Wednesday, February 27, 2013

This is ME-Week 7 (At least it is in the right week, give me a break!)

Week 7: Record Your Testimony of the Book of Mormon

We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. --Article of Faith #8

When I joined the church at the age of 13 I can honestly say that I didn't have a testimony of the book of Mormon other than it was scripture.  I wasn't looking for further instruction from the Lord at that time.  I was looking for guidance and a strong moral compass to follow.  I did as I was told, I read the scriptures assigned to me by the missionaries and my youth leaders.  I continued on in my youth to go to seminary and study my scriptures.  I never felt like I had any doubt whether or not it was true, it just made sense to me.  I had no reason to deny it.  I can remember the day that it all hit me like a ton of bricks and I literally was so overwhelmed by the Spirit that I bawled like a big baby.  I had gone to Salt Lake City with a friend and his family.  They took me to see The Testaments-Of One Fold Of One Shepherd.  Finally it all connected for me.  The light came on and I realized how deep of a love I had for the Book of Mormon and the Bible.  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church) we believe that the Book of Mormon is ANOTHER testament of Jesus Christ.  It never has, nor will it ever replace the Bible.  I am grateful that we have another record of the people who were on the Earth.  Jesus Christ loved them and desired that they too be known.

There have come many opportunities for me to deny my knowledge of the Book of Mormon.  I have been offered jobs and schools for my children, but part of their requirements was that I sign a statement of faith saying that I believe that the Bible is the ONLY written word of God.  I know that this is not true, and I know that I cannot deny something that holds such a place in my heart.  I have loved sharing my knowledge of the Book of Mormon and what I understand.  Every morning (almost) the boys and I sit at the table and study a chapter in the book of Mormon.  The boys are really developing a love for the scriptures and are able to apply their teachings in their lives.  Every time I read the scriptures I learn something new.  Many times the answers I need are right in front of me and I gain new insight when I study.  I am grateful for the power of the scriptures and I believe that if more people took a few minutes each day to read some form of scripture of positive affirmation, then things would be better in the world, and we would be more unified as children of God.  I invite everyone to read the Book of Mormon.  Just because you read it, doesn't mean you have to convert or even believe   However, I do know that it will only do positive things in your life and I know it has taught me about who I am and my individual worth.  If you want to know more, please ask.  You can always go check things out at Mormon.org or LDS.org.  I am an open book and I don't have all the answers  but I will tell you what I can and if I don't have the answer I will find it for you.

The video I spoke of can be seen on youtube here, or if you want a copy I will get one for you.

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