So...I think we are set to end our reading on Dec 30 instead of the 31st. Am I retarded?? Well, this is actually good, gives us a few buffer pages!! Not many, but a few!! I was really sick over the weekend and got behind, but I finally caught back up tonight. Can you believe we are into Helaman?
I am teaching a Relief Society lesson in January about this reading challenge, and I'd love to use any of your quotes/comments or special experiences you have to share with me. Let me know if you have anything to share.... I'm looking for ways the Book of Mormon has brought you peace and a stronger desire to love and serve our Savior. Thank you!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Halfway There!!
We're halfway!!
I love that today's reading ended with Alma 24. It's my favorite story in the Book of Mormon.
I love that today's reading ended with Alma 24. It's my favorite story in the Book of Mormon.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Today, Alma 5:62 stood out to me. Alma is speaking to two groups of people.
Alma Chapter 5 is:
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints = a Command
Everyone else on this earth = an Invitation
Once we are baptized and become members of the LDS Church, we have taken upon ourselves very sacred covenants that we can NOT take lightly. Obviously amazing blessings come with Church membership, but at the same time, we are bound to very serious responsibilities. We are lifted higher....but this means we will fall further if we choose to reject the truth and light we now have. Alma 9:23-24 sums this up perfectly.
Something to think about... and not just think about, but act on. Do and be a little better each day.
Alma Chapter 5 is:
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints = a Command
Everyone else on this earth = an Invitation
Once we are baptized and become members of the LDS Church, we have taken upon ourselves very sacred covenants that we can NOT take lightly. Obviously amazing blessings come with Church membership, but at the same time, we are bound to very serious responsibilities. We are lifted higher....but this means we will fall further if we choose to reject the truth and light we now have. Alma 9:23-24 sums this up perfectly.
Something to think about... and not just think about, but act on. Do and be a little better each day.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
“I love our scriptures. I love these wonderful volumes, which set forth the word of the Lord—given personally or through prophets—for the guidance of our Father’s sons and daughters. I love to read the scriptures, and I try to do so consistently and repeatedly. I love to quote from them, for they give the voice of authority to that which I say. I do not claim distinction as a scholar of the scriptures. For me, the reading of the scriptures is not the pursuit of scholarship. Rather, it is a love affair with the word of the Lord and that of his prophets." -President Gordon B. Hinckley
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Head over to Ashley's blog to read some of her great Read With Me thoughts.
Page 200 today! Are ya'll still with me? With the Holiday weekend, I've had to stay up late to finish my pages, but now I can't even sleep without my reading being done. Remember on my other blog a few weeks ago, I talked about how I felt when I read the scriptures daily on my mission? How I wanted that feeling back? Well, it's back, and I NEVER want it to leave again! I crave those 10 pages a day now. Last night I was so into my reading that I read 3 pages ahead before I realized it! I love how it feels to have scriptures be a priority again. Now I plan my afternoon or evening around my scripture study instead of hoping I can squeeze it in.
Page 200 today! Are ya'll still with me? With the Holiday weekend, I've had to stay up late to finish my pages, but now I can't even sleep without my reading being done. Remember on my other blog a few weeks ago, I talked about how I felt when I read the scriptures daily on my mission? How I wanted that feeling back? Well, it's back, and I NEVER want it to leave again! I crave those 10 pages a day now. Last night I was so into my reading that I read 3 pages ahead before I realized it! I love how it feels to have scriptures be a priority again. Now I plan my afternoon or evening around my scripture study instead of hoping I can squeeze it in.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
My sweet friend Ashley wanted to share her thought with us:
"Verse 22 in Mosiah 2 and the very beginning says, "And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments;" - (My thoughts --->) "This one stuck out to me as like a, duh scripture. I just need to keep the commandments of the Lord. That's all. I just need to read my scriptures, ponder and pray. I just need to be an example and follow the Holy Ghost. I just need to be a Daughter of God. He's just asking that much from us."
