The Book of Mormon Keystone of my life! ¾ Keystone of Our Religion We all know the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. As the Prophet Joseph Smith stated on the introduction page, “…. I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on the earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man (or woman) would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” In October Conference 1986, Elder Boyd K. Packer stated, “…true doctrine understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the Gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” ¾ A Remarkable Difference As I have grown in the gospel and also watched my children grow in the gospel I have noticed a remarkable difference as we have studied the Book of Mormon. Any study of Christ and his life will bring you closer to the Lord, but there is a power in the Book of Mormon like no other book. In 1980, when we were young parents Marion G. Romney in his April conference address said, “....I believe 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.” We began immediately to read each day from the Book of Mormon. Some years we would change to the New Testament, Doctrine and Covenants or Pearl of Great Price and it was wonderful, but the strength we needed in our home was never as great as when we were reading from the Book of Mormon. Pres. Benson again quoted Elder Romney in 1986 in conference. I testify this is a true statement. At times when I was nervous about one child or another if I happened to know that child was individually reading each night or morning from the Book of Mormon, I came to understand that I didn’t need to be as concerned for their welfare. They seemed to make better choices; I believe it was because of the influence of the Book of Mormon. When things were rough in our family one of our children would invariably suggest we had missed reading the Book of Mormon. Copyright © 2005 Brigham Young University, Women's Conference. All Rights Reserved. ¾ Study With Real Intent As I study (not just read a verse or chapter) the Book of Mormon my life changes also. It doesn’t matter what I am studying for, I am filled with more love and understanding towards others and myself. My prayers are more intent and I am more in tune with promptings of the Holy Ghost. This is always the case. III Nephi 14:7-11 has become one of many favorite scriptures, “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask.” Heavenly Father loves us and wants the best for us. Through study of the Book of Mormon we are given guidance and examples of how to improve each area of our lives. As sisters in Zion, we all need to become familiar with the doctrine, the stories, and the examples given in the Book of Mormon. As we do, they will permeate and influence our lives so that when the time comes to share, we will be able to open our mouths and testify of the truths contained therein. Let us incorporate these truths into our lives so that they truly become part of us and the keystone of our life. ¾ Define Role – Determine Outcome The following are roles that we face as women of these latter days. I have listed scriptures that have helped me define these roles in my life. There are many other stories and doctrine in the Book of Mormon. I encourage you to define each of these roles in your life and build your own arch – based upon stories or scriptures from the Book of Mormon. As you do this you will find hidden treasures in each stone and have the knowledge necessary to open your mouth. Daughter of God (sure foundation, humble) Sure foundation – Helaman 5:12; Alma 37:33-47; Alma 38:9-15 Faithful & Humble – Ether 12; Alma 32 Mother/Grandmother (filled with faith, testifying) Pray with Faith – Mosiah 27:14 Testimony – 2 Nephi 25:26; Alma 56:48 Sisters in Zion (full of charity, encouraging, kind, loving) Charity – Moroni 7 Spouse (unique and united, different but not divided, respectful, equally yoked) Unique gifts working together, Moroni 10:8-18, 30-33 Respectful and faithful – 3 Nephi 12,13,&14; Jacob 2 Teacher (full of knowledge, quick to hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost) Knowledge – 2 Nephi 32: 3, Alma 17:2 Spirit of Holy Ghost – Moroni 10:5 Missionary (faithful, fearless, obedient) Ammon & Alma – Alma 26; Alma 29; Alma 31:5 2000 Stripling Warriors, Nephi & Lehi – Alma 53:20-21; Helaman 5:17-19 Abish – Alma19:9,16-17,28-30 Copyright © 2005 Brigham Young University, Women's Conference. All Rights Reserved. ¾ EXCELLENT Sources for Inspiration & Motivation: 2004 Woman’s Conference Sharing Station #34 – Finding Joy in Personal & Family Scripture Study http://ce.byu.edu/cw/womensconference/archive/2004/sharing_stations/pdf/34.pdf This is an excellent source for scripture study; I have confined my sources to Book of Mormon. Conference Talks: Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon - Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4 James E. Faust, “The Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, 9 Marion G. Romney, “The Book of Mormon,” Ensign, May 1980, 65 Boyd K. Packer, “The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ – Plain and Precious Things,” April 2005 Ensign Articles: Geri Brinley, “The Book of Mormon As a Guide for Parents,” Ensign, July 1988, 39 “Testimonies of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Dec. 1983, 6 “Testimonies of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Jan. 2004, 7 “We Add Our Witness,” Ensign, Mar. 1989, 5 Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Book of Mormon: The Heart of Missionary Proselyting,” Ensign, Sept. 2002, 13 Richard G. Scott, “The Power of the Book of Mormon in My Life,” Ensign, Oct 1984, 7 Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, June 1988, 2 Monte Nyman, “The Most Correct Book,” Ensign, June 1984, 21 Coleen Bay, “Was Our Family Scripture Study a Failure?” Ensign, Aug 1993, 27 Dallin H. Oaks, “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Mar. 1994, 60 John W. Welch, “Hugh Nibley and the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Apr. 1985, 50 Brent L. Top, “A Book That Transforms Lives,” Ensign, Sept. 1997, 7 Books: Preach My Gospel, LDS Missionary Study Guide, Chapter 3-5 (especially 5), 2004 Finding Christ Through the Book of Mormon, Susan Easton Black Heroes From the Book of Mormon, Bookcraft Stories from the Early Saints: Converted by the Book of Mormon, ed. Susan Easton Black Bookcraft 1992 No One Can Take Your Place, Sheri Dew, Deseret Book 2004 Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, 1: “The Keystone of Our Religion”, Copyright © 2005 Brigham Young University, Women's Conference. All Rights Reserved. .