In 2 Nephi 2:27, Lehi used an ancient Israelite concept known as the doctrine of the “two ways” to explain the principle of agency to his sons. This doctrine states that there are only two ways to live: the way of life, and the way of death. Lehi’s teachings on agency demonstrate that moral agency—the ability all people have to choose between these two ways and act for themselves—is essential to Heavenly Father’s plan. Humanity’s eternal progression depends on which of the two ways people choose.

I missed journaling a few chapters toward the beginning of this week (this is life, not a career). On the upside, chapter 9 includes a couple of my favorite illustrations. It was while I was reading 2 Nephi my most recent time that this thought struck me: The story of Adam and Eve is a love story--the first love story. That was where I got the idea of having their names carved in a tree, which is extra cool, because a certain tree was central to their story. In 2 Nephi 9:21, we read, "And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he sufferers the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam." In the margin, I used a gray Mildliner highlighter (you can substitute a gray Crayola fine-tip) to outline a tree and add some lines to hint at birch bark. Actually, I think I wrote the quote first, then drew the tree around it, so I would know how big it was. I used several colored pencils (i.e.-green, blue-green, sage) for grass at the base of the tree. The apple was using the rose-colored Mildliner highlighter, with a brown Micron pen for the stem. The quote I wrote on the tree in brown Micron pen: "Ever since Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, Jesus the Christ has offered His mighty arm to help all who choose to follow Him," (President Russell M. Nelson, "Come, Follow Me," Ensign, May 2019). Later in the chapter, 2 Nephi 9:28-29, is a famous quote about being learned versus being wise. I wrote verse 29 in the margins, underneath a snowy owl sitting on top of three books: "To be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God," (2 Nephi 9:29). On the next page, I experimented with illuminated lettering again to write another of Jacob's sayings in the margin: "Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal," (2 Nephi 9:39). In chapter 10, Jacob testifies about Jesus Christ. He is able to prophesy to his people that Jesus will be crucified. I found a beautiful quote from Elder Holland. This quote is so beautiful, I included it in my scriptures twice. It was months before I realized I had done that. The second time it appears is in Mosiah 3. "We are to remember in as personal a way as possible that Christ died from a heart broken by shouldering entirely alone the sins and sorrows of the whole human family," (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Behold the Lamb of God," Ensign, May 2019). The chapter heading says, "America will be a land of liberty where no king will rule." Verses 11 and 14 state that there will be no king in this land. Years ago, President Ezra Taft Benson stated: "Washington was offered a kingship, which he adamantly refused," (President Ezra Taft Benson, "Our Divine Constitution," October 1987). Sorry this week has been a little light on scripture journaling (I'm only writing a novel and raising five children at the same time). I promise, I already have more than twice as many journaling images to share for next week. Feel free to follow my Book of Mormon Journaling board on Pinterest. I pin my blog pictures after I post them. For a different kind of news (like historical fiction book reviews and updates on my writing journey), you can find me on Instagram at Stephanie.West.McRae.

Are you in charge of teaching February 11th's Lesson, “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator”? We've gathered all the Engaging Questions, Object Lessons, Activities, Analogies, and Parables you'll need to create an impactful and memorable lesson!2 Nephi 1 - Summary 2 Nephi 1 in the Book of Mormon is a significant chapter where Lehi, before his death, addresses his sons and imparts blessings, teachings, and prophecies. Here is a summary of 2 Nephi 1: Lehi begins by e