Thank you Ashley! I'm glad you brought up the word "ponder". The concept of pondering the scriptures and the Gospel has become more clear to me in this process of reading the Book of Mormon. Elder L. Lionel Kendrick of the Seventy said, "To ponder is to meditate, to think, to feast, and to treasure. It is more than a mental method, it is a spiritual striving to obtain and to understand truth." I have felt the strongest impressions and new truths have been taught to me when I take a few minutes to just sit and think about what I've read and what's going on in my life right now.
"Verse 22 in Mosiah 2 and the very beginning says, "And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments;" - (My thoughts --->) "This one stuck out to me as like a, duh scripture. I just need to keep the commandments of the Lord. That's all. I just need to read my scriptures, ponder and pray. I just need to be an example and follow the Holy Ghost. I just need to be a Daughter of God. He's just asking that much from us."
Thank you Ashley! I'm glad you brought up the word "ponder". The concept of pondering the scriptures and the Gospel has become more clear to me in this process of reading the Book of Mormon. Elder L. Lionel Kendrick of the Seventy said, "To ponder is to meditate, to think, to feast, and to treasure. It is more than a mental method, it is a spiritual striving to obtain and to understand truth." I have felt the strongest impressions and new truths have been taught to me when I take a few minutes to just sit and think about what I've read and what's going on in my life right now.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Excerpt from a talk given by Elder David A. Bednar:
The scriptures are like a written “recording” of the “voice” of the Lord—a voice we feel in our hearts more than we hear with our ears. As we study the written word of God, we learn to hear His voice in the words we read. As we return repeatedly to the holy scriptures, we gain experience and confidence in hearing and feeling His voice.
Five basic principles can help us learn more effectively from our personal scripture study.
Ask for understanding as you study.
Express gratitude as you conclude.
Take time—pondering cannot be forced, hurried, or rushed.
Invite the Holy Ghost to continue instruction.
The scriptures are like a written “recording” of the “voice” of the Lord—a voice we feel in our hearts more than we hear with our ears. As we study the written word of God, we learn to hear His voice in the words we read. As we return repeatedly to the holy scriptures, we gain experience and confidence in hearing and feeling His voice.
Five basic principles can help us learn more effectively from our personal scripture study.
1. Pray for understanding and invite the help of the Holy Ghost.
Begin scripture study with prayer.Ask for understanding as you study.
Express gratitude as you conclude.
2. Work.
Pay the price of regular and diligent study.3. Be consistent.
Set aside a specific and scheduled time each day.4. Ponder.
Think about the truths, experiences, and lessons in the scriptures.Take time—pondering cannot be forced, hurried, or rushed.
5. Write down impressions, thoughts, and feelings.
Record what you learn, think, and feel.Invite the Holy Ghost to continue instruction.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
"The Book of Mormon will change your life. It will fortify you against the evils of our day. It will bring a spirituality into your life that no other book will." -President Ezra Taft Benson
"No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon." -President Joseph Fielding Smith
"No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon." -President Joseph Fielding Smith
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Isaiah Chapters
I know this is a very "wordy" blog....especially when you are already reading plenty!! I wanted to hurry and record some thoughts though, before they leave me! Forgive me for writing so much, this is more for me to remember what I learned today, but I hope you will read and learn too!
So I have to admit that I got behind in my reading yesterday. So today when the house finally got quiet, I sat down and realized I had to read not 10, but 20 pages today.....95% of which was the somewhat daunting Isaiah chapters. I sort of laughed at the timing...of all the days to get behind, I had to get behind during Isaiah! So I prepared myself for 20 pages of feeling sort of clueless and dove in.
Why do I keep having such little faith? Reading pages 81-100 in an hour turned out to teach me things about those chapters that I have never learned before, even though I've read 2 Nephi probably 2 or 3 dozen times in my life. Especially because I got to end the chapters by reading 2 Nephi 25. It summed everything up beautifully. Usually I read the Book of Mormon chapter by chapter. This is good, but sometimes I think the overall messages and power of what the scriptures are teaching can come from seeing the bigger picture. Reading pretty much ALL of Isaiah at once opened my eyes and helped me to finally begin to understand and gain a testimony of it's divinity and importance. I always assumed it was important since it was included in the Book of Mormon, but I just would sort of get through the chapters and move on.
