Day 1: Sunday, May 11, 2014
Read: Preface (Title Page), Introduction, Testimony of Three Witnesses, Testimony of Eight Witnesses, Testimony of the Prophet Joseph SmithMark: The quote from Joseph Smith in the Introduction, "I told the brethren...any other book."
"I would like to urge (everyone) to again read the Book of Mormon...There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the Living Son of the Living God. And, my brothers and sisters, that is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book." -- President Gordon B. Hinckley
I completed today's reading! So excited to be starting this challenge!!! So...as I was reading I became a bit date-conscious (I wanted to know exactly how old Joseph Smith was when these events occurred)! Here's what I figured out: He was 17 when Moroni first visited him; he was 21 when he received the plates. I love the Prophet Joseph Smith's reminder: "...a [wo]man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." So excited!
ReplyDeleteThank you Patti for providing us with this challenge.
DeleteWhen I read the testimony of the three and eight witnesses, because they are doing it to honor God and let the world know they lie not.
Thanks for doing this, Patti. You are awe-inspiring and put so much effort into your calling. I did today's reading, too. I love that Moroni called Joseph Smith by name--just as Heavenly Father did during the First Vision. This shows me that the Lord knows us individual and cares about us on a personal level. He has a plan and purpose for each of us.
ReplyDeleteHi Erin, I was so excited to see your comment! So glad you are doing this with me!!! Yes, I also love it that Moroni called Joseph Smith by name. It is a further testimony that our Heavenly Father truly knows each one of us!
DeleteI read your comment last night, then I read the 1st reading today, and I noticed that Joseph says that Moroni called him by name right after he says that the fear left him. Perhaps the two statements are connected. Just a thought. =)
DeletePatti, the challenge, scheduled assignments and blog for support are a great combo. I read today's and intend to be diligent going forward. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl!!! I'm so glad you commented and so happy you are doing the challenge!!! Let's promise to keep each other on track!!
DeleteIt's been a busy night, but I just finished day 1 reading. It amazes me all of the things Joseph Smith went through and how strong his faith was. Such a great example for us! I want to start reading the Joseph Smith History too. The brief explanation of the Book of Mormon makes more sense every time I read it. Thanks for the blog Patti! Your encouragement helps a lot! :)
ReplyDeleteJenny, so glad you are taking the challenge too!!! Yes, I agree, every time I read, I learn more, different things stand out to me, and I feel closer to my Heavenly Father. Can't wait to hear about your reading and your thoughts and insights!
DeleteHi Mom! I'm a day late in starting (what's new!?), but I've completed Day 1 and will read Day 2 tonight to get caught up. I'm excited to be reading this with you and whoever joins us. I love Heavenly Father and I am so grateful that He provided the Book of Mormon to help guide us here. If we were to ask Him questions we would ask why we were here, where we came from, what could we do to be happy and keep our families together and happy - He's answered all of those questions already! He really does love us and everything He asks of us fuels His purpose of bringing to pass our eternal happiness.
ReplyDeleteHere are my thoughts for today's (technically yesterday's...) reading: I thought about the testimony of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon and what it means that they gave their names to be used to testify of the truthfulness of the plates and Joseph's translation of these sacred records. That's a really important thing! And I love that the three witnesses, specifically, who were visited by an angel of the Lord never recanted their witness. Even though they all left the church, they never denied that testimony of what they saw that day. That's pretty powerful, especially amidst all the persecution the church faced in its early days. I also thought about the timing of the restored gospel and how it really was perfect that it was restored then (as opposed to earlier or in today's time). Only in our still newborn country, just 40 years after the revolutionary war for our freedom could something this amazing have an opportunity to come to pass. When freedom of religion was new and exciting, giving people for the first time the true ability to understand that they CAN question doctrine and look for their own answers in whatever sect they choose.
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