The Book of Mormon and General Conference

Hi everyone! I just wanted to quickly update on a couple of things since I had some free time.

First, my goal to read The Book of Mormon in September. Well, despite my best efforts I only made it to the middle of 3rd Nephi. But I still think that's pretty good! Even though I didn't finish it, I learned so much as I read. There were a few days towards the end of September when I literally read The Book of Mormon every chance I got. I read it for hours on end. And after reading it I can truly say The Book of Mormon is the word of God. It's uncanny how much the Nephites and Lamanites remind me of our day and age. People are the same hundreds of years ago as they are today. Just as stubborn and quick to do evil and slow to call upon their God, but repentance and conversion are just as real today as they were back then. The Book of Mormon has strengthened my faith that Heavenly Father is still watching over us. He's watching over me, helping me in my life. He still performs miracles today. He still speaks to us through Prophets and Apostles, which brings me to my next topic.

General Conference. Did you all watch? I hope you did because it was truly amazing! One of my favorite talks was by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf where he told us to slow down. Get back to the basics. Read your scriptures daily, pray to Heavenly Father, attend church, keep the commandments. He told us that the Savior's message is simple: "Come follow me." This is something I've been able to feel in my own life. This last summer has been amazing for me. I've learned and grown so much in my testimony of the Gospel and of my Savior. When you keep the commandments of God everything falls into place. When you pray and read the scriptures you recieve answers and help and guidance. Things just naturally begin to be weeded out of your life and I know that the simple things really are what make you happy. It's not having a fancy house or the newest cell phone. It's feeling that you can stand before your God say "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7).

Anyway, I hope I don't sound too preachy, but what can I say? It's the truth. I know it's the truth and it's something people need to realize. I truly believe that everyone, no matter who they are or what they profess to believe, knows there is a God. But like the Lamanites and later the Nephites people just let their hearts be hardened. They don't let the truth into their hearts, but that doesn't change the fact that it is the truth.

Alright, now I really am getting preachy. Haha. But my goal for October is to be more outgoing, and this is pretty outgoing for me. I'm doing pretty well at this goal. I've met some new people in Institute Choral (which, btw, is singing when Elder Bednar comes to the Ogden Institute to speak! I'm so excited!) and also some people in my classes. This will be one of my hardest goals, I think. Initiating conversations, speaking up in class, and possibly dancing to Rokkugo on the shuttle. Haha. That would be fun, right? But I will continue to work hard to push myself to stay outside the box.

So, that's about it. I hope you are all doing well. Til we meet again! :)

Next Post: The Box.