1 Nephi 5-8

Today's reading is what Ironwoman is all about-to hold fast to the rod of iron and make it back in our families to our Heavenly Father, which is our ultimate goal in life. I enjoyed this reading as some things came to mind. In chapter 6 verse 5, Nephi writes, "Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world." This is such a great verse because it shows that Nephi isn't influenced by the world or caves into peer pressure, but he stays close to the Lord and does what would please the Lord rather than people.
Chapter 7 verse 11 is Nephi teaching his older brothers and says, "Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record?" I think how many times I am ungrateful and forget the many blessings that Heavenly Father gives me on a regular basis and so I know I am not any better than Laman and Lemuel. This reminds me to be more aware and grateful of the many blessings, both big and small that the Lord gives me and continues to give me even when I am not worthy of them.
Verse 21 of chapter 7 is a great verse as it shows how quickly Nephi is willing to forgive his brothers even though they were wanting to kill him. They were horrible to him, but he was still so humble and quick to forgive them, it really humbled me.
Chapter 8 is the great chapter on the iron rod. There is so much to it, but one of the things that really stuck out to me was when Lehi was walking in the dark and dreary wilderness for a long period of time. It brought him to his knees in prayer to the Lord that he would help him and the Lord answered his prayer, but he gave him a few choices, the great and spacious building came upon him first and then he saw the tree with the fruit. I believe that because Lehi had been humbled and his heart was right, he was able to make the right decision. And after he helped himself he was able to help his family and guide his family to the right. We can't expect to help our children and family if we are not on higher ground ourselves. I know it sounds a little self-righteous, but it is true. There is so much to this reading and I enjoyed it!