I am an avid reader. At times I'm even an obsessive reader (trust me - if you were to ask me how many times I've read the Harry Potter books, it would be very clear to you that I have a problem). I have found great happiness in my life through reading. Fantasy, romance, historical fiction, biographical, motivational--I love reading it all.
I especially love reading the scriptures. I have found so much comfort, peace, guidance, and inspiration in reading the word of God. And I have come to learn for myself that the scriptures are true.
My first real, personally significant experience with the Book of Mormon happened when I was 11 years old. It was summer and because we had a pool in our backyard, we had invited some people to come over and swim. I don't remember what happened exactly, but I had a bad attitude about something and my mom sent me to my room and told me I could come out when I had changed my attitude.
As I sat in my room, in a foul mood, I decided to read in the Book of Mormon because we had a goal at church to read it by the end of the year. It was July or August and I wasn't even done with 1 Nephi, so I had a lot reading to do in order to finish it. I read the last couple of chapters in 1 Nephi, and as I got to 2 Nephi chapter 2, a verse seemed to have been written just for me. 2 Nephi 2:27 says:
I realized in that moment that I was choosing to be miserable, like the devil himself is miserable. And that really made me mad because I didn't (and still don't) want to be anything like him. I learned then that I can choose either to be like Jesus Christ or like the devil. And that is a choice between happiness and misery.
After reading that verse I immediately changed my attitude and enjoyed the rest of my day. I had gained a personal testimony that day of the power of the Book of Mormon. And ever since then I return time and time again to the Book of Mormon as a source of guidance and strength.
President Boyd K. Packer said, "Life moves all too fast. When you feel weak, discouraged, depressed, or afraid, open the Book of Mormon and read. Do not let too much time pass before reading a verse, a thought, or a chapter."
So if you're feeling down or overwhelmed and need some encouragement and inspiration, read the Book of Mormon! It will bless your life, and it can change your life as you take time each day to read from it.
I especially love reading the scriptures. I have found so much comfort, peace, guidance, and inspiration in reading the word of God. And I have come to learn for myself that the scriptures are true.
My first real, personally significant experience with the Book of Mormon happened when I was 11 years old. It was summer and because we had a pool in our backyard, we had invited some people to come over and swim. I don't remember what happened exactly, but I had a bad attitude about something and my mom sent me to my room and told me I could come out when I had changed my attitude.
As I sat in my room, in a foul mood, I decided to read in the Book of Mormon because we had a goal at church to read it by the end of the year. It was July or August and I wasn't even done with 1 Nephi, so I had a lot reading to do in order to finish it. I read the last couple of chapters in 1 Nephi, and as I got to 2 Nephi chapter 2, a verse seemed to have been written just for me. 2 Nephi 2:27 says:
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."
I realized in that moment that I was choosing to be miserable, like the devil himself is miserable. And that really made me mad because I didn't (and still don't) want to be anything like him. I learned then that I can choose either to be like Jesus Christ or like the devil. And that is a choice between happiness and misery.
After reading that verse I immediately changed my attitude and enjoyed the rest of my day. I had gained a personal testimony that day of the power of the Book of Mormon. And ever since then I return time and time again to the Book of Mormon as a source of guidance and strength.
So if you're feeling down or overwhelmed and need some encouragement and inspiration, read the Book of Mormon! It will bless your life, and it can change your life as you take time each day to read from it.
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