Scripture Hero Spotlight: Mormon

We’re coming up on the end of another year and having studied The Book of Mormon during Come Follow Me this year, I wanted to stop and appreciate the ancient American prophet who made it possible for us to have this volume of scripture. As such, here are three lessons I appreciate from the life of Mormon. 

A Life of Surrender 

His abridgement of the Nephite record was Mormon’s labor of love. All the while, his nation was falling into apostasy. He knew his life’s work wouldn’t be for his people, but he did it anyway. I admire the faith that it must have taken for him to pour his heart and soul into this volume of scripture, surrendering to his faith in God. He trusted that his life’s work wouldn’t be a waste and that as he followed the Lord’s directions.

My favorite scripture is Words of Mormon 1:7 in which he says, “And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.” This scripture was in reference to including the small plates in his record, but it’s applicable for the full book–Mormon had to trust that his life’s work would amount to something. He may have been a prophet, but it still took faith and surrender to put his heart into results he’d never see.

A Life of Loneliness 

During the pandemic, I wrote about the isolation of Moroni, son of Mormon. While I maintain that Moroni was the champion of social isolation, Mormon was right behind him. This father and son duo lived in a time when their nation was becoming progressively wicked and vicious (sound familiar?). Sometimes I think our world has become wicked beyond belief–seriously, I can't imagine it getting worse without spiking my anxiety–but if you read the things that Mormon witnessed, it must have been lonely for a follower of Jesus Christ. 

Our world may not be as wicked as Mormon’s, but it’s pretty heinous. And being surrounded by people who would divide us and hate each other. And with our interconnected world of social media and anger, it can be easy to withdraw and isolate. Despite that interconnectedness, it's a lonely world in which we live. But despite being surrounded by evil, Mormon loved his people and lived faithfully. What an example!

A Life of Grief

There’s a reason Mormon was able to write about faith, hope, and charity in the letter now published as Moroni 7. In a world of pain and wickedness, Mormon never failed to love his people, even when it was painful. Mormon was called to preach and prophesy to his people, but they actively rejected him. To say he must have felt discouraged would be an understatement. I can’t imagine the grief he felt when he realized that his people had chosen to take themselves beyond redemption. 

In addition to the spiritual death of his nation, we can safely assume Mormon lost plenty of family members to physical death in the wars of his time. We know Moroni outlived him, but we don’t know anything about Mormon’s wife… but we know some of the horrific things the Lamanites did to the women they captured. And even if the men he served with were wicked, Mormon was full of charity, so their deaths would have elicited quite the complex string of emotions, to say the least.

Conclusion

As much as we know about Mormon from his record, I wish we knew more about how he stayed strong and faithful through such depressing circumstances in his life. Mormon had every reason to despair, and he definitely wept many times, but he refused to abandon his hope that was in Jesus Christ. How do you think he did it? How did he stay strong in a time of such awful wickedness? 

Though President Nelson has taught us the importance of using the proper name of the Church, the world still often refers to us as "Mormon". That's quite the legacy of faith to live up to.

Scripture Hero Spotlight: Captain Moroni

Flashback: 2010, my first area and first companion on my mission. Elder Call’s favorite scripture (his family scripture) was Alma 44:4

“Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith.”

It’s a wonderfully inspirational scripture and I’m reminded of it and my time with Elder Call whenever I see a “444” on a license plate, a patient’s chart, or anything else. Despite how solemn this scripture describes faith and testimony, I also have ingrained into my mind the Moroni voice that my trainer would use when reciting this scripture.

Silly missionary anecdotes aside, I’m grateful to have studied the military career of Captain Moroni this month in our Come Follow Me lessons. He wasn’t a prophet, like Alma or Helaman, but he’s a wonderful example of stalwart faith in action. So as we finish up Moroni’s story and the Book of Alma, I want to highlight a couple lessons learned from the Nephite captain.

