The Way to Judge

I'm almost at the end of my 6 Month Challenge of the Book of Mormon.  I'm a little bit sad too, knowing that while the pressure of meeting the goal will not be there, the incentive to delve into the scriptures will have to come from another source, besides a leader-driven goal. 

Today I read the 7th chapter of Moroni, where Moroni includes a sermon his father gave in a synagogue, prior to his passing.  He shares a beautiful message about faith in Christ, the mission of angels, and miracles.  One of my favorite parts speaks of good and evil things.  Mormon says,

"But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.  Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil." 

A short while later, he explains how to judge.

"For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God."

(photo source)

These verses mean a lot to me, especially while the things I've been learning lately tend to land me in front of skeptical eyes.  Muscles testing, in particular, while not yet entirely understood scientifically, has shown to be a "good" thing in my life, and as I "judge" that it is "good", I trust that it is a tool from God, which I can use to help bless my life and those willing to also trust it is "good".   

Simple Testimony: Sabbath Days

I LOVE the Sabbath.  It's one of those 10 commandments that often gets overlooked, or perhaps marginalized.  I don't know why, but it seems a shame to me.  Attempting to honor it has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.

On Sundays, I go to church, but I'm starting to wonder if it would be better to have church on another day of the week, as it doesn't seem that "restful".  But I appreciate having the words of the Lord through the prophet Moses:

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God:

in it thou shalt not do any work,

thou,

nor thy son,

nor thy daughter,

thy manservant,

nor thy maidservant,

nor thy cattle,

nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth,

the sea,

and all that in them is,

and rested the seventh day:

wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day,

and hallowed it." 

(Exodus 20: 8-11)

I love the implications for this.  Does it mean that it's only us and our "maidservant" that gets a break on the Sabbath?  Who is our servant, or our cattle, nowadays that very few of us have personal servants?  What's the underlying principle?  

This is one of those commandments that seems more difficult to keep for some, but I have found the greatest blessings from observing it.  

What do you do on the Sabbath day, to help keep it hallowed? 

The Brother of Jared

This week I've been studying the Book of Ether, located within the Book of Mormon.  It's been fascinating.  This little book was recorded on 24 plates, which were found by the people of King Limhi when he was trying to find the land of Zarahemla.  When King Limhi's people finally did make it to Zarahelma, they asked King Mosiah (leader of that land) if he could read it.  He was able to do so, not just because he was a prophet, but also because he was a "seer" and a "revelator". 

Moroni, who is now abridging the plates which were passed down from his father, Mormon, now gets to compile what he can.  He includes part of the record from those 24 plates, but also includes much of his own thoughts as he goes.  I never noticed before how predominant his words are in this little book, and it never seemed quite so apparent how much he had to cut out to abridge it.

It begins with two brothers.  One named Jared, and then "the brother of Jared".  They are at the tower of Babel, when the people's language is confused.  Jared asks his brother to pray to God so that they are able to keep the same language, which He grants them.  He also allows their families and close friends to keep the same language, and from there, they are guided and led by the brother of Jared, who is led by God, through the wilderness, and eventually to a "land of promise" (Ether 2:7).  

We learn the ins and outs of their journey, but what is most amazing is the powerful experience that the brother of Jared has.  It is one of the most astounding experiences recorded in scripture, in my opinion.  It begins with the brother of Jared preparing a set of barges for his people to cross the waters, as the Lord had commanded him.  He then realizes that according to the design of the barges, there will be no light from windows.  So he goes to the mount Shelem, and moltens out of a rock, sixteen small stones.  I used to imagine these being about the size of my computer's mouse, but now I think they're small enough to carry within his two hands.  (After all, it says "and he did carry them in his hands"... Ether 3:1)

(photo source - thanks, In the Realm of Home!)

The brother of Jared works hard to create these stones, and then goes to the top of the mount, and begins crying to the Lord.  A few things I notice about his prayer (see Ether 3:2-6).

• He repeats what the Lord has told him already.
• He recognizes his own personal weakness, and asks the Lord not to be angry with him.
• He acknowledges God's holiness, and his own personal unholiness.
• He expresses understanding of the commandment to call upon God to receive.
• He recognizes the Lord's mercy and patience, and power, all the while asking Him for mercy and to look upon him in pity for his present state and challenge ahead. 
• Then he makes his request: that the Lord touch the stones so that they may permanently shine while they embark to cross the oceans.  

