, my parents—without hesitation—turned to
the Lord for solace” (“Turn to the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 78–79).

Let's continue on with this weeks lesson with these ideas for personal
scripture study from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mosiah 10:11–17

My choices can influence generations.

According to Mosiah 10:11–17, how did the actions and attitudes of the
Lamanites’ ancestors prevent the Lamanites from knowing the truth?

How did the choices of the Lamanites’ ancestors affect future generations?
Think about the people who might be influenced by your beliefs and choices;
what are you doing to help them more fully have faith in Christ?

Let's continue on with this weeks lesson with these ideas for family scripture
study  and Family Home Evening from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals
and Families manual: 

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know
what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your
family. Here are some ideas.

Mosiah 7:19–20

Note the examples that Limhi pointed to in order to encourage his people
to have faith. What examples from the scriptures inspire us to “trust in God”?
What does it mean to put our trust in God? (see also Mosiah 9:17; 10:19).
What stories from our lives or our ancestors’ lives can we share to inspire
greater trust in God?

Mosiah 7:26–27

What do we learn about the Savior from these verses? (see also Doctrine a
nd Covenants 130:22). Why are we grateful to know these things?

Mosiah 8:13–18

To help family members understand what a seer is, perhaps you could
show them pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise
see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not?
What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer?

You might show pictures of our living prophets, seers, and revelators and
ask your family what they know about them. How are we following them?

Mosiah 9:14–18; 10:1–10

When the Lamanites attacked, the people of Zeniff were physically and
spiritually ready. What can we learn from Zeniff and his people about
preparing for challenges?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in
Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “Book of Mormon Stories,” Children’s Songbook, 118–19.\

And now for this upcoming week we will be studying Mosiah 11–17 , 
In our study this week we learned about the negative effect that the
choices that the Lamanites  made had on their children. 

Tell your family members and friends that they will read and learn
about one person whose righteousness changed the lives of so many
people. Let's continue on with this weeks lesson with these ideas for
personal scripture study from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals
and Families manual: 

Again i am adding the improve your teaching that was found at the
bottom of the lesson in the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and
Families manual because i feel like it is worth repeating and just in
case some of you haven't seen it here it is:

Improving Personal Study

Seek your own spiritual insights. This outline suggests passages and principles
to focus on, but don’t let these suggestions limit your study. You might be impressed
by verses or discover principles not mentioned here. Let the Spirit guide you.

Well, my dear family and friends, here we are at the end of our lesson for this week.
I hope and pray that you are all staying healthy and well:)  and that you are each
surrounded by those whom you love.and are enjoying one another. Remember to be
kind and considerate and loving towards one another. I do know how hard it can be
sometimes to be cooped up/, here in our home we have been very creative with our
activities so that we can keep the tension at its lowest level. Until my next post,
please be safe and remember to make it a good week:)