Chapter 26 of 2 Nephi begins with a prophesy of when Christ will show himself to the Nephites. This feels very pertinent to us, as we look forward to the Second Coming. I love verse 9, which says, "The Son of Righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him." In the sidebar, I traced a coloring page drawing I had made some years ago. I do slightly regret the layers of dark pink Mildliner highlighter to achieve the "red" cape, but I just barely got away without bleeding through to the other side. Underneath, I wrote one of the quotes from that page about Christ. Verses, 8, 9, and 12 have great ones. I chose to use 2 Nephi 26:8: "Look forward unto Christ." After the destruction of the Nephites (which must have been upsetting for Nephi to have seen in vision) the prophesies move much farther into the future. When the remainder of Lehi's posterity has dwindled in unbelief and the Gentiles have laid siege against them, then will The Book of Mormon come forth unto them, like "a voice from the dust" (see 2 Nephi 26:14-16). In the margin I wrote: "The Book of Mormon speaks by ancient and modern covenant to you who are the children of Lehi, 'children of the prophets.' Your forefathers received a covenant promise that you, their descendants, would recognize a voice as if from the dust in the Book of Mormon," (Elder Gerrit W. Gong, "Covenant Belonging," Ensign, November 2019). The chapter ends (2 Nephi 26:33) with an invitation. "He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he deniers none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female . . . all are alike unto God." In the margin I wrote: "Latter-day Saints come in many shapes and sizes, but 'all are alike unto God' 'black and white, bond and free, male and female,' single and married, rich and poor, young and old, lifelong member and recent convert," (Sister Michelle Craig of the Young Women Presidency, "Spiritual Capacity," Ensign, November 2019). The next page I combined two treasure verses into one quote. I began with the end of 2 Nephi 27:21 and then added part of verse 23, because they both spoke to me that day: "I am able to do mine own work. I am a God of Miracles," (2 Nephi 27:21 and 23). There is definitely opposition in all things! In 2 Nephi 28:8, we hear of people preaching to not only "eat, drink, and be merry," but also to commit "little sins." Listening to Satan takes us away from happiness, not toward it! There are two parts to the quote I put in the margin. The oppositional part (about Satan) I chose to write upside down, because that symbolizes his plans to me. I waited until after I had carefully written both parts of the quote before I attempted an embellishment between them. "The Father's plan of happiness is designed to provide direction for His children, to help them experience enduring joy, and to bring them safely home to Him with resurrected, exalted bodies. The devil labors to make the sons and daughters of God confused and unhappy and to hinder their eternal progression," (Elder David A. Bednar, "Watchful unto Prayer Continually," Ensign, November 2019). I always think of 2 Nephi 28:21, when we sing the chorus of "Come, Come Ye Saints" (you know--where we start singing "all is well"). I think Nephi meant something different when he criticized those who said "all is well in Zion," which is why I instead chose a quote about complacency from the above talk by Elder Bednar: "Spiritual complacency and casualness make us vulnerable to the advances of the adversary," (Elder David A. Bednar, "Watchful unto Prayer Continually," Ensign, November 2019). The problem with having called so many places home is that I can feel homesick even after I'm settled into a new place. This illustration is a tribute to South Carolina. The palmetto tree and crescent moon are not just a government symbol. It's a part of community pride. In the margin I wrote the following treasure scripture: "I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea," (2 Nephi 29:7). This next entry is one of my favorites. I had gone back to reread President Nelson's talk from the most recent Women's Session (and some of his recommended reading as well). I found this quote so provoking that I had to find a place to put it. 2 Nephi 30:2 speaks of "covenant people," which ties in with what President Nelson says about endowed women and priesthood covenants, and 2 Nephi 30:5 speaks of a restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me know if you found another place in your scriptures for this quote: "How I yearn for you to understand that the restoration of the priesthood is just as relevant to you as a woman as it is to any man. The heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God's power flowing from their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood," (President Russell M. Nelson, "Spiritual Treasures," Ensign, November 2019). I ended with a simple treasure quote: "As many as shall believe in Christ shall also become a delightsome people," (2 Nephi 30:7). Please share your favorite "treasure verses" or related conference talks in the comments section. I love seeing what other people are up to. New to my blog? Feel free to browse for more ideas, or check-out my Pinterest board Book of Mormon Journaling.

This is just a poster I made to teach 2 Nephi 2:27. I think I used it in Sharing Time, I thought I would share it so others could use it.