And guess what happens?  The Lord touches the stones, and a glorious experience unfolds for the brother of Jared.

The Lord later tells him that "never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger.  Sawest thou more than this?" (Ether 3:9).

Never?  Never has man come before God with such exceeding faith.  Wow!!!  Perhaps by Moroni choosing this experience from these 24 plates to share with us, we were just shown a marvelous example of how to demonstrate faith to achieve a most wonderful encounter with God.  And this is just the beginning of what this man experiences!

I love it.  It's worth reevaluating some more, that's for sure.

Health Bus: Incorporating Beans & Red Peppers

A few weeks ago it dawned on me that I'm not getting enough protein in my diet.  After reading a book called Original Fast Foods, written by James and Colleen Simmons, I was really intrigued with how major world religions discourage the over-consumption of meat, if they support eating it at all.  The quotes they shared in the book really motivated me to attempt to try alternate methods of getting protein in my body. 

So I decided I'm really ok with bean dips.  Otherwise, I'm not the biggest fan of beans.  But here's an adapted recipe (meaning I found it online, and adjusted it for what I had vs. didn't have) that has fit the tastes of at least three of those in my household.  Shall I call it "Red Pepper Bean Dip"?  I shall. :)

Into the blender throw:
1 can (drained) of chick peas (AKA garbanzo beans). 
1 red pepper, stem cut out (keep in the rest).  You could try green, orange or yellow pepper to change up the color and flavor a little, if you like. 
3/4 lemon, juiced (or about 3 T.)
1 T. garlic powder (or 2 or so cloves of crushed garlic)
1 T. cumin
1 t. chili powder

When I tried blending this, my blender didn't like that there were only beans.  I dumped the whole batch out, and tried pepper first.  It didn't like that either.  I resorted to chopping up the pepper into strips, and adding a little water. 

Once you get your blender to cooperate, it'll come out looking pretty like this:

 

Mmmmm.   (The lettuce just magically appeared too...:)  My little boys love it.  They each ate at least 1/2 cup of it straight out of a bowl with only a few tortilla chips.  It's a really great way to get that protein that's often so overlooked.  

Let me know if you'll try it!

Simple Testimony Sunday: Mormon

Tonight while I was getting my little girl in bed, she started playing mommy, instead of me being mommy, and tried to get me to fall asleep.  She did this my drawing with her fingers on my cheeks, trying to get me to close my eyes.  It was the wildest thing, because instantly I was thinking that this was what my mom used to do to me, and now I do this with my kids.  The odd part is, I don't remember ever doing this to my mom, but it seems like a very special, simple habit.

I do, however, remember doing this with my grandmother, and for some reason, it just reminded me how short life can be, as it seemed that I did this with her towards the end of her mortal life.  And somehow, that led me to wonder what impressions people get by my words or actions, perhaps thinking I might be extreme, over the top, or just plain "out there".  But really, as time goes by and I see more and more what's important (and what's not), I don't care.  Today I was thinking about Mormon, and how during his time, he had a "sober mind", and was probably considered a bit too serious by some.  At age 10, he was given instructions for a major responsibility regarding these plates of brass which he would take care for at age 24.  At age 15, he was commanding the whole of the Nephite armies, and from then until the end of his life, all he saw was destruction, in the form of both war and murder among his people.  He wanted to preach to his people, and God forbade it, as the people had wilfully turned away from Him (Mormon 1:16).   

But then it was also marvelous.  Mormon writes that he was visited of the Lord (Mormon 1:15), and shown our day.  All of man's days, actually, from the beginning to the end of the world.  (How does that happen, if we have agency to affect the course of our lives?)  It seems as if the majority of what Mormon writes is directed pointedly at us - those who have lived since the Book of Mormon has come unearthed.  And it is marvelous, the things that Mormon shares.  I am grateful for the work he did, and what he endured, to bring this to my life.

