About ten minutes ago when I was reading an old issue of the Ensign from May 2010, I was reading the talk "Mother told me" given by Elder Bradley D. Foster of the Seventy. The first thing you read under the title is a quote from it when he says "Perhaps the reason we respond so universally to our mothers' love is because it typifies the love of our Savior." I thought that was really interesting. Then when I got to the end this next quote I teared up a little. I was sitting at a table in the library with my highlighter just reading it and highlighting important lessons and quotes in the talk. The quote says "As in all things, the Savior set the perfect example in the love He showed for His earthly mother. In the final, most pivotal moment of His mortal life-- after the anguish of Gethsemane, the mock trial, the crown of thorns, the heavy cross to which He was brutally nailed -- Jesus looked down from the cross and saw His mother, Mary, who had come to be with her Son. His final act of love berore he died was to ensure that His mother would be cared for, saying to His disciple, "Behold they mother!" And from that point on the disciple took her unto his home. As the scriptures say, then Jesus knew that "all things were now accomplished," and He bowed His head and died (see John 19:27-28, 30)"
I started to cry when I read that. I didn't care what the other kids in the library thought, I was really moved by this. It really touched me.
I know there have been so many women in my life who have taught me things that mothers teach their children. I even consider one other female figure besides my biological mother, sort of my mom of the church. Since my mom is not a member, she doesn't know things of the Gospel to teach me. I am so grateful for the lessons my mom has taught me. I am also grateful for the things my "church mother" has taught me. She set a brilliant example of patience for me and I look up to her in that regard. She and her family have had all my missionary lessons except one in their home. She taught me and set a true shining example of faith and good works. I really look up to this woman and am so glad to have an example like that in my life.
Honor your mothers and the women who teach you. Love them because they love you.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Apr 28, 2011
Apr 12, 2011
Prom tomorrow
I am very excited for prom tomorrow. I am so glad that I'm going to an LDS prom as opposed to school prom. I went to the school homecoming freshman year and this year (this year with a date) and there was a lot of inappropriate music and behavior there. I can only imagine what a prom would be like for school. Anyway I went to the LDS prom last year with my friend Matt. It was a lot of fun. There was no inappropriate music, no bad behavior or bad language at all. Everyone wore modest attire and looked beautiful/ handsome. I can't wait for tomorrow. My friend and I are going to prom together and we'll be in a small group with a really close friend of ours and his date (whom I have never met before). We're all going to red lobster for dinner. I am just so dang excited.
Update on my mom:
She's home now! She is still in a lot of pain and on some meds for that and for recovery from surgery. Next is radiation and one more surgery and we'll be done.
I am so grateful she is home.
---
Today was our all day festival field trip for choir. We performed very well and I had a great time despite the blasting headache I got before lunch.
On the bus ride to the high school where we sang, I read some parts of an old issue of Ensign. My best friends mom gives their old ones to me. I love reading the articles and stories. I read a talk in a 2009 issue that I thought was really cool. There were two I read actually that I really liked a lot. The first one was called "That your burdens may be light" by Elder L. Whitney Clayton. The second one was "Teaching helps save lives". I liked the second one a lot. I love to tell people about the Gospel and to answer questions. I also really love reading about things and then doing a talk/ testimony on the subject. I've only ever done a talk once so far but I really love it and it was such a great experience for me. I hope I can do it again soon because I loved it so much.
In this he talks about teachers in his life and he says
"These great teachers have inspired me to ask questions about my own teaching:
1. As a teacher, do I view myself as a messenger from God?
2. Do I prepare and then teach in ways that can help save lives?
3. Do I focus on a key doctrine of the Restoration?
4. Can those I teach feel the love I have for them and for my Heavenly Father and the Savior?
5. When inspiration comes, do I close the manual and open their eyes and their ears and their hearts to the glory of God?
6. Do I invite them to do the work that God has for them to do?
7. Do I express so much confidence in them that they find the invitation hard to refuse?
8. Do I help them recognize promised blessings that come from living the doctrine I am teaching?"
I think that this is a really good list of questions to ask yourself. Not only if you are a sunday school teacher, a home teacher, a missionary, as a parent, or even if you're just teaching yourself. I really love teaching people things and I love talking about the Gospel.