Are you in charge of teaching February 11th's Lesson, “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator”? We've gathered all the Engaging Questions, Object Lessons, Activities, Analogies, and Parables you'll need to create an impactful and memorable lesson!2 Nephi 1 - Summary 2 Nephi 1 in the Book of Mormon is a significant chapter where Lehi, before his death, addresses his sons and imparts blessings, teachings, and prophecies. Here is a summary of 2 Nephi 1: Lehi begins by e

Nephi’s people wanted to know what they should do after baptism. He explained that before they do anything, they should “pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance … for the welfare of thy soul.” Such frequent and consistent prayers help define what Nephi meant when he taught his people to “pray always, and not faint.” Those who prayerfully seek out and then perform the will of the Lord can become sanctified if they endure in this pattern until the end of their lives.

I know I am WAY late on posting this, but I have a newborn and I am still getting back into the swing of things!! I love the focus of th...

COME FOLLOW ME – Book of Mormon lesson activities – FEBRUARY (week 3) TOPIC: “We Lived after the Manner of Happiness” (2 Nephi 3-5) For Primary, Sunday School, youth classes, and family scripture study

Are you in charge of teaching February 11th's Lesson, “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator”? We've gathered all the Engaging Questions, Object Lessons, Activities, Analogies, and Parables you'll need to create an impactful and memorable lesson!2 Nephi 1 - Summary 2 Nephi 1 in the Book of Mormon is a significant chapter where Lehi, before his death, addresses his sons and imparts blessings, teachings, and prophecies. Here is a summary of 2 Nephi 1: Lehi begins by e

Chapter 26 of 2 Nephi begins with a prophesy of when Christ will show himself to the Nephites. This feels very pertinent to us, as we look forward to the Second Coming. I love verse 9, which says, "The Son of Righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him." In the sidebar, I traced a coloring page drawing I had made some years ago. I do slightly regret the layers of dark pink Mildliner highlighter to achieve the "red" cape, but I just barely got away without bleeding through to the other side. Underneath, I wrote one of the quotes from that page about Christ. Verses, 8, 9, and 12 have great ones. I chose to use 2 Nephi 26:8: "Look forward unto Christ." After the destruction of the Nephites (which must have been upsetting for Nephi to have seen in vision) the prophesies move much farther into the future. When the remainder of Lehi's posterity has dwindled in unbelief and the Gentiles have laid siege against them, then will The Book of Mormon come forth unto them, like "a voice from the dust" (see 2 Nephi 26:14-16). In the margin I wrote: "The Book of Mormon speaks by ancient and modern covenant to you who are the children of Lehi, 'children of the prophets.' Your forefathers received a covenant promise that you, their descendants, would recognize a voice as if from the dust in the Book of Mormon," (Elder Gerrit W. Gong, "Covenant Belonging," Ensign, November 2019). The chapter ends (2 Nephi 26:33) with an invitation. "He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he deniers none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female . . . all are alike unto God." In the margin I wrote: "Latter-day Saints come in many shapes and sizes, but 'all are alike unto God' 'black and white, bond and free, male and female,' single and married, rich and poor, young and old, lifelong member and recent convert," (Sister Michelle Craig of the Young Women Presidency, "Spiritual Capacity," Ensign, November 2019). The next page I combined two treasure verses into one quote. I began with the end of 2 Nephi 27:21 and then added part of verse 23, because they both spoke to me that day: "I am able to do mine own work. I am a God of Miracles," (2 Nephi 27:21 and 23). There is definitely opposition in all things! In 2 Nephi 28:8, we hear of people preaching to not only "eat, drink, and be merry," but also to commit "little sins." Listening to Satan takes us away from happiness, not toward it! There are two parts to the quote I put in the margin. The oppositional part (about Satan) I chose to write upside down, because that symbolizes his plans to me. I waited until after I had carefully written both parts of the quote before I attempted an embellishment between them. "The Father's plan of happiness is designed to provide direction for His children, to help them experience enduring joy, and to bring them safely home to Him with resurrected, exalted bodies. The devil labors to make the sons and daughters of God confused and unhappy and to hinder their eternal progression," (Elder David A. Bednar, "Watchful unto Prayer Continually," Ensign, November 2019). I always think of 2 Nephi 28:21, when we sing the chorus of "Come, Come Ye Saints" (you know--where we start singing "all is well"). I think Nephi meant something different when he criticized those who said "all is well in Zion," which is why I instead chose a quote about complacency from the above talk by Elder Bednar: "Spiritual complacency and casualness make us vulnerable to the advances of the adversary," (Elder David A. Bednar, "Watchful unto Prayer Continually," Ensign, November 2019). The problem with having called so many places home is that I can feel homesick even after I'm settled into a new place. This illustration is a tribute to South Carolina. The palmetto tree and crescent moon are not just a government symbol. It's a part of community pride. In the margin I wrote the following treasure scripture: "I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea," (2 Nephi 29:7). This next entry is one of my favorites. I had gone back to reread President Nelson's talk from the most recent Women's Session (and some of his recommended reading as well). I found this quote so provoking that I had to find a place to put it. 2 Nephi 30:2 speaks of "covenant people," which ties in with what President Nelson says about endowed women and priesthood covenants, and 2 Nephi 30:5 speaks of a restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me know if you found another place in your scriptures for this quote: "How I yearn for you to understand that the restoration of the priesthood is just as relevant to you as a woman as it is to any man. The heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God's power flowing from their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood," (President Russell M. Nelson, "Spiritual Treasures," Ensign, November 2019). I ended with a simple treasure quote: "As many as shall believe in Christ shall also become a delightsome people," (2 Nephi 30:7). Please share your favorite "treasure verses" or related conference talks in the comments section. I love seeing what other people are up to. New to my blog? Feel free to browse for more ideas, or check-out my Pinterest board Book of Mormon Journaling.