Interestingly enough, despite the horrors that Mormon witnessed, and the sacrifices he likely made in abridging so much of what we now have as the Book of Mormon, I think it's wild to see what has become of his name.  I wonder, if when God showed him what would transpire in future times, what he thought of the fact that millions of people who have accepted this book as scripture would call themselves after his name.  Mormons.  We take upon ourselves the name of Christ when we are baptized, but the world refers to us as Mormons.  Very, very interesting.

So grateful for Mormon this Sabbath day!  He truly testified of Christ.  I hope when my kids tickle my face to try to get me to sleep when I'm older, that they know that I tried to do the same.

I know He lives!

Bad News, Superman

My little boy just woke up from his nap.  I gave him a cookie, and he wanted a second.  When I wouldn't give him another one, he climbed on my leg and started hollering.  When I got the chance to peel him off, I decided to catch a few seconds on film.

(It's really not a funny video.  I think it seemed funnier to share it than it actually is.  Sorry.  And I don't blame him.  Thin Mints are really worth crying over sometimes.)

This afternoon I found out that one of my favorite uncles passed away.  I was never too close to any of my extended family, due to living several hours apart.  But this one kept a soft place in my heart. 

He had spent the last decade dealing with the effects of a stroke.  Unable to speak, besides saying "no" and a few other sounds, he really struggled during these later years.  Despite the affects of his stroke, I'll never forget how he asked me to dance the night I was married.  He couldn't talk, but he danced with me anyways, before someone else cut in a few bars into the song.  I always wished I would've asked the relative cutting in to let me finish the song with him.

I know that my uncle is likely enjoying his new-found speech, and all the other capabilities which the stroke stripped him of, years ago.  But I kinda want to have my own tantrum, to include lying on the floor, kicking, and refusing to get up, for just a short minute. 

On the bright side, from what I understand, angles and spirits really have it good sometimes.  Like, some serious "Superman" capabilities.

I want superpowers.

I want to be able to fly!  To fly around the world in a millisecond, and not have to care about relocating a household of goods via truck.  I could go wherever I wanted and return just as fast to my temporal supplies, as needed.  Cool!

I want x-ray vision, to see through the veil.  I just read how the brother of Jared (Ether 3:19) could not be kept from seeing beyond the veil, because he knew that if he believed, the Lord would show him anything.  I'd like to figure out how to have faith to make that happen.

I want the power of "Thor's hammer".  To be able to affect the elements was something Jacob knew how to do.  Clearly one has to be willing to keep this ability within the confines of God's will.  Not sure I could do that just yet...

An inspired friend named Jaralee brought me a small copy of this picture yesterday:

(photo source/purchase link)

I had never seen it before, and it really moved me.  It's called "The Comforter", by Scott Summer.  If you zoom in (or click the link), you can see scars for the nail prints.  I'd never seen them portrayed like that.  I love that the woman doesn't hardly recognize (yet) that He's there, offering support.  Is that not how we are, so often?

When my friend brought this to me yesterday, I truly thought she was inspired.  When I was sitting, writing about the passing of my uncle, it felt even more inspired.  I don't worry that he's not in a good place, or even happy.  I know he's not stuck in a dead body, in a miserable state, soon to be buried.  I know he's ok, and thanks to a "redeemer", even Jesus Christ, I know that he's going to be, if he isn't already, just fine.

So my only mourning is for myself, and when it comes to thinking of the Savior, something remarkable was brought to my attention in a book I recently read.  It was pointed out that so often, we think the Atonement is only available to use when we die.  But it's not.  The Atonement is an act in progress, and something that we can make use of, every day, as we struggle through life's difficulties. (Concept and credit of source elaborated upon in Eighteen Verses, by Denver Snuffer).  I'm a little sad that I don't get to see him at family reunions.  The aunts and uncles are dropping like flies.  Three have passed on this year.  But I truly know they're in a most wonderful place, if not on their way.

Upon requesting that my older relatives quite dying (on my Nerdbook wall), my friend Paul wrote, "But how will they get home?"  That's precisely it.  Gracias, Paul!

It's so true.

Jesus talks about Isaiah's Prophecies, Part 2

(This is the second half of what is currently a two-part post.  To see the predecessor, see here.) 

In the previous post, I explained a little bit of the set-up to the views I'm about to share.  Jesus had been preaching among the Nephites, following his resurrection.  He had been sharing his "gospel" among them, and as each day progressed, more and more of the people joined the multitude who were trying to hear his words, and see the miracles he preformed.