I can't really say that I completely understand every word now, but here are a few things I learned today:
1. These chapters are in the Book of Mormon to explain the reality of Christ. When He comes again, He will be the only one who is higher. (See 2 Nephi 12). We are all dependent on Him, no one is greater than another. In our world, so much esteem is placed on celebrities and royalty and people with money or prestige. All of those worldly peaks and thrones they have placed themselves on are going to ultimately crumble. None of it will matter. Cars, clothes, houses, jewelry, appearances, money, etc etc....none of it will matter. 1 Nephi 13: 4 says that children and babes will rule over them. Verse 9 in the same chapter says that nobody will be able to hide from it. All of that stuff will come crashing down (perhaps literally!), and they will be left standing there with only who they have become in this life to show for themselves. Read 2 Nephi 12:11-12....my mind always drifts to Hollywood and how a lot of people think they "have it all". Then I read 2 Nephi 14:2 and 2 Nephi 22: 2-6 and I realize that my simple, quiet, unknown life is more valuable and precious to me than any life that looks luxurious in the world's eyes. Because when all is said and done, I will have my family. My faith. My knowledge of the Savior. My testimony. This is the whole purpose of our life here on earth.
2. That said....it's kind of a harsh-sounding thing....to the unlearned, it makes it seem like the Lord has no mercy, and His wrath is such a horrible thing. But this is the other thing that hit me about these chapters. Because God IS merciful and loves us so, so much, He sent his son to atone for us, to show us the way to live so that when He does come again, instead of fearing and having no hope, we will run into His arms and rejoice. Do you see that contrast? I love 2 Nephi 24: 3. It's up to us to choose our ending.
3. He doesn't just give us one chance. 2 Nephi 19:17, 20:4, 24: 26-27. Over and over, he tells us the the Lord's hand is always stretched out to us. Our Heavenly Father loves us SO much that He never ever turns his back on us. He gives us chance after chance in this life to choose Him. This is why the scriptures are so important. This is why missionary work is so important. Because when He does come again, our chance will be over (2 Nephi 25: 3). The consequences of sin WILL have to be given. He is a loving, merciful God, but He is also just. His laws can't be changed. One of my favorite scriptures in these pages is 2 Nephi 25: 9. "...never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord." Once again, the Lord loves us SO much, that He blesses us with prophets who will warn us. Never at ANY time has the Lord inflicted wrath or destruction on the earth without a warning first. He gives us the chance to listen, heed, obey, and in turn be protected. Just like Lehi's family was protected from being destroyed at Jerusalem. It's a beautiful gift.
I'm so grateful for what I was taught today by my loving Heavenly Father, who is opening my heart and pouring so much joy and peace into my life. The Isaiah chapters aren't 'scary' to me anymore, they are beautiful, powerful, and testify of Christ's importance and love very plainly to me (2 Nephi 25: 18-20). Being able to read 2 Nephi 25 after the Isaiah chapters was like icing on the cake. It summed up all of my thoughts perfectly. The Book of Mormon is true. Each chapter and verse has been divinely put together to teach us the whole, perfect Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So I have to admit that I got behind in my reading yesterday. So today when the house finally got quiet, I sat down and realized I had to read not 10, but 20 pages today.....95% of which was the somewhat daunting Isaiah chapters. I sort of laughed at the timing...of all the days to get behind, I had to get behind during Isaiah! So I prepared myself for 20 pages of feeling sort of clueless and dove in.
Why do I keep having such little faith? Reading pages 81-100 in an hour turned out to teach me things about those chapters that I have never learned before, even though I've read 2 Nephi probably 2 or 3 dozen times in my life. Especially because I got to end the chapters by reading 2 Nephi 25. It summed everything up beautifully. Usually I read the Book of Mormon chapter by chapter. This is good, but sometimes I think the overall messages and power of what the scriptures are teaching can come from seeing the bigger picture. Reading pretty much ALL of Isaiah at once opened my eyes and helped me to finally begin to understand and gain a testimony of it's divinity and importance. I always assumed it was important since it was included in the Book of Mormon, but I just would sort of get through the chapters and move on.
