This last week I had the divine privilege of finishing the Book Of Mormon. How grateful I am for that book. A book I would be completely lost without. A book full of history, a book of Jesus Christ. Never before have I had such an appreciation for this book. In fact I wish study time was longer in the morning because I have a hard time putting down the book when it is time to go out for the day! I read a neat quote this week that said, talking about the Book Of Mormon, "all of this is only marks on pieces of paper. It has no intrinsic value unless it becomes you."
I know that the Book of Mormon has become a part of me. I feel such a desire to share it with those around me. I couldn't help but smile last night as I read the last words of the determined and faithful prophet Moroni. I was filled with pure joy, and there's no way I can really describe it, other than I just felt good and peaceful. In the Book of Mormon "Mormon message" the narrator states, "I want this book to fill the world man!" Just like him, I want this book to fill the world. It can bless anyone and everyone. It was written for anyone and everyone. It is very much written for our generation and I echo the beloved prophet Joseph Smith when he said, "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.”
Every time I read the Book Of Mormon I learn something new. And every time I read it I find my questions being answered. I feel as if God is speaking directly to me as His daughter. Each time I read it new characters stand out to me also. This time as I read it through I loved developing a strong connection to Alma and the sons of Mosiah and more specifically to Ammon. If you remember, Alma and the Sons of Mosiah were referred to as the "vilest of sinners." They went around persecuting the church, and were tempted and deceived by the power of the adversary. Hearing the prayers of Alma's father, an angel visited them in the midst of their wrong doing. This was a turning point for them and from there they sought no more to do evil. They became some of the most amazing missionaries. They feared no one and they cared about each of God's children with an unfailing love. In fact in the scriptures they say, "Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble." That is the kind of powerhouse missionary I want to be. I want to care so much about the people around me, that I can not bear that any one of them should perish. The sons of Mosiah not only taught the gospel, they taught it to some of the most wicked and vile people of their time. I think I would be terrified, but they did it with courage because they knew the Lord was on their side. In turn thousands of Lamanities repented and joined the church. As a missionary I have loved Ammon and the legacy he left. One of my favorite verses in the Book Of Mormon says, "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." Just like Ammon I know that my strength is nothing in comparison to the strength the Lord gives me. He has the power to make weak things become strong and He has the power to perform miracles. In closing I end with the words of Ammon when he says, "I cannot say the smallest part which I feel." This gospel is incredible, happiness comes through reading the Book of Mormon and truly coming to know Jesus Christ. He is just as much my Savior as He is yours and I promise you as you read His Book, the Book of Mormon, the Book of Christ you will come to know Him.
Please, if you haven't already seen it, watch this Book Of Mormon Mormon Message and share it with your friends! Everyone is precious to our Father in Heaven, and we need to do our part to spread the gospel, the joy, the good news with those around us! Just like the Sons of Mosiah we should have the attitude that we cannot bear that any human souls should perish. Love you guys! Thank you for uplifting me! I feel your prayers and am so grateful for them and for YOU!
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