Many, many wonderful things happened, and I hope to devote a whole series to my thoughts on the details in the near future.  What I'd like to focus on today is where he refers to Isaiah, and how he said all of his prophecies should be fulfilled (3 Nephi 20:11).  He proceeds, "...when they shall be fulfilled then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath made unto his people, O house of Israel.  And then shall the remnants, which shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the earth, be gathered in from the east and from the west, and from the south and from the north; and they shall be brought to the knowledge of the Lord their God, who hath redeemed them."

I could copy the rest of the chapter, but I'll try to summarize, and share my thoughts.

He explains that if the Gentiles don't repent after they receive their blessing, after they have scattered the remnant of the house of Jacob, then "shall ye, who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver." (3 Nephi 20:15-16)

A few questions and simple answers now...

Who are the Gentiles? Anyone not a Jew, correct?  Earlier in the Book of Mormon the "scattering" of the remnant of the house of Jacob is prophesied, in 1 Nephi 13.  It refers to a man, brought across the waters by the hand of God, which allows religious freedom to be enjoyed by those who followed him across the waters.  (Many call his man Cristobal Colón:  Christopher Columbus.)

Who are the "remnant of the house of Jacob"?  We understand part of this remnant to be the descendants of Lehi's children, who are believed to have resided in the Americas.  They are to be "scattered", as referred to in 1 Nephi 13:14, by those Gentiles who came across the waters.  Did this not happen to the American Indians?  And where did those who were "scattered" go?  West?  South?  North?

(Map of "Early Localization of American Indians". Photo source, Wikipedia.)

The night before I read 3 Nephi 20, I came across a website where someone quoted the verse about the lion among the beasts of the forest.  They suggested that this referred to the current issue of "illegal immigration" that the US battles.  They also referred to an earlier verse in the Book of Mormon, where it says that anyone lead to this "land of promise" shall have been led by the hand of God, to be a free people.

Another question.  Are people in Canada generally free?  How about Mexico?  Nicaragua?  How about Brazil?  Are people fleeing on handmade rafts to the peaceful coasts of Venezuela?  Ecuador?  Or is it pompous of me to say that America's exceptional state as a "land of promise" is truly that–exceptionally blessed?  Was there some other "Gentile" that went and scattered the people of Central America or Canada?

{This brings in another undeniable point in my mind.  At some point, the descendants of Lehi–this "remnant"–lived in a place where they would be "scattered from".  Were the Mayans or Incas, whom many claim descended from Lehi, ever scattered and driven?  Perhaps I'm illustrating ignorance here.  I don't know for sure.} 

"If the Gentiles do not repent..." what does that mean?  What do the people of America have to repent for?  Which commandments do we break, all the time?  Are not the simplest of commandments Jesus gave us–to love one another–broken by anyone, just about every day?  Which of us is perfect in this regard?  Are any of us perfect, period?  Certainly not me! This does not even touch some of the greater sins of our day, which are becoming more and more acceptable, and more and more commonplace.

So back to the main verse:

"shall ye, who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver."

Down to the main point.  It seems highly likely to me that the remnant, who is as the lion, are very likely those who the media calls "illegal immigrants".  Descendants of American (or Mexican) Indians, perhaps, re-inheriting this land, whether or not Americans like it.  If we look at the effects of illegal immigration on stolen identities, medicaid fraud, and free education in expensive universities, I would venture to say that they are both treading down and tearing in pieces.  To even consider the affects of Arizona's attempt to have checks on "papers" for illegals has wreaked political havoc.  If enough states took on this issue, there would be even great potential for the "United" states to be "torn to pieces", if not literally, then mentally.  Indeed, this could very well be an accurate unfolding of this prophecy.  

Having working with illegal immigrants as a missionary, I've developed an "I don't know" attitude on how to deal with the issue.  I saw people I taught and came to love dearly get deported, and then be back in Utah within barely a week.  It seemed a waste of money for the government, as well as those deported.  Each of those who I knew who got deported came back, at any/all costs.  

