When Spencer W. Kimball was a young man, he heard Brigham Youngs daughter Susa Gates Young talk about the Bible. She asked the congregation how many had read it through. Only a few could raise their hands. Fourteen year-old Spencer went home with some shame and a deep determination in his heart to read that sacred book. Within a years time he had read it and had a testimony of it. He continued to love it and use it throughout his life. I heard Spencers story when I was twelve. Prior to that time, I thought I was possibly too young to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon for myself, but Spencers commitment gave me impetus. I read the Book of Mormon. The words were new and strange to me, but I persevered. On the day I finished it, I took Moronis challenge to heart. I went to the yard, and in a spot on the north side of our red brick house, I knelt to pray. I asked our Heavenly Father if the Book of Mormon were true. I must tell you, I fully expected to see an angel (because after all, Joseph Smith had, and I was no less intent than he was.) I remember feeling that I should be experiencing some disappointment when I DIDNT see an angel--but somehow, I just couldnt find any disappointment in my heart. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and I remember lying back in the grass and feeling warm and calm and happy. I remember thinking that life was good. Years later, I learned that peace and happiness IS an answer to prayer, as real an answer as any angel could deliver with words. That spot on the north side of my parents house is still my sacred grove, and I view it with reverence. I read the Book of Mormon daily now, both by myself and with my family. It still makes me feel warm and calm and happy. It is a book about Gods mercy and second (and third and fourth and fifth) chances. I know it is true. I am glad it is true. I invite you to read it and learn for yourself.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 04:06:57 +0000