In my Book of Mormon class  this past week I was really touched by our discussion of 3 Nephi 11:15, “And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.” This scripture speaks of Christ’s visit upon the earth after he was resurrected. I love that it specifically says that Christ went forth among the people “one by one”. This shows how individual His sacrifice was for each one of us and how personally he knows us. His atonement was for all mankind, but it was done for each of us individually not collectively. The Savior does know what each of us needs and He will do for us exactly what we need. He loves each one of us very personally and understands perfectly how we feel and if we reach out to “touch” Him as he goes forth among us, He will show us and give us exactly what we need to grow and change. He is the path to all righteousness and joy. His intimate and infinite sacrifice is what makes all eternal joy possible.

 In my Book of Mormon class this past week, my professor discussed the scripture Alma 46:12 which says, “And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it – In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children – and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.” This scripture is the title of liberty (or as our teacher called it – the title of agency). In our discussion of this passage, he brought to light an aspect which I had never thought of before. He said that the order in which each thing came on the list was significant. Without remembering first and foremost God we could not have religion, and without religion, we could not have freedom, and without freedom, there would be no peace, and without peace, the relationships with our family would not survive. Overall, we must put God first in our lives, above all else, and as we remember him in all things, everything else will fall into place. We will continue to grow closer to Him, His Son, and His other children. We will see our hearts softened and our minds increase in understanding. The blessings that God promises will continue to be poured out upon us.

This past week, as I was pondering Alma 5 I specifically thought about verse 26, which says, “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?” So often I have read this scripture and been reminded that I need to reevaluate my spiritual life. This time, as I pondered this question, I realized that I should always be asking myself if I can feel the influence of the spirit at all times. It is so important that all of us, as children of our Heavenly Father, feel the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost so that we can be guided where God wants us to go, be continually spiritually fed, find feelings of peace and true joy, and overall grow continually closer to our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. We should all constantly ask ourselves if we can feel to “sing the song of redeeming love”? Is it a part of who we are? Are we doing those things which would allow us to have those heavenly feelings? I know that it is so important that we continually work to have those be a part of our daily lives, and if we do so we will draw near to Heavenly Father and continue to become like Him.

While studying the Book of Mormon this week, I came across the scripture Mosiah 7:33 which says, “But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.” I love the implication that this scripture has for my life and the life of all the children of God. If we but follow the counsel of this scripture, we too can be delivered from “bondage”. Our loads can be lightened as we turn our hearts and will to the Lord. He doesn’t want any of us to suffer and he provides every opportunity for us to be able to carry our burdens with ease, all he asks is that we follow Him. Though this does not mean that he will remove our burdens completely, it does mean that he creates a way for us to be able to overcome trials and ease our loads. I also came to a more complete realization that this does not mean he will ease our burdens or deliver us how we would like Him to, but rather, it will be done according to His will. The Lord knows what is best for us, and because of that He will fulfill this as He sees it fit. 

Throughout my studies of the Book of Mormon this past week, I came across an often-quoted scripture in Mosiah 2:17 which says, “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” As I read this this time around, I was struck by the power of that message. It is one of the simplest messages and most fundamental principles that Christ taught. Over and over we are taught to love and serve our neighbor, reach out to those that need our hand, comfort, and so on. Though this principle is so often talked about, I find myself often overlooking it. Sometimes I think I’m doing good because I am praying, studying the scriptures, keeping the commandments, and so on, but I forget to reach out to those around me. There are so many who struggle and are in need of heavens aid, which comes through His hands, us. Furthermore, as it states in this scripture, in serving others we are serving God. How amazing that we have the opportunity to do so! Let us all strive to serve our God a little more by reaching out in service to His children. 

During my study of The Book of Mormon this past week, I came across the scripture 2 Nephi 31:10, which says, “…Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?” I’ve read this scripture many times, but I had never taken the time to think about it. This time as I pondered it’s meaning, I was reminded of a simple principle. I was reminded that if we do follow Christ we are also following our Heavenly Father. The Son can do nothing save what he sees the Father do. If we look to Christ as our exemplar, and heed His counsel to follow Him, we can find the same peace and joy that He did and does today. In addition to this, we must be willing to follow any commandments our Heavenly Father gives us. If we do not then we are not truly following the Savior and becoming as He is. I am grateful that we do have a Redeemer whose example is perfect and can help guide us to change our hearts and minds to align with the will of the Father.

In my studies of the Book of Mormon this past week I noticed a phrase that is used frequently in 2 Nephi 19, along with several other chapters. This phrase is, “…For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.” This phrase gives hope for all of us as children of God. It has given me so much hope and strength to face my own weaknesses. Even though we may turn from God and His Son, and though they do not condone sin, they will never turn away from us. In fact, as it says, “his hand is stretched out still”. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always extending their hands to us and all we need to do is reach up and take them. No matter how far we have strayed from Him, our Savior, and Him, our God, we can always come back. No matter what sins we have committed we can change and return. God is loving and merciful and so is our Savior.  Christ has made it possible through His atoning sacrifice to be saved be saved from our sins. His hand is continually extended in times of heartache and in times of when we feel Godly sorrow for sins. He wants to comfort us and He wants to heal us. He will not leave us, especially in the darkest of times. When hope seems lost and strength has fled, His light will bring back hope and His stretched out hand can provide the strength needed to push forward. I am so grateful for all of this and I know it to be true.