A Man of Conviction

“And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.” (Alma 46:12)

The example of Alma 44:4 could be an example of this as well, but there are so many instances of Moroni demonstrating his faith and conviction as a Nephite leader. The Title of Liberty and boldly sharing his testimony, despite the opinions of the king-men, is inspirational for those of us living in the latter-days. Social media and the internet only make it easier to be intimidated by what seems to be popular opinion–even if it’s not the popular opinion, it’s usually still shouted loudly enough to seem that way. Bearing simple testimony, as Moroni did on his rent coat, can be more impactful than all the loud voices screaming on the internet.

A Man of Faith

“Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God.” (Alma 48:7)

Not only did Moroni live his faith and convictions, but he taught them to his people. He was a military captain but he was also a teacher in the faith. He knew that despite the physical wars they were engaged in, the more important war was for their souls. In fact, aren’t most of the war chapters frequently taken as allegories for the spiritual warfare we face on a day-to-day basis? Decades ago, President Packer said, “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” (General Conference, October 1986) I truly believe that if we internalize the gospel and are “trying to be like Jesus” there would be no wars (or at least fewer) and Captain Moroni’s job would have been obsolete.

A Man of Strength 

“Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.” (Alma 48:17)

I love Captain Moroni as an example of strength against the power of the devil. On my mission, we talked about being hell-shakers and I’ve thought of that often in the years since. Captain Moroni is one of the few mortal individuals in scripture or otherwise described to have faith so great to impact the adversary’s power. While becoming perfect sometimes seems unachievable (because we can’t be perfect in this life) the example of Captain Moroni gives me hope that the amount of faith to be a hell-shaker is attainable in this life. That’s a “short-term” goal I can shoot for.

A Man of Service

“Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.” (Alma 48:19)

This scripture talks about Helaman and the spiritual leaders being “no less serviceable” than Moroni, but that statement also works in reverse. Sometimes I’ve felt that I’ll never match the strength and spirituality of powerful spiritual leaders who have impacted me–Elder Holland, my mission president, and more. Stories like this help to remind me that I don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a difference in the spiritual lives of the people around me.

A Man of Passion

“And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free.” (Alma 61:9)

A few years ago I wrote about Moroni’s letter to Pahoran, so I won’t rewrite that lesson here (just the link). Suffice it to say that I admire Captain Moroni’s passion for protecting his people from harm, physically and spiritually. Even when I overstep and make mistakes, they can be used for the benefit of those around me. Moroni never wanted to bully his way into getting what he wanted, but he did speak boldly and fiercely for the right. 

Heading into the fall season and the last portion of the Book of Mormon, I look forward to reading the pivotal visit of the Savior in 3 Nephi and the final lessons from Mormon and Moroni. For right now, I’ll bask in the lessons I’ve learned from the Captain himself.

Stripling Warriors: Momma's Boys

I grew up in the Los Angeles area and as such had the opportunity to frequent the Los Angeles Temple and its visitor center often. The visitor center has been changed and undergone some major upgrades since that time with a plethora of interactive media and family history experiences, but when I went, there were 2 pieces of technology that stuck out to me. One was the statues in front where a button could be pushed and a story or series of scriptures would be shared. The other was a large theater where you could request a church film or Living Scripture movie be played. My favorite Living Scripture movie to request was the story of Helaman and the stripling warriors. Given the fact that this story is included in this week’s study of Come Follow Me, I thought it appropriate to reflect on the film and the scriptural story it portrays.

Admittedly, as a child, the movie of the Stripling Warriors was my favorite because it had the most action. That being said, this story became one of my favorites and I can still remember being able to share about Helaman and his sons with a fellow member of my stake while on a bus ride to youth conference. He asked me what my favorite scripture story was and I pointed him to the story of Helaman and his sons. During high school, I had a t-shirt given to me that had the phrase “Stripling Warriors are Momma’s boys” which I loved to wear in public places such as Disneyland (back when I lived only a half an hour away and could go without having to take out a personal loan). It was a surefire way to get noticed by other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Of course I had to be careful that “stripling” was read correctly or else it became a little awkward…

The sons of Helaman were indeed “momma’s boys.” I love that they credit their mothers for their faith. In Alma 56: 47-48, we read: 

“Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.”

These young men were taught the gospel of Jesus Christ by their mothers and as result, were firm in their belief that the Lord was in control, regardless of the outcome of the battle.

