"I did liken all scriptures unto [me], that it might be for [my] profit and learning" (1 Nephi 19:23)

During my scripture study I had an insight that was simple and personal. I have read and known to put my own name in the scriptures to make them more personal from when I took seminary years ago. I remember reading for the first time, "I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning" (1 Nephi 19:23). I was really excited about doing it. Since then, I often put my own name in place of other names when studying the scriptures. Well, to put "I" or "me" in the right place makes a big difference and not just my own name. I know making this little change will affect the way I focus on the sacrament each week. Here is what I read and applied:

"O God, the Eternal Father, [I] ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to [my soul] who [partakes] of it, that [I] may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that [I] am willing to take upon [me] the name of thy Son, and always remember Him and Keep His commandments which He has given [me]; that [I] may always have His Spirit to be with [me]. Amen." (D&C 20:77)

"O God, the Eternal Father, [I] ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this [water] to [my soul] who [drinks] of it, that [I] may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for [me]; that [I] may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that [I] do always remember Him, that [I] may have His Spirit to be with [me]. Amen" (D&C 20:79)

 I know that as we make the scriptures more personal when we apply them to ourselves individually we are given more personal guidance, personal revelation, and personal help in our daily lives. This I testify.

It applies to us individually
(image found here)

"...clothed with power and authority...and to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that [are] in darkness" D&C 138:30

I wash and fold  mountains of laundry, which I do pretty much on a weekly basis. Sometimes it's so much laundry that I take pictures of before and after. Kind of funny, but hey, sometimes I just gotta record how much laundry is done, for some reason it makes me feel better when I see what I have accomplished. 

The mountain before washing

A few years ago when I felt like I was drowning in laundry and knew that the laundry was always going to keep coming I needed a new view. This is the view I got: "And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil" (Mosiah 4:14).  When I first read this I knew that I needed to make sure my children had clothes to wear. It was a symbolic gesture to make sure they were "clean" and that I was teaching them correct principles about modesty and caring for their own bodies. Doing laundry, or clothing my children is more than just teaching them to have clean clothes. I also have the vital responsibility to make sure my children are clothed with power, charity, even the armor of God. 

Christ has organized his work to be done by the righteous, those who are clothed in His power and authority. "But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead" (D&C 138:30). I know this scripture is talking about when Christ went to the spirit world to teach those who have passed away, but I feel that it also applies to us (see 1 Nephi 19:23). 

Mountain after washed, but not folded

As a mother I have the responsibility to help prepare my children to go and "carry the light of the gospel to them that [are] in darkness". This is an amazing plan- I learn truth, teach my children, and they go forth to serve and teach more of His children, and they teach their children. Doing "laundry" is part of that great plan. It has become a great blessing for me in my life and the life of my loved ones to do "laundry" and help clothe the world. 

We also get to teach our children to "clothe [themselves] with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace" (D&C 88:125). We clothe them and ourselves with charity as we serve them, love them, and are a good example of kindness, goodness, covenant keeping, honesty, and all other Christlike qualities.

So today, as you work on the mountain of laundry that never seems to be conquered (even if it's just your own laundry), remember, you are doing a "great work" (see Alma 26:3; D&C 138:48; D&C 64:33) - you are helping clothe the world in charity and light and truth.

Mountain climbed...all washed and folded