Lehi's teachings about the Fall are the most complete found in all scripture. Exploring the ancient, personal, and literary context of those teachings yields insights into his teachings on the Fall, its necessity in the plan of salvation, and the joy made possible through Adam's fall.

‘We lived after the manner of happiness” Scripture: 2 Nephi 2:25-27 25 aAdam bfell that men might be; and men care, that they might have djoy. 26 And the&n…

Reading the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon is like going for a hike in the mountains. Sometimes you're not sure why you're there, but then you see something unexpected and beautiful--an eagle soaring, an unexpected wildflower, a hidden waterfall--and it touches your soul. When I say I love the Isaiah chapters, it isn't because I understand all of them. It's because my eyes are open for the hidden treasures. Treasures are worth the effort of finding. In the following pages, five times I have written my "treasure verse" in the margin. In 2 Nephi 12:3, Isaiah speaks of latter-day temples, saying, "let us go up to the mountain of the Lord." In the margin, I drew a sketch of the Philadelphia Temple (Apologies. The colors are more saturated in person). Underneath, I wrote a verse that reminded me of our East Coast overnight temple trips: "Sanctify yourselves; for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you," (Joshua 3:5). Thanks to the chapter heading, I know that a lot of chapter 12 is about the latter-days and the second coming. In the next margin, I wrote: "It is supremely important to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ," (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Preparing for the Lord's Return," Conference 2019). Chapter 13 seems to be a description of a people who are proud and materialistic. I wrote the opposite in the margin: "And the Lord called his people Zion because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them," (Moses 7:18). 2 Nephi 15:20 is the first "treasure verse" I wrote in the margin. "Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (2 Nephi 15:20). I outlined the cupcake with a pink Micron pen, a green Micron pen for the stem, and used pink and blue Mildliner highlighters for most of the coloring, with a touch of colored pencil. In 2 Nephi 16:8 (or Isaiah 6), Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah replies, "Here am I; send me." That reminded me of Abraham 3:27, where Jesus said those same words in the Council in Heaven. It's a good example for all of us. When the Lord calls, when the prophet preaches, when the bishop assigns, I can answer, "Here am I, send me." I did a speech bubble in the margin, and wrote: "Here am I, send me--Jesus, Isaiah, Us!" The chapter mentions the Biblical king Uzziah. I couldn't remember anything about him, so I did a little research and recorded wrote it in the margin. "Who was Uzziah? The 10th king in the southern kingdom of Judah. He began to rule at the age of 16 (~767 BC) when his father was killed. He followed the council of the prophet Zechariah. Near the end of his life he tried to offer incense in the temple without proper authority. He was struck with leprosy. Died ~742 BC." Here is the Bible Dictionary entry, with Bible links. In 2 Nephi 18:6 (and Isaiah 8), it mentions the people refusing "the waters of Shiloah that go softly." Who is our living water? Jesus! I had seen this type of journaling before on Pinterest. I used a blue Micron pen to write the waves and spell "Jesus" (draw it lightly with a pencil first) and then used blue colored pencil to fill the letters and the waters below. In 2 Nephi 20:2 (and Isaiah 10), we learn that some of the "grievousness" of the wicked people is that the injure the widows and the fatherless. In the margin, I wrote the opposite-what God expects of us: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world," (James 1:27). In 2 Nephi 21 (and Isaiah 11), we learn about the Second Coming and Millennium. Verse 6 tells us that "the leopard shall lie down with the kid." Feeling ambitious, I drew animals that might be recognized as a leopard and a baby goat (the look a lot like baby sheep). In the margins, I wrote verse 9: "Thou shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," (2 Nephi 21:9). A facing page with an illustration! (Illustrations always take more time than I think they will. Often, after a decent one, many pages will pass before I'm willing to put in the effort again). I used a gray Mildliner highlighter (try a fine-tip gray marker) to trace a pencil outline I had done of a well. The grass and fill color are from colored pencils. In the margin, I wrote another treasure scripture: "Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." (2 Nephi 22:3). In 2 Nephi 24 (and Isaiah 14), we read about the pride and fall of Lucifer. Verses 14 and 15 read, "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." In the margin I wrote: "Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall," (Proverbs 16:18). In chapter 25, Nephi is done reading from Isaiah and is now adding his own words, including the famous, "My soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah." Then he prophesies to his people about the coming Christ. In the margin, I did a drop-caps letter A and used a banner stencil. Tip for those stencils: use pencil first. They look disjointed until you figure out how to connect the pieces. This was the "treasure quote" I wrote: "After he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings," (2 Nephi 25:13). Later in the same chapter are words that bring joy to every who loves Christ: "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ," (2 Nephi 25:26). To see previous chapters, check out my Book of Mormon Journaling board on Pinterest, or browse my blog. Happy journaling!

