1 Nephi 3:1 - 1 Nephi 4:13

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

This speaks for itself. Faith that the Lord will not give us more than we can bare, and he will always provide a way.

But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.

Perseverance. Nephi just would not give up, he was determined to accomplish the task that was given to him. That is something big time for me to learn. When the times get hard, don't give up, but persevere.

And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.

If we have faith, and are sensitive to the spirit, we can listen closely and it will lead us to that which we need to do. We won't always know everything, and exactly what we are supposed to be doing. but if the Lord has commanded it, then he will provide a way, all we have to do is have faith and trust.

Faith = Prayer, Prayer = Faith

1 Nephi 1 - 1 Nephi 2:24

..."and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days;..."

This stood out to me. Nephi says that he has has seen afflictions (many!), but has been highly favored of the Lord. I think that there is something to be learned there. Just because I have afflictions does not mean that I am not favored.

Wherefore it came to pass that my father, Lehi, as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people.

Could it be that Lehi was praying to know if the prophets words were true? He received a witness of this.

and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!

If we come unto him we will not perish.

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.

Lehi stood strong, even when his life was at risk. How simple the things are that I face if I am strong, in comparison to Lehi.

And my father dwelt in a tent.

Lehi was very wealthy, and left all his riches and worldly possessions in order to follow the commandment of the Lord. He lived in a tent, because he had the faith and knowledge that the Lord's promises and blessings were much better than the worldly riches.

wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father;

When we have doubts due to "anti" materials, we should pray, and ask for our hearts to be softened, and for understanding.

New Beginnigs

This is the start of my New Beginnings scripture study. I am going to try really hard to stick to it. This is where my notes will be, and an update of my progress.

Wish me luck!!