I'll end with these two quotes from Gordon B. Hinckley:
“I believe in the pursuit of education. What is education? Reduced to its most simplistic definition it is the training of the mind and the body. . . . It is something that need never stop—no matter how old we grow we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it.”
—Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 170
“Read. Read. Read. Read the word of God in sacred books of scripture. Read from the great literature of the ages. Read what is being said in our day and time and what will be said in the future.”
—“A Three-point Challenge,” BYU Commencement Address, April 27, 1995
These two quotes I think go together well. By reading the scriptures, we will learn more and be able to live better on the earth so we can return to Heavenly Father in the Celestial Kingdom. A very important lesson I learned from a friend of mine (My best friends mom) is that "Knowledge is power". With more knowledge you will be better prepared to live in the world and teach and be a parent.
Update on my mom:
She's home now! She is still in a lot of pain and on some meds for that and for recovery from surgery. Next is radiation and one more surgery and we'll be done.
I am so grateful she is home.
---
Today was our all day festival field trip for choir. We performed very well and I had a great time despite the blasting headache I got before lunch.
On the bus ride to the high school where we sang, I read some parts of an old issue of Ensign. My best friends mom gives their old ones to me. I love reading the articles and stories. I read a talk in a 2009 issue that I thought was really cool. There were two I read actually that I really liked a lot. The first one was called "That your burdens may be light" by Elder L. Whitney Clayton. The second one was "Teaching helps save lives". I liked the second one a lot. I love to tell people about the Gospel and to answer questions. I also really love reading about things and then doing a talk/ testimony on the subject. I've only ever done a talk once so far but I really love it and it was such a great experience for me. I hope I can do it again soon because I loved it so much.
In this he talks about teachers in his life and he says
"These great teachers have inspired me to ask questions about my own teaching:
1. As a teacher, do I view myself as a messenger from God?
2. Do I prepare and then teach in ways that can help save lives?
3. Do I focus on a key doctrine of the Restoration?
4. Can those I teach feel the love I have for them and for my Heavenly Father and the Savior?
5. When inspiration comes, do I close the manual and open their eyes and their ears and their hearts to the glory of God?
6. Do I invite them to do the work that God has for them to do?
7. Do I express so much confidence in them that they find the invitation hard to refuse?
8. Do I help them recognize promised blessings that come from living the doctrine I am teaching?"
I think that this is a really good list of questions to ask yourself. Not only if you are a sunday school teacher, a home teacher, a missionary, as a parent, or even if you're just teaching yourself. I really love teaching people things and I love talking about the Gospel.
I'll end with these two quotes from Gordon B. Hinckley:
“I believe in the pursuit of education. What is education? Reduced to its most simplistic definition it is the training of the mind and the body. . . . It is something that need never stop—no matter how old we grow we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it.”
—Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 170
“Read. Read. Read. Read the word of God in sacred books of scripture. Read from the great literature of the ages. Read what is being said in our day and time and what will be said in the future.”
—“A Three-point Challenge,” BYU Commencement Address, April 27, 1995
These two quotes I think go together well. By reading the scriptures, we will learn more and be able to live better on the earth so we can return to Heavenly Father in the Celestial Kingdom. A very important lesson I learned from a friend of mine (My best friends mom) is that "Knowledge is power". With more knowledge you will be better prepared to live in the world and teach and be a parent.
Apr 10, 2011
I did it!!!
I FINALLY cooked something without burning it!!! All by myself! My family is all still at my sister's basketball tournament and I made them dinner even though they won't be home for a few hours. I can't believe I finally made a whole mean without burning it! I have photographic evidence above. I made orange chicken and broccoli and cauliflower. And here's the monumental part: I didn't microwave ANY of it! I am so excited right now.
Apr 8, 2011
"I've missed you"
The Temple was breathtaking. I started to tear up a little bit just when we pulled in. Even when Peter pointed out the top of the spire where you could see Moroni. In the chapel I started sobbing uncontrollably. It was silent sobbing though.