Are you in charge of teaching February 11th's Lesson, “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator”? We've gathered all the Engaging Questions, Object Lessons, Activities, Analogies, and Parables you'll need to create an impactful and memorable lesson!2 Nephi 1 - Summary 2 Nephi 1 in the Book of Mormon is a significant chapter where Lehi, before his death, addresses his sons and imparts blessings, teachings, and prophecies. Here is a summary of 2 Nephi 1: Lehi begins by e

As Nephi closed out his record, he bore one final, personal witness of Jesus his Redeemer. Nephi’s record reflects a variety of sources supporting his witness of Christ: the teachings of his father, the testimonies of prophets, and Nephi’s own personal experiences. A mature prophet sobered by life’s experiences, Nephi provided a model to follow for disciples of Christ seeking to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.

Are you in charge of teaching February 11th's Lesson, “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator”? We've gathered all the Engaging Questions, Object Lessons, Activities, Analogies, and Parables you'll need to create an impactful and memorable lesson!2 Nephi 1 - Summary 2 Nephi 1 in the Book of Mormon is a significant chapter where Lehi, before his death, addresses his sons and imparts blessings, teachings, and prophecies. Here is a summary of 2 Nephi 1: Lehi begins by e

2 Nephi 28:30 states, “I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept.” Nephi told his people to continuously seek knowledge from God, because God teaches people, “line upon line, precept upon precept.” This phrase is a modified quote from Isaiah 28:10, where the prophet condemned the inability of the false priests and prophets of Israel to receive revelation from the Holy Ghost. Because God could not reveal anything to these priests, he would instead teach the rising generation, one commandment at a time. 2 Nephi 28, shows that as believers are faithful to the truth they have already received, they will receive more.

Over the past twenty years of teaching the Book of Mormon I’ve found that many people get confused in the storyline about the book of Omni. We know what happened to Nephi, and Jacob was his brother. But by the time we get to King Benjamin, many of us aren’t quite sure why Benjamin is in the land of Zarahemla, Limhi is in the land of Nephi and how they both relate to Mosiah1, Mosiah2, Zeniff, Noah, Abinadi and Alma1. My hope is to give a clear summary of the Book of Mormon storyline from Omni through Mosiah 25.