(photo source)

I've prayed about it on more than one occasion as to which view to support (widening the doors on immigrant quota, amnesty, fence building, e-verify, etc.), and regardless, it seems clear to me that it's all in God's hands, no matter which view I take.  Unless the Gentiles repent and turn to God, they will be as sheep with a young lion among them, period.  This prophecy makes complete sense, whether or not this is the literal fulfillment of it.  And the irony of it, is that this illegal immigration issue has only been a serious issue within the last 30 years.  How long ago did we take simple prayer, or even displaying a list of the 10 commandments out of schools or any government buildings?  And Roe vs. Wade?  All sorts of other social turn-arounds from historically accepted norms and values have taken place, and just in my lifetime.  Even to see how some media outlets seem to have completely forgotten the Holocaust, and Jew-hating seems to somehow be justified in the minds of not some, but so many.  It almost feels like I'm living in some pseudo-reality when I hear of these upside-down prejudices coming back to life. 

How thankful it makes me for the blessing of this book of scripture in my life.  It gives peace and comfort in an otherwise unsettling social and political environment.  I know we're in His hands!  And I hope more and more people come to understand these prophecies, especially as they come to be fulfilled. 

Jesus talks about Isaiah's Prophecies, Part 1

Last week I read something that really startled me.  I've been wanting to share it, but haven't really had the words.  I'm not even sure how clearly I can share it now, but I'm going to try.  It was a prophecy contained in 3 Nephi 20.

Jesus came and visited the Nephites who had been in Bountiful, at the temple site.  He spent the whole day with them, working and showing marvelous miracles among the people.  He also chose 12 to stand as "disciples", to minister and run the affairs of the congregations after he would leave.

They went home that night, after Jesus had ascended, and they gathered together the next day, with an even greater crowd, some people having traveled all night to get there.  More and more wonderful things occur, such that I can't even imagine how Mormon, the compiler of the Book of Mormon, even figured out what to include in this account.  There is just so much!

{After studying these verses for several days, I've lost track of whether or not the part I want to discuss here is during the 2nd or 3rd day of Jesus' visit.  It's amazing how much he packed into just a short span of days.  I'll likely come back to 3 Nephi when I finish my 6 month challenge.} 

He starts talking about Isaiah's prophecies, and how they are so important that we need to search them out.  In 3 Nephi 15:6, he says,

"Behold, I do not destroy the prophets, for as many as have not been fulfilled in me, verily I say unto you, shall all be fulfilled."

This was a very interesting point.  Why doesn't he destroy the prophets' words?  In Sunday School, it was recently discussed how Jesus "fulfilled" the law of Moses.  I was confused, because some folks were saying that even though the law was fulfilled, some, like Peter, apparently were still abstaining from eating particular forms of meat.  I was really confused by the whole thing, as I'm not by any means a scholar of the law of Moses.  I'd barely call myself a student.

However, when Jesus says he doesn't destroy the prophets, I was surprised.  I think I must have affiliated the concept of "fulfilling the law of Moses" with "fulfilling the prophets" together.  This is not the case.  Isaiah's prophecies, among other prophecies left to us in the scriptures, are still yet to be fulfilled.

What are Flower Essences?

When I do my monthly "Priority" for each member in my family, quite often the results that present will result in a "flower essence" being indicated.  Up until a few months ago, I really had no idea what flower essences were, but I was taught that the were powerful and very useful.

(photo source)

A book I was referred to was called Flower Essence Repertory.  The subtitle says "A Comprehensive Guide to the Flower Essences researched by Dr. Edward Bach and by the Flower Essence Society".  When someone's body tests for wanting a flower essence, I look up the name of the flower essence in this book, and it describes how that particular flower essence represents whatever their body is dealing with.  It could represent the state of the soul, or an essence that would help break generational patterns.  It has been really fascinating.

{If you want to find out more about exactly what flower essences are, feel free to read more here.}

When I do a priority for someone, first I check to see how many imbalances the person's body wants to address.  In my personal priority (which I just did), one essence that my body wanted me to reference was "corn".

(photo source)

With each essence, there are positive qualities it reflects.  Corn's positives are "alignment with the earth, especially through the body and feet; grounded presence" (p.197).  But since this essence came up when I was checking for imbalances–not positive qualities–I read the section for "Patterns of imbalance".  Corn's patterns of imbalance lists as the "inability to stay centered in the body; disorientation and stress, particularly in urban or crowded environments."

