Scriptures

It is a miracle that we have the scriptures. Really, it is! They are the records of people from thousands of years ago and we have them today, to guide us and bring us closer to God. In addition, we are blessed to have more than one book of scripture that testifies of our Savior Jesus Christ. Along with the Bible, we have the Book of Mormon. I know that both of these books are true.

I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all of my life. I had wonderful parents who labored to help me learn and understand the scripture stories and the doctrine within scripture passages. I am so grateful for this strong foundation they helped me to build. However, it was not until my mission when I actually began to love the scriptures specifically the Book of Mormon. Previous to my mission, I knew that the scriptures were true, but I did not have a love for them. Now I can say that the people who lived so long ago are now my heroes and my friends. Their experiences give me hope, courage, and peace. I am grateful that they recorded their experiences with the gospel and the atonement of Jesus Christ for my benefit.

After I returned home, I slipped up in my daily scripture studying habits. I still read, but not everyday. I saw a decline in my spirituality and my happiness. It was startling. I was upset that I had made this mistake but I remembered that I could repent and change just like many in the scriptures had done before me when they too made mistakes and drifted away from Heavenly Father. I can't say that it was a quick and easy change, but it was well worth my change in lifestyle. I was and am happier and closer to my Heavenly Father. It is vital to your spiritual growth to study the scriptures daily. You wouldn't just run out of time to nourish your body with food and water on a daily basis; your spirit needs nourishment too.

In the Book of Mormon, Nephi explained the reason for writing and keeping his record. He explains that his purpose is to bring others to God (Sound familiar RMs??). He then says, "Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are no of the world. Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men" (1 Nephi 6:5-6). I love these scriptures because they teach us three specific things about the purpose of the scriptures in helping us return to our home in Heaven.
1. Only the things that are pleasing to God are written in the scriptures. The doctrine in the scriptures will go against the things of the world.
2. The doctrines will help you to become not of the world and more like God.
3. Because of these promises, the scriptures are of great worth to us as children of God.

I invite you to reevaluate your personal scripture study habits and take action to make your studying even more meaningful. Take the steps needed to nourish your spirit on a daily basis. I hope and pray that you will be able to feel as Nephi did when he said, "my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them" (2 Nephi 4:15). I know that as you study the scriptures daily in a way that is meaningful to you, your happiness and peace in life will increase. Heavenly Father will use the scriptures to answer your prayers and the yearnings of your heart. I know this is true because Heavenly Father has given me these blessings in my life. As you study the scriptures daily, He will extend these blessings to you as well.

Hello World!

Wow. I can't believe that I am actually writing on this blog directly. It is a strange feeling. I am so very grateful to my wonderful sister Audrey for creating and constantly updating this blog for me while I was serving my mission. Thank you Audrey!

I have been released as a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for 1 month and 17 days. Ugh! How does time go so fast! When someone is called as a missionary for the LDS church, they are set apart by the priesthood power (authority to act in the name of God) just like Paul and Barnabas were in Acts 13:2-3. When someone has finished their service (usually 1 1/2-2 years) they are released from that specific calling as a missionary. So when I was released, I had to take off my name tag and the mantle of a missionary was taken away. It was a tough experience but a memorable one. And I still miss wearing my name tag. :)

Being a return missionary has not been easy. It is so hard to go from serving full time to acting for yourself, especially in college! Although I have had a crazy amount of trials in my short 1 1/2 months being back to "normal life" I have also witnessed so many miracles! I know that God is definitely aware of me and my struggles because he sends me love and miracles that I wonder if I deserve. Last week a fellow RM from Temple Square left me some yummy cinnamon rolls and a note. I needed that to get through that week/day. (Thank you Sister Schill) I am so grateful. God uses normal people who are listening to the Holy Ghost to create miracles and answer prayers. I am happy that I was able to see that clearly for 18 months and that I am still able to be a part of creating miracles and having them happen to me.

I love the opportunity to serve God with all my might, mind, and strength for 18 months. Although I gave everything I have, I feel like all of the favors were done to me. I was able to change who I was into someone so much better. I say this because I now have a close relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ and God my Heavenly Father. I understand the gospel so much better and understand how it is a part of everyday life- and that is the way it should be. I have seen the difference and the power that the gospel brings into our lives when we follow the commandments and council from God and his prophets (ancient and modern). I could go on an on about the many things that I have learned and before I start to ramble I will just say that my knowledge and testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been strengthened so much. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in upstate New York in an answer to a simple prayer of searching for truth. I know that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet of God exactly like the prophets of old. Because of this, The Book of Mormon is a true book. It really is the word of God and it changes lives. I know this because it has changed mine and I have seen it change other's lives. Jesus Christ lives today. He died for each one of us so we could choose to live so we can be with Heavenly Father again. He loves us and that is why he atoned for us.

Until next time, remember that God love you and will provided for you. All you need to do is reach out with faith and trust him. That can be hard and scary to do, but life is so much better when you remember his love.

Love Always,

Natalie