*Originally posted in 2020 Hello, I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. We are in the middle of tax season (meaning my husband works all the time) and my 2 year has a stomach bug. So life is a little crazy over here :) But I am so excited to share these lesson helps with you! We are covering 2 Nephi 31-33 this week. These ideas are perfect for families or primary classes. This week I went with the topics found in the primary manual. I have found this helps my kids prepare for their upcoming primary lesson and helps them participate a little more. Let's jump right in. Jesus Christ taught me how to return to Heavenly Father. 2 Nephi 31 This is a fun cut and paste activity that helps teach the Doctrine of Christ. You'll cut and glue in the correct box to discover the different steps along the path to returning to live with Heavenly Father again. This can be done as a group or individually. There is a boy and girl option. Also I did include color and black and white option. This is also a great week to review the 4th Article of faith. Point out that these steps are very similar to the ones mentioned in 2 Nephi. The first activity is a number puzzle. You will need to cut out the green number 4 along the black lines. Then you can use the next page to build your puzzle. Each pieces has a picture that correlates to the 4 steps. This activity has the same pictures but it can be used with playdough. You will want to laminate or place in a sheet protector. You can use the playdough to create the number 4. Then Make balls of playdough and place on each circle. As you say the Article of Faith you will smash the ball as you get to each matching picture. This week we are also talking about baptism. It is one of the steps above :) I included a journal page where the kids can write some of their memories about their own baptism. and a coloring page option. In the blank space they can draw a picture of themselves on their baptism day. For the little ones they can draw a way they are preparing or what they imagine their baptism day will be like. In 2 Nephi 32:3 talks about feasting upon the words of Christ. I don't know about your kids but mine are super picky unless there is pizza involved. Suddenly they are starving. My plan is to make pizza with my kids and then do this activity. We'll talk about what it means to feast and compare that to feasting on the scriptures. Then we'll use this activity to discuss some of the things we can learn about when we feast on the words of Christ. To prepare print the page below and the page of pepperoni. Cut out the pepperoni and tape on the circles. To use take turns pulling off a pepperoni, identify the picture, and share something you have learned about that topic studying the scriptures. (*pictures include: temple, sacrament, prayer, commandments, Holy Ghost, Savior's example, repentance, and kindness/love one another) That's all I have for this week. I did want to mention that there are so many topics in this week's lesson that we have already covered. Use the search bar and it will take you to some of the past lessons. I know there are several on the Holy Ghost, baptism, and the sacrament. As always thank you for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions. Download the free printables here

So… this was from New Beginnings 2016. The theme/scripture is found in 2 Nephi 31;20, I redesigned this from one I liked online, just thought I’d share with those of you who would like …

