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"ALL THINGS ACCORDING TO HIS WILL"
by Ted L. Gibbons
 In a very real sense, what we are reading in 1st Nephi is a journal. The Lord intends to do miraculous things with this journal, and Nephi prepares it in such a way that it can be preserved, but it is nevertheless a journal. Nephi calls it a “record of my proceedings in my days.” (1 Nephi 1:1) He later tells us that it is a journal of his spiritual experiences. He says, “And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God.”(1 Nephi 6:3, emphasis added).
We will review some of those “things of God” as we study the first seven chapters of First Nephi. Lehi’s departure from Jerusalem and the description of Laman and Lemuel with their resistance of the Spirit along with Nephi and his desire to know and understand the things of God.
The sons of Lehi will seek the brass plates and Zoram will join the family. Lehi will teach us about the importance of these plates and of all scripture. Ishmael will join the family with his daughters and his rebellious sons.
Through all of this we will begin to see what manner of man Nephi really is. He is a hero worthy of all emulation. We have been commanded to hold up the light of Christ.
Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up that which ye have seen me do. (3 Nephi 18:24)
No one ever did that better than Nephi, who was almost perfect is his commitment to follow the Savior. That commitment came from his love, of course. And it was manifest in his attitude about every experience in his life. I am pleased beyond measure by the final three words of this great man preceding his final “Amen” in the Book of Mormon. They are found in 2 Nephi 33:15.
> Read the Entire Book of Mormon Lesson
 DESERT BLOSSOMS #119
by Ted L. Gibbons
The compound word inasmuch from Matthew 25:40, 45 seems to be an expression of divine evaluation that ought to inspire all of us in our relationships with others: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these . . .”
One of the qualities of our prophet-leaders that has drawn me to them and to their example is the compelling awareness I have that they are great Christians, and that they treat others with as they would treat the Savior himself.
On the trip to Europe to dedicate the temple sites in Switzerland and England, President McKay was surrounded by eager English youth seeking autographs from him. The first in line was a young girl about nine years of age. She asked the President’s son, who was accompanying him, “May I have President McKay’s autograph?” The son, who thought his father was too tired, began to dissuade her, but President McKay, overhearing the conversation, turned to her and asked jokingly, “Do you think I can write plainly enough so you can read it?” The girl wasn’t sure whether he was in earnest and became flustered. At that moment an aide interrupted with a pressing question, and several minutes of conversation ensued. When the President turned to the table to begin writing autographs, the girl had disappeared.
“I have never seen Father more upset,” said his son. “Please find that girl in the blue dress,” President McKay directed. “I’m sure she has the impression that I didn’t want to sign her book. She misinterpreted my remarks. You must find her.” Before long, branch and mission presidents were looking for a little girl in blue. But the search was in vain. Finally, a missionary thought he knew who the girl was. He telephoned the President later that night and then received these instructions: “Tell the girl that I am sorry I missed her and that I have asked the branch president to send her book to me by mail to Salt Lake City; I will sign my autograph and mail it directly back to her.” And he did! (Leon R. Hartshorn, “David O. McKay: The Worth of a Soul,” New Era, Jan. 1972, 59).
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