Some people may think that's kind of weird.  I can't stay in my body???  But if we consider that we have physical bodies, and we have a spirit–which is truly who we are–that inhabits that body, then we have to ask, "What is the spirit physically made of?"  I understand that the spirit is fluid.  This is why in ghost stories they say spirits can move through walls.  They can somehow manipulate their matter through and into other beings, like our physical body.  So according to this priority, part of my spirit is troubled by not wanting to stick in the body.  Where it goes, I don't know!  ha!!!  Regardless, it really resonated with me, the part about being centered, stressed, and disorientated.  And add in the urban/crowded part, and it's where I'm at, 100%.

So what now?  Do I buy flower essences at the local health food store?  Perhaps.  But perhaps my body/spirit just needed to be aware that yes, I am not grounded in my current environment.  I do seek to be in nature, and it's not altogether possible, so I have to find ways to cope, or to accommodate my spirit's needs.  Perhaps that would be through getting out of the house and up to the mountains.  Perhaps visualization, prayer, meditation?  The beauty of this priority system is that once I cover the imbalances, I move to "What priorities does my body have?"  And then through more muscle testing, I am able to find out.  It's fascinating.  And awesome.  

Have you ever heard of flower essences before?  Ever tried them?  What were your results?  Did you find them effective?  Please share!

"Other Sheep I Have"

I've been reading the last few days about Jesus' post-resurrection ministry among the Nephites.  After Jesus died, He rose again the third day, and where did He go?

Perhaps we won't know entirely until we're done with this life, but we do know, due to the record found in the Book of Mormon, of at least one major stop: the Americas, among the Nephite people.

In 3 Nephi 15:21-24, Jesus is speaking to these people, and He says,

"And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 

(photo source)

And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching. 

And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice–that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost. 

But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me."

I really like this.  How often to you get to hear Jesus clarifying what He was saying in Israel?  

A lot of people are really particular about the near-last verse in the Bible, where it says, 

"If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life..." (Rev. 22: 18-19)

They use these verses as "proof" that the Book of Mormon can't be God's word.  However, they neglect Deuteronomy 4:2, which says, 

"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." 

They are both practically the same, saying not to add or detract from the words.  I think they were meant with a different interpretation in mind, because if we interpret that verse as many interpret Rev. 22: 18-19, then anything after Deut. 4:2 would also have to go down the drain.  

Also neglected is that the word "Bible" means "collection of books", and that as it was compiled in King James' day is not necessarily the order in which they were chronologically written.  They were records, letters, all put together to form one Bible.  Does that mean there were no others who left accounts, but somehow decayed and were too illegible to be included?  

If we get past the "no more scripture" argument and look at the core message, there is so much more.  

The fact that Jesus says that these are his "other sheep" is touching.  He KNOWS us!  He is aware of us, and all people, whether or not they know of Him.  And in addition to these Nephites who He visited, there are MORE!  He says, 

"I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister. 

For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them. 

But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them." 

 Wow.  So He didn't just minister among the Jews.  And not just the Nephites.  There are more.  

Did He go among the Chinese?

How about the Australians?  

Tongans?

Among the Phillipines?  

How about those in Alaska?

Russia?

Among... aliens? (That one's for Dan.  He likes alien stories. ;) I'm totally kidding.  But what about other worlds?  We haven't even escaped our solar system.  Can't God send His Son beyond such boundaries?

(photo source)

And what would happens if/when we receive their "sealed" record, if that day should come?  Would we accept it?  

In Nephi, God warns that many people will say,

"A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible.  Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?  Know ye not that there are more nations that one?  Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?" (2 Nephi 6-7)

I think this verse not only applies to those who bemoan the Book of Mormon, but also to those who are content to think that they wouldn't need any further revelation in our day.  (This is for LDS and non-LDS alike.)  What if the Chinese discovered an ancient record that recorded their accounts with Deity, but by another name?  Would we consider what it had to say, especially if it reinforced and added to our knowledge of truth?  

These are the "last days", and it is the "fulness of times".  I wonder when further revelation will come along.  Perhaps never, at least with further records.  But I sure do like to hope that it would be sooner than later.   I can't wait for more!!!