I can't really say that I completely understand every word now, but here are a few things I learned today:
1. These chapters are in the Book of Mormon to explain the reality of Christ. When He comes again, He will be the only one who is higher. (See 2 Nephi 12). We are all dependent on Him, no one is greater than another. In our world, so much esteem is placed on celebrities and royalty and people with money or prestige. All of those worldly peaks and thrones they have placed themselves on are going to ultimately crumble. None of it will matter. Cars, clothes, houses, jewelry, appearances, money, etc etc....none of it will matter. 1 Nephi 13: 4 says that children and babes will rule over them. Verse 9 in the same chapter says that nobody will be able to hide from it. All of that stuff will come crashing down (perhaps literally!), and they will be left standing there with only who they have become in this life to show for themselves. Read 2 Nephi 12:11-12....my mind always drifts to Hollywood and how a lot of people think they "have it all". Then I read 2 Nephi 14:2 and 2 Nephi 22: 2-6 and I realize that my simple, quiet, unknown life is more valuable and precious to me than any life that looks luxurious in the world's eyes. Because when all is said and done, I will have my family. My faith. My knowledge of the Savior. My testimony. This is the whole purpose of our life here on earth.
2. That said....it's kind of a harsh-sounding thing....to the unlearned, it makes it seem like the Lord has no mercy, and His wrath is such a horrible thing. But this is the other thing that hit me about these chapters. Because God IS merciful and loves us so, so much, He sent his son to atone for us, to show us the way to live so that when He does come again, instead of fearing and having no hope, we will run into His arms and rejoice. Do you see that contrast? I love 2 Nephi 24: 3. It's up to us to choose our ending.
3. He doesn't just give us one chance. 2 Nephi 19:17, 20:4, 24: 26-27. Over and over, he tells us the the Lord's hand is always stretched out to us. Our Heavenly Father loves us SO much that He never ever turns his back on us. He gives us chance after chance in this life to choose Him. This is why the scriptures are so important. This is why missionary work is so important. Because when He does come again, our chance will be over (2 Nephi 25: 3). The consequences of sin WILL have to be given. He is a loving, merciful God, but He is also just. His laws can't be changed. One of my favorite scriptures in these pages is 2 Nephi 25: 9. "...never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord." Once again, the Lord loves us SO much, that He blesses us with prophets who will warn us. Never at ANY time has the Lord inflicted wrath or destruction on the earth without a warning first. He gives us the chance to listen, heed, obey, and in turn be protected. Just like Lehi's family was protected from being destroyed at Jerusalem. It's a beautiful gift.
I'm so grateful for what I was taught today by my loving Heavenly Father, who is opening my heart and pouring so much joy and peace into my life. The Isaiah chapters aren't 'scary' to me anymore, they are beautiful, powerful, and testify of Christ's importance and love very plainly to me (2 Nephi 25: 18-20). Being able to read 2 Nephi 25 after the Isaiah chapters was like icing on the cake. It summed up all of my thoughts perfectly. The Book of Mormon is true. Each chapter and verse has been divinely put together to teach us the whole, perfect Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"Time for scripture study requires a schedule that will be honored. Otherwise, blessings that matter most will be at the mercy of things that matter least." - Elder Russell M. Nelson
Wow, we're hitting page 100 today! Very exciting! How are we doing? For me, some days have been easier than others. Being sick for the past 4 days has made it difficult for me, especially because I've had a headache the entire time! But it's good! We're doing awesome! We're smack in the middle of the Isaiah chapters....keep going, you can do it!!
Okay, that was my motivational cheerleader moment for you all!