Back to the Living Scriptures movie. Yes there was fighting and action and it was so cool to see the Stripling Warriors win, but as I reflect back on the film, a couple of things stand out to me that are different from the scriptural account. 

First, as they were fleeing from a speedy march from the Lamanites, Helaman was in the back of the army in an effort to head off the Lamanites should they come upon the rear of his army. Wow! He was willing to take on a whole army with only one other guy if he thought he could slow down the advance of the Lamanites and give his boys a better chance of escape. 

Second, the Stripling Warriors helped out each other. The stronger warriors protected those who were weaker. This reminds me of a teaching from Doctrine and Covenants 84:106: 

“And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also.”

This verse has often been applied to ministering or missionary companionships, but I think it can be applied to marriages, friendships and pretty much any relationship we have. Recently, my wife was not feeling well so I was responsible for attempting to take care of my daughter. This experience was taxing on me and later that day, my wife took care of my daughter so I could recover.

Lastly, I loved Helaman’s reaction upon learning that all of the Stripling Warriors were alive. He dropped to his knees and while it was not an uttered prayer, I imagine him giving thanks to the Lord for sparing his army. I love the idea of being grateful under any circumstances. In 2020, President Nelson shared a video around Thanksgiving highlighting the importance of gratitude and then proceeded to pray a prayer of gratitude. It was a great example to me of the importance of expressing thanks to Heavenly Father.

It has been a long time since I have seen the Living Scriptures account of the Stripling Warriors, but I think it is fair to say that it started me on the path that led to a lifelong love of this wonderful scriptural account. I hope you enjoy your Come Follow Me study this week!

Link to President Nelson’s talk and prayer

Scripture Hero Spotlight: Nephi

We've spent the past three months of Come Follow Me study curriculum learning from the words of Nephi. For the first few weeks of the year, my four-year-old would refuse to go to Primary by herself, so I was blessed to revisit some classic Nephi songs, inspiring this new blog post series. So while our Creature Features and Character Spotlights gush about fictional characters and monsters, today I wanted address some of the reasons I love Nephi and what I've learned from his writings over the years.

"I Will Go and Do!"

One of the things I'll always respect most about Nephi is his faith. Not just because there's a cool Primary song about it and a Living Scriptures song too. But during the episode of retrieving the brass plates, Nephi had no clue what was going to happen, like his brothers. However, unlike Laman and Lemuel, he held to the base belief that Heavenly Father would provide a way to accomplish his work. In a recent Sunday School lesson about the Isaiah chapters of 2 Nephi, President Nelson's interpretation of Israel meaning "Let God prevail" was mentioned. And maybe this was obvious to some, but it struck me that day how I need to get out of God's way and "let [Him] prevail." If I listen to my faith, instead of my fears (and other feelings), it's easier to trust God work "for good to them that love God." (Romans 8:28)

The Iron Rod

Lines from Nephi's vision trigger powerful memories for me from the Hill Cumorah Pageant, which I will always love. But setting aside the vision as a whole and looking just at the rod of iron, which has been interpreted as the word of God, and it's easy to see how important the scriptures and the law were to Nephi. Multiple times it was stated that their descendants would need the law to keep the doctrine pure (that was the whole reason for going back for the brass plates). Add to that how much Nephi obviously loved Isaiah and other prophets, it's plain to see how much he feasted on the words of Christ.

Nephi's Boat

I will forever have a sweet affection for this scripture story, because it was my scene as a ten-year-old in the Hill Cumorah Pageant (I was Laman's son). Nephi's insistence that he could do all things that God asked him to do hearkens back to getting the brass plates. But in addition to that, he didn't let his greatest opposition stop him in building the ship or in leading it to the Promised Land. This story illustrates the love he felt for his brothers and how much he hoped for them to change, a hope unfulfilled when he recorded these stories on the small plates years later. But because of the Plan of Salvation and work for our ancestors, Nephi's hope might not be in vain.

The Psalm of Nephi

He called himself a "wretched man" but I think I'd be in pretty good shape if I were as wretched as him. That being said, Nephi's Psalm (2 Nephi 4) reminds me that even the most valiant disciples have their faults. We don't know what sins so easily beset Nephi, but that's just what makes this poetry so applicable to all of his readers. "Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul." These words always bolster my soul and keep me hoping.

