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| This is the only thing I asked for, when Reuben asked me what I wanted for Christmas.
You may or may not know that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have been since I was 18 years old and I still consider my choice to join my church the best one I have ever made. (Of course there is another decision that is also very important and that was the choice to marry Reuben. But that wouldn't even have ever happened without me first choosing to change churches.)
Each Sunday my congregation, or Ward(who happens to be the people in my neighborhood who are active members of the church because our church is organized geographically.), gathers at 9 a.m. for what we call Sacrament meeting. Here we partake of the sacrament(commonly know as the water and the wine(but we use water)) and also we also listen to fellow members give talks about Gospel topics, testify of truth, pray and sing together. The second hour of our weekly meetings is either Sunday School, or Relief Society(Woman's Organization)/Elder's Quorum(Men's Organization. These meetings are set up in a classroom/discussion type of setting. Here is where my Christmas present comes in. This year, we are reading The Book of Mormon and discussing it in Sunday School with one another. I have been so excited for this, because this book as changed my life and when I found the journal edition of The Book of Mormon, I was even more excited. Many of you learned yesterday that I have a horrible memory. Well, having a space in the margins for me to jot down thoughts as I read really makes me learn and remember more. I also have a bible that has margins for journaling and it has been so fun this past year to read The New Testament again and be able to write my thoughts and inspirations as I read. (Each year we read a different section of scripture. Last year was New Testament, this year will be The Book of Mormon, next year will be The Doctrine and Covenants/The Pearl of Great Price, and the following year we will read The Old Testament, so every four years we repeat a section!) Sure, I have read through these sections numerous times, but I learn something new and feel inspirations differently each time. I guess that is because we experience different things in life so different passages hit us at different times. |
For the first week we read the introductory part of The Book of Mormon. My biggest question for myself is how can I be a better witness of Christ and his Gospel? I'll let you know what the answer is as I keep reading. But I have felt inspired to share my feelings about Jesus Christ more often. So, here you are: I do know that Christ walked on this planet. I know that he willingly gave up his life for each of us to be able to gain forgiveness from our mistakes and shortcomings. I know that he loves me and that he actually knows me. He also made it possible for each of us to live again after this life. The grave truly has no victory. I, like the witnesses who left their witness not of seeing the golden plates that contained the writings of The Book of Mormon, also testify here that I do know The Book of Mormon is a true record. It contains the fullness of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of my favorite parts in the book is when Jesus appears to the people of ancient America and allows them to come one by one and feel the prints on his hands and feet. I weep, as they did, when I read this record of a Savior that loves each and every one of his children/disciples. If you haven't ever read this book, I invite you to give it a read. But be careful, it may just change your life.
This post is part of my "Spiritual Sunday" posts. Each Sunday I will write something spiritual. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about my faith or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And may you have a very restful sabbath!
If you would like to learn a little more about The Book of Mormon, check out this video: A 60 Second Explanation of The Book of Mormon
