1 Nephi 1 - 5

http://jackieleasommers.com/category/narnia/

This quote provides an interesting perspective on 1 Nephi 1:1, where Nephi states that he was “highly favored of the Lord,” had “seen many afflictions,” and “had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God.” How can we reconcile these seemingly contradictory statements ... how do they relate to one another?  I find that 2Ne 2:2 and Doctrine and Covenants 90:24, 122:7-8 help to add some perspective to the matter. 

In 1Ne 1:20 we come across the concept of "tender mercies".  This is a concept that I find difficult to pin down or define accurately as demonstrations of "tender mercies" are so individual to each of us.  The best way I have to describe tender mercies" is that these are those moments when we see Gods hand in our lives ... and in saying that I guess that the timing of those two things - the event in which God is present and the time when we see how He was present - are not always the same?

Another topic that is raised in these chapters is murmuring.  I appreciate Elder Workmans' insights from October 2001 General Conference: 

“Murmuring consists of three steps, each leading to the next in a descending path to disobedience.” First, when people murmur they begin to question. They question “first in their own minds and then [plant] questions in the minds of others.” Second, those who murmur begin to “rationalize and excuse themselves from doing what they [have] been instructed to do. … Thus, they [make] an excuse for disobedience.” Their excuses lead to the third step: “Slothfulness in following the commandment.” ...


“I invite you to focus on the commandment from living prophets that bothers you the most. Do you question whether the commandment is applicable to you? Do you find ready excuses why you cannot now comply with the commandment? Do you feel frustrated or irritated with those who remind you of the commandment? Are you slothful in keeping it? Beware of the deception of the adversary. Beware of murmuring”

Many questions - happy journalling!

David A Bednar : Tender Mercies of the Lord
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng