I’ve begun again to re-read the Book of Mormon for the umpteenth time because after finishing it I start again; the book brings a sense of spirituality and testimony to my life that I never want to be without.

Three chapters into the book brings me to where Nephi and his brothers return from the wilderness to Jerusalem to get the plates of brass from Laban. Attempting to get the plates happened two times, unsuccessfully . The third time Nephi attempted to get the plates again by following the impressions in his heart; he did it the Lord’s way and succeeded. I’m reminded of my friend’s experience (said in their words):

I had a new tension curtain rod to hang curtains in my room. I needed to twist one side of the rod to get the tension. Twice I twisted and turned the rod but it wouldn’t open! My hands were aching and I felt frustrated so I put down the rod and thought What am I gonna do? I decided to try again after saying a little prayer “Lord, please help me” and the tension rod opened and all was well.”

And I ask myself these questions:

• How many times do I try to do things my way and then get frustrated and give up?
• What if I tried again after saying a little prayer “Lord, please help me” and believed He would?
• What does it hurt to believe in a good outcome and hope for the best?

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”