Glorying in Isaiah

While notoriously difficulty among modern readers, Nephi loved reading the words of Isaiah and likening his words to his people. I've thought for a few years how people count themselves out when it comes to understanding Isaiah. While I still don't understand most of Isaiah's words, some of my favorite powerful scripture verses come from verses Nephi quoted from Isaiah. And according to the Follow Him podcast, Isaiah was influential in many of Nephi's personal writings as well. So even if it takes the rest of my life to understand him, I'll keep trying.

If you liked this spotlight on the prophet Nephi, let us know your favorite part of Nephi's story on our social media pages. Also let us know if there's a Book of Mormon hero you want spotlighted as this year goes on.

Our Favorite Easter Scriptures

In April 2023 during General Conference, Elder Gary E. Stevenson gave a talk titles "The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told" In that talk he mentioned "The more I thought about our [Easter] celebrations, the more I found myself wondering if we are inadvertently shortchanging the true meaning of this holiday, so central to all believers in Jesus Christ. Then he goes on talking about the significance of Easter and how we should strive to make this holiday the most important one during the year. As the holiday draws closer we Latter-Day Saint Geeks thought it would be appropriate to share some of our favorite Easter scriptures. 

--Michael

Michael - Isaiah 53:2-6 (see also Mosiah 14)

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.

For Christmas many of us read Luke 2 and read about the saviors birth. During Easter I reflect on Isaiah and what he foresaw the savior do. I believe when Isaiah is talking about Jesus Christ I feel that it is poetic and beautiful how he describes the Master. No wonder Isaiah is one of the most quoted prophet. 

I like Isaiah 53: 2-6 because it go over the suffering that the savior went through, and more importantly the reason why. He was wounded not because he was hated, but because of our sins. We all sin and we need Jesus to cleanse us from it. I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe that he knows each and everyone of us. I am grateful that he was willing to be wounded for us. 

Kenton - Alma 42:15, Luke 22:40-44, and 2 Nephi 26:24-25

I'm particularly fond of this scripture from the Book of Mormon in Alma 42:

15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.

We understand somewhat of what this "atonement" meant, from Luke 22:

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

In order for us to be claimed by the plan of mercy, in order for us to be claimed by the grace of Christ, it was necessary for him to suffer, even a suffering beyond what he wanted to bear, in order to understand our griefs, and in order to satisfy justice and the law. In the end, all of our pains, sufferings, abuses, trials, and difficulties will be made right, and it is made right through the blood of Jesus Christ, who suffered for us all. All we need to do is to come to him, as described in 2 Nephi 26:

24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.

He offers his love, his sacrifice, and his gift freely; if we will but come to Jesus he will heal us, he will take us in, he will fill the emptiness in our souls, and he will mend our broken hearts, and give us strength through our difficulties. All we need to do is to turn to him, and seek him out, and try to come closer to him, and he will try and come closer to us. 

Spencer - D&C 76:21-24

I'm grateful for the extra emphasis the Church has put on Easter in recent years, especially as I've wondered how to raise my family in faith. As a father, even more than before, I can pick out moments each and every day to emphasize my personal need for the Atonement. I make daily mistakes with my girls and my wife. It isn't enough to white-out the mistakes, but I need the Savior's grace to change me and make me better with each day. And as my favorite contemporary Christian song says, "Grace wins every time!" Moroni emphasized the power of grace as he closed his father's book in Moroni 10:

32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

As we close this blog post and look forward to Easter next week and General Conference the week after, I want to finish with some modern-day scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 76:

21 And saw the holy angels, and them who are sanctified before his throne, worshiping God, and the Lamb, who worship him forever and ever.

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the bright hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

"The Savior will return. Soon, He will be here." (Final lines of the Hill Cumorah Pageant)

Testing the Gold

(Guest post by Spencer's dad)

When George Carmack, Tagish Charlie and Skookum Jim found the gold on Rabbit Creek they were confident they had found the BIG ONE. Miners had been traveling up and down the Yukon River for about twenty years - finding just enough gold to keep looking but never finding the BIG One - the big gold strike.

