Thoughts for your day...

I have been thinking about all of you--you who are joining me in this challenge. And I have been thinking about those who are still undecided. And I have been thinking about what my motivations are for doing this. I have high hopes for what great blessings will come from reading the Book of Mormon. So I thought I would share a few of my favorite quotes about the Book of Mormon, to prepare for what is to come. It's going to be AMAZING!

President Ezra Taft Benson said:
“There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ ( D&C 84:85 ), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 6; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7 ).

President GordonB. Hinckley said:
“I would like to urge every man and woman ... and every boy and girl who is old enough to read to again read the Book of Mormon during this coming year. This was written for the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. 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. That is the purpose of the coming forth of this remarkable and wonderful book.  ( Teachings of GordonB. Hinckley [1997], 44). 

President Marion G. Romney said:
“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity— the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1980, 90; or Ensign, May 1980, 67).

I hope these help solidify your resolution to accomplish this challenge. Find your favorite quote (it doesn't have to be one of these), print it out, and stick it on the fridge or your bathroom mirror and read it every day.

Tomorrow I will post a few more ideas for making a plan for success. I remember my mom teaching me, "If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail." So in the two days we have before we begin, take some time to plan for success!

Have a great memorial day! The thought came to me today that while we remember those who have died in the name of freedom, our thoughts might also include the many prophets and people of the Book of Mormon who also gave their lives for the most precious freedoms that we enjoy. We have much to be grateful for.