Then when I waited to be Baptized, I heard the voices of the people in my mind saying "thank you." It was a beautiful experience. After being Baptized for those 5 people, I started walking toward the door where I could go in to change and sobbed uncontrollably again. Then after that I couldn't stop smiling. Through all the 9 confirmations I did I smiled. I felt so much peace and happiness. I have never felt that much peace anywhere. It was serene and I felt warm and happy the whole time. I felt the Holy Ghost. I am so happy that I was able to do this today. I am so happy I was able to. It was such a blessing and I know that I will remain chaste, pure, and virtuous so that I can go to the Temple again many more times. I loved it.
The gardens and the fountain and all the surroundings outside the temple reminded me of my Grandpa Root Beer (Grandpa Bono) and Grandma Dolly's backyard. There were beautifully kept flowers everywhere. The trees were in blossom... it was all so beautiful.
I heard and felt people who passed away and I was glad for their company. I felt and heard the Holy Ghost and was shown an image of my future that I will always remember and strive to make come true.
I hope everyone gets the chance to go to a Temple somewhere in the world. It was so worth it. It was just exactly what I needed and more. I can say I will be happy for a long time. It was life changing.
Then when I waited to be Baptized, I heard the voices of the people in my mind saying "thank you." It was a beautiful experience. After being Baptized for those 5 people, I started walking toward the door where I could go in to change and sobbed uncontrollably again. Then after that I couldn't stop smiling. Through all the 9 confirmations I did I smiled. I felt so much peace and happiness. I have never felt that much peace anywhere. It was serene and I felt warm and happy the whole time. I felt the Holy Ghost. I am so happy that I was able to do this today. I am so happy I was able to. It was such a blessing and I know that I will remain chaste, pure, and virtuous so that I can go to the Temple again many more times. I loved it.
The gardens and the fountain and all the surroundings outside the temple reminded me of my Grandpa Root Beer (Grandpa Bono) and Grandma Dolly's backyard. There were beautifully kept flowers everywhere. The trees were in blossom... it was all so beautiful.
I heard and felt people who passed away and I was glad for their company. I felt and heard the Holy Ghost and was shown an image of my future that I will always remember and strive to make come true.
I hope everyone gets the chance to go to a Temple somewhere in the world. It was so worth it. It was just exactly what I needed and more. I can say I will be happy for a long time. It was life changing.
The testimony
I love hearing people's testimonies because I know those are words coming from their heart. A friend of mine from church and I have been texting back and forth a lot today and he said I should look up this guys testimony from one of his favorite bands called "For today" The guys name is Mattie Montgomery. My friend said "I can't get to it right now but will you look it up? It really inspired be cause for today is amazing its just him talking and i feel the spirit around me" I watched this video and I really liked it. I thought I would share it with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sFRoWIC92I
He also said I should look up this song by them. He said that when his mom heard it, she cried. And I have to admit... I'm listening to it right now and it's making me tear up too. The lyrics are so well written. I love the music and the lyrics, but if you don't like the music at least look up the lyrics. They really speak to you. This song is amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tOLCDYyOvM
A few more hours until the Temple :) Today started out bad and I am sort of sad still but I think everything will be ok.
"[2] And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.
[3] And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words."
2 Nephi 11:2-3
Nephi and Jacob both saw the Savior and knew he was real. They wanted everyone to know this too. Nephi liked Isaiah's words and quoted him and made a "testimony of three" which fulfilled the prophecy that Heavenly Father would establish His word through three witnesses. I leave this with you in the sacred name of my savior Jesus Christ.
-Amen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sFRoWIC92I
He also said I should look up this song by them. He said that when his mom heard it, she cried. And I have to admit... I'm listening to it right now and it's making me tear up too. The lyrics are so well written. I love the music and the lyrics, but if you don't like the music at least look up the lyrics. They really speak to you. This song is amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tOLCDYyOvM
A few more hours until the Temple :) Today started out bad and I am sort of sad still but I think everything will be ok.
"[2] And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.
[3] And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words."
2 Nephi 11:2-3
Nephi and Jacob both saw the Savior and knew he was real. They wanted everyone to know this too. Nephi liked Isaiah's words and quoted him and made a "testimony of three" which fulfilled the prophecy that Heavenly Father would establish His word through three witnesses. I leave this with you in the sacred name of my savior Jesus Christ.