So that quote I posted up top by Elder Nelson hit me hard when I found it this morning because it's something I've been thinking a lot about since we started this last week. There are so many blessings and desires that I want and hope for in my life. I desire so many things, both temporal and spiritual, for my family....the biggest being that I want my children to develop a love for Christ and an unwavering desire to follow Him. But like he says, we often desire things like this, but then spend our days doing things that, even though they are good things, they aren't going to bring that power and Spirit into our lives like we truly want. Nate finding a good job has been at the top of our "list of things to pray for and think about and work towards" for several months now. The end is so near!!! Before we started this read with me challenge, there were days where I would say my nightly prayers and be literally begging Heavenly Father for us to find a good job....but deep down, I knew that I hadn't done everything I could do that day to open the doors to have that sort of blessing poured on us.
Reading the scriptures consistently is helping me to have that faith that I'm going to be blessed. I feel like I'm doing my part, so now the Lord and I are working together to bring joy and success to my family. We're a 'team' now, as cheesy as that sounds. I feel so close to Him....just like I did my first few weeks in Korea when I was struggling SO hard to get a handle on Korean and get my footing in such a foreign place. We made a great team out there!
I love how often we have read the promise that if we "keep the commandments", we will "prosper in the land." Over and over, the Book of Mormon give us this promise. I know it's true. I've already seen it in my life, and I can't wait to see where my family ends up....I wish I could see what our life will be like a year from right now....but I have absolutely no doubts that wherever it is, whatever we're doing, we will be happy and 'prosperous'.
Wow, we're hitting page 100 today! Very exciting! How are we doing? For me, some days have been easier than others. Being sick for the past 4 days has made it difficult for me, especially because I've had a headache the entire time! But it's good! We're doing awesome! We're smack in the middle of the Isaiah chapters....keep going, you can do it!!
Okay, that was my motivational cheerleader moment for you all!
So that quote I posted up top by Elder Nelson hit me hard when I found it this morning because it's something I've been thinking a lot about since we started this last week. There are so many blessings and desires that I want and hope for in my life. I desire so many things, both temporal and spiritual, for my family....the biggest being that I want my children to develop a love for Christ and an unwavering desire to follow Him. But like he says, we often desire things like this, but then spend our days doing things that, even though they are good things, they aren't going to bring that power and Spirit into our lives like we truly want. Nate finding a good job has been at the top of our "list of things to pray for and think about and work towards" for several months now. The end is so near!!! Before we started this read with me challenge, there were days where I would say my nightly prayers and be literally begging Heavenly Father for us to find a good job....but deep down, I knew that I hadn't done everything I could do that day to open the doors to have that sort of blessing poured on us.
Reading the scriptures consistently is helping me to have that faith that I'm going to be blessed. I feel like I'm doing my part, so now the Lord and I are working together to bring joy and success to my family. We're a 'team' now, as cheesy as that sounds. I feel so close to Him....just like I did my first few weeks in Korea when I was struggling SO hard to get a handle on Korean and get my footing in such a foreign place. We made a great team out there!
I love how often we have read the promise that if we "keep the commandments", we will "prosper in the land." Over and over, the Book of Mormon give us this promise. I know it's true. I've already seen it in my life, and I can't wait to see where my family ends up....I wish I could see what our life will be like a year from right now....but I have absolutely no doubts that wherever it is, whatever we're doing, we will be happy and 'prosperous'.
Monday, November 15, 2010
"We begin to make the plan known to our children when we hold tight to the iron rod ourselves. When we are holding tight to the iron rod, we are in a position to place our hands over theirs and walk the strait and narrow path together. Our example is magnified in their eyes." -Rosemary M. Wixom, General Primary President
2 Nephi chapter 9 will always hold a special place in my heart. On my mission, we had a challenge from our mission president to read 2 Nephi 9 as a whole mission every single morning for one month. Every time I get to this chapter in the Book of Mormon, I am reminded of my mission and how this particular chapter was pounded into me. Reading the same chapter for 30 days in a row wasn't easy. So each morning I would try my hardest to find something new to learn from it. It was a wonderful experience that strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ.
