The Book of Mormon

I have been thinking a lot about my blessings, especially with Thanksgiving tomorrow.  I have countless blessings!  This year, I have been especially grateful for the many people who influence and bless my life.  I have also been grateful for knowledge of truth.  One source of truth that I rely on daily is the Book of Mormon.  I LOVE the Book of Mormon.  I love the feeling I get when I read.  I love how every time I find answers or peace or comfort or all of the above.  I love how everything in life goes better when I take the time to study and ponder the words that it contains.  I have had a great love and appreciation for it all of my life.  Ever since I can remember I participated in family scripture study.  When I was in Elementary School the best time to study together was 5 in the morning before my Dad went into work.  It was hard to get up some mornings, but it was worth it.  I truly have seen how our family is blessed when we read from the Book of Mormon together.  I loved the Book of Mormon as a missionary.  I loved sharing it with others and watching their lives fill with joy and truth as they took the time to study, ponder, and pray about it.  When I was 7, something sparked in me the desire to read the Book of Mormon before I was baptized.  I wasn't the best reader-I actually disliked reading-but I made up my mind that I was going to do it.  My Mom let me use her old seminary Book of Mormon because of the larger print and the pictures.  I loved reading the verses that she had marked in her teenage years-it gave me insight to her testimony.  I would sometimes read with my parents but I read mostly on my own.  I quickly discovered that my reading time was the highlight of my day.  I still remember, the night before I turned 8, I finished reading the last chapter of Moroni.  I had reached my goal.  At that time in my life, I don't think I could have fathomed how that decision to read would bless me for the rest of my life.  I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  It contains the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It brings us peace and joy as we read from it.  I am so thankful for it.

I hope that you all have a very happy Thanksgiving!  It is sure to be a wonderful day.

By the way, I just found out that I get to speak on Sunday in Sacrament Meeting.  My topic is Patriarchal Blessings.  I am really excited about it and feel blessed to have the opportunity.  I am going to be studying tonight for a long while as well as the next couple of days.  If you have any insight that you would like to share about the topic, I would love to hear it!  Thanks in advance:)