-Amen
Apr 6, 2011
Gifts for my Savior
I have kept a small box in my room on my windowsill marked "Gifts for my Savior". In it, I put little pieces of paper with the things I did for my Savior, Jesus Christ. For example, "February 19th, 2011 - Baptism by immersion in water" It doesn't have to be something big like that. It can be something like praying everyday in the name of the Savior, bearing your testimony in his name, etc. But after the first time I went to Church in December, I learned a lot about traditions and a church leader told us about how her family put a little box under the tree for gifts for the Savior. I decided I was going to start that in January but for April. Today is of course, April 6th which is when Jesus Christ was born.
So one more thought for the day: What do you do everyday for your Savior? What can you do to be more like him? Make some goals for the future (Baptism if you're not yet a member, make a commitment to daily prayer/ scripture study, etc.)
So one more thought for the day: What do you do everyday for your Savior? What can you do to be more like him? Make some goals for the future (Baptism if you're not yet a member, make a commitment to daily prayer/ scripture study, etc.)
I was getting ready to go out for a run. I haven't gone running in 2 weeks but I want to be in shape again, although I was dreading it and grumbling about having to go out into the cold. I had a thought in my head that I am never going to be as in shape as I was in January and February. I've had that thought etched in my mind for a few weeks now about a lot of things.
Anyway, I was in the bathroom and had all my running garb on and I was gathering my hair into a bun and just as I had gathered all my hair into a small knot at the back of my head and I grabbed a hairtie, I thought back to one email a friend who I am currently very close to sent a year or two ago. I don't remember what the situation was I think it was when my grandpa and grandma died... anyway he sent me an email with this video and this song on it. I haven't stopped listening to the song all morning. I had to find the video and share it with you. Unfortunately I deleted that email a long time ago, but this is the exact video my friend sent to me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5dgJwEvhrA&feature=fvwrel
It is quite a bit pixelated but the message is still the same and it's still a fantastic motivator. I'll never complain again about going out and running.
"The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." -Psalms 29:11
Anyway, I was in the bathroom and had all my running garb on and I was gathering my hair into a bun and just as I had gathered all my hair into a small knot at the back of my head and I grabbed a hairtie, I thought back to one email a friend who I am currently very close to sent a year or two ago. I don't remember what the situation was I think it was when my grandpa and grandma died... anyway he sent me an email with this video and this song on it. I haven't stopped listening to the song all morning. I had to find the video and share it with you. Unfortunately I deleted that email a long time ago, but this is the exact video my friend sent to me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5dgJwEvhrA&feature=fvwrel
It is quite a bit pixelated but the message is still the same and it's still a fantastic motivator. I'll never complain again about going out and running.
"The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." -Psalms 29:11
Apr 2, 2011
Rebekah
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/rebekah-just-one-life
I am just going to say right now that I love this girl with all of my heart. She graduated last year. She was a first soprano with me in our High School's Treble choir (all girls choir). She taught me so much and she was always such a beautiful girl to have around. It always brightened my day to get a hug from Rebekah. She is the most beautiful girl and the sweetest person. I love her so much and I miss seeing her everyday in choir. I went this guys website Life without limbs and saw a video on the very first home page that said Just one Life: Rebekah and my heart stopped when I saw that picture of her skydiving.
I feel sad that I lost touch with her and I am going to find a way to get back in touch with her again because I SO SO SO love this girl. Please watch the video and read the story. She is truly an inspiration and a beautiful girl.
I love you Rebekah and I won't turn off this computer tonight until I find your email or your facebook! I miss you girly!
Love,
Ashleigh
I am just going to say right now that I love this girl with all of my heart. She graduated last year. She was a first soprano with me in our High School's Treble choir (all girls choir). She taught me so much and she was always such a beautiful girl to have around. It always brightened my day to get a hug from Rebekah. She is the most beautiful girl and the sweetest person. I love her so much and I miss seeing her everyday in choir. I went this guys website Life without limbs and saw a video on the very first home page that said Just one Life: Rebekah and my heart stopped when I saw that picture of her skydiving.