Immediately after finding the gold, George and Charlie headed for Forty Mile where they could register their gold claim. (Skookum Jim stayed behind to be on site in case anyone had any ideas). As soon as the 200 people at Forty Mile saw Carmack’s shot gun shell full of gold they were off to make their own claim’s in (what would become) Dawson City.

Two of veteran prospectors made the trip with skepticism. George was nic-named Lying George Carmack to them. Finding gold in a moose pasture like Rabbit Creek did not fit their experience as a gold stream.

From the top of the hill overlooking Rabbit Creek (by then renamed Bonanza Creek) the two veterans took a close look at the creek. They concluded that this would not be a real gold strike - it was just a moose pasture. As they dismissed what would be largest gold find in world history, they said “Leave this moose pasture for the Swedes and the Cheechakos.” To these experts the Swedes were the lowest class of immigrant. The Cheechakos were new comers to the north who knew nothing about gold mining or life up here.

Sometimes experts are wrong. What makes these two experts prediction more ironic is that they never tested how much gold there was on Bonanza Creek. A knowing look from the top of the hill was all that was needed to ignore this strike and keep looking in places where gold should be.

We have at our finger tips the Book of Mormon, a priceless gem that the world dismisses for numerous reasons. Many who don’t believe in the Book of Mormon have not studied it.

Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Council of the Twelve Apostles observed:

"A man might take a stone and, in order to verify precisely what it is, subject it to a test to identify slate or sandstone. After conducting these tests, he may conclude his research with the statement: 'I did not discover that it was a diamond.'"

His conclusion, though accurate, has nothing to do with whether or not it is a diamond. Nor will it ever be verified by using the wrong formula. There may be a thousand tests he can apply and come to the same conclusion.

After, and only after, he subjects the stone to the correct formula can he know for sure. Until then, his conclusion, “I did not discover it to be a diamond,” is relatively useless information.

There has, over the years, been an endless procession of those who would examine these revelations (The Book of Mormon) by every formula save the right one…

These scriptural diamonds [or scriptural gold to continue our analogy] as we have described them, will stand the test. As surely as a man may determine whether a purported diamond is genuine by subjecting it to well-known tests for diamonds, the scriptures may be subjected to well-known tests for scripture.”

If today is the first day you heard of the Book of Mormon, or if you have read it every day of your adult life, there are gold gems found in this book of scripture. No matter what chapter you are life, the promises modern prophets assure us we can find answers to our challenges as we study the Book of Mormon.

President Nelson promised us: “I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life.” (October 2017)

“I promise you that from this moment forward, if we will daily sup from [the pages of the Book of Mormon] and abide by its precepts, God will pour out upon each child of Zion…a blessing hitherto unknown." (Ezra Taft Benson April 1986)

In every chapter of my life - I needed a blessing hitherto unknown. I hope we can be wiser than the two expert gold miners who dismissed the largest gold find in world history without testing it. God will bless us as we study his gospel with the inspiration we need to find spiritual gold.

The Book of Mormon and My Gas Cap

(Guest post by Spencer's dad)

Last time I mentioned that my gas cap cover was frozen. When I pulled the opening lever, the gap cap panel did not open. How was I going to put gas in the vehicle?

My first reaction was to come back to our apartment and find a screw driver. With a screwdriver I could pry open that stubborn panel. What do you think would happen if I had done this? At best it would scratch the paint of the car. If I pushed and pulled hard enough I could bend the panel out of shape. My next tool might have been a hammer, so you can imagine not much good would happen if I went that route.

Before I got out the door with the screwdriver my wife offered another suggestion. We both agreed that something had frozen in the mechanism. She suggested I pour cold water on the panel. This would melt the ice on the sticky mechanism. With one quick splash of water the ice in the mechanism melted and open it went.

Sometimes our hearts are iced over like that mechanism. Fixing the broken pieces of our hearts will often be easier by melting rather than by poking (or hammering).

Reading the Book of Mormon is one of the best medicine available to a broken human (which is all of us). Here are a few promises of blessings we can receive by studying the Book of Mormon.