In these final chapters, Nephi completes his record. At five pages, you may have time to dive into the beautiful doctrines. As a young man, Nephi had seen in vision the baptism of Christ. In chapter 31, he reminds us of the importance of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost (mentioned in verses 8 and 12-14). My margin quote for the first page is about the Holy Ghost: "The Holy Ghost will be your personal tutor as you seek to know and understand what the Lord would have you know and do," (President Russell M. Nelson, "Spiritual Treasures," Conference, October 2019). On the following page (2 Nephi 31:17), Nephi makes his famous comparison of baptism to a gate: "For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water . . ." I was still feeling nostalgia for the beauty of Charleston, South Carolina (we lived in Goose Creek for nearly five years when my husband taught at the Nuclear Power School). In historic downtown, the narrow side yards are lush, formal, and beautiful. Entrance into those yards was typically through a one-of-a-kind wrought iron gate, framed with brick. That was my inspiration for the gate I drew, along with this quote: "This is the gate, our access to the Savior's atoning grace and to the strait and narrow path leading to His kingdom," (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven," Conference, October 2017). In 2 Nephi 32 we learn more about the Holy Ghost. I wrote a treasure scripture in the margin: "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore they speak the words of Christ," (2 Nephi 32:3). In 2 Nephi 39, Nephi speaks of Christ. In verse 9, he encourages us to "be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life . . ." In the margin, I wrote: "Are we true followers of Him who gave His all for us?" (Elder Terence M. Vinson, "True Disciples of the Savior," Conference, October 2019). I used a pencil and circle stencils for the flowers and vines. On the last page, Nephi speaks of judgment day with this almost eerie prophesy: "You and I shall stand face to face before his bar," (2 Nephi 33:11). I struggled with what to draw on this day. I couldn't picture a judgment bar, and didn't like the idea of doing a gavel (too justice oriented. No mercy). Then I was rereading the quote I had put in the margin. The part about desires for righteousness struck me. But wait! What does that have to do with Christ's atonement or works? I'd say everything. If the deepest desire of our hearts is righteousness, then we desire the source of righteousness (Christ). A natural side effect of having righteous desires is that many (though not all) of our works will be righteous. This reminded me of an image in the ancient Egyptian book of the dead. They believed that to enter the after-life, their hearts would be weighed. If their heart was good (lighter than this symbolic feather) then the God of resurrection would allow them to enter the after-life. While not embracing all the pagan gods involved in their story, the image of a heart on a scale felt right to me. In the margin, I wrote: "If our desires have been righteousness and our works good, then the judgment bar will be pleasing. Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, then the judgment bar will be a cause of dread," (Elder David A. Bednar, "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears," Conference April 2015). Did you have a favorite scripture or quote from 2 Nephi 31-33? If so, please share in the comments below. If you enjoyed this, you might be interested in following my Pinterest board Book of Mormon Journaling. I've sorted the board into different books in the Book of Mormon, so you don't have to scroll through a hundred ideas for 1 Nephi when the ideas you want are for Jacob!

Here is a marking guide for 2 Nephi 1 and 2! These are truly some PACKED full of doctrine chapters. Especially chapter 2!

Are you in charge of teaching February 11th's Lesson, “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator”? We've gathered all the Engaging Questions, Object Lessons, Activities, Analogies, and Parables you'll need to create an impactful and memorable lesson!2 Nephi 1 - Summary 2 Nephi 1 in the Book of Mormon is a significant chapter where Lehi, before his death, addresses his sons and imparts blessings, teachings, and prophecies. Here is a summary of 2 Nephi 1: Lehi begins by e

2 Nephi 26:33 states that “all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.” Most people in Nephi’s time assumed that the gods of each nation only loved their own nation. Nephi taught otherwise. He also showed that the Gentiles would enthusiastically accept Jehovah as their God. This would take place because God simply lays down the conditions that people have to keep for Him to accept them, and those that keep His commandments become part of His kingdom, as was the case for ancient kings who laid down conditions for their subjects. It isn’t where people are from that matters to God, it’s what they do.

Are you in charge of teaching February 11th's Lesson, “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator”? We've gathered all the Engaging Questions, Object Lessons, Activities, Analogies, and Parables you'll need to create an impactful and memorable lesson!2 Nephi 1 - Summary 2 Nephi 1 in the Book of Mormon is a significant chapter where Lehi, before his death, addresses his sons and imparts blessings, teachings, and prophecies. Here is a summary of 2 Nephi 1: Lehi begins by e

Setting After his father died, Nephi’s relationship with his oldest brothers, Laman and Lemuel deteriorated. They had never been very receptive to his admonitions, but now, their anger was in…

Are you in charge of teaching February 11th's Lesson, “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life, through the Great Mediator”? We've gathered all the Engaging Questions, Object Lessons, Activities, Analogies, and Parables you'll need to create an impactful and memorable lesson!2 Nephi 1 - Summary 2 Nephi 1 in the Book of Mormon is a significant chapter where Lehi, before his death, addresses his sons and imparts blessings, teachings, and prophecies. Here is a summary of 2 Nephi 1: Lehi begins by e

COME FOLLOW ME – Book of Mormon lesson activities – MARCH (week 1) TOPIC: “His Name Shall Be Called … The Prince of Peace” (2 Nephi 11-19 ) For Primary, Sunday School, youth classes, and family scripture study