Shape

1 Nephi 17 gave me many insights, and I'm very glad I had the Spirit with me so I could focus enough to have the thoughts that I did. 
Verses 7, 9, 10, 11 and 16: When Nephi was commanded to go and build a ship, he went right away. He was quick to obey. Not only that, but he didn't ask the Lord to GIVE him tools. He asked Him where he could find the means to make them himself. Nephi will do all he can, and *then* ask for Divine assistance.  Nephi is a do-er! I want to try to be more like Nephi and work on DOing more, and asking less. I get the feeling that, the more we DO, the more the Lord blesses us. And His blessings help us, so: The more we try on our own, the more help God will give us. What a cool thought. :)

Verse 41: There were a couple of things that struck me in this verse. One was the word 'straiten'. We talked a bit about the word 'strait' in context of the Strait and Narrow earlier this week. Basically, it means a narrow or rigorous path. It's interesting to me that it's used here, and I think what Nephi means by it is that God SHAPED, or molded, them in the wilderness; He helped them be the people He needed them to be. Thinking this brought up a couple questions: "Where or what is my wilderness?" and "How is the Lord shaping me?"
Another thing I picked up from this verse is the simplicity of the healing serpent.  Often, the Lord gives us very simple help.  Sometimes so simple that we don't think we can believe in it.  **Do it anyway.** You will benefit.
Very strong impressions as I read this week. I'm so grateful for the Spirit and His ability to bring us divine thought. :)
I Love this Gospel!

I may write a poem with the same title as this blog post. Because it feels like it should be one. We shall see.
Much Love!
Kiki :)