me + church: The Book of Mormon

I finished it. For the first time. I've read the scripture before, of course--you know, the quick scanning of a verse before bed where you read the words so fast it sounds like a foreign language. Nothing sinks in that way. I believe you're blessed for trying, but I know we can always be better. We can become perfected in Christ if we are willing to do the work.

I made a goal to finish by Easter. And I did it. It took me awhile--almost a year. But I took my time because I wanted to make sure I wasn't rushing through it just to be done. I had my journal and pen by me every morning or night that I sat down to study. The Book of Mormon for Families is what really made the difference. It provided insights, quotes, definitions and questions on certain verses, concepts and words. It helped me to study and ponder the scriptures, to actually digest and apply what I'd just read.

I'm no expert on The Book of Mormon now. Far from it. I know not every concept sunk into my head. Very few probably did. But we learn "line upon line, precept on precept" and so I need to read it one hundred more times. It's a humbling thought.

Reading The Book of Mormon was the best experience of my life. There are so many "A-HA!" moments. So many times where you connect with the prophets and try to comprehend their lives and missions. What men of faith! Holy cow, the things they suffered both physically, spiritually and emotionally! The Nephites and Lamanites suffered so much too and usually by their hands of wickedness and stiffneckedness. (I love that word by the way :)

A couple of weeks ago in church, our 1st counselor in the Bishopric, Bro. Roberts, told a story. He and his young son were reading about Samuel the Lamanite. He showed him the famous picture of Samuel on the wall with his arms outstretched as the people below unsuccessfully shot arrows at this prophet protected by the Lord. Bro. Roberts asked him, "Where would you be in this picture while Samuel was preaching? Would you be listening? Or would you be shooting arrows? Or would you be turning away in shame?" The boy answered, "I'd be on the wall next to the prophet."

What a great answer. Bro. Roberts said he hadn't even thought of that. It takes action to stand with, and follow, the prophet. Not just listening. Yesterday, was General Conference. The talks were wonderful and it seemed like most of them applied to me personally. There is always something to work on-- usually there are heaploads to work on.

Here are some of the things I heard at General Conference:

• "You are His hands." -Pres. Uchtdorf, 2nd Counselor, 1st Presidency
• "Every person you meet is a VIP to the Lord." -Pres. Uchtdorf, 2nd Counselor, 1st Presidency
• "It is VITAL that we learn about the Atonement." -Richard G. Scott, Apostle
• "Hold on thy way. Giving up is not an option. Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually." -Donald L. Hallstrom, seventy
• "Teach your children about the Savior." -Cheryl C. Lant, Primary Pres.
• "If we show love and respect even in adverse situations we become more like Christ." -Quentin L. Cook, Apostle
• "Job asked, 'If a man die, shall he live again?' The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job's question: 'If a man die, he SHALL live again!' I declare this is true as one of his Special Witnesses." -Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson
• "Follow you Mother." -Bradley D. Foster, seventy
• "Know your children's hearts. Grandpa, are you there?" -Robert D. Hales, Apostle
• "A Family Tree for everyone. Know your ancestors." -Russell M. Nelson, Apostle
• "There will always be adversity in the world. The challenge is to gain the eternal perspective during the trial, not just after. -James B. Martino, seventy
• "The story of Mary and Martha. Know the whole person. Do not judge." -Gergory A. Schwitzer, seventy
• "The Lord loves you." -Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson

The themes to me seemed to center around being there for your family, assuming your responsibilities in your family, knowing your family and teaching your family the gospel. I don't have any children yet. But Scott is my family. My cousins and aunts and uncles and parents and siblings and grandparents are my family. I can serve them.

One of the challenges I heard yesterday was to make sure your family, your children especially, know that you have a testimony of this gospel and of Jesus Christ. Hopefully, writing this all down can showcase this especially since this blog serves as a journal mostly.

I know that the gospel is true. I know that by reading the Book of Mormon we can better comprehend the love that our Father in Heaven has for us, so much love that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was sent to atone for our sins. I know that He conquered death and that He lives. That He is Risen. And that if a man dies, he shall live again! I know that The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith through the power and guidance of God. I know that he was a true Prophet chosen to restore the church in latter days and that he sealed his testimony with his blood. I know, and am so grateful, that we have a true Prophet today--our dear Thomas S, Monson. His teachings are inspired and guided by God. Listening to him yesterday pierced my soul. He speaks with such sincerity and truth. He relates to and loves all of us as the Savior does. I know that if we heed his words and take action, we are walking on the path prepared for us by our Savior. Finally, I know that our families are our greatest blessing. How grateful I am for a family that loves me and supports me. I know that if we are faithful and keep the commandments enduring to the end that we can be sealed and live with our families with Christ for all eternity.

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." -Joseph Smith Jr. "4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real  intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.  5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." -Moroni 10:4-5

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