Sunday thoughts

Today the theme of our sacrament meeting was the Book of Mormon.

A family performed a musical number, a new song that will be in next year's Primary program:

If I Listen With My Heart

If I had been a little child when Jesus lived on earth
I would have liked to walk with Him and listen to his words
But as I search the scriptures I can hear His words of peace
And if I listen with my heart, I hear the Savior's voice

I am including only the first verse here, because it was so appropriate to our theme, but the whole song was beautiful. There is something special about listening to children sing, I felt like the words were going straight to my heart.

Here are some other quotes that touched me:

“If our young folks are traditioned in the teachings of the Book of Mormon, they will not only be inspired with righteous courage to choose the right by example, … they will also be so schooled in the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ that they will know what is right.

“From almost every page of the book, there will come to them a moving testimony that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of the Living God, our Redeemer and Savior. This witness alone will be a sustaining anchor in every storm” (Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1960, p. 112; italics added).

“If we will put [the teachings of the Book of Mormon] into practice, if we will keep the commandments of the Lord, we will know the truth and there shall be no weapon formed against us that shall prosper. There shall be no false doctrines, no teaching of men that will deceive us. … If we will search these revelations then we will be fortified against errors and we will be made strong” (Joseph Fielding Smith in Conference Report, Oct. 1931, p. 17).

“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” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).

Each individual who prayerfully studies the Book of Mormon can also receive a testimony of its divinity. In addition, this book can help with personal problems in a very real way. Do you want to get rid of a bad habit? Do you want to improve relationships in your family? Do you want to increase your spiritual capacity? Read the Book of Mormon! It will bring you closer to the Lord and His loving power. He who fed a multitude with five loaves and two fishes—He who helped the blind to see and the lame to walk—can also bless you! He has promised that those who live by the precepts of this book “shall receive a crown of eternal life.” (Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, November 1999, 70-71).

I know I'm feeling motivated!