Book of Mormon reading update

I thought I should update you all on how the "Three Times in Three Months" challenge is going. We finished our first reading in 28 days. Whew! The second time through is going much slower. We realized that normal life was getting pushed aside a little too much with this challenge, but we still read some each night. We might not make the full challenge, but if we're reading some each day, that's better than nothing.

I've made it back to Alma 7. The focus this time is on Christ and his mission. I love the perspective it brings to what I'm reading. I also love the perspective just reading brings as well. I would love to get a copy of the Book of Mormon that's not divided into verses, but laid out in paragraphs. I'll have to see if either Amazon or the Distribution Center sells those.

Christ's appearce to the Nephites

I love this picture of Christ appearing to the Nephites at the temple in Bountiful. What a wonderful thing to know that God loves all of His children so much that He sent His Son to teach us. And to know that Christ's mission wasn't just to those at Jerusalem, but for everyone in the world.

Samuel the Lamanite

I found this picture of Samuel and really liked it. How amazing for him to be called to preach to the wicked Nephites. His faith and obedience are inspiring.

I know all too many people who, like the Nephites, have turned away from truth and light. I see how hardened they have become, and how they seem unable to allow others to be happy in their faith. Someone once described it as the inability to leave the church alone once you've left the church. I know it's not true for everyone who once belong and now doesn't. I think it depends on the depth of the conversion before falling away. I do know that I get more pressure from people who have left the church than from people who have never been involved in it. Interesting...any thoughts on that?

As for Samuel being called to Zarahemla, I often wonder how missionaries called to Utah feel.

The Army of Helaman

What an amazing thing to read the entire story of the stripling warriors in two days.

For anyone not familiar with the Book of Mormon, the stripling warriors was a group of 2,060 young men who took up arms to fight for their people so that their parents would not have to break a covenant they had made with God to never go to battle again. This group of people known as the Anti-Lehi-Nephites or the people of Ammon had been blood-thirsty and murderous before being taught the truth by Ammon, Aaron, Omni, and Himner. They were willing to lay down their lives rather than kill another person. However, when the people protecting them are attacked, they feel compelled to break their oath with God to help keep the land free from the Lamanites. But instead, their sons, who had been too young to make the covenant, fight. From the scriptures, we can estimate their ages to be early to late teens. They had never fought or used weapons, but they were all miraculously protected in battle, because of their faith and the faith of their mothers. That is the type of mother I would like to be.

Next up: Samuel the Lamanite high on the city wall.

Book of Mormon Challenge update

We're still reading, and we're still on track. Whew! We are now fully into the Nephite/Lamanite wars. Captain Moroni has just raised the Standard of Liberty. What a wonderful thing.

"In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children." (Alma 46:12)

If only all people would follow this crede.

"Yea, verily, verily I say unto, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." (Alma 48:17)

Book of Mormon Reading Challenge Day #10

>Day 10 in the Book of Mormon Reading Challenge brought us to Abinadi and King Noah. It has been so interesting reading through with a focus on God's direct dealings with His children. There are entire chapters, such as the prophecies and teaching of Abinadi, that are fully marked. And then there are chapters, like the one about the Lamanites attacking Noah's people, where nothing is marked.

We knew that the writings from the Small Plates would be highly marked. We thought that once we reached Mosiah that it we'd be marking a lot less, but the truth is that the scriptures are a history of God's dealings with his children. This time through, most of the book will be marked. It has helped me to see how much God loves us and how hopeful He is that we will turn to Him that He may bless us with everything He has to give.

And If we turn to Him, all things will be ours through Him and His Son. What an amazing truth.

Okay, on a lighter side note: Why is Abinadi always depicted in pictures as being an old man? There is nothing in the writings to suggest that he is older than dirt. Though Friberg has painted him as a rather buff, fit old man. Just wondering.

Book of Mormon reading challenge

At our December Stake Conference (click here for information on what members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe), we were challenged to read the Book of Mormon three times in three months. To do this, you need to read at least 18 pages a day. While reading, we are to focus on and highlight one thing each time through:

• 1st time: God dealing/interacting directly with His children
• 2nd time: Each time Christ is mentioned
• 3rd time: Anything that is directly applicable to you

Mr. Perfect and Most Happy Girl started the challenge Sunday morning. Yes, we know that if we'd started when the challenge was given that we'd be almost through the first time by now. Nothing we can do about that; we'll just have to move forward from here (from The Procrastinator's creed).

Mr. Perfect went to the Distribution Center for lunch one day and picked up several "missionary" editions (you know, the soft, small, blue paperback ones) for us to mark. He also got some really fun Crayola® colored pencils. LOVE THEM! So far, my copy is looking very orange (the color I went with first).

I love reading the Book of Mormon. I love the spirit I feel as I read it. I love the feeling in our home as we read together. It amazes me how much the love of God flows through these pages. To know that He loves all of His children enough to speak to them. I'm grateful to Joseph Smith for his acceptance of his calling so we can have more of God's word. I am grateful to the people of the Book of Mormon and all that they went through, and their willingness to write it down so we may have it. And I am most of all grateful to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for His willing sacrifice that carries with it all of God's love.