I feel sad that I lost touch with her and I am going to find a way to get back in touch with her again because I SO SO SO love this girl. Please watch the video and read the story. She is truly an inspiration and a beautiful girl.
I love you Rebekah and I won't turn off this computer tonight until I find your email or your facebook! I miss you girly!
Love,
Ashleigh
My first talk
Last sunday I gave a talk (My first talk for the church) at our church's invitational sunday. I was asked to give a talk on the Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ). I got a lot of compliments for this talk and it raised my self esteem because people asked if I had ever taken a public speaking class and if I did stuff like this often because it was really good. So I guess that inspired me to put my first talk on here for everyone to read and ponder. (hm... foreshadowing? ;) I designed this blog to write mini non-verbal talks/ stories/ testimonies from the life of a Young woman convert/ Latter-Day Saint/ sister/ student. I hope these encourage my brothers and sisters to share the Gospel and to learn and study the scriptures daily.
Read, ponder, pray
Before I attended church for the first time, I always thought that the Book of Mormon was the "Mormon Bible". I get asked all the time if the Book of Mormon is the mormon bible. Well I'm here to tell you, no it's not.
We believe in and teach from the Bible, and we also believe in and teach from the Book of Mormon. What is the Book of Mormon? It's a testament to everyone that Jesus is the Christ and that Jesus is the Living Christ. It tells stories of Christ and his dealings with the people. It shows the reality of his perfect life, love, and power. There are accounts in the Book of Mormon written by people who personally saw Christ. There were also many, many people around during Jesus Christ's ministry among the Nephites. In 3rd Nephi chapter 12 verse 2 (3 Ne. 12:2) we read-
"And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall recieve a remission of their sins."
In this verse, Christ is speaking to the people and one verse previous he was telling them to heed the words of the 12 apostles and be Baptized by them.
In the verse I read, he is telling them that their brethren and all those they come across who will listen to their testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ and all those who believe those testimonies will be blessed. If they will hear, pray, and accept and be Baptized by water will be blessed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide them.
By reading the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father sees your potential and is thrilled because you show the interest in learning how to come back to Him someday. He has a plan for us. The Book of Mormon is a guide He sent to us through the prophet Joseph Smith. Through the power of God, Joseph Smith was able to translate these records for all of God's children from the plates that were buried in the Earth.
By reading the Book of Mormon, blessings will come. In Doctrine and Covenants, section 1, verse 37 (D&C 1:37) we read-
"Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled."
Some of these commandments are given to us in the Book of Mormon and reading and pondering and praying about these commandments and the rest of the scriptures in the Book of Mormon will bring the blessings which are promised in the scriptures. We can know of the truths of the scriptures if we read, ponder, and pray.
In one of my favorite scriptures in Alma chapter 37, verse 8 (Alma 37:8) of the Book of Mormon, Alma is telling the people that the plates must be handed down from generation to generation. He says of his words-
"Now ye may suppose this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple means are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth counfound the wise."
Reading the Book of Mormon may seem like a small or simple mean to us, but to our Father, which is in Heaven, he sees it as us getting one step closer to living with Him again in the Celestial Kingdom.
The Book of Mormon brings comfort into people's lives when they realize that Heavenly Father wants us to read and ponder and live according to its teachings.
(**In this next part, I held up my first Book of Mormon which was given to me by my Best Friend. It's just a simple little blue paperback copy that a lot of converts or investigators recieve. My eyes started to burn with tears when I held up the Book and said "I have..."**)
I have here, my first Book of Mormon. In November 2010, my Best Friend knew I was going through many trials and hard times. He asked if I would like one. I read it and thought about it every time I possibly could. The things written in here comforted me when I was sad, and I saw that. So I prayed and asked if it was true.
I would not be standing up here today if I did not believe with all my heart that this volume of scripture is true. I invite you all to read this book. I know that when you do you will feel comfort. It's never too early or too late to read the Book of Mormon, whether you're here at Church for the first time and have never read it or whether you're here or at home and you haven't read it in over 20 years. Read it, ponder, and pray.
