So it feels like I have had very minimal contact with the outside world over the last two weeks. I decided that I had to let the phone go and very limited blogging in order to accomplish a goal. I have been spending a large amount of time over the last two weeks with Nephi, Alma, Ammon, Mormon, Moroni and all of the other Book of Mormon prophets. I went to a relief society thing last fall with my sister-in-law, Jenny and her President mentioned a challenge of reading the Book of Mormon like a novel and finishing it in two weeks.
It sounded like a great idea, but I knew I would need to wait for the right two weeks so I could find time to get it done. With my birthday coming up and thought about what it would mean to be 30 and what goals I had lined up for the next decade of my life I decided to try it. Phil was going to be gone to Portland for work for three days and the silly part of me thought, "I will just read it all while Phil is gone." That didn't happen. There is a lot in those pages and it was MUCH harder then reading a 600 page novel, but it was wonderful.
I am so glad that I decided to do it and listen to the Spirit as it testified to me that the men I was reading about were true Prophets of God. I came to know them better and the story of one family leaving Jerusalem and heading out to the Promise Land and all that became of these people became real and alive to me. I did read the whole book when President Hinckley gave out the challenge and that was great, but this was more powerful to me. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the Plan of Salvation. I am grateful for the challenges that we receive from inspired leaders and the blessings that come when we follow their counsel.
It was amazing to see how the atmosphere in our home changed as I was so diligent in reading all these pages. I don't think anything within my children changed, but I was a much better mother and much more patient with them. It was easier to see my weaknesses as I was reading about what caused these people to be destroyed and how quickly they forgot the miracles and blessings from the Lord. Well I could go on and on about everything I have experienced over the past two weeks, but I will just sum it up with I think you all should try it. If you can't do it in two weeks do it in a month or two months or by the end of the year, but set a goal and accomplish it and you will be blessed.
It sounded like a great idea, but I knew I would need to wait for the right two weeks so I could find time to get it done. With my birthday coming up and thought about what it would mean to be 30 and what goals I had lined up for the next decade of my life I decided to try it. Phil was going to be gone to Portland for work for three days and the silly part of me thought, "I will just read it all while Phil is gone." That didn't happen. There is a lot in those pages and it was MUCH harder then reading a 600 page novel, but it was wonderful.
I am so glad that I decided to do it and listen to the Spirit as it testified to me that the men I was reading about were true Prophets of God. I came to know them better and the story of one family leaving Jerusalem and heading out to the Promise Land and all that became of these people became real and alive to me. I did read the whole book when President Hinckley gave out the challenge and that was great, but this was more powerful to me. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the Plan of Salvation. I am grateful for the challenges that we receive from inspired leaders and the blessings that come when we follow their counsel.
It was amazing to see how the atmosphere in our home changed as I was so diligent in reading all these pages. I don't think anything within my children changed, but I was a much better mother and much more patient with them. It was easier to see my weaknesses as I was reading about what caused these people to be destroyed and how quickly they forgot the miracles and blessings from the Lord. Well I could go on and on about everything I have experienced over the past two weeks, but I will just sum it up with I think you all should try it. If you can't do it in two weeks do it in a month or two months or by the end of the year, but set a goal and accomplish it and you will be blessed.
5 comments:
You have always been so self motivated. I always admired that of you! Thanks for all of your kind thoughts!
This was awesome to read. Thank you for sharing your experience/testimony with reading the Book of Mormon. I'm really glad I stopped in at your blog today. I needed it.
:)
What a great idea. We're all getting a little bogged down with the stresses of life around our house, and I think this just might be the thing I need. Reading a verse or two before falling asleep at night doesn't seem to have a very powerful affect. And it's so easy to read any other book in just a short time, why not do it with The Book of Mormon? Thanks for a great idea. You're awesome!
I am so glad you loved this experience. I did it like six years ago right before our new Temple opened in Redlands CA. It was so awesome. I felt so much more connected witht he "story" and the characters. Not the best way to gain spiritual insites maybe but it just brings a really neat added depth to my Testimony of the BOM.
Impressive - You go girl!! I will definitely need to do that sometime. Remind of your birthdate. Being 30 isn't so bad and I must say you have a beautiful family to show for all of your hard work in your 20's. I can't wait to see what your 30's holds for you. Lots of love, laughter and life!!
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