15 And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. 16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard. [2 NEPHI 4:15-16]
WRITE
If I may make a personal entry in this journey through these Holy Scriptures. It’s been a year since I began writing a verse a week from both the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible. I hope to continue to do so for another year. Because, like Nephi, my soul also “delighteth in the scriptures.” I don’t just enjoy reading and sharing them, I also enjoying living them—imperfectly—and my gratitude for the strength and guidance they provide for me during my miles and trials is priceless.
And I pray that one day my words about these holy prophets will profit my children and not only lead them unto, but bring them closer to Christ and help them live a better life.
DELIGHT
Yes, it’s a daily “duty” to read the Holy Scriptures, but it’s also a daily joy. Every time I read the familiar phrases and stories I not only learn something new, I become someone new, someone better than I was yesterday. Sure, some days it can be a challenge to make the time to read them, but it’s never a chore. And if it ever starts to feel like a chore, I know I need to ignore the world and focus more on the Lord’s words and will for my life. And the best place to discover such treasures of wisdom and direction are discovered on every sacred page.
I truly believe that everything we need to guide and guard us through this life and bring us safely back home to Heavenly Father is written in the Holy Scriptures.
LIGHT
And one doesn’t have to be a religious person to realize there is so much darkness in this world! But as we each strive to follow Christ and share His Light and Love with the world, whoever and wherever we are, we will realize that despite the darkness in the world there are still so many good things and good people and that the Light of Christ is always more powerful than the darkness of the devil. That’s why I want to do my part to help bring this powerful Light from each verse into the lives of all those I can. Not because I am always perfectly shining, but because I know how to find the Iron Rod in the Mist of Darkness and as such I believe that I can help others find it and hold onto to it more tightly, too.
I hope and pray I have inspired you in some way with the things I have learned from my own walk with the Lord through His Holy Words. For they truly are the brightest, most reliable light in a dark world.
FIGHT
As such, through my own battles and even my losses, I stand as a bright banner of the believers—that the words of light and love the Holy Scriptures contain are true and meant for YOU! They are meant for your life right now! They are to remind you of God’s love for you and to comfort you and remind you that you are not alone. They are also to help give you the strength and courage to keep fighting your own battles and demons and living your best life, no matter where you are and no matter what you are going through!
The Book of Mormon isn’t just a tome of treasured stories from the past to read once in a while. They are to guide and guard YOU, daily, even right now, in your present life and your specific, personal situations.
INSIGHT
I know that I am not the only one with the ability and responsibility to let my light so shine. I choose to shine through words, but I know there are many who are out there shining through many other means, with their own individual talents, gifts and abilities. I also know that many of you are doing so at your own expense and even at the expense of your well-being. Trust that the Lord will send you to, or send the right people to you, to help provide for you while you struggle to survive and help others in this divine process, despite your own personal duress. I also know there are many more who don’t realize, or have forgotten their own ability and responsibility to let their light and love so shine in this world that desperately needs them—children of God who still desperately need YOU!
The world may not realize it…yet. YOU may not realize it…yet. But your life is no accident or coincidence and whoever and wherever you are right now, know that the Lord is preparing you, strengthening you and qualifying you for the work He created and called you to. So don’t give up! No matter how dark and daunting life is, know that you are not alone, you are loved and you are still called to the work and that your best days really are still in front of you!