For those who don't know what the Book of Mormon is, I would invite you to read this amazing passage of scripture. The introduction in the Book of Mormon that talks about what the Book of Mormon is incredibly helpful, both for those interested in what the book is about, as well as for those about to read it again. It's a great reminder that this book is another witness of Jesus Christ, and that the teachings taught in this book are eternal and contain wonderful parables that we can relate to our life--no matter what spiritual level we are on. The Savior teaches through the Spirit and helps us relate parables and simple eternal truths to us, helping us on our individual journeys back to Him.
You can find the Book of Mormon and the Introduction here.
As part of the Introduction, an invitation is extended to everyone. "We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost."
As I read the concluding verses of the last chapter in Moroni and finished the Book of Mormon, I couldn't help but smile and feel the Spirit's warmth in every inch of my body. I was so happy, and as I said a silent prayer, asking if this book really was true and contained God's word for me, I was so overcome by warmth and goodness from the Spirit that I cannot deny the truthfulness of this scripture.
I took a long time to read through the Book of Mormon this year, as I kept a scripture journal along with my reading. Although it took a while, and it seemed like I would never reach the end of the book, I learned so much--both about the truths in the book, and how God speaks to us through scriptures.
I am so grateful we have the resources and opportunities available to us in our day to come closer to Christ and develop a better relationship with Him. Throughout this time that I read the Book of Mormon, I realized that there was a general theme that I got through my reading and journaling. It wasn't about memorizing specific stories and names and places people were, but seeing the relationships people had with their Savior and Heavenly Father, and how it strengthened and changed their lives.
I am not very good at memorizing stories, names, or places that people visited in a timeline or chronological order. Some people are great at that, and so those stories are great reminders for them about the Savior and the lessons those people learned. So although I don't remember many stories from the Book of Mormon in great detail and remember all their names, I do know that the stories about each of their personal and spiritual development will stay with me and have taught me so much. I have related to some, I have aspired to some, and I have been comforted that those who were in a much worse state than I am were able to find our Father's love for them and grow and come closer to Christ.
In fact, if I had to say a theme that I felt as I read through the Book of Mormon this time, I would say that it is to "Come Unto Christ."
Every time I read, I get something a little different--something that I'm needing to hear and get from the verses. I love that the Spirit helps us understand and see what we need to pull from each verse and chapter in this book. The verses and chapters are always the same each time we read, but the message is clear and varies a little for every person, because of the Spirit helping us see what we need to work on to become what the Book of Mormon is challenging us to become: closer to Christ.
I'm so thankful for this book, and I am eternally grateful for those that sacrificed their lives and their safety in writing, translating, and producing this book that has helped so many find the eternal truths that our Heavenly Father wants all of His children to know and make a part of ourselves. I am especially grateful for Joseph Smith, and his courage against those who made bringing this book forward so difficult, and for his faith and reliance on the Lord, and for his enduring to the end that inspires me to be a better person, and to fear the Lord more than fearing the disappointment of man.
I hope whoever you are reading this, that you realize you have so many spiritual resources at your hands. We have the Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Book of Mormon. We have talks given at General Conference every 6 months that help us stay close to God as the world pushes more and more against us. We know that with every good and needful thing there must be an opposition. Although the world and our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) are taking very different paths and those part of our church are taking hits from those who may be confused as to what we believe and why we believe it, I know that relying on the faith we have in our Savior, continuing to read the scriptures we have been given, and building that relationship we have with our Heavenly Father will give us the courage and conviction we need to continue living and practicing the religion we are free to practice in this country.
I am so thankful for all that my Savior has done for me, and excited for His triumphant return one day, as He will reign again. I am so thankful for all that we have been given and blessed with in each of our lives, and that hard days do come to an end, that the Atonement can heal all wounds, no matter what we have done, and that we are able to live with our Heavenly Father again, surrounded and organized in our family units. As I have grown older, I have realized how beautiful of a thing a family can be, especially when a husband and wife are sealed together at the temple for both time and eternity. I am excited for the day when I am able to be married and sealed to my husband in one of God's holy temples, where we can build an eternal family together.
I encourage you, if you have questions, to ask kindly, to search the scriptures and other spiritual resources you have been given, and to ask for the Spirit to lead and guide you. You can't have someone else complete your spiritual journey, which is difficult, but such a rewarding experience. We each have the opportunity to grow and learn on our own. Yes, we can learn and grow from other's examples, but it is up to us to develop ourselves and grow spiritually. We are never left alone, and our Heavenly Father knows and loves each one of us. Every single one of us. He wants us to come to Him--He is our Father. He has prepared a way for us to return to Him, and although the path is not easy, we are each able to return to Him after having endured to the end and aligning our will with what He would have us be, where He needs us to be, and how He needs us to help others.
Live. Love. Laugh. Grow.