Peter M. Johnson has a unique conversion story. In this 17-minute video below Peter shares his story in a unique way.

In Brother Johnson’s first (and so far) only General Conference talk he said “Read and study the Book of Mormon every day, every day, every day. My Book of Mormon studies tend to go better when I read with a question in mind…The Book of Mormon contains the words of Christ and helps us remember who we are.”

His formula every day, every day, every day will help us know who we are. Remembering that you are a beloved child of God could help melt the ice that builds on our hearts during the storms of life. Reading Book of Mormon, every day, every day, every day is a simple medicine.

President Russel M Nelson made another simple and promise filled encouragement to read the Book of Mormon:

“I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day. (October 2017 Conference)

Which of these promises do I need most in my life?

A). Making better decisions every day

B). Answers to my own questions

C). Direction for my life

D). Immunized against the evils of this day.

In this chapter of my life I need all four. (Seems like I needed all four promises in every chapter of my life). You and I can have all four of these soul healing cures from one spiritual medicine … Read the Book of Mormon every day.

Try it. Test it. You will be blessed.

Filling Your Tank with The Book of Mormon

(Guest post by Spencer's Dad)

Recently I was getting low on gas. When I went to fill it up a mechanical problem stopped me. The culprit in question is the cover that protects the round gas cap. I pulled the open button and it did not open. There was no way to fill the gas without this panel opening.

In reality I had over half a tank of fuel left. I could probably drive around Whitehorse for another week. But there would come a day that an empty gas tank was going to be a problem. Yes, one of you would come and ferry me and my wife home. (She might not be amused at running out of gas somewhere).

Experience has taught me that a low gas tank can be a problem too. When gas tank is low and weather is just right, condensation can make the gas seem dirty. You have power sometimes. But starting it and maintaining power does not work when condensation takes place.

Another time my gas tank still had about 2% of gas left. However, since I had parked on our upslope driveway the gas tank thought it was empty and would not start.

While driving the Yukon winter don’t drive anywhere near empty. Nothing is going to be better because you are closer to E (that means Empty not Extra) than to F (Full not Failure)

In our personal lives, let’s not run our spiritual gas tank near empty.

The Book of Mormon is a super fuel that can fill our tank and charge our battery. In this post (and next time) I will share with you some of the promises we have about how reading the Book of Mormon can bless your life.

In his second last talk - President Thomas Monson pleaded for us to read the Book of Mormon every day. He said:

“If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so.,,,

"I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives.”

[Thomas Monson gave 249 General Conference talks in his time as an apostle. The final talk was a five minute encouragement entitled Kindness, Charity and Love. The second last, quoted above, is entitled "The Power of the Book of Mormon".]

At least one church member in the April 2017 conference took Pres. Monson’s talk to heart. Six months later, Russel Nelson (then 93 years old) described some of what he learned as he did what Pres. Monson asked.

“Since President Monson’s challenge six months ago, I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things, I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, what it clarifies, and what it reveals. Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you.”

("The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?") 

Our study of the Book of Mormon can bless us starting today. President Ezra Taft Benson (in his first conference as President of the church) gave this promise

“I promise you that from this moment forward, if we will daily sup from its pages and abide by its precepts, God will pour out upon each child of Zion and the Church a blessing hitherto unknown.” ("The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion")

“A blessing hitherto unknown” can help deal with any challenge you and I will face today in 2024.

Next time I will tell you how I fixed my gas cover. (Not the way I first thought). Fear not I am able to refill the gas tank on our mission vehicle long before it hits empty.

As you go forward you to can fill up your spiritual tank by reading The Book of Mormon daily, you can have the energy to go where you need to go.

Our Favorite Book of Mormon Scriptures

My dear friends, as an Apostle of the Lord, I invite you to follow our beloved prophet, President Nelson, in flooding the earth with the Book of Mormon. The need is so great; we need to act now. I promise that you will be participating in “the greatest work on earth,” the gathering of Israel, as you are inspired to reach out to those who have been “kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.” They need your testimony and witness of how this book has changed your life and drawn you closer to God, His peace, and His “tidings of great joy.”