2 Nephi chapter 9 will always hold a special place in my heart. On my mission, we had a challenge from our mission president to read 2 Nephi 9 as a whole mission every single morning for one month. Every time I get to this chapter in the Book of Mormon, I am reminded of my mission and how this particular chapter was pounded into me. Reading the same chapter for 30 days in a row wasn't easy. So each morning I would try my hardest to find something new to learn from it. It was a wonderful experience that strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
"If we're not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner, our spirituality isn't increasing in depth. We, ourselves, must be studying the scriptures and have a daily habit." -President Harold B. Lee
I hope you're all enjoying your reading. I know it's hard, I have definitely felt Satan's influence trying to distract me right when I sit down to read. But I refuse to let him win, so I push through and always feel relaxed just a few verses in. Really, the ultimate goal isn't to finish the Book of Mormon quickly....the goal is to renew our love and committment to the scriptures in our lives and never go back to letting our scripture reading fall to the bottom of our daily priority lists.
I hope you're all enjoying your reading. I know it's hard, I have definitely felt Satan's influence trying to distract me right when I sit down to read. But I refuse to let him win, so I push through and always feel relaxed just a few verses in. Really, the ultimate goal isn't to finish the Book of Mormon quickly....the goal is to renew our love and committment to the scriptures in our lives and never go back to letting our scripture reading fall to the bottom of our daily priority lists.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
"There is great solace, direction, and power that flow from the scriptures." -Elder Richard G. Scott
I am loving reading about how the Book of Mormon is bringing joy and blessings into your lives.
Click here to read Megan's thoughts.
Click here to read Tristan's thoughts.
Thank you for sharing! Please keep them coming because they are so wonderful!
Here is an experience I had yesterday:
Yesterday I was sitting outside with my children. I was reading a book, not my scriptures right then, just another book I'm reading on motherhood. I was reading, but as usual, my mind was drifting to the future and how badly I want certain things to fall into place. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with complete, pure peace. It hit me hard, and I had to close my book and close my eyes and just sit there. For that quick moment, I just felt 100% knowledge the the Lord knows exactly who I am, exactly what my desires are, and I felt His love and warmth giving me peace and assurance that everything will be okay. I felt like for just a few moments, I was briefly lifted up away from the present, away from the world, and I was given a big hug from my loving Father. Then I was put back down, and back to reality. It probably only lasted a few seconds, but it was very, very real. It was an amazing moment that I hope I never forget.
I am loving reading about how the Book of Mormon is bringing joy and blessings into your lives.
Click here to read Megan's thoughts.
Click here to read Tristan's thoughts.
Thank you for sharing! Please keep them coming because they are so wonderful!
Here is an experience I had yesterday:
Yesterday I was sitting outside with my children. I was reading a book, not my scriptures right then, just another book I'm reading on motherhood. I was reading, but as usual, my mind was drifting to the future and how badly I want certain things to fall into place. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with complete, pure peace. It hit me hard, and I had to close my book and close my eyes and just sit there. For that quick moment, I just felt 100% knowledge the the Lord knows exactly who I am, exactly what my desires are, and I felt His love and warmth giving me peace and assurance that everything will be okay. I felt like for just a few moments, I was briefly lifted up away from the present, away from the world, and I was given a big hug from my loving Father. Then I was put back down, and back to reality. It probably only lasted a few seconds, but it was very, very real. It was an amazing moment that I hope I never forget.
Friday, November 12, 2010
"I find that all I need to do to increase my love for my Makier and the gospel and the Church and my brethren is to read the scriptures. I have spent many hours in the scriptures during the last few days. I prescribe that for people who are in trouble. I cannot see how anyone can read the scriptures and not develop a testimony of their divinity and of the divinity of the work of the Lord, who is the spokesman in the scriptures." - President Spencer W. Kimball
Thursday, November 11, 2010
"Nephi’s example teaches us that the blessings of the scriptures are far more valuable than property and other worldly things. Pursuing the things of the world can sometimes give us momentary pleasures but not lasting joy and happiness. When we seek after the things of the Spirit, the rewards are eternal and will bring us the satisfaction we seek through this mortal experience." - Elder L. Tom Perry
I love how how in 1 Nephi 13: 40, the Book of Mormon is literally testifying of itself. I wonder what Joseph Smith thought as he realized those words were speaking about him and the work he was doing to translate the Book of Mormon.
