an inspired book

Recently I had the opportunity to see an old cherished friend. Someone that I love and care for very deeply. We learned together and we grew together. But this last visit just wasn't the same as they used to be. Heart broken and teary eyes I walked away wishing I could do more.

So what happened? What changed? When once we used to be so close and feel the warmth of the Spirit running deep in our veins. The answer is simple and so profound. She stopped reading the Book of Mormon. One of the biggest life changing events in our lives. Reading from it changes our lives just as much as letting it collect dust on our shelf's does. Elder David A. Bednar said "Regular reading of and talking about the Book of Mormon invite the power to resist temptation and to produce feelings of love within our families." I would be scared to see what would happen if I set my copy aside, the blessings that come from reading it can come from no other source. That is a promise given by the Prophet Joseph Smith, quoted in the introduction of the Book of Mormon. “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

Dearest readers I know that the Book of Mormon is true. With it I am never in the dark. I will never stop soaking up the Spirit that just seems to ooze off its pages. I will defend and stand right next to this truly inspired work forever. "I testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day work—and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our times—until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland) It was written for our day and our lives. It is the word of God!

just like a rising sun

The other morning we walked out of our apartment to this beautiful Sunrise! It reminded me of a talk by Elder David A. Bednar last April.

He said "The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare..."

"Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding (see Alma 5:7; 32:28), and direct and protect you and your family."

The Spirit of God is real! I have felt it in my own life and it has strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Most of the time the Spirit speaks to me and guides me just like Elder Bednar explains above. Although it may seem simple and little at the time I know that the results are beautiful and lasting! When I feel the Spirit teach me I can not go contrary to what I have learned!

– PRESIDENT JAMES E. FAUST

If you are seeking an answer to a prayer don't give up! There is hope in the future! When you receive the answer you are seeking nothing will separate you from that. Heavenly Father loves you and will send you His Spirit and it will most likely come just like a rising sun.

The Holy Ghost bears witness of the truth and impresses upon the soul the reality of God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ so deeply that no earthly power or authority can separate him from that knowledge.”

tender mercies

As we were studying this morning we got a phone call telling us to walk outside and look at the sun rising behind the trees near our apartment. What a beautiful sight! The clouds were covering the clear blue sky, light broke through in 2 or 3 sections sending rays of sunlight streaming down to the waking world below. My first thought was how beautiful it was. I stood there in aw thinking of all the wonderful things that our Heavenly Father has created. In those small moments as I watched, silently thinking of the Father, I felt love. A tender mercy of His overwhelming love! What perfect timing it was!

 David A Bednar said "I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them."

He goes on to explain what a tender mercy is. "I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase 'the tender mercies of the Lord.' Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

Each and everyday we are blessed with tender mercies from our Father. He loves us and he wants us to feel His love. I know that as you look for these moments that they will mean more to you. I know that you will feel His love. I have felt these tender mercies in many ways. It is an overwhelming and capturing feeling.

I am so grateful for my Father in Heaven. He is very aware of each of my needs and my desires. He is aware of my pains and my struggles. In the very moment when he sends that tender mercy, I feel on top of the world. Everything disappears and I am filled with His love!