--Elder Ronald A. Rasband ("This Day", October 2022 General Conference)

This year is the 200th anniversary of the Angel Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith and his first trip to the Hill Cumorah. I spent four summers at the Hill Cumorah Pageant sharing the story of the Book of Mormon to those who came to the Hill. As members of Jesus Christ's restored church, we treasure the Book of Mormon. So while we normally talk about Harry Potter, Kingdom Hearts, Disney Plus, and everything else pop culture, But today wanted to share our favorite scriptures from the Book of Mormon and how this book of scripture has influenced our lives. 

Spencer: Words of Mormon 1:7

7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.

When I was waiting for my mission call, I didn't know if/when it would come, because of my autism diagnosis. It was probably my first real adult episode of depression (which would later be the reason I came home from my mission). This was also the first time I remember this scripture. In a time of my life that felt out of control, this scripture provided me with comfort. Even if my heart is being torn apart coming home from my mission, I'm crying in feelings of loneliness and depression, or I'm stressed from a bad day at work, this scripture reminds me that God has a plan for me in all of these things... even if He has to get me there kicking and screaming at times.

 

Michael: Enos 1: 3-5

3 Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.

4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

5 And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.

I believe that one of the greatest gifts God has given us is blessing of prayer. There are many scriptures in the Book of Mormon that talk about Prayer and the blessings it brings. I like Enos experience because he teaches me to put my soul into praying. I know that we can feel forgiveness when we pray because it has happened to Enos and so many other. I might not give a sincere prayer every time, but I know this is something important. We are God's children and he listens to our prayers like he did with Enos.

Rob: Ether 12:27

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

This scripture has come to mean something different to me over time. Heavenly showing us our weakness does not mean, necessarily, that he shows us specific areas where we are weak. More broadly, we are part of a race of beings that are very weak, not matter if it's a navy seal or pimple teenager. People have limitations, and we're often in denial of this. But humility is a strong characteristic and shows one's willingness to account for the weaknesses which we have, and to find strengths that we may only have access to because we are imperfect. An example is that I often feel that I lack confidence. However, the idea that I need to challenge and push myself to build my confidence has convinced me to stay committed, even at times when I have the urge to quit. I know that giving up without a good reason will probably reinforce my fear of failure. Instead, I have intentionally chosen to face that fear, work through challenges, and keep showing up to work. I've experienced challenges at work, at church, raising kids, and in my marriage, and continuing to remain committed through struggles has paid off over and over. If I had not grown up questioning myself and feeling low self-esteem, I do not know if I would have developed the emotional grit necessary to face some of the challenges I have. And through all of that, I certainly know that I have failed or done poorly many times, and that's okay.

Joe: Alma 56: 55-56

55 And now it came to pass that when they had surrendered themselves up unto us, behold, I numbered those young men who had fought with me, fearing lest there were many of them slain.

56 But behold, to my great joy, there had anot one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war.

The 2000 Stripling Warriors was always one of my favorite stories, not just because Helaman calling all 2000 of the young men his sons which heals my own daddy issues, but because of the conviction and faith the warriors had. Ask any military expert and they'll tell you that in a battle as big as the one against the Lamanites some casualties on both sides would be expected, but the fact that none of the warriors fell shows that Heavenly Father was watching over and protecting them in their most dire time. 

I think all men need a brotherhood like Helaman's army, a group of men with similar values and goals who will fight with all they have to protect each other and to serve their higher cause. 

Kenton: Moroni 10:5-7

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.

7 And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.

There is a singular power in Christ, which can't be compared. Yet it's through that, that we're able to act in power and in the ways that glorify and bring us closer together. Without that power, we only have truth, and truth endures, but it doesn't immediately make effort and change happen: action does. We often fail to realize that we all have access to the power of God, and godliness, and that He is wanting for us to grow and develop into our potential. We simply need not deny the power of God, either that He has power and influence in our lives, or that we are capable of living up to that power. Have confidence, stand for truth and goodness, and deny not God's power, and work according to it! That's just one takeaway from these verses, and I think there is even more that could be emphasized, but that's the beauty of Moroni's writing, he is able to convey many simple truths in so few words.