(For this next part, I had to improvise because my brother drew on my notes. It was the testimony so I just said what I felt and knew. I was trying my best to not cry so I don't remember my exact words. I'll improvise here too :)
It would appear that my little brother drew on my notes so this next part is coming from my heart:
I am so thankful that I have a best friend who cared about the Gospel, Heavenly Father, The Savior, and I to have given me this book. I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon through the great power of God. And I know that the Holy Ghost will confirm the truths of the Gospel if we only read and ponder and pray.
Of this I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Read, ponder, pray
Before I attended church for the first time, I always thought that the Book of Mormon was the "Mormon Bible". I get asked all the time if the Book of Mormon is the mormon bible. Well I'm here to tell you, no it's not.
We believe in and teach from the Bible, and we also believe in and teach from the Book of Mormon. What is the Book of Mormon? It's a testament to everyone that Jesus is the Christ and that Jesus is the Living Christ. It tells stories of Christ and his dealings with the people. It shows the reality of his perfect life, love, and power. There are accounts in the Book of Mormon written by people who personally saw Christ. There were also many, many people around during Jesus Christ's ministry among the Nephites. In 3rd Nephi chapter 12 verse 2 (3 Ne. 12:2) we read-
"And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall recieve a remission of their sins."
In this verse, Christ is speaking to the people and one verse previous he was telling them to heed the words of the 12 apostles and be Baptized by them.
In the verse I read, he is telling them that their brethren and all those they come across who will listen to their testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ and all those who believe those testimonies will be blessed. If they will hear, pray, and accept and be Baptized by water will be blessed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide them.
By reading the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father sees your potential and is thrilled because you show the interest in learning how to come back to Him someday. He has a plan for us. The Book of Mormon is a guide He sent to us through the prophet Joseph Smith. Through the power of God, Joseph Smith was able to translate these records for all of God's children from the plates that were buried in the Earth.
By reading the Book of Mormon, blessings will come. In Doctrine and Covenants, section 1, verse 37 (D&C 1:37) we read-
"Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled."
Some of these commandments are given to us in the Book of Mormon and reading and pondering and praying about these commandments and the rest of the scriptures in the Book of Mormon will bring the blessings which are promised in the scriptures. We can know of the truths of the scriptures if we read, ponder, and pray.
In one of my favorite scriptures in Alma chapter 37, verse 8 (Alma 37:8) of the Book of Mormon, Alma is telling the people that the plates must be handed down from generation to generation. He says of his words-
"Now ye may suppose this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple means are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth counfound the wise."
Reading the Book of Mormon may seem like a small or simple mean to us, but to our Father, which is in Heaven, he sees it as us getting one step closer to living with Him again in the Celestial Kingdom.
The Book of Mormon brings comfort into people's lives when they realize that Heavenly Father wants us to read and ponder and live according to its teachings.
(**In this next part, I held up my first Book of Mormon which was given to me by my Best Friend. It's just a simple little blue paperback copy that a lot of converts or investigators recieve. My eyes started to burn with tears when I held up the Book and said "I have..."**)
I have here, my first Book of Mormon. In November 2010, my Best Friend knew I was going through many trials and hard times. He asked if I would like one. I read it and thought about it every time I possibly could. The things written in here comforted me when I was sad, and I saw that. So I prayed and asked if it was true.
I would not be standing up here today if I did not believe with all my heart that this volume of scripture is true. I invite you all to read this book. I know that when you do you will feel comfort. It's never too early or too late to read the Book of Mormon, whether you're here at Church for the first time and have never read it or whether you're here or at home and you haven't read it in over 20 years. Read it, ponder, and pray.
(For this next part, I had to improvise because my brother drew on my notes. It was the testimony so I just said what I felt and knew. I was trying my best to not cry so I don't remember my exact words. I'll improvise here too :)
It would appear that my little brother drew on my notes so this next part is coming from my heart:
I am so thankful that I have a best friend who cared about the Gospel, Heavenly Father, The Savior, and I to have given me this book. I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon through the great power of God. And I know that the Holy Ghost will confirm the truths of the Gospel if we only read and ponder and pray.
Of this I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
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