Reading these chapters so much at one time is making me re-realize how powerful the testimonies of Christ are. The Book of Mormon truly is another testament of Jesus Christ. As you read the words of Lehi & Nephi (and other prophets as we go on), the reality of the Savior and his Atonement and his unconditional love for us has been touching my heart. My desire to serve Him is increasing. My desire to love those around me is increasing. My ability to relax and put my life and our future in His hands with complete faith is becoming easier each day. I have needed that so badly the past few months, and like many of you have said already, this reading challenge has been an answer to my prayers.
I love how how in 1 Nephi 13: 40, the Book of Mormon is literally testifying of itself. I wonder what Joseph Smith thought as he realized those words were speaking about him and the work he was doing to translate the Book of Mormon.
Reading these chapters so much at one time is making me re-realize how powerful the testimonies of Christ are. The Book of Mormon truly is another testament of Jesus Christ. As you read the words of Lehi & Nephi (and other prophets as we go on), the reality of the Savior and his Atonement and his unconditional love for us has been touching my heart. My desire to serve Him is increasing. My desire to love those around me is increasing. My ability to relax and put my life and our future in His hands with complete faith is becoming easier each day. I have needed that so badly the past few months, and like many of you have said already, this reading challenge has been an answer to my prayers.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Welcome
Each day I will update where we should be in our daily reading, and I will also post a quote or thought I have had. Please share your own thoughts as often or as little as you'd like. Some of you are already feeling the effects of this in your life, I know I am!
We're all in this together, so let's make it even more meaningful the next 2 months by learning from each other. We are all reading with different purposes and questions in our minds, so it will be fun to hear different perspectives on the same verses! You are welcome to leave an 'anonymous' comment if you'd like to share something personal. You can share one experience or you can share what you learn every single day. It's all up to you! I just wanted to have a place that our little "team" could come together and strengthen each other so that we can accomplish this awesome goal!
Thanks again for joining me on this journey. It's never too late to join in, so let us know if you're a newcomer!
I love the Book of Mormon, and I can firmly testify of it's power and truth. I have felt so much peace and calmness come into my life in just a few days! I am loving reading the scriptures so quickly. There is a different power to it when you read so much at one time instead of dissecting each verse. I am gaining a new love and testimony of Lehi. His testimony of the Messiah is so beautiful. And I love how Nephi then had a desire to know the same things about Christ, so he inquired of the Lord and was given his own testimony by the Spirit. We are ALL entitled to that same personal testimony of Jesus Christ, if we truly seek it and ask God in faith.
Any other thoughts on Days 1 thru 3?
We're all in this together, so let's make it even more meaningful the next 2 months by learning from each other. We are all reading with different purposes and questions in our minds, so it will be fun to hear different perspectives on the same verses! You are welcome to leave an 'anonymous' comment if you'd like to share something personal. You can share one experience or you can share what you learn every single day. It's all up to you! I just wanted to have a place that our little "team" could come together and strengthen each other so that we can accomplish this awesome goal!
Thanks again for joining me on this journey. It's never too late to join in, so let us know if you're a newcomer!
I love the Book of Mormon, and I can firmly testify of it's power and truth. I have felt so much peace and calmness come into my life in just a few days! I am loving reading the scriptures so quickly. There is a different power to it when you read so much at one time instead of dissecting each verse. I am gaining a new love and testimony of Lehi. His testimony of the Messiah is so beautiful. And I love how Nephi then had a desire to know the same things about Christ, so he inquired of the Lord and was given his own testimony by the Spirit. We are ALL entitled to that same personal testimony of Jesus Christ, if we truly seek it and ask God in faith.
Any other thoughts on Days 1 thru 3?
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