Day 2! :)

I've kept up with this so far! I'm proud of myself! Usually the second through about the fifth day of starting something new is the hardest for me, so I'm glad I actually found time this morning to put this together. :)

Today's reading actually will be something you've probably all read if you've even picked up the Book of Mormon, it's probably the section of the Book of Mormon that most people probably have memorized and just kind of glance over because they've read it already.

This section is 1 Nephi, chapters 1 and 2. We will also be reading the Brief Introduction that comes right before the Table of Contents page. :)

Here are the links to the reading selections for today: 
Brief Introduction: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/explanation?lang=eng
1 Nephi 1: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1?lang=eng
1 Nephi 2: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/2?lang=eng

What to mark: 1 Nephi 1:20
{And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him: yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.}

"The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ...The Lord's tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord's timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings."
{Elder David A. Bednar}

Question to think about... "How have you experienced the tender mercies of the Lord?"

I really liked this section, simply because it states that if we follow the commandments, we will be led to where we need to be, our children will be blessed because of our obedience and diligence, and the Lord will show us little tender mercies, basically every day, to show us that He is really there for us and that He really loves us.

Lately (in response to the question), I guess I've experienced some tender mercies of the Lord. The cool thing about tender mercies is that it might not seem important or incredible to other people, but to the individual that receives them, it is just what they needed at the moment. That's what I love about them! They are so personalized and individual, how could you not know that Heavenly Father doesn't know you and love you?

Three tender mercies that come to my mind are these:
1) My friends. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today. They are the most incredible people that I know, and I look up to them, and I absolutely love being with them. They're almost my family! Lately, I've had a lot of friends leave for missions, but with the new rule about emailing your missionary friends which allows for faster responses from them is something that I really appreciate and makes me miss them a little less. :)
2) Working at Dairy Keen. Usually I don't mind going to work, but I get really stressed out if I'm in the back making the burgers or the sandwiches. Or the fries. That always stresses me out. I've actually prayed a few times to make sure I won't be in the back or on the fryer when I worked that day. It's always worked out exactly how I would have needed it to at work. Either I'm in the front putting orders together, taking orders, making shakes, or being on the window/drive-thru. It's been greatly stress-relieving, as weird as that sounds. :)
3) Going to the singles ward and actually making friends, even though I'm incredibly shy around new people. :) It's been great going and automatically having friends and being able to meet new people!

Alright, so now here's the thought from the "Walking with the Savior" book!

Day 2: 
Sometimes we view life as a series of "trade-offs". Many times these "trades" leave us feeling like we're holding the short end of the stick! However when we give up or trade our worldly thoughts, behaviors, and distractions for the things which bring us closer to Christ, we never receive a bad trade. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his whole soul?" (Matthew 16: 24-26). When we trade our natural man tendencies we receive in their place a relationship with Jesus that is rich, rewarding, and life transforming.

Just for today: I will ponder what I would like to gain from this 52 week experience. On a piece of paper I will write three specific "trades" or changes I would like to see over the next year. I will write them as if they have already happened, such as: I feel more patient with my family or I have eliminated a worldly distraction which has kept me from feeling connected with my Savior, etc. I will put the paper in a sealed envelope to be opened at the completion of this program.

See you tomorrow! :) Keep reading!